connector hose

[3t44]

I am a fan of sharkbite despite what some people think about it. I have never had a leak yet but I hate the price.
I saw this video of a pre made flex connection to a hot water heater. I like these but I am sure the price sucks.
But I was curious about the metal fittings that are coming out of the hot water tank and seem to connect together and
provide the mounting for the flex connector threaded on the bottom. What are these fittings and are they needed and expensive?? thanks.

 

[3t44]

heres the video

 

[Diehard]

I am a fan of sharkbite despite what some people think about it. I have never had a leak yet but I hate the price.
I saw this video of a pre made flex connection to a hot water heater. I like these but I am sure the price sucks.
But I was curious about the metal fittings that are coming out of the hot water tank and seem to connect together and
provide the mounting for the flex connector threaded on the bottom. What are these fittings and are they needed and expensive?? thanks.

Those appear to be a thermostatic mixing valve and cross over connection, similar to these, by a different manufacturer.
https://www.caleffi.com/usa/en-us/catalogue/tankmixertm-mixing-valve-temperature-gauge-520510ax