The Media Center Integrator Alliance has just published two case studies demonstrating two approaches for installing Windows Media Center. The first case study out of Florida is a fully automated showcase home coming in under $50,000 with Windows Media Center at the core of the experience. The second...

Microsoft heads to CEDIA EXPO 2008 with some exciting announcements and new initiatives for custom installers. Last year at the show, the Windows Media Center team showcased the latest hardware from their channel partners and engaged integrators in education and training. Planning to continue this momentum...

The second half of Todd Rutherford's presentation on integrating Windows Media Center into a whole home solution focuses on content acquisition for the customer. Topics covered include: Content Online - Download / Streaming Personal media Other ...

Our very own Todd Rutherford builds on previous Media Center University topics in the first half of his presentation by providing guidance on integrating WMC with automation systems and designing the right WMC solution to meet the needs of the customer. Topics covered include...

In the final segment of Optimizing Media Center for Entertainment & Networking, Mike Seamons walks through Extender set up, network tuning, Windows Home Server and some different deployment topologies. WMC can be installed as a HTPC, centrally in the rack or as a headless Extender server and Mike...

There are many of you who are using Xbox360's as great additions to your custom installed home entertainment solution for your clients. Whether they want an awesome gaming console or a compelling and powerful Extender for Windows Media Center, there is so much an Xbox 360 can do for your consumers. ...

Mike Seamons continues his presentation of Optimizing Media Center for Entertainment in this second video filmed at EHX Spring 2008. In part two, he discusses the steps he takes to optimize Windows Media Center. He discusses removing all unnecessary software, installing Windows Updates and other configuration...

If you are looking to get a better understanding of which Extenders are right for your installations, take a look at Ben Drawbaugh's The Media Center Extender shootout article. He walks you through some of Extender options on the market today, their features and stats. http://www.engadgethd.com...

Download: iPod | MP3 | WMA | WMV | WMV (high) | Zune In the first installment of Optimizing for Entertainment and Networking at EHX Spring's Media Center University , Mike Seamons provides guidance on choosing one technology over another. In his presentation, he covers the difference between analog...

One of the simplest strategies for setting up a Windows Media Center (WMC) home entertainment network is to place the Extenders in the same room as the audio and video equipment. Similar to the centralized Extender design we covered previously, the Windows Media Center (WMC) is still centrally located...

Are you looking to revamp your remote control offering or find new ways to reduce complexity for your customers? CE Pro just published an article and slideshow that walks through many of the latest remote control options on the market. Most of the remotes featured can be programmed to or specifically...

There are several ways to provide your customers with the Windows Media Center experience. This post covers one of those design strategies simply referred to as centralized Extenders. Like all designs, this approach has certain advantages and disadvantages and it will be up to you, the installer, to...

In the last WebGuide installment , we gave an overview of the rich feature set that allows users to remotely access content. This installment covers the installation process, including how to configure WebGuide so users can access their Windows Media Center PC from outside the home and you can easily...

HP recently released a firmware update for their SL4278N and SL4778N MediaSmart TVs that enables the display to connect easily to a Windows Media Center PC and view HD content in any room in a client's home. This is the first Extender for Windows Media Center that is integrated directly into a display...

Larry Larsen from Channel 10 caught up with several companies doing great work with Windows Media Center at EHX Spring 2008 in Orlando. Representatives from Autonomic Controls, Superna, Cutting Edge PC’s, and Cannon PC’s showcased several products that you can offer in custom Windows Media Center installations...

Residential Systems Magazine just published a great article on the winner of our first Ultimate Install Contest. The article gives a full overview (including pictures) of the winning 12 zone Windows Media Center based system from Imperium Smart Systems LLC in the 8,500 square foot Orem, Utah home. ...

Take a look at the OMS-ZX 100 Windows Media Center PCs from Okoro Media: From the Okoro web site : ZX100 Digital Entertainment System Intel Core™2 Extreme Quad Core Processor QX6850 3.0GHz 3 Gigabytes of Memory NVIDIA GeForce 8600 GT HDMI output 32GB High Speed Solid...

A new Digital Cable Setup video is available that gives step by step instructions on how to setup digital TV in Windows Media Center on a Windows Vista Digital Cable compatible PC. The video walks you through the steps to activate CableCARD™, configure Windows Media Center and set up the program guide...

It is interesting to think how close to the Jetsons we have really come. As an installer you deal with the future of home entertainment and home control integration, but at CES 2008 The NextGen Digital Lifestyles Home really showed some of what is possible in home entertainment technology. Life|ware...

The 2008 Ultimate Install Contest was kicked off today. For the second year in a row, we are challenging integrators to find new and creative ways to use Windows Media Center as the entertainment backbone of their installations. The winner will be announced at CEDIA Expo 2008 in Denver later this year...

The eighth year of the Innovative Housing Technology Awards has been kicked off by TecHome Builder Magazine . The awards aim to recognize and promote best tech advancements and building practices in the housing industry. This is another opportunity for installers and integrators to stack their work against...

The Custom Electronic Design & Installation Association announced its annual CEDIA Electronic Lifestyles ® Awards competition, the most prestigious contest in the residential electronic systems industry. This year’s version has a revised Theme Theater Category and a new award, Best Documentation...

At CES 2008, the folks at Channel 10 caught up with four companies who are doing great things with Windows Media Center. Everything from custom built servers, to cutting edge cooling systems, to full home automation. Exceptional Innovation showcases Life|ware which seamlessly integrates your Windows...

Electronic House Magazine’s Best Homes of the Year Awards 2008 contest is now underway. Entry is free, but the 2/4/08 deadline is quickly approaching. Categories include: · Best Home Theater (various price ranges) · Best Family/Media Room · Best Master Suite · Best Master Bath ·...

There is now a new, free WebGuide add-in for Windows Home Server that allows users to stream music, photos and videos outside of their homes. The add-in and more information is available at http://www.asciiexpress.com/webguide/homeserver.aspx . Other information: http://winbeta.org/comments...