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 in the CEDIA channel, Microsoft, located in booth 410, will highlight new scenarios for the Media Center platform and continue to encourage installers to learn more about the benefits of Windows Media Center as a whole-home entertainment solution. 

Through CEDIA training courses, Microsoft will be instructing installers on everything from the very basics of Windows Media Center installations to the setup and configuration of Windows Home Server.   Below is a listing of the four separate classes and the times they are being offered during the show.

CEDIA Training

Date/Time

Session

Location

Thursday 9/4 4p – 5:30p

Introduction to Windows Media Center in Custom Installations

Hyatt – Capitol 7

Friday 9/5 12:00p – 1:30p

Setup and Configuration of Digital Cable TV Tuners for Windows Media Center

Hilton Garden Inn – Platinum

Saturday 9/6 10:00a – 11:30a

Introduction to Windows Media Center in Custom Installations

Hyatt – Capitol 3

Saturday 9/6 2:00p – 3:30p

Setup and Configuration of Windows Home Server

Convention Center – 608

Saturday 9/6 4:00p – 5:30p

Setup and Configuration of Digital Cable TV Tuners for Windows Media Center

Hyatt – Capitol 3

Sunday 9/7 10:00a – 11:30a

Adding Value to Windows Media Center with Windows Home Server, Extender and Zune

Convention Center - 505

Windows Media Center Ultimate Install Contest
In addition to dedicated education initiatives at the show, Microsoft will also be announcing the winner of the 2008 Windows Media Center Ultimate Install Contest – Microsoft's exclusive competition for custom installers.  Now in its second year, the Ultimate Install Contest seeks to recognize the residential integration business that best utilizes Windows Media Center (WMC) in a custom home installation project

The contest, announced earlier this year at EHX Spring in Orlando, FL, closed entries on August 1. The winning entry will be announced at on Saturday, September 6, 2008.