Consumer Electronics Installer Blog : Remote Controls

Microsoft @ CEDIA EXPO 2008

cei — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 23:22:00 GMT

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.

Media Center University: Whole House Integration of Media Center Systems – Part 4

cei — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 17:21:00 GMT

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:

Automation System Integration
- Controlling Media Center from Control Systems
- Controlling Automation hardware from Media Center
- Hybrid Solution Options
Whole House Entertainment
- Understand the Customer's Entertainment Needs
- Choosing an Architecture and Solution

Download: iPod | MP3 | WMA | WMV | WMV (high) | Zune

You can download the white paper presentation from CE Pro's web site and follow along with the video. Please keep in mind that while Microsoft is posting these videos, the presentations were recorded by Microsoft at the express, written approval of EH Publishing. The content and presentations are not the property of Microsoft and are for information purposes only. No guarantees, expressed or implied, are provided to the accuracy of the content provided.

Media Center University: Optimizing for Entertainment & Networking – Part 3

cei — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 18:05:00 GMT

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 speaks the benefits and considerations of each configuration including advanced topics like integration into a whole home audio system.

Topics covered include:

Setting Up a Media Center Extender
The 3 Server Solution
Display Connected or Headless
MCX Design Best Practices
HTPC Design Best Practices
Simplifying the Experience

Download: iPod | MP3 | WMA | WMV | WMV (high) | Zune

EngadgetHD Extender Overview

cei — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 18:28:00 GMT

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/2008/06/19/the-media-center-extender-shootout/

In-room Extender Design Strategy

cei — Fri, 23 May 2008 22:34:00 GMT

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 and on the IP network, but this strategy is less complex because IR repeating and audio distribution are not required. Each Extender is located physically in the same location with the a/v equipment and the WMC experience and content is delivered from the centralized WMC. This configuration is best suited for customers who have five or less displays and are not concerned with having additional equipment in the room.

Integration with an audio distribution system in this design is also possible. You just have to run audio back from an Extender connected back to a central distributed audio solution. While this allows the rest of the home to enjoy the audio of a particular Extender session, this addition adds complexity and is purely optional depending on your customer's needs.

Advantages

Single, simple, consistent remote
Easily scaled up to five display locations using home network
In-room source for each display
Extenders with additional features (e.g. DVD, gaming, etc) available in room
Each Extender has full rights access to protected content on the host PC
No IR repeating system required
No switching systems
Distributed audio integration

Disadvantages

Synchronized video playback in multiple rooms not supported
Heat, noise and space considerations
Additional a/v components in room
Requires additional hardware to re-distribute audio from local Extenders

Other Considerations

Performance – As with other WMC design strategies, the PC should be a single machine dedicated to the entertainment system. Performance requirements of the WMC increase with the number of Extenders connected to the system.

Heat & Noise – Because the Extenders are in the individual rooms, heat and noise should be managed appropriately.

Control – Customers can easily get confused with multiple remote controls in a room. It's easy for them to forget which remote goes to which device. You should consider using programmable or universal remote controls so customers have one simple interface in each room.