Consumer Electronics Installer Blog : Windows Home Server

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: 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

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.

The NextGen Digital Lifestyles Home Videos

kollenkark — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 21:17:00 GMT

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 built these in association with Microsoft; featuring products from Intel, HP, Lutron, Russound, DSC, and Leggett & Platt. Below you will find five different videos that take your through this extraordinary house with some interesting characters to keep you entertained.

	Kitchen This 1950s themed view of a modern kitchen features Intelligent Lighting, an HP TouchSmart PC, and even an oven that tells you when the food is done cooking:
	Living Room Here is a 1960s themed view of a NextGen living room, featuring motorized shades, a home surveillance system, and surround sound:
	Game Room This 1970s themed modern game room features the new Xbox 360 Elite as an extender for Life\|ware and Window Media Center.
	Home Office Windows Home Server, Zune, and wireless whole-house audio are featured In this 1980s themed home office.
	Master Bedroom This modern master bedroom features a bed that adjusts to your optimum temperature, blinds that close by lying on the bed and much more.

To learn more about the 2008 NextGen Digital Lifestyles Home visit http://www.nextgenhome.com/NextGenHome/2008_CES/index.aspx.