2009 Windows Media Center Ultimate Install Contest

The Windows Media Center Ultimate Install Contest is an initiative sponsored by Microsoft and the Media Center Integrator Alliance, designed to catalyze a comparison of custom home installation projects based on Windows Media Center. The Electronic House Expo in Orlando acted as the stage for the Redmond company to announce the 2009 edition of the contest, which has advanced in its third year. The 2009 Windows Media Center Install Contest is only opened to companies qualifying as residential integration business. Microsoft is accepting submissions until August 1, 2009, at 11:59 p.m. PDT. The software giant will subsequently announce the winner at CEDIA EXPO 2009 in Atlanta.

“Once again, custom installers have the chance to demonstrate how a connected home can be designed using the Windows Media Center platform,” revealed Kevin Collins, director of the Custom Installer Channel in the Connected TV Business, Entertainment and Devices Division, at Microsoft. “Microsoft and MCIA are excited to give custom installers the opportunity to showcase their creativity, execution and personalized solutions for their customers using all the products that make up the Windows Media Center ecosystem.”

Microsoft and MCIA will make sure that the winning company will walk away with a consistent prize package. But first, as an integral part of the prize, the top custom installer will win a trip to CEDIA EXPO 2009 and a $1,000 cash prize. In addition, the winner will also receive a Niveus Media Server, a 160GB Intel X25-M Mainstream SATA Solid-State Drive, an Autonomic Media Control Server EX with PolyTune, plus an Xbox 360 Elite, Xbox 360 Media Remote, and even two Zune digital media players (8GB and 120GB).

“We’re looking for custom installers who integrate the Windows Media Center platform to bring to life the vision of the connected digital home,” Collins added. “We have seen tremendous growth in the connected home scenario with Windows Media Center at the hub extending beyond high-definition TV, music and photos to include lighting, HVAC, security and other home automation features.”