Windows Media Center has a critical role to play in Microsoft's vision of the digital lifestyle that the company aims to push as a standard of entertainment for consumers. This in the context of the intimate connection between the Windows client and Windows Media Center, but also because of Microsoft's strategy focused on connected entertainment. The Redmond company is wasting no opportunity to spread its Windows Media Center love around, and the Digital Home Makeover Contest is an illustrative example of this. The initiative is designed to place focus not only on Windows Media Center, but also on the Extenders available for the program.

"For one lucky winner, a makeover team will transform their disconnected digital lifestyle into a home entertainment dream with a prize package totaling up to $10,000!!! The Digital Home Makeover Contest is designed to address the real challenges people face when adopting today's digital lifestyle. Today's consumers have a wide variety of digital content in their homes-thousands of digital pictures, MP3's, TV shows and movies- and homes may have dozens of devices which allow people to interact with and enjoy this content. But wouldn't it be nice if digital media could be seamlessly viewed and accessible around the home?" asked Ben Reed, Microsoft Business Group Manager.

The Microsoft Digital Home Makeover website is live and accepting entries. Microsoft simply wants to have a peek inside your digital lifestyle, while at the same time promising to make all your media available seamlessly via all the devices available in a household. Users need only to shoot a two-minute video of the current status of their digital life and convince Microsoft to get them "connected." And if the Redmond company is going to put Windows Media Center at the heart of the winner's house, it will undoubtedly use either the Home Premium or Ultimate editions of Windows Vista Service Pack 1, available since March 18.

"The winner of the Digital Home Makeover Contest will receive what they need to take control of connecting their entertainment options and start enjoying content from room to room, anywhere in the house. Microsoft is accepting entries in the form of two-minute videos that illustrate a contestant's disconnected digital lifestyle and why they need a digital home makeover. Entries will be accepted through May 2nd," Reed added.