With the advent of Windows Vista, Microsoft made Windows Media Center available integrated by default into two of the SKUs of the latest Windows client: Home Premium and Ultimate. And based on just these two editions of Vista, Microsoft has called on custom installers to produce the ultimate integration of Windows Media Center in a household environment. The challenge originally went out in 2007, but Microsoft is reviving it this year with the 2008 Windows Media Center Ultimate Install Contest. Custom design home installation projects that feature Windows Media Center have a real chance at a prize package, Microsoft announced at the Electronic House Expo (EHX) in Orlando, on March 13.

"Once again, custom installers have the chance to show the amazing things that can be done with our Windows Media Center platform," said Scott Evans, group manager in the Entertainment and Devices eHome Division at Microsoft. "Professionals in the custom home electronics channel have always been distinguished by their creativity, execution and personalized solutions for their customers. This contest gives them a chance to showcase the great work they are doing with Windows Media Center, the latest and greatest tool in their efforts to build the most functional and exciting digital homes yet."

Microsoft will accept no more than two entries per contestant with the condition that they will be entered by August 1, 2008. The company plans to announce the single winner at the CEDIA EXPO 2008 on September 3, 2008. The winner, as well as the homeowner of the top ultimate Windows Media Center installation for this year, will share the prize featuring a trip for one to CEDIA EXPO 2008 and a trip for two to the Redmond campus, as well as a cash prize of $1,000. Microsoft will also deal with the details associated with a photo shoot of the winning installation and will offer the winning homeowner, an Xbox 360 Elite plus a Zune and a home AV kit.

"We're looking for custom installers who have succeeded in making Windows Media Center the heartbeat of a digital home," Evans added. "This has been an exciting year for Windows Media Center. We've seen new Extenders for Windows Media Center, new storage devices, new server hardware, and even new entertainment services and content options. We expect that this year's winning install capitalizes on all these offerings and that the installer will have utilized Media Center's capabilities to the fullest."