CEDIA EXPO 2009 was the stage where Microsoft announced the winner of the 2009
Windows Media Center Ultimate Install Contest, a competition held in collaboration with the Media Center Integrator Alliance (MCIA). The top prize went to the Windows Media Center installation submitted by Dustin Anderson, general manager at Vision Audio in Lubbock, Texas. According to Microsoft, it took quite a system to win the 2009 Windows Media Center Ultimate Install
Contest.
“We’re thrilled to receive this recognition from Microsoft and the MCIA. The Windows Media Center platform has enabled us to be on the cutting edge of technology, which has provided us with critical business advantages during the economic downturn,” Anderson revealed.
Microsoft indicated that Vision Audio used no less than six Windows Media Center-based servers for the custom install at the customer’s home in Odessa, Texas. But fact is that the six Windows Media Center-based servers are only the start. Additional technologies include one Windows Home Server, no less than 12 media racks, a total of 98 speakers, and 30 zones of distributed audio. All in all, the home now features five dedicated theater-style areas.
“Everything from lights to entertainment, we focus on easy to understand and use customer interfaces. I guess you could say we strive to create a highly customizable entertainment environment,” Anderson said. Microsoft explained that 13 video displays are spread throughout the 17,000 square foot home, five of which offer full surround sound.
The Redmond-based company indicated that the way that the custom Windows Media Center installation integrated the customer’s digital content and with Windows Home Server was the detail that made it stand out of the crowd. “Our customer is very pleased with the install. The easy to use Media Center interface and the convenience of having all the content in one place are the top reasons our customer likes the system,” Anderson added.
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