At the Electronic House Expo in Orlando, Fla., Microsoft Corp. announced the 2008 Windows Media Center Ultimate Install Contest. This exciting design contest, now in its second year, seeks to recognize the residential integration business that best utilizes Windows Media Center in a custom home installation project. All entries must be submitted by Aug. 1, 2008, at midnight PDT. The winner will be announced at CEDIA EXPO 2008 in Denver on Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2008.

    Last year's winner, Imperium Smart Systems LLC, showcased a home that used Windows Media Center as the main platform and interface that controlled all the family's entertainment and many of the home's subsystems. Microsoft has seen the use of Windows Media Center accelerate in the custom integration market this year through increased participation by installers in events and training at Media Center Boot Camp and Electronic House Expo's Media Center University.

    This contest encourages installers to show off their talents and present their unique and most creative installations using Windows Media Center technology. Microsoft is looking for the finest and most creative installation utilizing Windows Media Center in a residential system. Submit your best Windows Media Center project for the opportunity to win a vacation for two and visit to the Microsoft campus as well as recognition for as the design and installation firm who built the Ultimate Media Center Install.

    "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."

    "We're looking for custom installers who have succeeded in making Windows Media Center the heartbeat of a digital home," commented Evans. "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."

    Installation of the solution must have been completed before the entry deadline. Showrooms are not eligible for entry into this contest. The solution must be designed for and installed as part of a residential electronics system; commercial and/or installation electronics systems are not eligible for entry into this contest.

The winner, a guest and the homeowner of the winning entry will receive a prize package encompassing the following:  
    -  A trip for one to CEDIA EXPO 2008 in Denver
    -  A trip for two to Microsoft including airfare and two-night hotel accommodations in Seattle, with a campus tour and a $1,000 cash prize
    -  A photo shoot of the winning installation
    -  A technology prize package for the winning homeowner, including an Xbox 360 Elite video game system, games and Zune digital media players with a home AV kit