Microsoft Big Presence At CEDIA

Microsoft has set up its stall at the CEDIA Expo, but it’s presence is in many places thanks to the Windows Media Center platform.

Microsoft is at the CEDIA Expo. That might not seem like major news, but the company is there to push its Windows Media Center platform, which is veryhealthily supported at the show.   Several exhibitors have made announcements of new products that show the increasing stature of Windows Media Center.   Lifeware has unveiled a line of Windows Media Center hardware, including some high-end systems featuring Quad-CableCARD-tuners and a Windows Home ServerAdd-in.   Crestron Electronics plans to deliver Windows Media Center-based software next year, and Russound has aSmart Media Console line arriving this fall, allowing the company home audio solutions to integrate with advanced home automation and integration.   NiveusMedia Inc. is using a mix of its Digital Cable Receivers with Windows Vista Ultimate-based Niveus Media Servers to allow users to receive four high definition premium programs simultaneous intheir homes.   And what of Microsoft itself? It’s announced the first annual Windows Media Center Ultimate Install Contest, which allows installers to showcase their best residentialprojects. They’ve also shown new Extenders for Windows Media Center, which lets installers add the service to five additional areas in a home. As if that wasn’t quite enough for one Expo,Microsoft announced that it had abolished the cost of the WebGuide plug-in for Media Center.   “Our software and hardware alliances in the CEDIA market have created a huge amount ofinterest in Windows Media Center as the platform of choice for the digital home," said Scott Evans, group manager in the Entertainment and Devices eHome Division at Microsoft. "As a resultof our growing collaborations, Microsoft decided the time was right to establish a direct presence at the custom installation channel’s most eagerly anticipated annual event, CEDIA Expo. We are fullycommitted to making Windows Media Center-based devices the most compelling entertainment solutions, and we are here to demonstrate our support for the custom channel.”