Autonomic,
Inc Announces Media Center Edition Control Server | Autonomic Systems, Inc. has announced a release date of June
19th for a two way control protocol server for Microsoft Windows Media Center
Edition PCs. (MCE Server). MCE server is intended for professional A/V
integrators who desire to utilize an MCE computer as a facility wide media
server with two way control via remote touch panels.
Overview
The Autonomic Home MCE Server is a software application,
which, when installed on a computer running Microsoft Windows XP with Media
Center 2005™ or any version Microsoft Windows Vista™, will provide real-time,
remote, two way communications with the Media Center interface.
This product is intended for use by professional audio/video
installers and integrators using a third party control system or software
capable of two way TCP / IP communications with remote devices. The software
provides feedback and control of audio, video, live and recorded television,
internet and FM radio, photos (slideshows), and more.
Two way control of Media Center
functionality can be achieved via wireless or in-wall touch panels, web pages,
or other interface options depending on the control system or software used.
Residential installers can utilize MCE Server on a Windows
Media Center PC to provide a cost effective yet hyper-functional whole house
Media Server for use in multi-zone audio applications with a robust interface
for browsing and managing MCE’s media library. The photo slideshow capabilities
can be used to provide virtual art-work functionality for plasma and LCD
displays.
System feedback can be provided or solicited by the control
system through the Media Center interface by using the messaging capabilities
of Autonomic MCE Server to post messages to the Media Center “10’ interface”
such as caller ID, alarm zone status changes, or other events, and ask the user
simple, multiple choice questions which are presented using standard Media
Center dialog boxes.
Commercial applications include jukebox functionality for
bars / restaurants, theme park or museum audio/video playback control, public
space dynamic video loops, kiosk control, or photo / video display ad-servers.
Features
Two way TCP-IP
control
The MCE Server provides real-time feedback and media control
for almost all functions of an MCE Computer using a robust, two way TCP-IP
communications protocol. A control system client can manipulate the transport,
navigation, and media library features of MCE through a local area network, or
remotely through the internet.
Multiple Instances
and Media Center Extenders
Multiple instances (user sessions) can be browsed and
controlled including those sessions belonging to Media Center Extenders. A
network consisting of a Media Center Computer and multiple extender devices can
all be controlled through the same server instance residing on the host MCE
computer. This is extremely valuable for multi-zone, multi-room applications.
Since each user instance on an MCE computer can maintain an individual media
library, personalized media collections can be maintained and accessed by end
users.
Rich Media Library
Browsing and Queue Management
MCE Server provides a rich interface for browsing and
searching the MCE computer’s media library by genre, album, artist, play list,
or title. Media can be randomly accessed for instant playback or added to the
play-queue at any level. (i.e., the command ‘PlayGenre “Jazz” Queue=True’ will
add all jazz titles in the media library to the queue without interrupting the
currently played media)
Media Information
Feedback
MCE Server can provide a control system with meta-data for
music, video, DVD, and television media such as album, artist, title, duration,
genre, release date, composer, chapter, director, rating, channel, station id,
program guide title, and more.
Transport Control
Command and receive feedback for play, pause, stop, skip
next, skip previous, random (shuffle), and repeat transport controls.
IR-Remote Control
Emulation
Command the server to issue any IR command available on the
MCE Remote Control.
MCE Interface
Navigation
Control systems can command MCE Server to randomly access
most areas of the MCE Interface. Commands are available for direct navigation
to Start, MyMusic, Music Albums, Music Artists, My Pictures, My TV, Recorded
TV, start a Slideshow, and many more. Refer to the MCE Server TCP-IP Protocol
document for a complete list.
Real-Time Events
MCE Clients can issue a command to the server to subscribe
to real-time events within the MCE interface. These events can be used for real
time touch-screen feedback, even when the user is interfacing directly with the
MCE box. Events are sent for transport controls, navigation, start-up and
shutdown, and more.
MCE Server Beta
Program
The MCE Server will be released in July, 2006. Autonomic
Home, Inc. is currently seeking qualified integrators and hobbyists to
participate in our beta testing program. If you would like to be included,
please complete the MCE
Server Beta-Tester Application.
If you would like to receive more information about the MCE
server product and receive notification upon it’s release, visit www.autonomichome.com or e-mail information@autonomichome.com.
Company Information
Autonomic Systems, Inc. creates technology for the today and
tomorrow’s digital home and business. The company is focused on extending the
functionality of Microsoft Media Center hardware and software to provide real
time control and automation of connected audio/video, security, environmental,
and lighting devices. Products under development include the Autonomic MCE
Server, the Autonomic Control System, and other technologies. Autonomic, Inc.
is based in North Salem, NY. For more information on MCE Server, the
Autonomic Control System or other inquiries, please send e-mail to information@autonomic.com.
