Microsoft Announces Winner of Windows Media Center Ultimate Install Contest
Microsoft selects Imperium Smart Systems of Herriman, Utah,
as the winner of the Ultimate Install Contest for its unique deployment of
Windows Media Center in a custom home installation.
LONG BEACH, Calif. — Nov. 7, 2007 — Microsoft Corp.
today named the winner of its Windows Media Center Ultimate Install Contest.
The announcement was made at a Microsoft-sponsored luncheon at the Electronic
House Expo in Long Beach. The winning entry, submitted by Tyler Jennings of
Imperium Smart Systems LLC, was for a family that was looking for a solution to
integrate all their pictures, music, home videos, TV and DVDs into one simple
interface. Based in Herriman, Utah, Imperium Smart Systems is a custom
electronics design and installation firm specializing in whole-home services
and solutions.
“We are honored to be named the winner in this contest,”
said Tyler Jennings, president of Imperium Smart Systems. “Windows Media Center
is a terrific platform for custom installations, and we worked hard to create a
unique, functional and successful deployment to provide our customer with a
whole-house entertainment solution that benefits their life.”
A unique opportunity for custom installers, this design
contest sought to find the residential custom electronics systems installation
business that best utilized Windows Media Center in a custom installation
solution. The contest was announced at CEDIA EXPO 2007 to challenge industry
professionals to present their most unique and creative installations using
media center technology.
Each entry submitted to the contest was judged based on the
following criteria:
- Use of Windows Media Center as primary user interface (UI)
for media consumption in room or system (depending on scope of install)
- Use of Windows Media Center experiences (for example,
television, music, video, pictures and DVD library)
- Integration with other, non-PC consumer electronics devices
- Ability to create a seamless user experience
- Creativity and originality
Judged by a panel of Microsoft Media Center experts, the
winning entry best captured each of the five criteria. With 12 distributed
audio zones and multiple entertainment access points ranging from in-wall touch
panels, Xbox360 consoles, televisions and even an Ultra-Mobile PC, the project
featured Windows Media Center at the heart of the installation. The homeowner’s
experiences embraced numerous categories including management of family’s
music, pictures, recorded programming and DVD movie library. In addition,
Life|ware home automation software, an add-on to Windows Media Center, enabled
the installation to go beyond entertainment to include the family’s management
of all of their home systems including lighting, security and surveillance,
heating and cooling.
Jennings said, “The homeowners love the technology and love
how easy it is to use. The husband has always loved technology, but this is the
first time the wife actually feels confident in controlling the technology in
her home — thanks to Media Center.”
“We’re extremely pleased to recognize and celebrate the
winner of our first annual Windows Media Center Ultimate Install Contest,” said
Scott Evans, group manager in the Entertainment and Devices eHome Division at
Microsoft. “Imperium Smart Systems’ incredible result serves as a great example
of how the creativity and integration capability of professional installers
combines with the platform power of Windows Media Center to create the ultimate
connected home experience. We’re excited to enable superior home system
designers like Imperium to implement and achieve their customers’ visions.”
As the contest winner, Imperium Smart Systems will receive a
full photo shoot of the project and both Jennings and his winning installation
will be featured on the Resources for Consumer Electronics Installers Microsoft
home page, http://www.microsoft.com/ceinstaller.
In addition, Microsoft will provide Jennings and a guest with a trip to
Microsoft Studios and a weekend vacation package in or near the Seattle area.
