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!
Start date: March 13, 2008
Entry deadline: August 1, 2008
Winner announced: September 3, 2008 at CEDIA Expo in Denver, CO
Entry is limited to the owner of and/or a designated business manager responsible for managing a residential electronic systems business.
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.
Download entry form in format of your choice: (PDF) or (DOC).
Companies must fill out a standard entry form with the following details:
Company information
Projection information and component details
Description of the systems and use of Windows Media Center
How the solution met the homeowner’s priorities and needs
Challenges encountered
What makes this project the “ultimate” installation
Photos of the installation (minimum of 5, maximum of 10)
Additional documentation
Project cost worksheet (PLEASE DO NOT INCLUDE CUSTOMER INFORMATION)
Engineering documents in .pdf, .vsd or .xls format (e.g. schematics, diagrams, rack drawings)
Entry forms, along with photos and additional documentation, may be emailed to cei@microsoft.com.
Participants may also mail their entries, along with documentation and 8"x10" glossy print images of the installation to:
Judges will measure on the following criteria, equally weighted:
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 (e.g., television, music, video, pictures, DVD library, etc.)
Integration with other, non-PC consumer electronics devices
Technical merit
Creativity and originality
One winner will be chosen from the list of eligible contest entrants based on the judging criteria above.
Prizes include:
An all-expense paid trip for one to CEDIA Expo 2008 in Denver, Colorado, including round-trip airfare, 3-night hotel accommodation in Denver, and participation in a Press Cocktail event announcing the winner
A trip for 2 to Microsoft, round-trip airfare, 2-night hotel accommodation at the Bellevue Westin and a special VIP day at Microsoft that includes a $1000 cash, a visit to the Microsoft eHome Custom Install (CI) demo room, time with the eHome team focused on the CI channel, and a private tour of the Microsoft MSHome.
A full-day photo shoot to have professional photographs taken of your winning solution
A story featuring your entry, interview, and pictures from the photo shoot posted on the CE Installer website
A Technology Appreciation Package for the homeowner provided by Microsoft that consists of:
Xbox360 Elite video game and entertainment system
4 Black Xbox360 Wireless Controllers
1 Xbox360 Media Center Remote
1 Year Xbox Live Subscription
4 Xbox360 Game Titles (actual titles to be determined by sponsor)
1 80GB Zune, 1 8GB Zune, and a Zune Home AV Kit
The winner will be announced at CEDIA Expo 2008 and posted here from September 3, 2008 until December 7, 2008.
NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. The contest is open only to residential electronic systems businesses that are CEDIA members in good standing. Void in the Province of Quebec and in Cuba, Iran, Iraq, North Korea, Sudan, Syria and wherever else prohibited by law. The contest ends August , 2008. See Official Rules for full details.
Find out more about the 2007 Ultimate Install Contest winner.
