Microsoft Details 2009 Ultimate Install Contest at EHX Spring

Microsoft and the Media Center Integrator Alliance announced plans today at EHX Spring for the 2009 Windows Media Center Ultimate Install Contest.

The contest, now in its third year, recognizes the "residential integration business that best utilizes Windows Media Center in a custom home installation project."

Companies can submit up to two entries to the contest. The deadline is Aug. 1, 2009 at 11:59 p.m. PDT, and Microsoft will announce the winner at CEDIA Expo 2009 in Atlanta. The winner will receive:

• A trip to CEDIA Expo 2009 in Atlanta
• A trip (with a guest) to Microsoft headquarters, including airfare, two-night hotel accommodations, a campus tour, and a $1,000 cash prize
• Niveus Media Server – Rainier Edition HD complete system with Intel processor and motherboard
• 160GB Intel X25-M Mainstream SATA Solid-State Drive
• Autonomic Media Control Server EX with PolyTune
• A photo shoot of the winning installation

Better yet, the contest awards the following to the customer of the grand prize winner:

• Xbox 360 Elite system with four wireless controllers
• Xbox 360 Media Remote
• Four games for Xbox 360
• One-year Xbox LIVE subscription
• Two Zune digital media players (8GB and 120GB) with a home audiovisual kit

Two runners-up will also be announced at CEDIA Expo 2009. Click here for official rules.

"Once again, custom installers have the chance to demonstrate how a connected home can be designed using the Windows Media Center platform," says Microsoft's Kevin Collins.

Los Gatos, Calif-based cyberManor won the contest in 2008, installing a user-friendly entertainment and automation system for a family in Sunnyvale, Calif. See the install here.

Imperium Smart Systems won the 2007 contest with a system that included 12 distributed audio zones, DSC security, Lifeware automation, and Insteon lighting control. See the install here.