CE Pro Community

MCE Restricted Content Problems

2008-10-10T14:44:08-05:00

As an IT professional since the days of NT3.5 and user of MCE since it’s initial release, I have long been a promponent. However with the problems associated with Vista in general and it’s cooperation with devices and applications and the new problems seen around the internet and on both my 2005 and Vista Media Center, I am one step away from forgetting MCE as well as Windows Desktop.

The latest thorn is the continued Restricted Content blue screens on regular TV. The news or a show of CSI, PBS shows, you name it. I continually get the blue Restricted Content screens. This has become so frustrating that I am thankful I only have a handful of MCE installs in the field.

This actually gives more fuel to the anti-MCE users and udnermines the movement of this platform. It has been a great product but this latest has caused me so much grief that I wish I had never gone down the MCE track

Going Hybrid (retail and custom?)

2008-09-29T05:18:59-05:00

So I’m trying to figure out if this has worked for anyone. I love the custom installs, but why not go hybrid? Is it a bad thing to be an integration company, but at the same time have a retail store and sell to everyday customers the normal stuff that big box retailers do?

I was fooling around with some numbers, and noticed in this area the average retail home theater company sells about $390k/m with an average margin of 26%. (not including any cost except products)

And I believe we can do anywhere from $150-200k in this area in custom installs and integration. Would it be smart for us to go hybrid, try to do both, and get us about $500k+ in income? I think its feasible.

Also, what kind of vans/trucks do you guys have? I want to have my installation vehicles to not only be used for installs, but for delivering the product to the customer whose having the install done.

Installation (and Business) Trade Tips

2008-06-26T11:54:04-05:00

Have you ever been struggling to complete an installation until you finally figured something out and suddenly it was no longer a struggle? You know, those “Now, I’ve got it!” moments.

Let other integrators benefit from your experience/expertise.

Please post your best, unique installation tips.

While you’re at it, please also post your best business tips.

Shared knowledge can only be good for the custom integration industry.

Is someone interesting in using thin client (small computer) to do home automation project?

2008-07-14T14:12:43-05:00

I wonder why most people use DELL disktop to do home-automation control.It cost more money and space. Why no one consider use thin client (small computer) it is cheaper, small, and green.Espically for energy-saving control project.One of my client already coorporated with energy provider to using thin client as a energy-saving controller for new home builder.

How Many Employees Do You Have?

2008-04-24T12:00:45-05:00

How big is your company?

Sheilded wire vs Unsheilded

2008-09-14T09:13:02-05:00

Hey all,

Just a quick question… in a residential application of a distributed audio system, is running shielded speaker wire really necessary. I have installed many of these systems before using unshielded wire without experiencing any problems. Can anybody help me understand why I should use shielded vs unshielded?

Sitting Out the Show This Year

2008-09-03T08:25:56-05:00

I’ve heard from a number of CE pros who aren’t heading to Denver this year for CEDIA.

Some say it’s the economy, others say it’s not worth it anymore.

Are you sitting out the show this year? Why?

CEDIA Training

2008-09-10T21:37:30-05:00

Hi,

I’m new to the industry but have personal experience in custom installation (basement home theatre and multiroom audio), and I’m trying to figure out which CEDIA course would be most suitable for my business. The Boot Camp will take me to Indianapolis but will end up costing me over $2000. Whereas the Level 1 Installer program is held “on the road” and so will be far cheaper. Given that I’ve pre-wired my home for whole house audio, installed a whole house audio system, and desigend, buyilt and finished my home theatre what do you guys feel would be most appropriate.

Cheers

John
Switched-On AV.

Introduce Yourself!

2008-03-27T14:35:32-05:00

I’m Jason Unger, the publisher of cepro.com ... my wife and I live outside of Washington DC, recently relocated from Boston.

Thankfully, we never picked up the accent

Home Theater / Whole House Audio Design Software

2008-06-20T13:56:46-05:00

Can anyone recommed an off the shelf HT and or Whole House Audio design software package? I would like to show my customers layouts of what their system would look like. This includes wiring schematics, device placements and etc. Any help would be appreciated.