Smart Home Blog

MCE Controller allows the Media Center application of Windows Media Center Edition (MCE) to be integrated into an advanced control system by enabling programmatic control of the user interface via a TCP/IP connection.
This application was initially developed to enable integration of MCE into a Crestron whole-house audio/video system. However, it is general enough that it can be utilized from any control system that supports sending text strings to a TCP port. Most control systems, such as Crestron, Premise, or AMX, support IR emitting.
So, using MCE Controller you can integrate your MCE with Plutohome, MisterHouse or some other open source system for home automation. In case of Plutohome, it’d be possible to create a GSD interface and implement all commands on Ruby.

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Lagotek demonstrated the first home automation gadgets which use SideShow. SideShow is a new feature of Windows Vista that allows small bits of PC-based data to be displayed on and controlled through auxiliary displays like remote controls and digital picture frames and doesn’t affect PC’s desktop at all.

Lagotek is planning to release its new version of its Home Intelligence Platform (HIP) specifically for Vista Media Center Edition. Users will be able to control their home through the MCE interface, and naturally control their MCE-based A/V system as well. A/V control has been missing in the earlier versions of the HIP system. HIP works with wireless music systems like the Squeezebox, IP-enabled video cameras, and Z-wave lights and thermostats, while Z-wave RF mesh networking and 802.11g keep it all connected.

Well, it sounds very attractive but let’s see the first release at least.

[via Engadget]

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Cool Tech PC announced the launch of Nexus Psile. It’s a compact and good-looking PC with extended multimedia functions. The Nexus Psile features Intel Core Duo or Core 2 Duo CPUs, 350 or 500 GB HDD, Panasonic UJ-845 slim DVD-RW Drive, TV Tuner, External fanless power supply. It’s based on Windows Media Center Edition.

The Nexus Psile can be used as full featured PC and home entertainment appliance or DVR as well. The typical retail cost of a fully loaded and complete Nexus Psile computer system is approximately $1600.00, but there is a possibility to customize configuretion.

[via eHomeUpgrade]

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Insent released a MCE-based media center - Julia All-in-One Touch Extender. The media center uses improved touchscreen functionality. It allows to control media via touchscreen without keyboard or mouse.

The unit is packed by a 17-inch widescreen display, along with a CD/DVD drive, TV and FM tuners, 80GB hard drive, and Ethernet and WiFi capabilities. Neither are price nor availability.

[via Engadget]

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