Autonomic Eases Integration Of Media Center PCs, Home Control Systems

Autonomic's new MCE Control Server uses a two-way IP control to act as a gateway between the Media Center OS and home-control devices from AMX, Crestron, Control4 and other manufacturers, said Michael DeNigris, vice president of Autonomic, North Salem, N.Y. The software also allows integrators to sell MCE-based PCs and servers as a cost-effective alternative to music servers from vendors such as Kaleidescape, AudioRequest and Escient, he added.

"This opens up the midmarket for integrators," DeNigris said. "It's a Trojan horse that offers a way to get into the house without having the customer suffer from sticker shock."

Media Center PCs optimized to run as a hub of a home entertainment center--for storing, managing and distributing digital files--can cost $2,000 to more than $7,000, depending on the configuration, whereas music servers typically range from about $5,000 to more than $25,000. And while those systems are strictly designed for audio, media-oriented PCs can handle music, photos, video games and other files.

Many home integrators and professional audio/video installers, however, say they have been reluctant to add Media Center-based PCs and servers to their home entertainment and control systems because of security and reliability concerns. They also have complained that Microsoft hasn't backed up Windows Media Center with proper partner and end-user marketing support.

DeNigris said he thinks market demand, competition from smaller software developers and the rising popularity of home networks will push Microsoft to pay more attention to integrators and opportunities in the digital home space.

"I think Microsoft is just coming around to understanding A/V," he said. "I don't think they were in tune with the integrator market. Microsoft needs to behave more like AMX and Crestron behave toward their dealers."

Autonomic is focusing its channel efforts on system- and remote-control manufacturers, integrators and software developers. The MCE Control software, which includes a customizable user interface, sells for about $200, but the price drops based on volume, DeNigris said.

Embedded Automation, a Surrey, British Columbia-based maker of mHome Windows Media Center-based systems and related software, had planned to develop its own Media Center control server software but decided it couldn't improve on Autonomic's product, said Ted Singh, business development manager and co-owner of Embedded.

"Autonomic is providing a good service because they've created a piece to [Windows Media Center] that wasn't there," Singh said. "They've developed the software in a very elegant manner, and it will solve the problem of integrating PCs with [home control systems]. By using a generic [open] solution, we're in a much better position, and the customers will get much better support."

Integrators and vendors agree that grassroots developers of applications that connect PCs and servers with other digital devices and home systems will drive customer acceptance and overall sales.

"Media Center provides a solid platform, but we have to rely on the software developers to create the applications for [Windows Media Center] systems to interface with existing systems," said Denzel Lane, president of Digital Home PC, a Wichita, Kan.-based integrator. "When that happens, we'll see integrators wholly adopt the [Media Center PC] box."