Hi all. Just started on a whole-house AV distribution system based on Windows XP Media Center. I know there are some excellent 3rd party software solutions available, but MCE seems to fit me needs for now. And, my wife really likes the microsoft interface.

PROS:
1. Cheap! Especially if you take advantage of used equipment
2. Easy! I'm not a programmer and somehow got it to work with little fuss.
3. Convenience! The ability to simply plug cable directly into the computer and be able to record TV to a central location is great.
4. It's an interface that most understand.

CONS:
1. Wiring! Wiring a house after drywall just sucks period.
2. Limited in whole-home automation as compared to other systems. (This is changing)
3. Well, it's Microsoft - sometimes it just locks up and we accept this.

Big hurdle has been multi-zone. Although MCE can store/play most audio and video, it became apparent that there really isn't an affordable solution for synchronized distribution of music/video. My solution was to introduce an AV matrix switcher into the equation. This item, when purchased off an auction site, is very inexpensive - especially compared to the original price. With the matrix switcher, you can direct any audio/video stream input to any output. This is my solution to synchronized audio. In order to cut down on the amount of wiring, I also "networked" the matrix switch using a small device called a serial server which can place any RS232 device on the network. By the way, I chose an Autopatch switcher as the software includes the ability to make GUI macro buttons such as "All Zones Play DVD" or "Play TV in Kitchen". Again, I am just an average Joe when it comes to computers.

Next was the input device. In my case a cheap 8" touchscreen off EBay. After trying to read the Korean instructions I got it to work well with the computer. I mounted this in the kitchen wall. My wife has found that it is great to be able to surf for recipes in the kitchen and have it displayed without printing.

The CPU. I found a new EMachine computer with an AMD 2.2, preloaded MCE, 1gig memory and 200 gig hard drive for around $300. The only software this machine will be running is XP MCE, but having the extra hard disk storage is a bonus.

So, here is my equipment list so far:

- Emachines PC with MCE ($300)
- Autopatch half-Y matrix switch (used - $125)
- 8" Provision touchscreen ($150)
- Vlinx ESP901 serial server (Ebay new: $70)

Additionally I had an old two channel amp and a pair of inceiling speakers lying around. So for about $650 I have a great, multi-zone AV system with inwall mounted touchscreen. Yes, I realize that in my configuration I will have to add a PC every time I add a zone (touchscreen), but the cost is fractional ($450/zone)when compared to other inwall touchscreen solutions.

I'll try to post some pics/schematics shortly.

Ben

Ben,

Sounds like you have come up with a good plan and got it going, that is more than half the battle.

Question though: Why would you need an additional PC every time you add a zone? Couldn't you utilize a multi-out audio card for the audio? Not sure how you're doing the video but it dawned on me that you may be able to do this with just one "beefy" MCE machine...

BTW with Vista coming out soon, I'm interested to see if MS makes MCE more developer friendly. I've been wanting to write a whole house automation system, but their current development tools just plain suck.

Mike

Mike,

I guess you may be able to utilize one MCE machine, however I'm not sure how well it would run with multiple MCE sessions running simultaneously. You would need multiple video cards, sound cards, FM tuners, cable cards, etc. May be more hassle than it's worth. Again, I'm not a computer guy so it may just be a little overwhelming for me.

I too am intrigued by Vista. Microsoft could really make a statement in this arena.

Ben

I like what you have going here. Very similar to something I would like to do. I am trying to see how all this works together.
1. Music and Video is stored and on MCE Comp.
- Output MCE to Input AutoPatch
2. Music and Video is routed to various zones through Autopatch
- Output AutoPatch to Input 2 Channel amp in various zones
3. 8" Provision touchscreen is used as an interface to select which Audio/Video will be streamed to a partiulcar zone(i.e. kitchen)

How does the Serial Server come in?

Curtis,

I think his serial server allows him to place the Autopatch in a different location than his MCE machine. To the MCE machine it still looks like a serial port so it can control the Autopatch, but it is in a different location with his components.


Ben,
I didn't realize you were thinking of running separate MCE sessions for each zone, but that makes sense now. For that I think you would either need a separate MCE machine or multiple extenders. I have an XBOX360 right now that I use as an extender and it works pretty well. (Although it's more than a PC pricewise!).

Curtis,

That is exactly what I am doing.

The serial server places the Autopatch on the network. Therefore, all computers (running the autopatch software) can access it for zone control. Otherwise, since there is only a single RS232 input on the Autopatch, only the computer wired directly to it would be able to control the switching. For the small cost, I think the ability to perform switching from every touchscreen is worth it.

There are several IP based matrix switchers available today, but the least expensive models start out at $1800. To me that was a little much when I could accomplish the same thing for about $200.

Ben

Mike,

You're right in that the use of the serial server also allows for placement of the matrix switcher wherever. There are even wireless RS232 to IP servers that would make placement a real breeze.

I wanted to go the XBOX360/extender route, but I understand that the extenders will not allow you to play ripped DVDs unless they are in WMV format. I really like the MY Movies plug-in for MCE, and consider this to be an essential component as I have two small children with many DVDs.

Ben

Mike,

You're right in that the use of the serial server also allows for placement of the matrix switcher wherever. There are even wireless RS232 to IP servers that would make placement a real breeze.

I wanted to go the XBOX360/extender route, but I understand that the extenders will not allow you to play ripped DVDs unless they are in WMV format. I really like the MY Movies plug-in for MCE, and consider this to be an essential component as I have two small children with many DVDs.

Ben

Ben

You should try the Xbox 360 as an extender with the Transcode 360 software on a MCE 2005 machine. They are working on a solution now to allow you to use it with the My Movies plug-in.

Maybe you can help me out. I really love the MCE 2005 interface. It works for me even with all its shortcoming and quirks. The one thing I am not able to do in an affordable way, that i really want to do is Multizone Audio. Basically I want to find a way to do it using MCE 2005 as a Central Server w/ about 1.5 TB of HDD space for Music, Videos, DVD's, and Recorded TV shows. I want to be able to access in maybe 5 zones via Xbox 360 (which I can already do) and touchscreen interface in other zones through a networked computer. A small networked computer that is hidden and only thing shown is a touchscreen mounted in a zone. Another option would be to use some type of interface like Russound CAV or Xantech MRC44.

This company Inteset has a very good Multi-zone Audio software similar too what I want. But you have to buy one of there systems to get it. http://www.inteset.com/cnsmr/Products/Software/Default.htm

But I would like to use something like a M-Audio multi out Audio card instead of networked computers. And use the touchscreen as an interface to select the Audio. Also I would like to be able to play the same music at once or different music in each zone.

Curtis,

I looked into the single PC with a multi output audio card as well and couldn't figure out how to make it work. My issue was how to run multiple instances of MCE yet still be able to retain zone control with multiple touchscreens. If MCE is available in a server version it may be possible. I am really hoping Vista incorporates some of these features. Additionally, even if you can run multiple MCE sessions (1 per zone), it renders the remote capabilities useless as triggering an IR code will affect all running programs.

The Transcode 360 is interesting, but it may not solve the problem of being able to distribute music that is synchronized. This seems to be the big issue in a software solution. This is why I incorporated a matrix switcher (Autopatch) into the equation. They are only $100 used and also give you the ability to add other source components for all zones to use (DVD players, tuners, etc.). Download the free APcontrol software from Autopatch and you'll see what I mean - it has a very nice GUI.

Also, if you are a Mac person their new media center interface (forgot name) looks really slick. The Mac Mini's are very reasonable in price and only the size of a CD drive. Could be an option.

My setup with touchscreen turned out exactly like I wanted - I have zone control from each touchscreen for music, movies, pictures, etc. (need to get a MCE radio tuner card). By adding an IR receiver to each touchscreen, I have remote control of each zone as well. I'll try to post some pics later today. It should cost me about $450 for every zone I add ($300/pc + $150/touchscreen) which is way less than some of the other available solutions. Plus, I am increasing hard drive storage space each time I add a zone.

Ben

Ben,

I really like your idea and would like to incorporate. I hope you can walk me through setting it up when I am ready. Plus it is very affordable solution.

I mention Transcode 360 for Video use not Audio.

Check out this site:http://www.autonomichome.com/MCE%20Server.htm

This may supply some solution for two way communication with your MCE Server. Please lets keep this dialogue going.

Ben, love your idea. I'm still researching MCE and multizone and will save questions for later so as to not look like a complete idiot!

When you have a second to take some pics and include afew more details for a newbie like myself I'd love to learn more about this. I'm within a couple months of building a new house and want to learn what I need to so I can wire it right the first time! I am looking for similar setup as curtis104.

I looked into the single PC with a multi output audio card as well and couldn't figure out how to make it work. My issue was how to run multiple instances of MCE yet still be able to retain zone control with multiple touchscreens.


You need a more manly automation product like CQC for that.

You need a more manly automation product like CQC for that.


Agree Dean. I plan on becoming a little more programming savy as I realize the benefits of CQC, but for now it works.

Ben

You need a more manly automation product like CQC for that.

Dean,

Since you chimed in here, and put a plug in for CQC, could you tell us how we could implement CQC within Ben's current setup. I know alot of the CQC user do not use or fond of MCE 2005 interface. But I really like and comfortable with it but would love to add CQC to the mix with a setup similar to what Ben is using.

I know IVB was using the M Audio sound card w/ multiple audio outputs. I believe he was running multiple instances of Zoom player. I think Ben's setup w/ the Autonomic Home Media Center Control Server (http://www.autonomichome.com/MCE%20Server.htm) .


Finally feel like I am getting closer to acheive whole house audio MCE 2005 in an affordable way.

Currently, MCE wouldn't be well integrated. Once we get 2.0 out, we'll be looking at supporting the Autonomic thingie. Personally, in many cases, I think you could just toss MCE altogether and use CQC's interface, but I'm not a user of MCE so I don't know how much would be lost in the translation.

"You need a more manly automation product like CQC for that." Hey, Dean, I've automated my house and am about to do a whole house DVD distribution system w/ multiple jukebox changers. This forum recommended that I use CQC. But I'm not sure I should do anything manly. robust, sure, but manly? Is CQC gender appropriate for me? olivia. (calvert is my cat). PS just kidding.

I feel that it's important for you to get in touch with your inner childish male. You will find it a very powerful experience, opening you up to many new experiences. You will understand why asking for directions is never required, and you will finally truely bond with the remote control and understand why it is rightly yours to wield.

I've finally posted some pics if anyone is interested. It includes screenshots.

Ben

http://public.fotki.com/benjh1028/mce-home-automation/

Ben, First thanks for opening my eyes on this, i have been trying figure out a "affordable" solution to distribute av throught out my house. But a quick question:

If i have a cat5e and rj6 cable next to every tv would i be able to hook up another PC near it and read the contents over network without the AutoPatch and the touch screens. Though i love the touch screen concept, i am just trying to understand how was your touch screen connected. was it connected to the pc or the AutoPatch?

I've finally posted some pics if anyone is interested. It includes screenshots.

Ben

http://public.fotki.com/benjh1028/mce-home-automation/
That looks pretty slick Ben.

Well done.

I've finally posted some pics if anyone is interested. It includes screenshots.

Ben

http://public.fotki.com/benjh1028/mce-home-automation/

Hey Ben,

The setup looks great! I would definitely like to duplicate that in my home. As soon as I am ready I will PM you or send a message here. Great work!

Ben, First thanks for opening my eyes on this, i have been trying figure out a "affordable" solution to distribute av throught out my house. But a quick question:

If i have a cat5e and rj6 cable next to every tv would i be able to hook up another PC near it and read the contents over network without the AutoPatch and the touch screens. Though i love the touch screen concept, i am just trying to understand how was your touch screen connected. was it connected to the pc or the AutoPatch?


Shash,

The touchscreen is connected to the PC. A touchscreen is essentially a monitor and a mouse. If you already have Cat5 and RG6 at every TV, you could just use your TV and the MCE remote.

Ben

Curtis & Sticky - thanks for the compliments.

Curtis, I downloaded the beta version of Autonomic Home Media Center software and will let you know how it goes - thanks for the find.

Ben

Ben, can you tell me how can i bring in the touchscreen in my scenario, i really like the idea
of the touchscreen? Can i use that for the Automonic Media Center Control in anyways?

Heres what i was thinking -- Lets say my second zone (Living Room) i would install a touchscreen connected to the PC which would also be connected to the tv? I would have install the Autonomic Media software on the PC and communicate with my Media server which is on another level. Is this possible or makes sense? Is there a better solution?

Ben, can you tell me how can i bring in the touchscreen in my scenario, i really like the idea
of the touchscreen? Can i use that for the Automonic Media Center Control in anyways?

Heres what i was thinking -- Lets say my second zone (Living Room) i would install a touchscreen connected to the PC which would also be connected to the tv? I would have install the Autonomic Media software on the PC and communicate with my Media server which is on another level. Is this possible or makes sense? Is there a better solution?

Shash,

In your scenario, there is no need to install third party software such as the Autonomic I mentioned. I am just looking at that as a potential single PC solution. If you are going to connect a PC directly, just buy one with Windows Media Center. On your media server PC make sure you are sharing your media folders. On your living room PC, in the Media Center setup point to the folders on your server and you're done. Connect the touchscreen via VGA (monitor), USB (touch), and television with audio.

Ben

Great Thanks...i'll try it out soon and will keep you guys posted. BTW , how do u like the Provision touch screen that you have?

Hey All,

This is a great thread! I have been planning on taking the plunge into a very similar setup that Ben has done here. (I did not think about the Autopatch/serial server combo: Great Job!!)

In simplist form i know i can use my MCE machine in basement theater for all of my media storage (currently doing). Install another networked MCE machine in kitchen with a Lilliput touchscreen (already have this from the carpc).

Here is where it gets interesting!!! At work i have purchased several of the HP t5710 XP embedded thin clients. I have installed several different programs on these machines and for the most part they act just as full XP machines. Is there a way to mod or shrink down MCE to be able to use just the "MCE shell" on such a device? This would be a much simpler/cost effective solution since the units can be had for around 100-200 dollars. I willl be doing more research on these devices and post back here to this thread. There are different models that have PCI slots and can have a higher end graphic card w/tv out added so you could in effect have a set top box solution that runs XPe MCE?!?!?!

Andy

Hey All,


Here is where it gets interesting!!! At work i have purchased several of the HP t5710 XP embedded thin clients. I have installed several different programs on these machines and for the most part they act just as full XP machines. Is there a way to mod or shrink down MCE to be able to use just the "MCE shell" on such a device?

Andy

There is a hack out there now where you can take a machine that is running XP and you can add MCE to it. I have tried it on my laptop and it works. All the files needed comes on one CD. Try google XP 2 MCE. I don't know if it is legal to post this information, but ohhh well.

Curtis

Hey Ben,

Can you give me a little more detail of how your system functions please? I'm a little confused as to where the Autopatch comes in. If you have an MCE system somewhere that is housing your media files and then you have an MCE machine in the kitchen, cant you just select and play the media you want through the MCE machine at that zone?! Or wait a minute (i think i'm getting it); are you using the MCE machine in the kitchen to send audio/video to a tv or recieve in the dining room/kitchen/some other area?

Thanks Andy

Hey Ben,

Can you give me a little more detail of how your system functions please? I'm a little confused as to where the Autopatch comes in. If you have an MCE system somewhere that is housing your media files and then you have an MCE machine in the kitchen, cant you just select and play the media you want through the MCE machine at that zone?! Or wait a minute (i think i'm getting it); are you using the MCE machine in the kitchen to send audio/video to a tv or recieve in the dining room/kitchen/some other area?

Thanks Andy


Andy,

The Autopatch is the distribution part of the equation. It is really only necessary when you want to send the same synchronous signal (audio or video) to different locations. For example, from the kitchen if I want to play a song throughout all zones in the house (kitchen, dining, master, etc.), I send the signal from the kitchen PC to the Autopatch which distributes the signal to all amplified zones. Without the Autopatch, I would have to play the song individually on each zone, which would never be synched and a makes for real inconvenience. To date, I don't think anyone has been able to distribute audio/video with just an MCE software solution.

Remember, the Autopatch is a matrix switcher, meaning that any input can be routed to any output simultaneously. This is the most basic function in whole-house distribution but can be the most difficult. You can use any matrix switcher. I chose Autopatch because they are an industrial design, has great switching software (can write macros), and cheap on Ebay. Further, the Autopatch doesn't care which signal type is being routed. You can easily route digital audio, composite video, or stereo over most any of their products - they are really not signal specific.

Ben

Hello Ben, great work!
I did something similar but I have some questions regarding thing I liked about you layout.

I have one MCE PC in my family room, it has a dvi output connected to my projector in that room and the vga output is connected to my Dell Touchscreen downstairs (long cable). The touch fucntion works through USB, so I also have a large usb cable from the PC to the Touchscreen.
The audio of my PC is connected to a receiver (also in family room) and the speaker output of the receiver to a 4 zone speaker selector (one zone is the family room and the other 3 zones are downstairs).

In each of the 3 zones downstairs I have a volume control. So when I want to listen to music, I just turn up the volume of the zone in which I want the music to be listened.

Thats basically my layout.
So, do you have each touchscreen connected to a different computer? if not, how did you managed to connect multiple VGA and USB (for touch) to the same MCE PC?

I liked what you did with the Autopatch and Serial Server. Would it help having one Autopatch on my layout? I have one GlobalCache GC100 for testing other things with IR, but since it has a serial port I asume that could replace the serial server right?

Anyway, what I want is to add more touchscreens to my system, but dont know which way to go.

Thank you.
Martin

Martin,

I am assuming you could use a VGA splitter and USB hub like the following if you want to just add more touchscreens:

http://www.byterunner.com/cgi-bin/cart.cgi?store=byterunner&category=Video+Splitters&exact_match=exact

However, if you want independant zone control, I believe you will need to use multiple networked PCs with a matrix switcher (i.e. Autopatch). Otherwise, I'm not sure how to get multiple, different audio and video streams out of one PC in the MCE environment (boy have I been looking for it though). Your GC100 is a serial server and would work fine to network a matrix switcher. I've been meaning to pick one of those up myself since it also gives you IR control.

Hope this helps and post some pics of your setup.

Ben

Thank you Ben. You are right. The thing is that cabling with USB for a touchscreen in my back yard is going to be complicated because of the lengh restriction in USB cables.

However, I could add a little and inexpensive PC in the backyard and connect it to the new touchscreen. If I do this, as you said, I could have another source of audio an video.

Lets say I do that, I purchase a PC with a touchscreen and place it in the backyard, how can I control over the LAN the SAME instance of MCE of the main PC?
Is there a software to clone the MCE view and stream it over LAN?

I have a small house so I'm not interested in multiroom, but I want to control with both touchscreens the same instance of the main MCE PC. Is that possible?

Thank you
Martin

Sorry, forgot to tell you that I'll take some pictures of my setup and send them.
Regards,
Martin

Ben,

Any update on using The Autonomic Home MCE Control Server? Have you had a chance to try it out?

Thank you Ben. You are right. The thing is that cabling with USB for a touchscreen in my back yard is going to be complicated because of the lengh restriction in USB cables.

However, I could add a little and inexpensive PC in the backyard and connect it to the new touchscreen. If I do this, as you said, I could have another source of audio an video.

Lets say I do that, I purchase a PC with a touchscreen and place it in the backyard, how can I control over the LAN the SAME instance of MCE of the main PC?
Is there a software to clone the MCE view and stream it over LAN?

I have a small house so I'm not interested in multiroom, but I want to control with both touchscreens the same instance of the main MCE PC. Is that possible?

Thank you
Martin

Get you a wireless pda/CE based touchscrren and install Niveus Pocket Remote. Control the same instance anywhere you are.

Thank you 72ScoutNGa. Yes I've done that. The only thing I noticed is that with 802.11 b it responded a little slow. Anyway it still an option.
Thank you.

Ben,

You've come up with a decent solution. It would be perfect if there was a "party mode" button or GUI switching control utility for MCE.

How do you trigger the serial generator/autopatch devices from MCE?

Ben,

You've come up with a decent solution. It would be perfect if there was a "party mode" button or GUI switching control utility for MCE.

How do you trigger the serial generator/autopatch devices from MCE?


I have a shortcut to the Autopatch GUI in MCE's "Other Programs". The Autopatch GUI includes a party mode button. Unfortunately, it won't run direct in MCE. I have been looking for a workaround.


Any of you programmers out there interested in putting together a quick solution?? ;)

Ben

Guys,
I like what you are doing here with Windows MCE, Autopatch, Serial server etc.

I have 2 questions for you guys that have this implemented.

1. Curtis mentioned at the very beginning of this thread that he put a 2-channel amps in between the Autopatch and the speakers.
Is this required? And will you need an amp like this for each zone that you add?

2. When playing a single source to multiple zones, how is the synchronization? Does the Autopatch take care of this very well?

Has anyone thought of using Remote Desktop on a wireless touchscreen such as this?
This would allow you to have a mobile/wireless controller without the need to add an additional PC everytime you want to add a display.

Has any tried this Viewsonic I am linking to below?

http://www.viewsonic.com/products/mobilewireless/wirelessmonitors/airsyncv210wirelessdisplay/

Guys,
I like what you are doing here with Windows MCE, Autopatch, Serial server etc.

I have 2 questions for you guys that have this implemented.

1. Curtis mentioned at the very beginning of this thread that he put a 2-channel amps in between the Autopatch and the speakers.
Is this required? And will you need an amp like this for each zone that you add?

2. When playing a single source to multiple zones, how is the synchronization? Does the Autopatch take care of this very well?

1. Yes - have to have some form of amplification. One multi-channel amp could work for a whole house setup.

2. Synchronization is a non-issue with a matrix switcher.

Also, many people use the Viewsonic airpanels with great success. I continue to look for a great deal on a V110.

Ben

Do you know of any multi-channel amps you would recommend?

Styxx,

This is probably the best deal I have found so far as I don't want to spend megabucks on whole-house audio:

http://www.htd.com/12channelamp.html

For a real meaty 16-channel amp look at this:

http://www.earthquakesound.com/cng_16.htm

I like the Xantech PA1235x as well (I'm a little biased here as I install these).

Ben

Ben, could you confirm the model number of that display? I've been searching for a display for my car, but have been hesitant as not all displays are created equal, in particular where a pc is involved. Now that I've seen that this screen looks decent with Windows on it, at 800x600, I want to purchase the same one.

I'm guessing, from my research, that it's "PROVISION PRTV800VT" but I wanted to be certain.

Thanks!

Ben, could you confirm the model number of that display? I've been searching for a display for my car, but have been hesitant as not all displays are created equal, in particular where a pc is involved. Now that I've seen that this screen looks decent with Windows on it, at 800x600, I want to purchase the same one.

I'm guessing, from my research, that it's "PROVISION PRTV800VT" but I wanted to be certain.

Thanks!


Your guess is correct. Its actually a nice little unit. However, my wife actually liked having MCE in the kitchen but wanted a larger screen. I found a brand new Elo 12.1" on EBAY for $75 - and it was a brand new industrial model made for flush in-wall mounting complete with metal housing (cheapest elsewhere is $1200). For non-car use, get a 10" or 12" screen. The 8.4" Provision should work fine for your car. Is actually a very bright unit.

Ben

Hi Ben, I've been reading your post to see what's new since the last time I came.
I have 2 questions:

1.- Can you manage Autopatch via IR? If that's possible, then instead of using Autopatch software and having to get out of the MCE interface, I believe you could add IR Commands using software like mControl or Superna and at the same time you are adding home automation controls to your setup. Is this possible?

2.- If I would like to buy a NEW matrix switcher, which are the less expensive but still good hardware to buy?

Thank you!

Hey Ben,

Have you read up on or heard of the new Microsoft Home Servers that are coming out towards the 2nd half of this year? Wondering how that play in the scheme of what your doing?

...If I would like to buy a NEW matrix switcher, which are the less expensive but still good hardware to buy?
I'm clearly not Ben, but I'm a big fan of the Neothings Borrego matrix switches (the Videostorm product is another that people seem to be pleased with, but I've not used).

Cheers.

Thanks! I'll take a look...

Hey Ben,

Have you read up on or heard of the new Microsoft Home Servers that are coming out towards the 2nd half of this year? Wondering how that play in the scheme of what your doing?

Different Ben LOL...

The MS Home Servers are based on Vista. It looks pretty good with Centralized Media storage and streaming with multiple client concurrent access, so you'd need Vista PCs (at first, but I'm sure someone will hack XP to do it too) to connect in the peripheral locations.

Don't know about the remote client control component. In XP, there is only a single active session per machine (IE if you are logged in locally and want to control it via Term Services, it locks the current local session to allow remote usage). I know there is a Term Serv Client update for Serv 2003 and XP to allow full Vista client functionality, but haven't played with that aspect yet as I only have Vista running on a test laptop without a domain. Hopefully in the next few weeks, I'll be able to setup a full test domain with mixed clients and play with that functionality further.

I do like MCE 2005 better than Vista MCE so far, but other features in Vista are pretty nice for simple use and eye candy (read: inlaws might be able to use it without help)

I think the new home media distribution systems will also hit towards the end of the year, but the only one that had a real product to display at CES (from what I've read) was Monster Cable and you can imagine the cost.

Hi Ben, I've been reading your post to see what's new since the last time I came.
I have 2 questions:

1.- Can you manage Autopatch via IR? If that's possible, then instead of using Autopatch software and having to get out of the MCE interface, I believe you could add IR Commands using software like mControl or Superna and at the same time you are adding home automation controls to your setup. Is this possible?

2.- If I would like to buy a NEW matrix switcher, which are the less expensive but still good hardware to buy?

Thank you!

To answer your first question, the Autopatch models that I've seen so far are serial control only. But as someone suggested if there was a piece of software written for MCE or Windows in general, then THAT part might be made IR controllable... but that's an undertaking

Hey All,

This is a great thread! I have been planning on taking the plunge into a very similar setup that Ben has done here. (I did not think about the Autopatch/serial server combo: Great Job!!)

In simplist form i know i can use my MCE machine in basement theater for all of my media storage (currently doing). Install another networked MCE machine in kitchen with a Lilliput touchscreen (already have this from the carpc).

Here is where it gets interesting!!! At work i have purchased several of the HP t5710 XP embedded thin clients. I have installed several different programs on these machines and for the most part they act just as full XP machines. Is there a way to mod or shrink down MCE to be able to use just the "MCE shell" on such a device? This would be a much simpler/cost effective solution since the units can be had for around 100-200 dollars. I willl be doing more research on these devices and post back here to this thread. There are different models that have PCI slots and can have a higher end graphic card w/tv out added so you could in effect have a set top box solution that runs XPe MCE?!?!?!

Andy

This is exactly what I'm attempting (but I'm using the t5720) and was wondering if you had any success.

Glendor...

1. Yes - have to have some form of amplification. One multi-channel amp could work for a whole house setup.

...

Ben

Great thread, think I've finally found how my whole house audio will work .. And although a multi-channel amp seems best for prepping the signal between the autopatch and the speakers, what alternatives are there to the 12-channel bad boys mentioned in this thread that start at $650? That's probably a reasonable price for what they are, but a WAF killer nonetheless.

Am I stuck scrounging around for POS receivers from friends and family, or is there a cleaner solution?

Thanks guys ..

I found this info in a Microsoft white paper. I would expect that we will see a few very new solutions in 2007 to distributed audio with this new api and a solutoin called Microsoft qWave.

qWave, the network QoS functionality that will be available in the Windows Vista release, addresses home A/V streaming scenarios that involve real-time, high-priority traffic that shares a single network with best-effort, low-priority traffic. These scenarios present challenges for network QoS. The challenges are more critical for scenarios involving home networks that use Wi-Fi technology because of bandwidth, stability, and range limitations in WiFi technology.
qWave provides mechanisms to support home A/V streaming scenarios, such as admission control, packet prioritization, bandwidth measurement, run-time monitoring, enforcement, and feedback that can be used by A/V applications to provide glitch-free play-out to the user. The qWave framework uses standard network Layer 2 technologies with little or no dependency on the network hardware infrastructure. The qWave solution is independent of the physical media type, and therefore will work on every IP-based network, whether it is wired or wireless.
qWave will be integrated with solutions that address other issues for successful A/V streaming in the home. These solutions include transport mechanisms for A/V streaming, such as RTP and RTCP, network diagnostics, troubleshooting, and content discovery and management.

Hello all- I curently am running MCE2005 and I am able to play my music via my xbox360(when i connect my ethernet cord from my router to the xbox) through my living room a/v system. I have all my songs stored on my ZUNe on the computer and I believe thats what it plays through. One problem I am having is that the songs repeat after playing. I have tried just about everything but I can't get it to play the next song. Also, is there a way I can incorporate a touchscreen in my kitchen like on of the othere members had setup? I would only have speakers in my living room, along with my 55" plasma ans speakers on my deck. Would that setup make sense. I think the system also had a serial server and audio patch. I have been reading the threads but am a little confused as to what this actually allows you to do. I would love to have that setup.......my girlfriend might kill me.

Thanks