Media Center Integrator Alliance

THE EMERGING MEDIA CENTER ECOSYSTEM

What is the Media Center ecosystem?

The Media Center ecosystem is comprised of powerful, flexible, reliable hardware and software from a large number of manufacturers that span a wide variety of consumer electronics categories. These progressive manufacturers in the CE industry utilize the latest technologies from both the computer and CE industries, such as powerful, energy-efficient graphics cards (GPUs) and processors (CPUs), digital tuners, hard drives, high-speed networking and the latest in A/V technology, to create a range of products that reside in the Media Center ecosystem. These products include media servers, extender devices, mobile internet devices, security devices, PCs, thermostats, lighting control and high-definition digital content to bring the ecosystem to life. The number of these products continues to expand every year, not only in terms of new models but also in terms of new categories.

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What can Integrators do?

By assembling the right Media Center products and applications, integrators can fully serve the entertainment and automation needs of any residential or commercial installation. Media Center ecosystem products can be integrated into a complete system solution that exceeds the expectations of the end user and can be managed simply by the integrator and manufacturer. For the integrator, the Media Center ecosystem offers simple installation, flexible design options and easy expansion. The integrator gains a stable, robust, scalable and price-competitive platform upon which to innovate, solve problems, and build new business in a competitive and challenging economic environment.

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The solution...

Thanks to the efforts of MCIA manufacturers and integrators, consumers are no longer faced with having to deal with different user interfaces controlled by different remote controls on different inputs. The end user is shielded completely from the underlying complexity of the Media Center-powered solution. Instead, the end user can simply and conveniently access all of their digital content through the sleek, user-friendly Media Center interface on any HDTV, via wall-mounted touch screens, and through various other devices from any room of their home. The Media Center platform simplifies and streamlines the end user's digital lifestyle, bringing together many forms of digital content (TV, videos, photos, music) with all home automation applications into one easily-accessible, ubiquitous central interface that is available on a variety of displays throughout the home.

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How is MCIA Involved?

Through MCIA, the industry now has a central point of research, reference, cooperation and feedback to expand the Media Center ecosystem, along with a significant and growing knowledge base on how to integrate Media Center most effectively into any residential or commercial scenario.