MEDIA CENTER SOLUTIONS
Media Convergence was repeated as one of the many catch phrases of the dot-Com era; however media convergence is really a just concept that will always stretch the furthest edges of current technology. That concept being the dream of a way to integrate existing and future entertainment, information, and communication technologies together so that a person can manage it all.
In a song that I wrote back in 1986, I claim, "When technology outstrips people's ability to comprehend it, or fit it into their lives, suddenly people freak out!" I was referring to what I saw as the eventual overrun of "types of technology"; so many different tools and toys that there would never be enough time to even choose amongst them. In a age when most users still look at blinking, unset VCR clocks, rather than learn how to set them, we have now piled four or more boxes next to our TVs, plus the computer, plus the PDA, plus...
A Media Center Solution is an attempt to bring as much of this new technology together into one manageable place. A Media Center is based around a PC and therefore supplies all of the many functions already aggregated into that device, it adds television/cable/satellite reception and PVR (generic Tivo) capabilities, as well as Radio (both terrestrial and Internet), CD and DVD playback and recording with jukebox features and various playback augmentations (EQ, effects, visualizations), and even organize all of the digital images and MP3s we collect into one management interface. One screen, one box, and only one user interface to learn; all accessible by remote control.
Today, you can purchase a PC running Microsoft WindowsXP Media Center Edition and it will provide most if not all of these functions. However, as with many off-the-shelf Windows PCs, these systems are usually filled with stuff that you may not want, and can be difficult to configure and integrate into your existing system; here's where I can help. I have spent the last few years researching and building Media Center PCs and developing multi-media software applications; lately I have turned my efforts towards end-user integration of media center computers into full home entertainment, communications, and information hubs. Working with other contract artisans I am available for consultation and planning, purchasing, and installation of dream systems in San Francisco.
If you would like to know more, or to set up an appointment, please contact me at reese@magichelp.com