Autonomic

North Salem, NY – June 1, 2006

Autonomic Controls, Inc. has announced a release date of June 19th for a two-way control protocol server for Microsoft Windows Media Center Edition PCs (MCE Server). MCE server is intended for professional A/V integrators who desire to utilize an MCE computer as a facility-wide media server with two-way control via remote touchpanels.

Overview

The Autonomic Home MCE Server is a software application which, when installed on a computer running Microsoft Windows XP with Media Center 2005 or any version Microsoft Windows Vista, will provide real-time, remote, two-way communications with the Media Center interface.

This product is intended for use by professional audio/video installers and integrators using a third-party control system or software capable of two-way TCP/IP communications with remote devices. The software provides feedback and control of audio, video, live and recorded television, internet and FM radio, photos (slideshows), and more.

Two-way control of Media Center functionality can be achieved via wireless or in-wall touchpanels, web pages, or other interface options depending on the control system or software used.

Residential installers can utilize MCE Server on a Windows Media Center PC to provide a cost-effective yet hyper-functional whole house Media Server for use in multi-zone audio applications with a robust interface for browsing and managing MCE's media library. The photo slideshow capabilities can be used to provide virtual artwork functionality for plasma and LCD displays.

System feedback can be provided or solicited by the control system through the Media Center interface by using the messaging capabilities of Autonomic MCE Server to post messages to the Media Center 10 interface such as caller ID, alarm zone status changes, or other events, and ask the user simple, multiple-choice questions which are presented using standard Media Center dialog boxes.

Commercial applications include jukebox functionality for bars/restaurants, theme park or museum audio/video playback control, public space dynamic video loops, kiosk control, or photo/video display ad servers.

Features

Two way TCP-IP control

The MCE Server provides real-time feedback and media control for almost all functions of an MCE Computer using a robust, two-way TCP-IP communications protocol. A control system client can manipulate the transport, navigation and media library features of MCE through a local area network or remotely through the internet.

Multiple Instances and Media Center Extenders

Multiple instances (user sessions) can be browsed and controlled including those sessions belonging to Media Center Extenders. A network consisting of a Media Center Computer and multiple extender devices can all be controlled through the same server instance residing on the host MCE computer. This is extremely valuable for multi-zone, multi-room applications. Since each user instance on an MCE computer can maintain an individual media library, personalized media collections can be maintained and accessed by end users.

Rich Media Library Browsing and Queue Management

MCE Server provides a rich interface for browsing and searching the MCE computerís media library by genre, album, artist, playlist, or title. Media can be randomly accessed for instant playback or added to the play-queue at any level. (i.e., the command "PlayGenre 'Jazz' Queue=True" will add all jazz titles in the media library to the queue without interrupting the currently played media).

Media Information Feedback

MCE Server can provide a control system with metadata for music, video, DVD, and television media such as album, artist, title, duration, genre, release date, composer, chapter, director, rating, channel, station id, program guide title and more.

Transport Control

Command and receive feedback for play, pause, stop, skip next, skip previous, random (shuffle) and repeat transport controls.

IR-Remote Control Emulation

Command the server to issue any IR command available on the MCE Remote Control.

MCE Interface Navigation

Control systems can command MCE Server to randomly access most areas of the MCE Interface. Commands are available for direct navigation to Start, MyMusic, Music Albums, Music Artists, My Pictures, My TV, Recorded TV, start a Slideshow and many more. Refer to the MCE Server TCP-IP Protocol document for a complete list.

Real-Time Events

MCE Clients can issue a command to the server to subscribe to real-time events within the MCE interface. These events can be used for real time touch-screen feedback, even when the user is interfacing directly with the MCE box. Events are sent for transport controls, navigation, start-up and shutdown and more.

MCE Server Beta Program

The MCE Server will be released in June 2006. Autonomic Controls, Inc. is currently seeking qualified OEMs and integrators to participate in our beta testing program. If you would like to be included, please complete the MCE Server Beta-Tester Application.

If you would like to receive more information about the MCE server product and receive notification upon its release, visit www.autonomic-controls.com or e-mail information@autonomic-controls.com.

Autonomic Controls, Inc. creates technology for today and tomorrow's digital home and business. The company is focused on extending functionality of Microsoft Media Center hardware and software to interact with real time control and automation systems, remote controls and automation software. Products under development include the Autonomic MCE Server, the Autonomic Control System Interface, and other technologies. Autonomic is based in North Salem, NY. For more information on MCE Server, the Autonomic Control System or other inquiries, please send e-mail to information@autonomic-controls.com.

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