Microsoft just announced that they will be holding a contest to find the most creative home theator setup that incorporates Windows Media Center. Here is a quote from the site.

“Microsoft is looking for the finest and most creative installation utilizing Windows Media Center in a residential system. Submit your best Windows Media Center project for the opportunity to win a vacation for two and visit to the Microsoft campus as well as recognition for as the design and installation firm who built the Ultimate Media Center Install!”

The contest Began on March 13th 2008 and will stop accepting entries on August 1st 2008. They are looking for businesses that incorporates the best custom home theator solution in a customers house. Here are some of the judging criteria.

• Use of Windows Media Center as primary user interface (UI) for media consumption in room or system (depending on scope of install)
• Use of Windows Media Center experiences (e.g., television, music, video, pictures, DVD library, etc.)
• Integration with other, non-PC consumer electronics devices
• Technical merit
• Creativity and originality

And the best part, there are tons of great prizes to be won! Here are some of them.

• An all-expense paid trip for one to CEDIA Expo 2008 in Denver, Colorado, including round-trip airfare, 3-night hotel accommodation in Denver, and participation in a Press Cocktail event announcing the winner
• A trip for 2 to Microsoft, round-trip airfare, 2-night hotel accommodation at the Bellevue Westin and a special VIP day at Microsoft that includes a $1000 cash, a visit to the Microsoft eHome Custom Install (CI) demo room, time with the eHome team focused on the CI channel, and a private tour of the Microsoft MSHome.
• A full-day photo shoot to have professional photographs taken of your winning solution
• A story featuring your entry, interview, and pictures from the photo shoot posted on the CE Installer website
• A Technology Appreciation Package for the homeowner provided by Microsoft that consists of:
  • Xbox360 Elite video game and entertainment system
  • 4 Black Xbox360 Wireless Controllers
  • 1 Xbox360 Media Center Remote
  • 1 Year Xbox Live Subscription
  • 4 Xbox360 Game Titles (actual titles to be determined by sponsor)
  • 1 80GB Zune, 1 8GB Zune, and a Zune Home AV Kit

So if your an owner of a company that does these sort of custom solutions, head over to Microsoft and submit an entry. I wonder if I could tell them that I’m a company who did a custom solution for myself and send snapshots of my setup…