Comprehensive Media Center Training To Debut At Ehx Spring 2008

Electronic House Expo (EHX) today announced a comprehensive new two-day conference program, Media Center University (MCU). This how-to training series will focus on the technical and management keys to success with media center implementation - a core product discipline of the custom electronics integration business. Sponsored and developed by Exceptional Innovation and Microsoft, MCU will run March 11-12 at EHX Spring 2008, held March 11-15 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida.

Leading supplier technologists will teach MCU courses with contributions from integrators who have pioneered the media center platform. Attendees will learn from the instructors and panelists, but also from peers in the audience who understand the emerging importance of this platform.

Day One of the program will provide coursework in preparation for the soon-to-be-available industry certification, Digital Home Technology Specialist in Media Centers, which MCU sponsors.

Day One: Media Center 101

* Segment 1: Optimizing Media Centers for Entertainment & Networking
Tuesday, March 11, 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
This session discusses the elements of a Media Center, and how to make it work well in home theater and whole-house applications. It also reviews the traits and capabilities of Media Centers that are preconfigured for application in the custom environment.


* Segment 2: Whole-House Integration of Media Center Systems
Tuesday, March 11, 1:30-4:30 p.m.
Media Centers offer a variety for whole-house music and automation. This session addresses key hardware and software issues for creating and supporting an integrated system.

Day Two: Media Center Business Fundamentals & Tech Enthusiast Workshops

* Segment 3: Media Center Content, Services & Business Opportunities
Wednesday, March 12, 9:30a.m. -12:30 p.m.
Attendees will learn successful sales, support and pricing models from integrators and look at online products and services that can benefit customers and aid the bottom line.

* Segment 4: Media Center Tech Enthusiast Workshop
Wednesday, March 12, 2-5 p.m.
The first half of this session features presentations from the proprietors and hosts of the popular media center tech forum, The Green Button. Part two mixes Green Button enthusiasts and MCU sponsor representatives and attendees in roundtables to workshop the unanswered challenges and report on likely fixes and paths to finding ultimate solutions. All of the segments proceedings will be captured in a transcript available to attendees.


EHX expects to draw some 10,000 attendees, attracting the most successful custom electronics professionals as well as custom retailers, computer VARs, systems integrators, electrical contractors and builders all seeking new products and solutions for their custom electronics businesses. EHX focuses on the broad market of CE integration and retailing, and brings insight into the latest trends and innovations that drive the industry.

The exhibit floor features Platinum Sponsor – Life|Ware from Exceptional Innovations, Gold Sponsor – Square D/Clipsal, and Silver Sponsors – Colorado vNet, ELAN/HomeLogic, Russound, Superna, Universal Remote Control. These companies will join over 300 exhibiting companies on the Expo Floor who will showcase thousands of new products, tools, and solutions for every aspect of the CE industry, including Audio/Video Entertainment; Networking and Digital Convergence; Comfort and Control; and Electrical and Security.

Access to Media Center University is available with the full MCU program packages or single segment selections. Registration is open at www.ehxweb.com or by calling 800-315-1581.