Microsoft Named Platinum Technology Sponsor for the New American Home 2009

LAS VEGAS — Jan. 20, 2009 — Microsoft Corp. has announced its platinum level sponsorship for the New American Home® 2009 as the house debuts at the 2009 International Builders Show (IBS) in Las Vegas. A reflection of the luxury lifestyle, the New American Home incorporates visionary design that seamlessly integrates the outdoors into the home and state-of-the-art technology demonstrating the power of the connected home using Windows Media Center as the hub of entertainment and home management.



LAS VEGAS — Windows Media Center in the 2009 New American Home

“Microsoft is proud to have Windows Media Center at the core of the connected home technology in this house,” said Kevin Collins, director of the Custom Installer Channel in the Connected TV Business, Entertainment and Devices Division, at Microsoft. “With Windows Media Center, the owners of the home can enjoy high-definition (HD) TV, videos and photos throughout the 11 HD displays in the house; listen to music anywhere on the property; and control all the lighting and security from mobile control devices. This home allows anyone to see how truly integrated a connected home lifestyle can be with shipping products, and provides insight to builders on what they can easily integrate into their customers’ homes.”

Technology

The technology in the New American Home embraces the luxury digital home philosophy through high-end audio and video electronics and whole-home connectivity from some of the leading manufacturers in the industry. Equipment includes the following:

  • 10 LCD 1080p flat panels from Toshiba America Consumer Products LLC

  • 16-zone Grand Concerto multiroom audio system from NuVo Technologies Inc.

  • 40 in-wall and in-ceiling speakers from Paradigm’s AMS and SA Series

  • AVM 50 preamplifier/processor and MCA and PVA Series multichannel amplifiers from Anthem

  • DLA-RS2 1080p HD projector from JVC Worldwide

  • StudioTek 130 G3 projection screen from Stewart Filmscreen Corp.

  • MX-980 and MX-880 remote controls and the MX-3000 color touch screen with the MRF-350 and MRF-260 radio frequency base stations from Universal Remote Control Inc.

  • Life|ware automation software, four Life|point touch panels, one Life|controller automation controller, and two Life|media 450 media servers running Windows Media Center in Windows Vista

All integration, installation and programming of the technology in the New American Home was completed by Salt Lake City, Utah-based company Imperium Smart Systems and its team of professional installers who specialize in Windows Media Center installations. More information is available at http://www.imperiumsmartsystems.com.

About the Home

Each year, the New American Home demonstrates use of innovative building materials, cutting-edge design, and the latest construction techniques, providing production homebuilders with an example for producing more energy-efficient, durable homes without sacrificing style. Sponsored by the National Council of the Housing Industry (NCHI) and built by Las Vegas-based luxury builder Blue Heron, the New American Home is not only the official showcase house of the annual International Builders Show, but is also a for-sale product. The majority of features and innovations in the home are accessible to both builders and consumers for integration into their own homes.

“The New American Home 2009 is the most technologically advanced home in the 26-year history of the series,” said Sandy Dunn, chairman of the board of NAHB and a builder from Point Pleasant, W.V. “The builder — Blue Heron — and the folks at NCHI have all worked very closely with Microsoft to design a home technology system that is truly on the leading edge. This isn’t technology for technology’s sake. This is technology that makes this home more energy-efficient, more user-friendly and more fun.”

Located 15 minutes from the Las Vegas Convention Center and Visitors Authority, and just five minutes from the airport and the Las Vegas Strip, this year’s show home is on a half-acre lot in a neighborhood with an interesting slice of Las Vegas history. Over the years neighbors of the property have included Clark Gable and Carole Lombard, boxers Mike Tyson and Thomas “Hit Man” Hearns, and the Sultan of Brunei.

“The New American Home will serve as the centerpiece to the ultraexclusive Marquis Las Vegas community. Catered toward homeowners who appreciate the bold intersection of architectural advancement and luxury living, these elegant custom homes provide ecologically smart designs and the latest in smart home technology,” said Tyler Jones, a principal of Blue Heron.

The New American Home 2009 will be open for free guided tours during IBS exhibit hours. Free shuttle buses depart every half hour from the Las Vegas Convention Center. Shuttle bus tickets are required and can be picked up during show hours at the New American Home’s booth in “Transportation Central” at the Las Vegas Convention Center. The show will run Jan. 20–23, 2009.

More information on the 2009 New American Home is available at http://www.tnah.com.

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.

Windows Media Center is available in Windows Vista Home Premium and Windows Vista Ultimate. TV playback and recording features require an integrated or external USB TV tuner. Supports up to two TV tuners in all supported regions subject to Windows Vista compatibility with local TV standards; additional DTV/HDTV tuner support is available in the U.S. and South Korea with compatible hardware. To enjoy all the benefits of Windows Media Center, Internet access is recommended; for some features, such as the Microsoft Electronic Programming Guide, it is required. Internet service provider subscription or other service fees may apply. Microsoft Electronic Programming Guide is not available in all regions or countries. DVD burning, TV features and remote control support may vary by manufacturer and/or require additional purchases. Support for the Media Center Extender or Xbox 360 will require a wired or wireless home network and additional compatible networking equipment.

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