When is a PVR is more than a PVR?
One of the nice things about Windows XP Media Center Edition is the fact that various plugins are so widely available. These plugins can perform a wide range of functions, such as gathering local weather info or maybe show times for the movie theatre down the street.
With all of that, I’d like to mention the Harmony plugin. The Harmony plugin is a bit unique in the sense that it adds a new dimension to your PVR / DVR: it allows you to control many aspects of your home, such as heating, lighting, blinds or even security cameras. Just imagine being able to watch TV and without getting up you can dim the lights & close the blinds. Ah, home automation … not quite something you’ll get with your TiVo (and least not yet).
Obviously it’s not quite as simple as installing the MCE plugin and having it work, but you can find more details at the iDomus web page.
Found via Automated Home.
Technorati Tags: PVR, DVR, MCE, MCE Plugins, Home Automation
[...] While I understand that his comments are really focused more on the mainstream, I still think that he is underestimating the potential that all of these forces play in driving consumer adoption of the digital home. For the time being consumers might not be aware of all of their options, but with the TiVo series 3 coming out and the growing popularity for things like Microsoft’s Media Center plugin, Harmony, which lets you control security cameras, heating, lighting, etc., I can’t help but think that the digital home is going to be here a lot sooner then a decade from now. [...]