SERVERS

Microsoft has finally broken through with its Media Center Edition (MCE) as a viable, affordable server solution. MCE navigation screens and sounds were commonplace around the show floor - and most important, I didn't see anyone needing to reboot! Lots of excitement and speculation surround the upcoming Vista operating system, which will incorporate HD DVD functions.

• The most intriguing MCE demonstration was in Exceptional Innovation's Lifeware house, where it was used as a complete house-wide control and distribution solution, interfacing with lighting, HVAC, security, and other subsystems. Most impressive were the Lifepoint 720p in-wall touchpanel controllers (8.9-inch screen, $6,000; 12.1-inch screen, $7,000) and the Lifevision digital TV server ($6,000), which offers four analog or digital TV channels with full DVR control. All will be available in December.

• Managing thousands of CDs can be a chore, but newcomer Sooloos has developed a super-cool interface that provides more metadata and tools to browse your collection. Plus, the cost of importing all your music is included with the system. A single-source, 1-terabyte setup with fully mirrored drives and the gorgeous Control:One touchpanel will sell for around $12,000.

• ReQuest's new iQ Intelligent Music System takes its server-based distribution system to every room of your home. The iQ line will include servers in multiple capacities, a 16-channel x 80-watt power amplifier, and a multiroom AM/FM/XM tuner, as well as wired and wireless touchscreen controls. Due in November, the system features an upgraded interface and will sell for less than $10,000, including server, amplification, and touchpanels.

• Escient launched its next-gen FireBall media-management products with the MX-Series. The 160-GB MX-111 ($1,999), 500-GB MX-531 ($3,999), and 750-GB mac-daddy MX-752 ($5,999) all combine hard-disk storage with DVD/CD-changer management. Escient also showed its FP-1 iPod solution (November, $599) to seamlessly integrate your Pod with the company's slick interface. (Could the FP stand for FirePod?)