We've seen Microsoft's SideShow technology usually in the form of an "Sideshow auxiliary display" on the outside of a sideshow compatible laptop or a wifi photo frame but it turns out that the Microsoft Vista SideShow technology can work very well in other enviroments. Here is a good example of Vista sideshow technology focusing on Home Automation systems. Please note that Lagotek does not make any Sideshow hardware devices, but their system will work with any Sideshow enabled remote controls or any other devices capable of rendering Vista SideShow applications.

Lagotek Debuts Version 3.0 of Its Home Intelligence Platform with Microsoft Windows Vista Media Center Integration and Sideshow Support. According to CE Pro, it looks like Lagotek is the first company to focuse on Vista SideShow technology for Home Automation. Version 3.0 of its new HIP (Home Intelligence Platform) SideShow gadgets adds reach integration with Microsoft's Windows Vista and provide full media center control enabling users to control homes and Entertainment: from the wall-mounted home security system, remote control or a PDA. Version 3.0 is specifically for Vista Media Center Edition and acording to the company, Lagotek does not intend to make its own SideShow-enabled hardware.

Integration with Windows Vista Media Center Lagotek's plug-in module for Media Center allows users to program their home systems using a standard remote control to program many of systems in your home, such as security keypads, multiple lights and climates and other automated functions.

With any SideShow enabled remote, the Lagotek Modes gadget will display all Modes on the screen of the remote control, so the user doesn't need to turn his TV on if all he needs is just to turn the lights on or off. This makes the SideShow enabled Media Center remote - the whole home remote control. Also in Version 3.0 of Lagotek’s HIP, whole home control (including Media Center control) is now possible from a WiFi enabled PDA running Windows CE 5.0.

"These new features give our customers the flexibility to control their homes and entertainment from pretty much any device they want: wall mounted Lagotek Control panel, PDA, regular Media Center remote control, or SideShow enabled remote control," points out Ron Risdon, president of Lagotek.

Current software applications for the HIP platform from Lagotek and its partners include:

• Climate control with multiple zones of heating and air conditioning
• Lighting
• Distributed audio
• Video Monitoring
• Media Center Control
• Irrigation

Many more applications such as security, LED lighting, intercom and many others will be available from Lagotek and its partners in the near future. HIP works with wireless music systems like the Squeezebox, IP-enabled video cameras, and Z-wave lights and thermostats, while Z-wave RF mesh networking and 802.11g keep it all connected. Does a Windows-based operating system belong in an entertainment room? The answer is definitely yes.

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