Connecting all your media, lighting, security systems and even your washing machine was the theme of this year's Nexgen Home, where the new addition is Windows Vista and Lifeware 2.0 software.

The extra convenience is Vista's native support of WSD (Web Services for Devices), which amounts to USB on Ethernet for plug-and play ease of connecting devices to the system. The standard is growing, where there are now 31 manufacturers and 171 devices supporting it so far.

Plus, Vista now supports CableCard, letting you receive HD signals in one place and distribute that content throughout your house with a server-based infrastructure. Check out all the coolness in this gallery
– Charlie White, Photos by Matt Buchanan

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