When I state "media management"it is by far the best, I am referencing it being the best all in one, i agree that kaliedescape is a very nice DVD system, the price is signfigantly more, i also have had previous Request experience, good product as well, but stand alone. I would also challenge how service comes into play. With the above systems remote diagnoses, remote media management, and training is impossible. With MCE you could have a box in your living room right now and i could remote in and build you a playlist, start a movie, or have you wake up to my favorite music.

As far as touchpanels are concerned, I am running the Samsung Q1 in my home, you can buy it for under 1K and it does a great job, you will start to see a lot of readily available panels for the platform, profitability does come into the scenario, but adding lifeware client app to a Samsung Q1 adds you some high margin high function secret sauce that the homeowner can't shop.