Did Windows MCE and Lifeware go open source or did I miss something ;-)? Lifeware uses their own completely proprietary software just as Crestron and AMX do. It just happens to use MCE as the interface. Crestron and AMX can also control MCE but allow a custom interface to be created.

I DO understand why you might prefer once approach to the other, but I really wish people would stop misusing the term "proprietary". Life ware is EVERY bit as "proprietary" as Crestrojn and AMX, marketing claims notwithstanding.