For me:
1.
Whole house media network -- Very important, however this
MUST include multi-client editing
4.
Open the MC database to a coalition of software companies -- RockBox, foobar, MP3 tagger, dbPowerAmp, Zoom Player, etc. Sounds like a great idea, though I'd like to know more about what you're thinking in this regard. If you open the DB, will it mean people wont use MC if they can get a free player?
5.
Database as a hub for developers (similar to #4, but oriented more toward individual developers). Sounds good, again, I'd like to know more.
6.
MC Market -- a list of vendors who provide add-ons and a way for them to get paid with MC one click I'd say this is a must in the current climate. iTunes Store, AppStore, Microsoft Market Place... it's where everyone is going...
7.
Contacts and other amorphous information organization -- may need to be done as a new program I like it. It should interface with MC however for a seamless environment.
Regarding Leezer's points...
1.
Theatre view must be opened up for third party plugins. This is imperative. I agree that it will likely attract customers. Hopefully vendors too... I have a Xonar soundcard that comes with an MCE plugin, I'd love for it to be able to work under MC as well (even via an MCE plugin wrapper)
3.
I'm still looking for multiple images per file This sounds like a common and reasonable request.
4.
Finally, the pet wish of many of us- A relational database I'm keen on this so long as the performance and overall functionality are maintained.
You dont mention linux or Mac... I know you've gone away from MS based controls, but are still heavily reliant on directX - where does that position you in terms of cross platform? Is it something you are even considering?
I'd like to see:
1. More TouchScreen support. My wife just got a HP TouchSmart TX2, and while MC Theater View can function on it, it is by no means a nice system - I will post more on that this weekend. The included software is much nicer to use than MC on the touch screen.
2. Intelligent multi-display support. I've posted on this before, and I know you've seen it
This can tie in with the touch screen support for touch based HTPC boxes.
3. A more flexible Theater View skinning system. While MC allows some flexibility in it's Theater View skins, it does not allow anywhere near the complete look and feel changes that other skinning engines can. (I cannot comment on their ease of skinning however). Note that I am not suggesting changes to the navigation system as such.
4. Vendor engagement. I'd love to see MC shipping with hardware/software. It'd be ideal for certain editing apps as a library manager for them, and there's more HTPC stuff going out, why not try and get MC bundled with some of the better systems?
5. Device support. I think you really have to get the iPhone support happening - even if it's via iTunes. A library sync to iTunes would be a great start. the new Zune's on the way .. let see if anything's possible with that. Ultimately, managing a media library is wonderful, but if you cant get it onto the devices you want, pointless.
6. Performer MC and MC = one product.
C.