The firmware was probably new, because it was shipped that way from Philips.

However, there is one way to find out if the remote was switched or whatever.

Compare the SN number on the remote, to the one of the box.

I personaly haven't taken noticed when I looked at the 3000 a few days ago if the box had a sticker that has the SN number. However, most things like this does now adays. Including my tsu-2000. So I think it would be safe to assume that the 3000 does as well.

Rob