I need to identify an IR remote with software that will let me create it's functionality from the ground up.  We're using the NEC 38 kHz protocol.

I have some experience with a Pronto TSU9200.  It and the sofware do the required job, but it is pricey, and the UI is clunky, and counter-intuitive.

Harmaony remotes, like the H520, seem to require another remote to learn from.  It works, but is not a suitable alternative for customers that don't want to buy a Pronto so that the Harmony can learn from it.  I have a tantilizing clue that there is something called a "Level II(2) Agent" which might have access to software that will program one or more members of the Logitech line from scratch.  Anybody know anything about that?

Finally URC is being a giant pain, by requiring me to jump through hoops to get access to their CCP software via a distributor or sales reps who are only too happy to pass the buck if you're not a cuurent account.

Is there a sane manufacturer that says, here is a "blank slate" remote control with hard and soft buttons, and here is a piece of software to download stuff to the remote, so go knock yourself out -- kid!

It doesn't seem like there is, but hope springs eternal

URC hasn't required you to jump thru anything. You have chosen to circumvent a companies policy. Any hoops you experience were created by you.

Philips pronto has software available online for anyone to download. Their products can be purchased from multiple places on the web. As far as i know this is the only manufacturer that has professional capabilities and a consumer friendly software policy.

I'm confused. It's your intention to (possibly) buy a URC remote from a Disty or rep, and they won't give you a registration code to access the software? That's just not right...

Or

Your an end-user who wants to buy a URC remote, and you are reaching out to a Disty or rep who won't give you access because you are not a Pro? If this is the case, buy your URC remote from an authorized URC DEALER who will agree to pass over the software on a CD.

If the URC WISHES to.... A URC dealer is not obligated in any official way to provide you with software. Support and warranty are a different story.

I'm not trying to circumvent anything.  It is my intention to ivestigate various alternative universal remotes so that we can recommend to our customers and distributors which of the possible universal remotes they might want to consider to take advantage of new commands that have been integrated into our product line.

Subsequent to my original post I was contacted by URC and I have the access to the CCP that I requested.  It still relies on standard codeset databases and learning from an existing remote.  The version that I examined was for the MX-3000.  It comes close, but does not entirely meet my needs as a development engineer.

Logitech is happy to take our specs and update their web interface, but that does not entirely meet my needs either.

It would of course be trivial to implement the device that I need, but who has time to reinvent the wheel.  I'd much prefer to use COTS(Commercial Off the Shelf) technology.

If a Pronto is the only answer, then that was the information I was looking for.

BTW I kind of impressed with your rude snarkiness in questioning my motives.  You guys must be experts at winning friends and influencing people.  Have some nice lives y'all

So you are an electronics device manufacturer looking for a remote to operate your equipment, or looking for a remote manufacturer capable of including your codeset in their database, correct?

What set me off was your assumption that URC is making you jump thru hoops. That statement in your original post was rather rude and snarky. Its ok for you to question URC's motives but not ok for me to question yours? Are you the pot or the kettle?

I still dont understand who you are or what you are looking for.

Are you a hardware vendor looking to package an existing off the shelf remote with your product?

Are you an end user who wants to control his home theater?

Are you a custom isntaller who wants to control a clients home theater?

All of the remotes mentioned on this forum can be considered 'blank slate'. When you have time maybe you can add a few more details about what your trying to do.

this is what he represents  http://www.wadia.com/

if his email address is any indication anyways...

If you're trying to generate IR codes from scratch, Pronto Hex is one of the few semi-industry standards, and is obviously most compatible with Pronto remotes. However because it is so commonplace, other brands such as RTI and URC do allow you to import these hex codes, so your only challenge is creating them in the first place (however there are documents and generation tools that can help with this).

We have existing products.  We have existing remotes with fixed non-programmable remote command sets.  We have recently added new features to some existing products.  The lead time for producing new fixed remotes is long enough that an interim programmable solution seems practical.

URC, on their website says explicitly that you must go through their reps or distributors in order to gain access to their tools.  When I tired to exercise that channel the "representative" threw up the roadblocks.  He did agree to contact URC on my behalf which he did.  Subsequent to the contact with the representative I posted to this forum and later was contacted by URC directly.  I am entirely satisfied with URC's ultimate response, but their tools are still unsuitable because they would still require a unit to be preconfigured from a Pronto which at the moment is the ONLY unit capable of generating the new IR commands we have added to our products.

Let me be perfectly clear.  URC and any other manufacturer can conduct its business in any way that they see fit.  The "rude snarkiness" came from other forum members in responses to my original post.  URC can include or exclude any segment of the industry they see fit.  At the same time I feel that I am entirely free to report my observations as I see them at the time.  The community is entirely justified in observing and opining on things they see and hear.  None of this is personal, its just business.

Clearly I have already generated the codes for the Pronto.  I did this with a Python Script, and the Pronto works well.  If these codes can be imported by a URC device or by a Harmony device it was not evident to me.  I'm not familiar with RTI, did I overlook something?

How is it exactly that you can see my email address?  I'm just curious because I can't see yours.

Select "View Profile".

So you have HEX codes available for these "new" products? I'm sure they would love to get your code. I would send a RC mail, but it's disabled.

Almost.  I have a document that describes the existing command sets, and adds the description of the "new" commands that have been added into certain existing products.  The document includes the Pronto Programming strings.

Thanks for the heads up on the View Profile Button, RC mail is now enabled, and I'll email a copy of the document upon request.