Current firmware and PEP2 software is available right here on Remote Central in the files section.

Let's be real though, this is not a consumer friendly remote like a Logitech. It has much more capability - and that capability comes with a learning curve. I see some questions asked here that are just plain stupid and you know by the question that the user should not be undertaking this remote by themselves. I have no problems with Philips keeping access to software/support limited to certified/tested people.

What I do have a problem with though is that they just pulled access to the the site from the people that in fact did get certified and demonstrated that they are capable of programming the remotes. The reason these people bought the Pronto remotes and took tests was so that they could be in control of their A/V or automation programming. You can bet that the vast majority of these folks would NOT have purchased the Pronto if they had to rely on a reseller or integrator to set it up for them.

Heck, I'll bet that there are MANY folks on these forums that know more about these remotes than MANY of the integrators out there. I will also go so far to say that there are probably MANY integrators that pick up system configurations and code examples from the capable users of this site. I know for a fact that there are MANY integrators using my simulator mod.

If Philips is trying to create a model for the "Value Added Reseller", they need to realize that the community here and the market of the VAR are mutually exclusive. (Look at HAI and ELK as prime examples of this.) Support the technically capable end users and both groups benefit.

Eleson

I think Jon just means that a user should only have access to the material that suits their level.


e.g.

All users: Should have acccess to PEP, the FW and the manuals etc.

Level 1: material that suits their level plus material that will help them on their way to Level 2.

Level 2: material that suits their level plus material that will help them on their way to Level 3.

Level 3: Full access.


Something along these lines. The example is really what the old setup was, and why not? If it 'aint broke...

This new 'registration code' idea does smell a bit like a marketing ploy, to find out how many users/owners are out there. Not unlike the 'Cars.zip' project. Yeah, you can download it, but you need to contact sales/dealer to get the zip password. What's that all about?

Barry, I hope Philips listens, and they come through for all us enthusiasts.

Just to get things clearer. Seems they revoked all passes, not just of some hobbyists. I don't own a Pronto, I work with them at work and my login got revoked too.

So just take a deep breath and let's see how this sorts out. Even without the PEP3 the pronto is a great gadget, but I agree that older releases should still be available to the general public, because those were th terms when people bought their pronto's. That's what my distributor advocated to me when we were deciding, anyway.

I just hope they don't plan on cutting off the community, because without Barry, Lyndel, Jon and other people the Pronto would not be what it is. I believe many professionals look here when something isn's working as it should be, but they never post.

So let's wait and see.

This thinking from Philips making us customers only upset. And if they continue with this idea, it will maybe lead to people start uploading scripts etc thru torrents sites. Is this what Philips want? At this way they can't control at all who is using what no matter what level they are certified. I think everyone knows how Apple, movies, music etc beeing hacked and provieds to everyone thru torrents services and other file shariing. For myself I never tried the test for level 2, cause this was something I was waiting for for my bigger upcoming project. Iwas was satificied what my first project on my 9600. But next year I wanted to make it on a whole new level and layout.

But Philips, I've not so much more to say to you're dessicion...

That works, even if it a funny twist that the hobbists that just got cut off will be the ones providing the Sw for download.


I agree, and as being an amateur I understand that I should be grateful for any possible support I get. However, closing down access to SW download is another matter.


Agree

...

I think that anger is a valid response. The URC debacle ensured that I will *never* buy a product of theirs again, and in fact, led to buying my TSU9400. What's the rationale for treating customers this way? They're not somehow believing that I'll see the light, and immediately spend $2000 on replacing the config I've spent years happily tweaking and designing - they can't be that stupid, surely?

I should note, that I'm heavily self-censoring this post, in the interests of being polite. It really isn't how I'm feeling.

gdsna, What do you disagree with? That I contacted Philips and discussed the issue with them? Its obvious you do not like what they did and neither do I. But I am doing something positive about it beyond ranting.

I do recognize I have a different working relationship with Philips than most others on this forum. I also understand the anger/frustration being expressed. I do believe Philips will come around. It is in their best interest to do so.

Sincerely hope you will succeed Barry, I'm still enjoying my Pronto but I'm currently not proud to be Dutch as this action from Philips really.....

Ditto for me. Let's hope Philips has more sense.

And thanks Barry for spearheading an effort to enlighten the Pronto Team.

I am pretty much in the same situation. It looks like the last Philips product I will be buying (I have a 9400). Even jumping through the hoops to get Level 2 just to get support was annoying. If they do not want customers, then so be it.

Barry, I'm sure everyone here very much appreciates any influence you may have in discussing this situation with Philips. However, there is benefit to the ranting. How else would Philips know how upset the community is?

The way I see it, there are only 2 ways to let Philips know your displeasure:
1 - Be vocal and let them know how you feel (be civil).
2 - Don't buy their products or support them.

Obviously, option #1 is easier and has the potential to bring about a solution to prevent option #2. I don't think anyone really wants option #2.

Don't blame the Dutch. The pronto's are developed in Belgium. Maybe they act like this because of the current goverment crisis there :)

And yes as a dutchman, i'm not happy about this.

I hope Barry is able to make headway with Philips but if he is not able to... what other remotes are out there that support the hobbiest? I don't think I could survive with a dumbed down logitech.

-Aaron
L2 certified
2nd Pronto

As with everyone else, many thanks to Barry for trying to help us out here. I appreciate in general the approach that's being taken by the professionals involved - everyone trying to work together as best we can is nice.

That certainly would be great. However, considering that this is the Philips we are talking about, I would assume that the decision to remove the access to the Professional Area was neither random nor impulsive. Somehow I suspect that they know what they are doing and they are prepared and willing to deal with the consequences.

Hence, I would not count on them questioning their own decision based on the feedback from a small subset of customers.

I, of course, don't have the numbers, but if the majority of the pronto revenue is generated in the network of professional installers, Philips will not change a thing to make the DIY-ers and alikes happy again.