I find the new TSU-9600 very attractive with its VGA-resolution screen. However, I wonder if there is really that much more to it for someone who does not need the RF extension ability. What else has it got that the TSU-7500 or Marantz RC-9500 don't have? I am about to upgrade my old "green-and-black" RC-5200 and just don't know if the TSU-9600 is really worth it. Is it? What wouldn't I get with the TSU-7500/RC-9500 or the URC MX-3000 for that matter? Thanks.

64MB of memory
More Hard Buttons (New Power Hard Button & Page Up,Page Down are now programmable)
Screen with pixel density 4x the size of the NG screen
Landscape screen 640x480, not a portrait screen of 240x320
The ability to play WAV files
More solid IR learning capabilities
The ability to interface with Escient Music Servers
The ability to interface with Lutron Lighting Systems
Better backlight control (user can control which things activate the backlight)
USB 2.0 compliance

Both the software and manuals are available for download. You should try it out before you buy.

You might also want to read the Cedia Notes posted to the left under What's New.

[Link: remotecentral.com]

Lyndel, you forgot the 5th firm key button.

Sylvain, the extender is WiFi not plain RF.

Peter,

Thanks for the catch. Did you ever get your AU power supply?

Yes, I finally found a store that sold an equivalent. It is an uncommon rating - 5V, 2A.

Let's not also forget these things...
The TSU9600 displays the pressed state a given button until the action list for said button has been fully executed. This is huge! Special actions can also be included in macros and the browse backwards stack is not cleared when accessing the "Settings Pages", then exiting back out again. These things are not offered by the Pronto NG line, but have been on everyones wish lists for some time.

Lyndel, thanks for the exhaustive list. I have read most of the stuff you referred to in your post and even downloaded the "ProntoEdit Professional Software" manual and the HiDef CEDIA Expo 2006 Video Clip to watch it on the computer.

However, I am still undecisive and concerned about the 9600 "form factor". I would assume that it really takes two hands to operate the TSU-9600. How do people like that? I have played with the (somewhat) similarly shaped MX-3000 in a store and was not sure about the two-hands feeling (the TSU-7500/RC-9500 with buttons on the right edge can be operated with one hand).

While I have you reading this, I would like to ask about one feature of the 9600 which could make a difference for me: has it got a good codes library? The Marantz does not have much other than Marantz equipment codes and, while learning has worked for me over the years, I am wondering if a good code library would be convenient. Any thoughts?

Thanks.

Peter, I have a question about the WiFi link. I was all excited when I read about that WiFi link (doesn't take me much obviously). I thought one could do all sorts of stuff between the computer and the 9600 through the WiFi link.

However, I am now under the impression that the WiFi link only serves to extend the remote's reach (into another room). Is this true or can the WiFi link be used for more? (like remote programming and streaming audio like the 9800)

Thanks.

I know it doesn't support it now, but is there any possibility that the 9600 might, in the future, offer the ability to query devices' RS-232 ports (i.e. 2 way communication)? I've got 4 devices with RS-232 that all support queries, and this feature would make the 9600 much more attractive and a must have for me (well, it seems quite nice now, but as you know, programming a new Pronto remote always takes a lot of time for us Pronto addicts, so not sure if I want to jump in just yet...).

Regarding the two-handed question: to me that's the only down-side. I played with the 9600 a bunch of times at CEDIA and it is definitely not a one-handed device.

The high-rez screen is gorgeous though.

Dawn

I agree with Dawn. The two-handed approach takes some getting used to. The screen is awesome.

One note about the screen. The 640x480 res makes all of the previous art icons in the files sections almost obselete as they are too small on this screen.

Dave

The WiFi is used to extend the reach to an other room or to the other side of the planet.

Using the advanced extender you also get RS232, power sensing and relays.

I did not use the factory database all that much but it would appear that there were bunches of things there.

Lyndel / Peter / Dave / Dawn,

Thanks for the feedback, it is much appreciated.

As my own conclusion/follow-up on my questions, two-handed operation is something to think about or preferably to be tried before buying (would anyone have experience with the MX-3000? Must be similar I would think). WiFi is of no use for a basic infrared operation within the same room as the equipment to be controlled. And factory code database is likely a + for the 9600 but there is little info about it so far.

Comparing the 7000 with the 9600, there is not much difference. If you are going to pick it up and press buttons, you really need two hands with either model.

If you leave it on the coffee table and just press buttons without picking it up, then the 9600 is much easier to use. It is so much easier to find and press the volume button. I can't see the 7000 screen at a low angle but I can see the 9600 properly.

If you operate the 9600 while it is on its stand it is even easier again.