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Need Some Input
This thread has 15 replies. Displaying all posts.
Post 1 made on Tuesday September 14, 2004 at 19:32
ScottK34
Lurking Member
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September 2004
2
Hello there.....

Been reading through this board for a while now and I am definitely in need of some input from you, the already-Pronto-owning crowd. This is my first post, and although I have been doing my research, I am still quite a novice when it comes to these fancy remote controls. I am currently in the market for a new remote to control the basic home theater (TV, DVD, Amp, etc.) and, moving forward, perhaps a little home automation as well. I simply love the fact that these remotes can be programmed and customized to my liking. The iPronto obviously has all the "cool" factor that anyone needs in their living room, but I have noticed many what I will call "less than favorable" comments about the iPronto. Given what you all know about the iPronto, is it worth it? And I'm not asking necessarily about the money. Do you find that you actually use the web browsing and tv guide, or would I be better off saving a few hundred bucks and just going with the TSU7000? I'm really most inerested in the customization aspect as well as finding a unit that will actually control my gear well. Any input you're willing to provide would be most appreciated! Thanks in advance.
Post 2 made on Tuesday September 14, 2004 at 22:39
VeniceDre
Long Time Member
Joined:
Posts:
December 2003
19
I've been an Ipronto owner for about 9 months now... At the point I came in the firmware had been updated to a very stable version. Subsequent updates have increased this reliability... I've only had the remote crash on me twice in the last 3 months (fixed by reboot) ... And I use it heavily on a daily basis. The intial selling point for me was the large color screen size... I have big hands...

I have to say I am extremely pleased with my Ipronto. I have a rather large custom ICF of about 7.2 MB. The remote runs my lighting, as well as my system composed of a Sony HDTV, HD DirecTV Tivo, Denon receiver, Laserdisc, SVHS, DVHS, 2 Zektor Component switchers, Pioneer DVD-A/SACD player, 6 casssette changer, and has direct access to 3 Sony 400 DVD megachangers and a 400 CD megachanger via beautiful color thumbnails. I'm running lots of macros and the remote never hiccups. It has been great!

I occassionally use the browser when I want to check email without getting up and rarely ust the EPG guide (usually just showing it off)... I have DirecTV so I mainly rely on it's onscreen guide.

If you take your time creating your ICF and make sure you have no bad codes or jumps you'll have no problems. I love it! If it was my choice i'd spend the extra couple hundred for the much larger screen size. To be honest I still prefer the 2000/6000 handheld series over the newer ones. They handle falls alot better.
Post 3 made on Wednesday September 15, 2004 at 05:32
Goshdarnit
Long Time Member
Joined:
Posts:
February 2003
186
Hi. I have had mine about a month or so now. I find it to be the best remote around for what I need. My system is complex, with a Plasma screen only in the lounge and a cinema room with projector and all the AV equipment. The iPronto is great because the screen size allows more buttons than the small screen prontos. I found on my old pronto that I was having to make buttons incredibly small just to fit everything on screen, and also that I was having to remove functions because it was low on memory. The programmability means that my girflriend doesn't have to think about the fact that the volume is controlled by the receiver while video comes from the Tivo and the projector controls the picture! It all just happens. In other words, a high GAF! Also, the NetX makes the control of items in another room or a cabinet very easy with a minimal amount of clutter. NetX is truly an elegant solution to this one.

I find myself using the EPG a lot. It is useful for scanning what is on. I find it quicker to use for that than the Tivo menu, but it could do with some tweaking and streamlining. What it is not good for is planning your viewing ahead, as it is far too awkward to use for that purpose. I'm in the UK, and it's worth noting that not EVERY channel is in the EPG. I think pretty much all of them are there, but it doesn't have the "+1 hour" channels, such as UKGold+1 etc. As for internet, I find myself using it a fair amount. Not loads, but it comes in handy. I like it when you see an advert with an interesting website, as you can go and look without having to go to another room, and before you forget the website.

All in all, I'd recommend it, especially with the latest upgrade. The remote works well, now that the reboot issue seems to have been solved on mine (fingers crossed) and has easily the best screen around, with plenty of memory. The EPG could be a killer ap with a bit more work, but is useful as is. The Internet is handy, but worth noting that not all sites work on it, as many of the plugins that Web sites use are not supported on the iPronto. And in some cases, you seem to have paid for things that don't do anything. The headphone socket, SD/MMC card slot, USB socket, speakers and rather decent sound system are all dead in the water. The only thing you can do with sound is beeps, exactly as in the old Prontos, and the only time you get an idea of what it can do is when you access the setup menus when it plays a little tune. It'll be interesting to see what Philips have planned for these features, but I do get the feeling that they have added to the price without adding to its functionality at the moment.

All in all, if you can afford it, I'd recommend it. I wouldn't say it is WORTH it exactly. I don't think you can with a remote control costing over a grand (near enough 1500 with a NetX)! I've had cars that cost less in my youth! (Not criticising Philips pricing, just saying that there are people who just can't believe my remote is worth more than their whole system). What I would say is I love it, and I wouldn't want to revert back to my old Pronto now.
Post 4 made on Wednesday September 15, 2004 at 13:18
bassfiend
Long Time Member
Joined:
Posts:
September 2003
149

All in all, I'd recommend it, especially with
the latest upgrade. The remote works well, now
that the reboot issue seems to have been solved
on mine (fingers crossed) and has easily the best
screen around, with plenty of memory. The EPG
could be a killer ap with a bit more work, but
is useful as is. The Internet is handy, but worth
noting that not all sites work on it, as many
of the plugins that Web sites use are not supported
on the iPronto. And in some cases, you seem to
have paid for things that don't do anything. The
headphone socket, SD/MMC card slot, USB socket,
speakers and rather decent sound system are all
dead in the water. The only thing you can do with
sound is beeps, exactly as in the old Prontos,
and the only time you get an idea of what it can
do is when you access the setup menus when it
plays a little tune. It'll be interesting to see
what Philips have planned for these features,
but I do get the feeling that they have added
to the price without adding to its functionality
at the moment.

The web browser is great - you can get to the LetsAutomate website on it and order more toys... ;-) (Goshdarnit is a customer of the company I work for so we know each other.)

...or for me I just find it amusing ordering pizza on it! :-D

As for the MMC lot - not sure where it was I heard it from (whether it was on here or from Philips so I'm gonna keep fairly schtumm) but there will be a use for it fairly shortly ... nothing too exciting though I'm afraid but it does show that they are still developing rather than just "fixing" the iPronto.

All in all, if you can afford it, I'd recommend
it. I wouldn't say it is WORTH it exactly. I don't
think you can with a remote control costing over
a grand (near enough 1500 with a NetX)! I've had
cars that cost less in my youth! (Not criticising
Philips pricing, just saying that there are people
who just can't believe my remote is worth more
than their whole system). What I would say is
I love it, and I wouldn't want to revert back
to my old Pronto now.

Depends on your definition of "worth" ... if you're in that middle ground where a Pronto just doesn't have the balls for the job but yet you can't justify ebay'ing a kidney for Crestron or AMX (and don't need all the really excellent integration that those systems provide) then the iPronto is good value. If you look at it from a standpoint of "Well with a touchscreen PC, girder, these pieces of software and a load of effort from myself I can do the same - if not better" then no, it isn't good value.

We have one customer who has bought five of them over a period of time though ... so I guess he must have been happy enough with his to come back for more.

Personally I wouldn't be without mine...

Phil
Post 5 made on Wednesday September 15, 2004 at 14:18
Goshdarnit
Long Time Member
Joined:
Posts:
February 2003
186
I agree Phil... Wouldn't be without it... I'd pay the money happily... But is it WORTH it? *lol* Is a Ferrari WORTH £100,000? ;-)
OP | Post 6 made on Wednesday September 15, 2004 at 18:51
ScottK34
Lurking Member
Joined:
Posts:
September 2004
2
Thanks Guys....

After careful consideration and reviewing the comments you've made, I went ahead and ordered my iPronto today. What really sold me was bassman's comment about ordering pizza....I never thought of it, but that took any doubt out of my mind! I don't really think that you can go wrong with this remote. I am glad to have found this forum as well and I hope that in the future I will be able to be a contributing member. I do have one question, though....after downloading the protoedit and messing around with that, is it better to get the remote set up with the standard configuration first, or should I just wait and set it up with the modifications I plan on making? Again, I appreciate any thoughts.

Incidentally, I own a Lotus Esprit V8....and while not quite as expensive as a Ferrari, it still cost me quite a bundle....and yes, it's worth every penny!
Post 7 made on Wednesday September 15, 2004 at 19:01
bassfiend
Long Time Member
Joined:
Posts:
September 2003
149
Ahhh well it's obvious you have taste then ... myself, I'm still trying to convince the wife we need a TVR. :-D

Phil
Post 8 made on Thursday September 16, 2004 at 04:34
jonwright
Lurking Member
Joined:
Posts:
April 2004
9
On 09/15/04 23:01 ET, bassfiend said...
Ahhh well it's obvious you have taste then ...
myself, I'm still trying to convince the wife
we need a TVR. :-D

Phil

New to this site but as a satisfied owner of an iPronto ( bought from Letsautomate ) and a TVR Tuscan I can honestly say that the iPronto is significantly more reliable than my TVR !!

Wife thinks that both are a waste of money and obviously she is right, however........I would not be without either. Jon
Jon W
Post 9 made on Thursday September 16, 2004 at 05:02
bassfiend
Long Time Member
Joined:
Posts:
September 2003
149
On 09/16/04 08:34 ET, jonwright said...
New to this site but as a satisfied owner of an
iPronto ( bought from Letsautomate ) and a TVR
Tuscan I can honestly say that the iPronto is
significantly more reliable than my TVR !!


Wife thinks that both are a waste of money and
obviously she is right, however........I would
not be without either. Jon

/me quickly looks up the customer details file and begs to blag a ride...

A friend came back from the Birmingham motor show after making an "impulse purchase" ... he ordered a Tuscan "S" Convertible and hopefully wifey will agree to us buying his "old" 4.0 Chimera. :-D

Phil
Post 10 made on Thursday September 16, 2004 at 06:59
bassfiend
Long Time Member
Joined:
Posts:
September 2003
149

After careful consideration and reviewing the
comments you've made, I went ahead and ordered
my iPronto today. What really sold me was bassman's
comment about ordering pizza....I never thought
of it, but that took any doubt out of my mind!

*cough* I'm now on a diet! :-(

I don't really think that you can go wrong with
this remote. I am glad to have found this forum
as well and I hope that in the future I will be
able to be a contributing member. I do have one
question, though....after downloading the protoedit
and messing around with that, is it better to
get the remote set up with the standard configuration
first, or should I just wait and set it up with
the modifications I plan on making? Again, I
appreciate any thoughts.

Myself - when I got mine I allocated myself a two week window where I wouldn't use it "in ernest" but I'd get a working (and useable) ICF file up and running. I never used the standard ICF file at all.

Phil
Post 11 made on Thursday September 16, 2004 at 09:33
CarbonToe
Long Time Member
Joined:
Posts:
January 2004
88
So what is it with UK iPronto users owning British sports cars?

I have an Elise! :)
Post 12 made on Thursday September 16, 2004 at 11:00
jonwright
Lurking Member
Joined:
Posts:
April 2004
9
We like tinkering under the 'bonnet' (hood !) with expensive but unreliable and unfinished products. How boring would life be if we all chose a Crestron and Mercedes SL500.

On a more iPronto centic note.........I'm wanting to control MP3 playback from a pc, playlists etc using third party software, possibly through the iPronto web browser. Not sure about Netremote...............anyone got any ideas, or should I have got a Crestron set up and accept the divorce that would have followed ? Jon

This message was edited by jonwright on 09/16/04 11:13 ET.
Jon W
Post 13 made on Thursday September 16, 2004 at 11:09
bassfiend
Long Time Member
Joined:
Posts:
September 2003
149
On 09/16/04 13:33 ET, CarbonToe said...
So what is it with UK iPronto users owning British
sports cars?


I have an Elise! :)

We're all masochists ... you have a car that I could halve the power-to-weight ratio of by just sitting in the passenger seat (*IF* I could fit in one)...

...John has a Tusc (hopefully without the fishy finger followers problem)...

...and I have a Volvo V40 Diesel so I just smell and slowly cover the planet in a fine layer of soot... ;-)

...well, until Jo agrees to the Tiv at which point I'll have wet feet in the rain, a handbrake that is there for ornamentation purposes only, headlights that require the candles changing every few hours, windscreen wipers that don't (mind you if you get wet feet then that just encourages you not to use it in the wet), a map showing the location of every Shell Optimax garage in the UK (with all data from that logged as "Points Of Interest" in the GPS / Sat Nav), that bloody stupid grin that seems to take over any TVR drivers face, a collection of silly hats to stop my bald patch freezing in winter (it's a convertible - the roof *MUST* be off at all times) and the annoying habbit of saying "They all do that.."

Mind you - I have got us booked up for the Pistonheads "Black Tie & Pie" weekend in November and she wants me to take her for a day out on a skid pan session so hopefully the decision on the Tiv is a no-brainer! :-D

Phil

This message was edited by bassfiend on 09/16/04 11:18 ET.
Post 14 made on Thursday September 16, 2004 at 11:34
bassfiend
Long Time Member
Joined:
Posts:
September 2003
149
We like tinkering under the 'bonnet' (hood !)
with expensive but unreliable and unfinished products.
How boring would life be if we all chose a Crestron
and Mercedes SL500.

Isn't that the car that Dale Winton decided was just too camp for him? (And is still driven by Clarkson?) :-D

On a more iPronto centic note.........I'm wanting
to control MP3 playback from a pc, playlists etc
using third party software, possibly through the
iPronto web browser. Not sure about Netremote...............anyone
got any ideas, or should I have got a Crestron
set up and accept the divorce that would have
followed ? Jon

Why not try something like a SliMP3 or a Squeezebox - their web front end works great on my iPronto. Alternatively there's a web interface plugin being worked on at the moment for "Meedio", I use "Meedio" at home as a front end for my HTPC which gives me access to my DVD collection which I recently ripped (at full DVD bitrate) to my server - almost 3Tb!

SliMP3 / Squeezebox are cool as they are silent and just do the job they're supposed to and when turned off make a damn fine clock.

(Oh, by the way Jon, sorry for repeatedly spelling your name with an "h"...)

Phil

This message was edited by bassfiend on 09/16/04 11:42 ET.
Post 15 made on Friday September 17, 2004 at 10:37
jonwright
Lurking Member
Joined:
Posts:
April 2004
9
Let me get this right..........You're using your a web browser on your iPronto to control your Slim Sqeezebox which is wirelessly streaming MP3's from a PC to your AV amp, so you're getiing full MP3 library listings, playing now and playlists etc etc ?

If that's the case I'm ordering one this weekend.

Jon
Jon W
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