I'm this close to returning my brand new ProntoNeo. The reason being: I have no way to set it up correctly!

Every piece of software for editing is Windows only (I own a Mac). Running VirtualPC would almost be an option, except that it is frustratingly slow to the point of absurdity, as well as the fact the since the Neo uses an archaic serial port, VirtualPC won't notice the serial adapter I have to get it plugged into my usb ports.

Also, I've looked into Tonto (the Mac OS X Pronto editor), but they don't seem to have a way to edit the Neo, since it uses some format they haven't figured out yet (even though this thing has been out for a year).

So what the hell? What, if anything, can I do? Short of buying some p.o.s. pc JUST to edit a remote that I just paid $200 for? Doesn't ANYONE here use Macs for these things? Does anyone have an inside connection at Philips and know whether or not they are working on a Mac version of there software? Somebody please help me, or I will be forced to return this thing and go back to my multiple remote (ick) system.

Thanks for any help.

It can be done, I am able to do it using a G4 450, osx 10.1.5, (have not had a chance to try it with jaguar yet)a keyspan highspeed adaptor and some work, if you do a search for mac, you should find info on port settings and usb adaptors that will work, you can also try searching the regular proto forum for the same as I know there's a lot of info on this same topic, One thing that I will tell you is that the pda adaptors I have read do not work. The keyspan usa-19w and I think one other work fine, remember to install the drivers on the MAC side, do not install any drivers in windows. If you need any help over the basics let me know
ps don't hold your breath for a mac version as it will never be, I agree that the serial port has to go, if you don't mind waiting and perhaps spending a little more there are going to be new pronto models using usb which look to be very nice.

Thanks for the insight. I'm beginning to question whether or not this is even worth it.

As for the serial adapters, just how fast does it need to be? I'm sure the one I'm using won't work (it's a pda adapter). But what about something like this:

[Link: usbgear.com]

It says it has a speed of 230,000 bps. How fast are the USA-19W's? I'd consider trying it that way, but I also don't want to wait to long and not be able to return this thing.

Do you know anything about Tonto? If it's ever going to support the Neo? This is insanely frustrating.

I have not heard anything as far as tonto, as far as the speed that sounds o.k. however I have read several posts stating that no one has had luck with any pda adaptors. I wouldn't throw in the towel just yet, any pronto type remote will take time and patients to get going and to get used to the software. How far have did you get with connecting or have you not tried yet? As I said before do a search, if you get stuck past that, post back and I'll try to get you through it

A couple of points:

1) the Pronto CCF format and the Neo NCF format are not the same. there are several fundamental differences.

2) they == me. Tonto is a one-man show. spare time and all.

3) the Keyspan USA-19QW goes up to at least 230Kbps. plenty fast.

Tonto might support NCF at some point. I've been looking at it recently. But it's really pointless to be able to edit the NCF in Tonto if I can't then send the new file to the remote. The real barrier for Tonto supporting the Neo is that the serial communications protocol has *no relation* to the one used for other Prontos. I took a stab at reverse-engineering it, but it's much more difficult than the Prontos. It might even be based on some proprietary object serialization in which case there's no point in trying.

Well, I think that pretty much decides it. I can't stand VirtualPC enough to spend the time working with this thing (making a new button takes between 10-20 seconds), not to mention I'm still not sure how I'll get the files onto the remote without spending ANOTHER 79 bucks just for basic functionality.

You'd think new hardware (Neo) would support new, ubiquitous connectivity (USB) and increasingly popular software (Mac OS X). Until it does, I'm out of this fancy remote game.