CAN ANYONE CONFIRM THE EXACT PRICE? AND WHERE TO BUY?

It's not actually available in North America yet.

employee at Best Buy said they will have the mosaic or director next week. $349

I have heard that also, from an OFA employee, but he said $399.

Rob.

Is it better than a Pronto? I ask because the prices for both are close. Are we comparing apples to apples? Thanks!

<<Is it better than a Pronto?>>
By the sounds of it, I'd say "no".

<<Are we comparing apples to apples?>>
Not exactly. The Pronto is shipped almost entirely empty as far as device codes are concerned, so you have to learn the commands for all your devices. The Mosaic ships with a very large device code database, and you can add new device codes over the net. If that was the end of it, that might give the Mosaic an advantage, but seeing as how you can download files for almost anything (for the Pronto) right here at Remote Central, that kinda negates that advantange.

The Pronto is totally customisable as far as button images and layout are concerned. You can move buttons around on the Mosaic, but you can't really change their appearance.

I think the one area where the Mosaic might beat out the Pronto is in the "ease of use" category. I think the technology-challenged users would have an easier time with the Mosaic, whereas the computer programmers would prefer the Pronto. I don't think the Mosaic is going to be able to effectively compete with the Pronto unitl it's price comes WAY down and they get the computer hookup software released.

Rob.

One item that's going to make selection of remotes all that harder is that the new 2mb Pronto coming out this fall at the same price -- $399 -- will be including the same UEI code library.

Wait a minute, the new Pronto will have the UEIC library of device codes? How'd that happen, UEIC regards their device code library as their main compeditive advantage (I don't necessarily agree, but that's certainly their view), so why on earth would they give it away? Even for a licencing fee, i can't see them doing it, especially with the new Mosaic coming out.

Could you shed some more light on this Daniel?

Rob.

Well, if the price is close to the Pronto how does Universal Electronics expect to have the sales edge? The only reason I am not buying a Pronto is due to the Philips poor customer service. I hope UE reads these posts. The Mosaic should not cost more than $200. Reason, no computer hook up, etc. Ron

Let them charge what the product is worth. If we keep pushing manufacturers to reduce their prices, we're going to get inferior products.If the Mosaic can support a $399 retail, my guess is that UE will find a way to build a remote that can command a $599 retail. If the product doesn't support the price the market will let them know quick.