I just recieved this message from Philips Digital Entertainment....

Patrick-
The software will be free to existing Pronto owners. You will see this in early
1999. Keep your eyes on our web site at http://www.mmhometheater.com
Philips Digital Entertainment


>
> >Subject: Re: WWW Form Submission
> >
> >At 08:01 AM 12/9/98 -0500, you wrote:
> >>I have been able to fix the problem by using the reset button on the back
> >>of the pronto remote. I have not experience the problem in the last 3
> >>weeks since using the reset button.
> >>
> >>Do you have a release date on the software that will work with the Pronto
> >>and will a discount be available for existing Pronto Customers?
> >>(Embedded image moved to file: pic16440.pcx)
> >>Dan Callahan <[email protected]>
> >>12/08/98 09:54 PM GMT
> >>
> >>To: Patrick J. Quairoli
> >>cc:
> >>Subject: Re: WWW Form Submission
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >>Patrick-
> >> The problem you have been experiencing should be no more than
> >>intermittant upon initial use only. If you are still having that problem
> >>please call 1-888-486-6272.
> >>PhilipsDigital Entertainment Group
> >>
> >>[email protected] wrote:
> >>
> >>> From: Patrick Quairoli ([email protected])
> >>> -----------------------
> >>> I have the Pronto Remote and I have discovered a problem. The Direct
> >>access buttons for Channel & Volume +/- need to be pressed two or three
> >>times when the LCD Display is off. When the LCD Display is turned on the
> >>buttons work very well and the distance that the remote works is more than
> >>three times that with the display off
> >>>
> >>> It seems that the IR signal is stronger with the LCD Display on then with
> >>it off.
> >>>
> >>> Is there a software patch that I can use to boost the IR output when the
> >>LCD is off?
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >>

Anyone know if the Pronto uses a Standard Cable that can be purchased now?

I WILL be buying the Pronto but I'm not sure if I should get it now or wait a month or so.

Does anyone know if the software and cable will be packaged with new Pronto's once the software is available? If so, will the MSRP go north?

George,

Standard? Not totally sure what that means in a DB-9 to mini stereo phone plug but if there is such a thing, perhaps it is "standard".
The one I have is from Philips PDEG and is molded at both ends so one might conclude that it is some standard, just not sure which.

Tom,
It is unclear at this time although based upon current Pronto packaging, one might conclude that the extra space was intended for the serial cable and perhaps a disc.
There is also some discussion that the software will simply be posted on the net and that users purchasing units (identified by S/N) prior to release with cable will be entitled to the cable when available. In any case, the cable is probably worth about $10 at retail as it's simply a DB-9 to mini stereo phone plug.
I hope this helps in your decision making process. Also, I wouldn't expect to see cables packaged until sometime after the end of January as it will probably take that long to clear out inventory prior to disc/cable inclusion.

Speaking of Pronto serial numbers, where is the serial number located???

Serial numbers can be found on the outside of the box that Pronto came in.
Some of the earliest packages were lacking although the most recent units we've shipped all have S/N's on the boxes.
If your unit was prior to the serialization marking, not to worry, you'll get software based on proof of purchase.
If Philips needs a list of purchasers from us, we'll be happy provide them with same, unless anyone can think of a good reason not to.
This will confirm purchase date and warranty status.

It's great news that upcoming software will be available for free to existing Pronto owners! My question is how will we get it, and how does Philips know who owns a Pronto? I just bought one and there was now registration information in my package. Is there some method or place for registration that I need to know about?

I don't know if it is a Standard cable or not. By your description that's what the IRIQ used as well. So it may well be a standard cable.

There is an online product registration form on the Philips web site. Perhaps Philips will use this info to contact the 'early adopters' when the software and cables are made available?
[Link: mmhometheater.com]

I have a cable that came with my Fraklin Roledex/sidekick organizer. It is 9 pin to mini stereo jack. When I get a chance I'll try to ring out the cable and post the results. Might be able to get one form Fraklin Electronics if someone is in a hurry. PROCEED AT YOUR OWN RISK!!!!

Will the software when released come with some documentation on how to use the added features?

Tony,

The software support manual was(is) also part of the beta test program. I have suggested a few changes although overall, I would say that the manual is better than many others I've seen for software. I would also think that if the software is released on a website that the documentation will also be released via a pdf or similar file vehicle.
Some of the posts that I've made to do with icon sizes and the like are directly from the manual.
I also find that much of the software features are really quite intuitive in nature.