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This thread has 5 replies. Displaying all posts.
Post 1 made on Friday October 23, 1998 at 21:28
Christopher
Historic Forum Post
I noticed you said there is a serial port, used for upgrades. Is there any talk of there being a software program being sold that would allow you to program the remote, through the computer. I imagine that would be much faster than typing info on that little keyboard on the screen...expecially if you have 7-8 remotes that all have lots of buttons. Please let me know if you have heard about any software programs, specifically for the programing of the remote. thanks
OP | Post 2 made on Friday October 23, 1998 at 23:59
Daniel Tonks
Historic Forum Post
Well, as I mentioned, there are currently NO applications for the serial port, and that includes flash upgrading. What I understand, however, is that this is a FUTURE expansion option not expected to be used right away.

My guess on the matter is that such software will be provided to Philips dealers, so that the outfit you purchase it from can "pre-program" your remote for a modest fee. As much is mentioned in the user manual:

"...if a dealer or installer has programmed Pronto for you, it should operate all your components."

Since programming Pronto takes a fair amount of time (for 7 full-featured devices as a new user you'd want to set aside an hour or two, especially if you also plan on custom labeling most buttons) I doubt any dealer or installer is gonna sit down and do it all for you unless it was mostly automated. Hence the serial port and software.

Perhaps Philips will have a promotional deal for retailers (buy 20 and get a free automated-installation package!), but for end users there's nothing planned. Yet.
OP | Post 3 made on Saturday October 24, 1998 at 01:08
Andrew Gemmell
Historic Forum Post
I would like to see a situation where one person programs their remote for a particular piece of equipment then uploads it to the 'net for everyone else to download. This could also be done by equipment manufacturers, maybe with additional functionality that is not possible through their own remotes. If this situation were to come about then programming your remote would be very quick,easy and accurate. Web sites could contain fancy macros, animations and the like for customizing your remote.
OP | Post 4 made on Saturday October 24, 1998 at 12:56
Scott Shearer
Historic Forum Post
What you are suggesting is currently available for the Lexicon 700T remote. That unit costs around $1800 - $2000. There is a Windows software program called Lexi-Draw downloadable from their web site that lets you program in all the screens. You can also save and upload templates for specific devices that have all the IR codes in them for others to use. Templates for many devices are available on the Lexicon web site.

I hope that Philips is planning on the same sort of capabilities for their unit. It appears that the hardware capabilities are built into the Philips.

If money is no object, you should look at the Lexicon 700T. It is very nice and very flexible.
OP | Post 5 made on Saturday October 24, 1998 at 13:48
Timothy Morris
Historic Forum Post
It is not explicit, but their press release suggests that you will be able to use the serial port to custom design templates from scratch rather than just editing the built in ones.
OP | Post 6 made on Wednesday November 25, 1998 at 00:14
jack schultz
Historic Forum Post
I am told that I am now (or will shortly be officially) a Philips Beta buddy for Pronto software evaluation. I am further told that I might see some sort of actual software for testing next week. While unofficial, this is from a reliable source. I am the chief engineer and a partner at a Philips multimedia dealer in Chicago. We also carry some Madrigal products so I have had a play with that remote also. I'll do a further posting once more accurate details become available.


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