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Topic:
Harman Kardon *Take Control*
This thread has 14 replies. Displaying all posts.
Post 1 made on Sunday November 1, 1998 at 18:09
Clay W.
Historic Forum Post
I just glanced through Equip magazine where I noticed a reference to a porduct competing with the Pronto. It's the Harman Kardon *Take Control*. It, too, uses a touch screen but has a mouse type wheel to scroll and select *actions*. Appearently produced in conjunction with microsoft. Has anyone else heard about this and how does it compare with the Pronto? Listed price was $349 USD.
OP | Post 2 made on Sunday November 1, 1998 at 19:10
Daniel Tonks
Historic Forum Post
This sounds very much like the Madrigal/Microsoft IRIQ remote (which has a preview picture on this site). I'm expecting one this month for review; I'll take a look into the H/K unit.
OP | Post 3 made on Sunday November 1, 1998 at 20:26
Clay W.
Historic Forum Post
Daniel,
Yes, that's it...

While I am quite desirous of a new remote and anxious to experience the Pronto, I feel compelled to learn more about the Madrigal/Harmon remote. I am also curious about the differences (if any) between the Pronto and the Marantz version (RC5000). Any additional information you may have would be welcomed.

Thanks,
Clay W.
OP | Post 4 made on Sunday November 1, 1998 at 20:47
Scott "popcorn"
Historic Forum Post
I laugh at the thought of the Harmon/Madrigal/Microsoft remote... I can just see it now "Quick! pause the DVD!!!" "Wait! I can't... I just got a GPF... I have to reboot the remote!!!"

Just my nickel's worth...
OP | Post 5 made on Sunday November 1, 1998 at 22:37
Daniel Tonks
Historic Forum Post
At this point, from all available information, there appears to be no operational differences between the Pronto and the RC5000 - just unique colors. I guess we'll know for sure when one becomes available.
OP | Post 6 made on Monday November 2, 1998 at 12:14
ziad
Historic Forum Post
Heh heh
Scott, I agree...
I won't even consider any remote by microsoft. The pronto looks really good, but I'm gonna wait untill Daniel reviews the RC2KMKII, it looks pretty cool.

Let's just hope that Phillips didn't have to include any IE4 extensions in the pronto... :)
OP | Post 7 made on Monday November 2, 1998 at 15:36
Jason Golden
Historic Forum Post
I ordered one of these from Shop4.com today, and it will be here in a few days. I considered the Pronto, but the HK comes with software to change the templates, unlike the Pronot. Also, you can store all of your settings on the computer in case the remote is broken.

I will post my thoughts when the unit comes in. I have 30 days to try it out, and if it sucks, I will return it for a Pronto. BTW, I only paid $268.79 for it.

I already have an HK AVR70 receiver, Series 2.1 Signiture 2.1 amplifier, FL8300 CD changer, and a dual cassette deck, all HK. I know it sounds cheesy, but I wanted and HK universal remote.

I am currently using a Rotel RR990 universal for my home theater, but it is kind of a pain in the ass. I will use it in my bedroom to control my TV, VCR, cable box and Bose Wave Radio. I'll keep you all updated when this unit arrives!

Pez
OP | Post 8 made on Monday November 2, 1998 at 19:11
Scott "popcorn"
Historic Forum Post
ziad:
Yeah... what I'd really like to know is if there is any MS code in the Pronto... I hope they wrote their own code rather than using something like Win CE. Anyone know?
OP | Post 9 made on Monday November 2, 1998 at 20:01
ziad
Historic Forum Post
Darn, I posted in the wrong place...
Daniel, can you kindly remove my post from the main list :) THX

Ayways, I would like to see a picture of one of these units. Anyone know if there is one on the web somewhere? I can't find it :(
TIA
Ziad
OP | Post 10 made on Monday November 2, 1998 at 20:55
Scott "popcorn"
Historic Forum Post
ziad: Look on the main page here at remote central.. It should be the same thing as the Madrigal/Microsoft remote shown there.
OP | Post 11 made on Monday November 2, 1998 at 21:50
Clay W.
Historic Forum Post
In response to "Harman Kardon *Take Control*" by Clay W. on 01/11/98 17:09:41:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 9, 1998

Take Control Combines Advanced Hardware technologies and Software-Driven Flexibility for Ultimate Power and Performance Take Control's flexibility is made possible by the use of a backlit, touchscreen LCD - which replaces the buttons found on conventional remotes-in combination with a unique scroll wheel that makes movement between screen menus and button presentations exceptionally easy. The power behind the hardware is Microsoft software that allows commands to be set up directly from the LCD
touchscreen. Within minutes it is possible to program Harman Kardon's Take Control with the IR codes for popular home electronic products directly from the unit's comprehensive onboard library of IR remote codes. To accommodate new
products, or those not in the library, Take Control has full IR-learning capabilities.
However, unlike conventional remotes, Take Control's LCD screen and user-oriented software makes it easy to quickly transfer commands from a
product's remote to Take Control.

Once Take Control is programmed to know which devices it will control, the power of the software becomes quite evident. Using simple Setup Wizards, the consumer is guided through a step-by-step process that enables individualized combinations of features and functions for all products being controlled. This reduces "button clutter" so that only user-designated control buttons are visible
and nonessential buttons are hidden.

Called "activities," these combinations let a Take Control user operate a home theater system from a single touchscreen menu by presenting audio controls from an A/V receiver, video controls from a TV set or projector, channel selection from a cable box and transport controls from a VCR, DVD or LD player. Where conventional remotes require the user to constantly switch between the button
patterns for each controlled device, Take Control greatly simplifies operation by presenting the custom-named "soft key" buttons directly on the touchscreen panel. In combination with the scroll wheel and discrete volume up/down buttons, Take Control provides maximum flexibility with a minimum of buttons.

PC Programming Capability Enhances Take Control's Flexibility Take Control's power does not end with setup from the built-in, backlit, touchscreen. Using the Microsoft Windows® 95/98 or Windows NT® compatible software supplied with Take Control and a personal computer (x486 or higher), users may enhance the operation of Take Control for even greater flexibility.

When connected to a PC, Take Control's touchscreen buttons may be arranged, reprogrammed or custom named to reflect personal preferences. The software also permits the creation of macro commands so that the long grouping of button
presses normally required to perform home entertainment system functions may be executed with the touch of one button. Multiple macros may be created and individually named so that the user may easily select them from Take Control's main menu using the scroll wheel. The "drop and drag" design of the software makes configuration fast and easy, even for the novice user.

In addition to creating macros and activities, the PC may also be used to store a complete copy of the unit's memory. This provides a backup capability previously available only in products costing vastly more than Take Control. The backup
may also be used to program multiple Take Control units so that once a set of commands is established, additional Take Control units may quickly be programmed for operation in different locations within the home. Of course, the backup is key to quickly restoring all specialized command patterns in the event that a Take Control unit is lost or damaged.

Simple, Yet Powerful, System Control Once Take Control has been configured, it is both powerful and simple to use. With the touch-screen serving as a palette to display only those buttons required for a specific activity, just four actual tactile buttons are required. Direct access is
always available to volume up/down and mute, as well as to illuminate or dim the backlight. A "home" button is also available to instantly bring Take Control to the home menu for selection of another function. Complementing the four standard buttons is a unique scroll wheel developed by the same design team responsible for Microsoft's award-winning IntelliMouse® pointing devices. It lets users quickly move through the touchscreen selections, or surf through channels on a TV, VCR, satellite receiver or cable box. When the desired selection appears, a simple press activates the control.

Using either preprogrammed or custom configured activities such as "Watch TV," "Listen to a CD" or "Record a Show," only a single click of the scroll wheel is needed to activate the precise combination of buttons or commands needed to
complete the desired task. In addition to these pre-programmed activities, any custom macro that has been previously programmed from Take Control's LCD screen or via a PC will be automatically activated, enabling multiple commands to be transmitted in the proper sequence with one tap of the touchscreen.
Consumers no longer have to juggle remotes or identify command legends using a multipage manual. Each Take Control function is designed to present a clear display of required buttons.

When room lighting is dim, bright backlighting of the LCD screen is only a button press away. Also available is a built-in clock/timer, and an onboard speaker confirms commands with a programmable beep.

Take Control is carefully designed for long battery life, and onboard memory stores all programmed settings and remote codes so that they are once again available after replacing batteries.
Harman Kardon's Take Control includes the system controller, the CD-ROM software for computer programming, a special serial connection cable and
batteries. Take Control will be available in late October from Harman Kardon dealers at a suggested retail price of $349.
OP | Post 12 made on Tuesday November 3, 1998 at 14:17
MWG
Historic Forum Post
In response to "Re: Harman Kardon *Take Control*" by Scott "popcorn" on 01/11/98 19:47:05:

Besides GPF's, the microsoft remote will probably take a dislike to some of your components and suggest that you replace them with H/K stuff...

I'll hold out in favor of the Pronto too...unless Madrigal can include an "extra-special" template which would allow me to control Bill Gates from my living room. I could have an awful lot of fun with that thumb wheel...

OP | Post 13 made on Tuesday November 3, 1998 at 15:09
dcc
Historic Forum Post
Is the Take Control a learning remote? If it is not, what should you do if your device is not on the list? I have so very odd brand sat dish.

OP | Post 14 made on Wednesday November 4, 1998 at 16:36
Daniel Tonks
Historic Forum Post
In response to "Re: Harman Kardon *Take Control*" by dcc on 03/11/98 14:09:38:

Yes, it is a learning remote. I also received a message from someone at Microsoft that said to the best of their knowledge the Take Control & IRIQ aren't based on Windows CE. This seems sort of silly though since Microsoft is promoting Windows CE for inclusion in everything from telephones to microwaves.
OP | Post 15 made on Wednesday November 4, 1998 at 18:22
Scott "popcorn"
Historic Forum Post
In response to "Re: Harman Kardon *Take Control*" by Daniel Tonks on 04/11/98 15:36:04:

NO!!! I don't want Telephones and Microwaves to use Win CE!!! does M$ have to put their dirty hands on EVERYTHING??? At least if they get Win CE in microwaves they can then be sued for the times the Microwave zaps everyone in the kitchen... :)


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