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Topic:
Software for the Pronto
This thread has 30 replies. Displaying posts 1 through 15.
Post 1 made on Wednesday November 25, 1998 at 21:13
Clay W.
Historic Forum Post
Hi,
In a previous post, I noted that Philips said Pronto software was in Beta test. Jack Schultz also noted that he was participating in the Beta test. The question I have is how much can the Pronto interface be changed with the software? In other words, which protions of the interface are hardware dependent, and which protions are software dependent?

Presumably, if the Pronto processor is basically a CPU, all functions could be manipulated with software. I know PDAa (personal data assistants) will accept software from third party manufacturers. Hence, if the Pronto can be programmed in much the same way, market forces would indicate that third party software could become available for the Pronto as well.

If this turns out to be the case, I suspect we could see all sorts of special features and advanced programming for the Pronto. Even though I do not yet have a Pronto (but have ordered one from Metronet), I am hopeful that new software could push the Pronto's interface even closer to the interface of controllers offered by Crestron, Lexicon, and AMX.

Does anyone know more? Any thoughts?

Clay W.
OP | Post 2 made on Thursday November 26, 1998 at 17:16
Timothy Morris
Historic Forum Post
I've been playing with the Pronto for a few hours now, and thing the software as a MINIMUM should offer the following:

1. Update to the Application software to allow sending a macro from any soft button on any screen, and the hard buttons.

2. Ability to use the hard buttons for page up and page down.

3. Ability to custom program a set of bit mapped pages on the pc and then download them as a new device. This should include the ability to create custom icons.

Don't get me wrong, I think the pronto is great, these limitations are pretty easy to overcome with a little thought. These additions though would turn it into a world beater.

I have noticed one thing though. The CCF version has a country applied to it. I live in the UK, and I assume that in time a set of custom devices will be developed for each country. It would be nice to be able to download these from the web, along with pre defined templates for other equipment including RC codes Can anyone from Philips comment?

Tim.
OP | Post 3 made on Thursday November 26, 1998 at 18:28
Clay W.
Historic Forum Post
Hi Tim,
Thanks for the response. I think you hit the nail on the head. If the software functions as you outlined, the Lexicon 700t would become almost obsolete.

By the way, does anyone have experience with the Niles IntelliControl (typically advertized in Home Theater magazine)? From limited discussions with a local A/V dealer, it seems to be a cross between the Marantz RC2000 and the Lexicon 700t. All hard buttons and no display panel, but it can be programmed (by the dealer only) for complicated macros. It also has the ability to know which components are turned on or off. This was THE big selling point pushed by the A/V dealer. At about $1700 with programming, the Pronto just seemed to blow it away (having already purchased a Pronto, my choice between the two is clear). Any comments?

Clay W.
OP | Post 4 made on Sunday November 29, 1998 at 20:47
David Henderson
Historic Forum Post
I have two questions about the pronto - one is about the software. Are they making a Macintosh version of this software?

If I have a DBS system with an RF remote, does anybody make an RF to IR converter that will allow me to use the pronto to control the DBS receiver?

Thanks
Dave
OP | Post 5 made on Sunday November 29, 1998 at 20:51
Daniel Tonks
Historic Forum Post
David,

1) I doubt it.
2) I believe there are some devices that'll do this; someone else should be able to fill you in with details.
OP | Post 6 made on Sunday November 29, 1998 at 22:33
Chris
Historic Forum Post
Sadly Mac software is unlikely. But this software will not take a powerful machine to run, so you have two options.
1) Buy a used PC, or use a friend's.
2) Use SoftWindows or another emulation program.
As for the RF to IR, you might want to check and see if your DBS can't use IR signals. From what I see in other posts, many use both.
OP | Post 7 made on Monday November 30, 1998 at 14:49
Scott "popcorn"
Historic Forum Post
My question is if the software will be that junk that requires Win 95 or higher. That would be an ignorant move on Philips' part, and might keep me from buying a Pronto.

Look at it this way... The Pronto interface is serial. No need for speed there (like Windows actually run with any amount of speed anyway)... The screen is probably only 2 bits per pixel, so a 32 bit programming application isn't needed. Same with the serial interface. You'd be shooting yourself in the foot using a 32 bit application to handle the 8 bit serial port.

Philips would be smart to provide software that would run on any version of Windows (or limited to 3.1 and up), and would be even smarter to offer information about programming the remote or a Java application for people who don't use Windows at all.

Sorry for the rant, but I get severely annoyed at companies that make software that support MS's monopoly instead of providing consumers software they can use on an OS of their choice. And I get even more annoyed at hardware makers who offer support software/drivers that only work in Windows. I get along very well in Win 3.1, and have no need to go to 95 or 98 or NT. I don't shop for software anymore. They all say the same thing "Requires [the monopolistic] Operating System". :)
OP | Post 8 made on Monday November 30, 1998 at 19:47
Alex D.
Historic Forum Post
I had the opportunity to speak to Jack Schultz at Metronet in Chicago today - very informative (and yeah, I bit the bullet and ordered one - despite my curiousity over the HK Take Control - hope I made the right decision!). Given his connection with the folks at Philips, I suggested that when the software is ready to go to market, all prior owners of the Pronto should be given special consideration. Basically, it's people like yourselves (i.e in this chat group) who have done the best promotion for the Pronto. If not for you and especially Daniel for organizing this site, I, along with potentially others, may have been hesitant to purchase the Pronto without the software. For that matter, I may have even purchased the HK Take Control since its lower retail price includes the software.

Hopefully, the marketing gurus at Philips will recognize the value in offering the software at no additional charge if the unit is purchased prior to the software being available. It could be as simple as using the serial number of the unit as an assess code to a defined web site for a free download. After the software is available, chances are that it will be bundled together with the unit.
Okay, call me nuts, but it may worth a try if each Pronto owner were to write a short note to Philips promoting this idea.
Just a thought!!!
OP | Post 9 made on Monday November 30, 1998 at 21:00
George Mills
Historic Forum Post
Regarding Platforms:

Nobody in their right mind develops 16bit applications anymore. The development tools are 10 times better for 32bit and build much more robust code. The tools for laying out screens etc. could be a VERY significant development effort. The serial port would have litte to do with the choice of the platform.

Try to hire anyone that will even work on 16bit. The best people want to work on the most popular platforms.

Come on, I've seen new 300mhz K6 machines, 32meg memory, 6gig drives, 56k modems and monitor for $600.00. I've sold 386's with 8meg that could run Win95 for $100.00 no monitor (2-3 years ago !!!).

Regarding Pronto software:

If new units in the future come with software for "free" then they can just put it up on the web and distribute it free !!!

What better way to promote the unit. The software will only be usable with Pronto's anyway.

OP | Post 10 made on Tuesday December 1, 1998 at 00:59
Scott "popcorn"
Historic Forum Post
Actually... The "best people", if they truly are best know that the win platform sucks, and only program under it because everyone has it. And I don't buy that about 32 bit being "better" and "easier" than 16 bit. Heck, I'd program 8 bit if it meant efficent, relatively bug-free code. There's so much bloat in 32 bit code (and bugs too) that I'd just as soon write my OWN libraries.
OP | Post 11 made on Tuesday December 1, 1998 at 20:47
George Mills
Historic Forum Post
The "best people", if they truly are best are getting paid a fortune for working on the most popular platform there is. Regardless of whether it sucks or not. If they wish to keep getting paid a fortune they damn well better be keeping their 32bit skills current.

"32Bit" is not to blame for your problems.
"32Bit" does not mean simply mean twice 16bit word length. Send me email if want a few lessons in understanding the differences. I would of sent this as email but you left no address. Please respect others of this forum and use email if you wish to continue this discussion.
OP | Post 12 made on Wednesday December 2, 1998 at 01:46
jack schultz
Historic Forum Post
Suffice it to say that Win is the prevalent O/S in the market and that it also has it's own set of problems on a somewhat regular basis because it's running on a computer that runs misbehaved programs that either force it to it's knees or make it stupid. Don't misunderstand, I think Win 32 apps are great for anything that requires bitmapped graphics, which we all love. From a pure number crunching standpoint however, I'll take non-graphic multiuser platforms anytime over Win. They both have their places to coexist in the world.
OP | Post 13 made on Wednesday December 2, 1998 at 13:43
Scott "popcorn"
Historic Forum Post
Jack, I don't have a problem with 32 bit to be honest. In fact, I have a 64 bit OS on its way, and I'll be happy to run it. What I *do* have a problem with is the lack of CHOICE available in the computer world. Namely, you either run Win 95/98/NT or you don't run applications available at Best Buy, Egghead, CompUSA, driver software for hardware such as scanners, remote controls, etc. And I won't be suckered in. Take this to Philips: If I have to use Win 95/98/NT to program the Pronto above and beyond the built-in functionality, I WON'T buy a Pronto. It's about time that these companies understand that they are simply stoking the fire of the µ$ (microsoft) monopoly, and they shouldn't be. They need to offer drivers/applications for other OSs, and I have vowed not to buy anything that requires the Win 95/98/NT interface. And I feel this issue IS a part of this board. It relates to the application software for the Pronto. So, will Philips at least provide information on how to program the Pronto, so I can write my own software for it, if the software is only for Win 95/98/NT? Or do I look for a different remote?
OP | Post 14 made on Wednesday December 2, 1998 at 15:32
Steve McCaa
Historic Forum Post
Ummmm.. Scott what remote would that be? The Harman Kardon?

HaHaHaHa...................

But seriously. If you chose to be a minority (Non MS user) you have to live with that choice, and accept the fact that things will not be available to you.

I however have completely turned to the darkside and make my living by supporting MS products. So I will be happy with my Pronto and you will have the moral upper hand. Perhaps in the afterlife I will roast in hell, but for know I will have a really cool remote (A worthwhile trade if you ask me).
OP | Post 15 made on Wednesday December 2, 1998 at 20:26
Scott "popcorn"
Historic Forum Post
Well, I could do one of two things:

A: Use a Palm III with the remote control software... or, better yet,

B: Build my own remote that's even better than the Pronto or Take Control. Not an easy task, but at least I could control how it works and what it uses.

:)
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