Perhaps we can create a sticky thread to keep collecting PENG suggestions?

1. They obviously have some sort of database of IR codes. Sure would be nice to have direct access to the database for viewing/matching.

2. I want to be able to control the first startup page completely.

3. PENG doesn't allow you to set the size of the default button or to reduce the size of the button generated by the New Button tool. You can increase the size but not reduce it in Select Bitmap.

4. How about an "OK" on the button properties page instead of just the "X" in the upper right corner.

5.On Buton Properties, the button position can be edited, but while the size is shown, it cannot be edited and is greyed out.

6. For positioning, it is really hard to set multiple buttons in rows and columns without doing the math for spacing. How about some means to equally space buttons quickly and accurately?

7. Perhaps the ability to view memory usage and possibly load the Pronto with multiple configurations with the means to swap between them?

8. I can't figure out how to read/export the built-in IR codes. Of course I can see the learned ones.

9. How about a utility to match any unique "learned" code with one that already exists in the built-in database?

10. Can I PLEASE label the learned codes? Having the code in the edit window makes sense, but why does this whole string have to show up in the Label window?

11. How about a heirarchical/flowchart navigation method to view screens and linking?

12. How about a "Mass Learning" mode where you quickly run through all the buttons on any remote? This could be used to identify either or both the Remote model or possible equipment model from the database???

13. In TYPE, BRAND, CODESET, how about entries for "none" or "custom"?

14. Perhaps a database choice where you choose the REMOTE instead of the DEVICE. For instance my Sony STR- DE575 reciever uses a Sony RM-U305 remote. This exact remote is used with numerous Sony devices. Sure would make figuring out exactly which code is associated with which button in which mode.

15. Obviously, Philips did a ton of research to build the database in the first place. They obviously also know DISCRETES are important to users of Prontos. Maybe at the corporate engineering level they could obtain COMPREHENSIVE lists of discrete codes from all the included manufacturers.

16. Some "jumps" don't really jump. They go to a new page but if no input is sensed, they return to the calling page.


I'm sure I'll come up with more, and I hope everybody else will to.

Perhaps the folks at Philips would participate directly in this forum on an official basis too???


7.

"3. PENG doesn't allow you to set the size of the default button or to reduce the size of the button generated by the New Button tool. You can increase the size but not reduce it in Select Bitmap"

You have to delete the "pressed state" bitmap first, then you can reduce the size of the "select state"

Wow!!!
Thanks!
I never made that connection. Works like a charm.

Right now I've been maintaining a personal list of 39 bugs and suggestions... I'll respond to a few here:


Philips licenses its database from Universal Electronics, who is paranoid about theft. Thus, there is no way to see a complete list of what is inside.


Although it would be nice, it's not overly critical as, once you're done, the remote rarely reboots. You can't really set it on the Pronto either.


If there's a bitmap applied the button cannot be resized. If there are no bitmaps the size is editable.


Due to the way PENG works with configurations, the file would need to be constantly compiled to accuratly see how big it was (that's what happens during the "preparing to emulate" stage). Once you start getting above 1 megabyte, the process gets incredibly slow -- it takes about 3 minutes to compile my converted ProntoPro CCF. Thus, you wouldn't want this going on all the time. :-)


As mentioned above, you can't. Even if you could see what "code" is used for a database function, it's only a pointer to the internal database on the physical remote. This is the way the original Pronto works.


Looks like a bug. Due to the way everything works right now, I think it's best to store actual codes on separate pages and link to them.


So far no company has wanted to spend the time to try and create/maintain such a list. Hundreds if not thousands of new remote models are created by different A/V companies each year, even taking into consideration instances where the same remote is used by a few models (which is less common than you might think).


As mentioned above, this is just UEI's big database exported for use on the Pronto. It contains some discretes, but it's a bit hit-or-miss.

How about turning on the grid and using the snap to grid feature.

Well, if they use the UEI database already, perhaps there is a better way to utilize the license?

Even if it was a more absolute index by device model or remote control model, it would be an improvement.

Or perhaps with purchase of the Pronto, the owner could submit a list of a owned devices/remotes at initial purchase?

Maybe to further amplify my wishes, how about the folks at Philips focus some real support at the enthuisiast level? Even if a couple Philips PENG developers (not marketing guys)would host a monthly chat like Microsoft has at xpMCE.com for the Media Center Edition of Windows XP, where we could get real info on upgrades, accessories, techniques etc. it would be great.

From what I've read on these boards, most real success is almost in spite of Philips instead of because of them. Sort of like the guys who figured out how to run Linux on X-Box consoles despite limited information from MS. Philips just feels like an entity a long way away from the end user.

A lot of people have come up with beautifully executed and insightful solutions which work around factors which could be categorized as limitations, bugs, or not fully thought out design and development.

Sure, there's pro-level installers and resellers involved, but if Philips were to genuinely embrace the enthusiasts and early-adopters of this technology, everybody would benefit. By making the device less daunting to program, they'd sell a lot more.

Look at the Apple iPods. People spring $500 to listen to mp3s. If the thing was a PITA to use, they'd sell for $50. But due to fantastic industrial and usability design they sell like hotcakes.

I've dealt with numerous enterprise vendors of network equipment and for example, it's possible to get good support from Cisco, it's also expensive and time-consuming. But deal with Enterasys and it's possible to talk directly with a code-writer for your product and even see your suggestions or feature requests incorporated in future releases. I submit that there are few enough TSU3000s out there that a "personal" level of support is not outrageously burdensome for Philips to provide.

Yeah, it's fun to tinker, but eventually I want to set this thing on the table and leave it alone for a while.

Don't get me wrong. I think this thing is great. I 'd just like to see it grow to the point that it's customizable in a Harley-Davidson sort of way.

Philips, you out there?

Re: Archer concerning grids...

I'd love to be able to graphically set grids like cell borders in Excel rather than pre-defined ones for the entire screen.

For instance, in each cell, choose left, center, right positioning, or top, middle, bottom.

Or even "fit to page"

Hey Tin,

Nice thread!

I started the same thread a month ago but it is now buried in the forum.

Here is the link to it Maybe you can consolidate?

Regards...Dave

[Link: remotecentral.com]

These are my questions.

1. I have a tutorial built in one device. When I copy and paste that tutorial device to another file I lost all Jumps. Is there anyways to preserve jumps when moved across files? The jumps are not jumps to other devices, its jumps within the same device.

2. Brand new remote, brand new batteries, goes through fits of restarting itself, doesn't lose the program, just restarts, Why?

3. Is that fact that some codes aren't learned very easily the fault of PENG?

Thanks, Nice thread by the way

MODERATORS....

CAN YOU MAKE THIS A STICKY THREAD AND CONSOLIDATE IT WITH ddarche's THREAD?

THANKS!!!

Tom

No forum moderators, Daniel runs the site. If he does decide to do it, it would involve some re programming

Hmm, you actually just gave me a thought on how I could actually do it (if I had time -- agghhh!)

Dan,

I wasn't aware you did it all.

I gotta say this is a magnificent site!

The topics are well-covered and pertinent and the organization is great!