Dave,

Do you mind responding to my "Marantz" concerns in Post #7 2nd paragraph of this thread?

Lyndel, did you notice the last post in this thread:

[Link: remotecentral.com]

Hi Dave,

Any chance we could have a conversation about me developing a custom version of The Ultimate Pronto Guide for Marantz? I would have sent this directly to your email but it was not available.

I would welcome the conversation. Possibly you could help me understand the Marantz organization and any key people I should start talking to?

You can email me directly at [email protected]

Regards...Dave D'Arche

The differences are probably so minor you could probably do it in the one manual.

Good Morning Lyndel,

This is my response to Post 7:

Wizz.it 9 Software for the RC9500 has

1. punchthrough (set on the systems page)
2. A working help file
3. As far as the "horseshoe" look -- I happen to like this look, but not the horseshoe look of the Edsel (but some people do). There's just no accounting for our differences.
4. Many professional programmers unfamiliar with each of Marantz's new software releases attend my training seminars, which have been provided internationally.

Marantz tech support is open from 8:30 to 4:30 CST and provides support on all of its past and present products. 630-741-0300 -- Option 2 from the main menu, option 1 from the submenu. They are a resource to be used, as well as this forum.

Thank you for the opportunity to respond.

Dave,

Great to have you on the board! Thank you very much for joining the discussion. I did not talk to you at CEDIA; I guess I should have asked for the remote control expert! The support of Marantz on this site (as well as AVS Forum) certainly shows that the company has an interest in its customers; it's great to hear that many issues will be addressed in the next software release.

I found it somewhat funny that the only thing holding the RC9500 at the Cedia booth was this little velcro pad. I actually picked up that exact unit and showed it to my coworker, who was on the other side of the booth, since we were busy getting those THX stamps. I had it in my hand and showed it to him and then walked back with the remote. I must have walked 50 feet with it. Nobody seemed to be watching me. I could have had my own RC9500, but I am too honest.

Also, in the Sharp booth, I think, I found a 5GB PCMCIA HD laying on a counter, all by it's lonesome self. I did the honest thing and put it within view of a rep, and made sure he saw me put it next to the LCD PVR combo it came with.

I doubt theft is high at CEDIA... now CES is probably a different story.

Dave,

Has the Wizz.it 9 software been released yet?

I left you a voice mail, but don't assume that you'll be able to call.

I've got a client who just ordered a 9500 from a local dealer. I'm his programming guy, and I'd LOVE to get my hands on the software before I see the remote.

I cannot afford to have another learning experience like the last one you dealt me!

I wasted nearly a week in a very high-profile guy's house here in Detroit after the same dealer turned me onto this fellow's need for a 'touch-screen' programmer.

I quoted him three days on three 5200s...and got seriously toasted when it simply took me that time to get the software working on my laptop...and then get relatively proficient with it. I knew it would be trouble when the dealer simply said, "they have a new model now." I should have stopped the clock right then and gotten everything working in my office. I stupidly did everything at the client's home, and looked like an idiot for the duration until I was able to get them working.

The nearly two weeks it took to finish was mostly my fault, but now I know to allow more time for the downloads. He is happy now, except his Master Bedroom 5400 needed a reset yesterday.

Cheers,
John

Did you check the Marantz USA website? I believe the software's been available on the site for at least a week.

I think I'd rather have the 7000 over the 9500. I couldn't imagine losing 2 of my "below the screen" hard buttons. I love having the 4 on the 7000. The only thing I wish the 7000 had would be a "select" button in the center of the directional hard buttons. So many OEM remotes have an "enter" or "select" button in the center of their navigation buttons. I had to use the lower left button surrounding my nav buttons for the "select". Oh well. Nothing's perfect.

Mark

Lyndel,

I finally agreed to accept some funky menu patch that they always wanted me to download (I always hate seeing any suggestions to download from the internet) and was able to get further into their site and get the Wizz.9 software.

Client's 9500 came in, it is gorgeous in the black graphite case and a nearly unbelievably bright screen.

But I just spent four hours trying to get the remote and computer to talk with each other.

UGH.

Cheers.

Personally, I wouldn't touch the 9500 for the price. While it has a better screen resolution than the 9200, there is no concurrent RF and IR transmission available, as is the case in the HTM series MX3000, which is nearly 40% less expensive (albeit with less screen resolution). Also, the folks at Marantz seem to depend on us for their QC, and offer little in customer support for their products over time. Many of their initial changes came from users like us, who essentially provided free of charge field testing of the 9200 and the 5200, on issues which were so blatent that they should have been taken up by the programmers well before the units were released to the public.

Further, take the issue with no 9200 updates being issued since October of 9200, despite continuing issues with this remote. I doubt if Marantz can continue to ride the wave of the original Marantz name without real support for the customer, and don't consider it prudent to spend another grand for this upgraded remote. Talk (and PR) is very inexpensive; real customer support is invaluable.

Just some thoughts.....

Come on DrHb, tell us how you really feel.

Was it 2002 when that last update came out? The year 9200 has not yet rolled around. LOL

[Link: remotecentral.com]

Howdy, hello & bonjour people!!


Which is better...

Pronto RU980 or Marantz RC9500

Pronto RU980
[Link: simplyautomate.co.uk]

Marantz RC9500
[Link: futurehome.co.uk]


I'm in the UK, and have the following gear:
Pioneer 435XDE plasma >> Pioneer DV-868avi dvd player >> Sky+ Amstrad A20A804 v.4F2002 >> Artcoustic DF Multi speaker

Wanted:
Pioneer AX5ai Av-Receiver >> Sonance RS1 rear speakers >> BK XLS200 sub >> A decent remote control !!

Cheers,
Sid