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Topic:
9800 versus Prontos for AV plus media centre control
This thread has 4 replies. Displaying all posts.
Post 1 made on Sunday January 29, 2006 at 18:13
Deetee
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January 2006
3
I have been considering an intelligent remote, initially to control an AV system (multiple inputs to a Lexicon 5.1 system with both TV and projector as viewing options) and had initially been looking at the Pronto range (RU970 etc). However, I'd recently been thinking of whether a 9800 or similar might control a PC-based media centre as an additional source to the AV etc.

I note from this forum some frustration on the adaptability of the 9800, and would be extremely grateful if anyone could advise whether the 9800 has a hope in hell of:
a) controlling the AV system, being able to cope with different input configurations (5+), outputs (TV and projector), and even different zones.
b) controlling a PC-based media centre (probably MicroSoft based, since Apple looks even more difficult to control remotely) via wireless LAN?

If the 9800 isn't up to the job, what would be?

Many thanks in advance for any advice...
Post 2 made on Monday January 30, 2006 at 02:21
rlierop
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December 2005
9
My set up is pretty much the same as yours.

In principle this unit meets your demands. I bought it to replace the original Pronto.

However, as the rc9800 has little or no room for customisation it needs significantly more "press action" if you want to execute a non standard command. With the macro buttons you are able to easy program macro's (f.i: watch tv, listen to the radio)
If however you want to execute a non standard command (f.i. adjust the bass you will really have to start working) At these moments you really want to put it aside and place all the original remotes back onto your coffee table.

This aspect and the fact that you can not remove or reposition buttons is a bit of a let down. It just needs a bit more of customising possibilities to make it a true winner.

I have it all programmed but it is currently not in use. I am still using the Pronto (890 version) I do hope that Philips will make some special software which allows us to program it custom made. If this will not happen than I will get rid of it and buy a different remote.

Hope this helps

Ron
OP | Post 3 made on Monday January 30, 2006 at 15:45
Deetee
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3
Thanks Ron,

When you say your "set up is pretty much the same as yours", do you include the PC-based media centre as well? Does 9800 have built-in software for such, and if not what do you use?

Many thanks,

David
Post 4 made on Tuesday February 14, 2006 at 23:54
fors8kin
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February 2006
6
I just sent a letter to Philips. I hate this unit (RC9800i). I have the same AV set up as you, including a Microsoft HTPC config. Yes, it does support the basic premise of having a HTPC in your system, but, as the previous poster correctly stated, trying to define small customizations is idiotic. I'm in my HT right now, and I have 2 other remotes sitting right next to me to take up the slack. I have had a RC2000 since about 1996 and as I said to Philips, this unit is barely a step up (other than looking good). The Wifi is stupid! Why would I want to view or listen to A/V files on this little toy, when I have a monstrous system in front of me (the sound quality is worse than my phone too). In my opinion, it was a waste of the technology at hand. Also, I was very disappointed that the software (PMM) had no customizations or Macro set-up functions that could be transfered (Wirelessly?) back the RC9800i. If I knew it was just a Media-server, I would have passed on the whole thing. Currently I have 3 other units in my system that come with their own proprietary Media Servers, 2 of which are superior (Microsoft and D-Link). Philips could have done better if they stuck to what they know, which is building some fine remotes, instead of trying to jump into a game in which they are already probably 3 years behind. I would have loved to see their newfound software programming savvy gone into building better customizable remote and Macro functions rather than trying to track down the IPod.
CLH 5.1 61 DLP rulez!!!
Post 5 made on Monday February 20, 2006 at 17:37
kcoaster
Lurking Member
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February 2006
1
Thanks for the great reviews, I wish I had read them before I purchased.
I purchased the RC9800i a month ago, I have had the same problems you have plus even though I successfully program the user function keys 1, 2 and 3 for an Scientific Atlanta DVR the buttons don't appear on any of the RC9800i pages. After an hour on the phone with reps and supervisors at Philips, I'm told it a compatibility issue ????
Fortunately, I called J&R who will take it back. I can't believe this remote doesn't do half what my Pronto RC 5000 does.
I spent hours programming the control and trying to find a, "work around" . What a waste...


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