I'm currently wrestling with a decision over the RM-AV2000 and the Philips Pronto. I'm leaning to the AV2000 mainly due to two reasons; 1), price (I received a lower quote than anything on the web or any Canadian retailer - although I suspect it may not be availabe to everyone - under $160.00 CDN) and, 2) most of my equipment is Sony.

I currently own one of the original Marantz 2000 (2 years old). It's great except it ran out of memory and it doesn't pick up on certain IR frequencies. I have a Lutron "Graphic Eye - 3401" which controls 4 set of lights with 8 IR user programmed dim/brightness settings. The Marantz can only operate 3 of them. I also have a Somfy IR window shade control (the Marantz can control that system).

My question, therefore, deals with the "optional" funtion on the AV2000. Does anyone know what frequency range it can handle (i.e. can it learn all the frequency ranges for the Lutron Graphic Eye)? What about memory capacity? I currently own a Sony DVP C6000 DVD player, Sony 32" XBR(2) 96S, Sony CD players 205 & 270 (the 205 is a "slave" to the 270 - 400 CD capacity), Sony MD Deck JE700, Sony Tape Deck WA7ESA, Sony Receiver DA80ES, Panasonic SVHS PVS 4580, Kenwood Subwoofeer 103SW .... yeah, like I need another toy .....?

Any comments or information, as always, would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks In Advance!!!!!

The Sony's manual doesn't specify what the frequency range is anywhere. Since you're system is almost completely Sony, you'll be able to use 90% pre-programmed buttons for the majority of your components, using the learning function to fill in blanks. With my current system (only partially Sony), I've got about 85 - 90 buttons *programmed*, and I haven't hit max yet. Your mileage may vary, though.

You're price is not special. Check out other websites, where the RM-AV2000 is $105.

I'm impressed. I might be more impressed if the price was under $100.00 USD, and included shipping, insurance and a "no-hassle" return policy. Other than the websites mentioned so far are there others? I would like to check them out!

Thanks!