I know.... another "which remote" post... Sorry if this post just adds another to a long line of nagging cries for help, but I just can't decide... I need to control the usual devices, but I can't seem to find any scripts to control my Pioneer VSX5000 Receiver, or my APEX-600 DVD Player.. I read that you can control "anything" with the Pronto units, but do I really need to spend $250+ for a remote ?? I've gone the "Universal" remote path, and after 5 different trips to return them, I'm about ready to just do it. But let's say, the specific code for my Receiver isn't available, how difficult is it to "Create" a control program ?? I'm pretty computer literate, so I think it must come down to the software or it's ease of use. Also are there any other color displays besides the 6000 ? H E L P !!!

RG

1) If you want to go cheaper then a Pronto, then there are other learning remotes (Sony VL-900, MX-500....)

2) going with a PC as a controller is a lot of work and you will need to built an IR emitter (you cannot use the IRDA port if your PC has one), and not worth the effort. That was what I was looking for a few years ago, when I found the Pronto.

3) not really there are controllers that have color displays (AMX, Crestron...) but they are Much more expensive then a Pronto, and that is for the most basic system. You could also look at the Marantz 9200 it is more expensive then a Pronto Pro but it has more hard buttons. (plus it is the only one that enters into the category of color display and not over $2000)

The great thing about a learning remote like the Philips Pronto is that you can “teach” it the commands from your original remote. This is really pretty easy. You can also download most commands from this website. After you have taught your new remote all the commands for all your equipment you can create macros. The Pronto is a very capable remote when it comes to macros. A macro can have a very long series of commands if necessary. You can even put pauses in the macro if your equipment needs time to respond before the next command. Yes it costs a few hundred and to get it to do what you want will take some time and patients. In my opinion the software for the Pronto is very easy to use. This website will help a bunch when you need help.

Thanks for the response, I'd never thought about using my PC as a controller Hmmmmm. 1 more quick question, I bought 2 ( budget ) Remotes that claimed to be "learning", but I found that they wouldn't recognise some of my original remotes. The main one was my Pioneer VSX5000 reciever. I know I was doing it right, because, I had success with several other devices. I even put fresh batteries in, just in case that effected the strength of the beam.. I'm sure the Pronto wouldn't have troubles like this...... would it ? That's why I asked how hard it was to program it yourself, in case it fails on the Pronto as well.... I also found these remotes had such a limited number of programmable buttons, it was worthless as anything other than an on/off switch... Now putting aside the color display... ( that's a dream ) how many differences are there between the TS940 / TS1000 and the TS2000, are the capabilities about the same ? I'm bidding on 2 TS100's on EBay, cause to me that looks about the best all around value...

Thanx Again... RG

The main difference in the 1 and 2000 is memory. If you're not doing huge pages with lots of graphics you can probably make due with the TS1000. The problem with both of these is that the display is very dim. Unless you're in a well lit area you will have trouble making out the display. I use the TS6000 exclusively. It is very bright, even in the dark and besides color is more fun.

You can get a lot of info here [Link: remotecentral.com] and in the FAQ

The TS1000 was the first generation of Pronto's. And has been discontinued for over a year. The TSU-2000 is its replacement. They doubled its physical memory and added a IR database. It gives it about 2.5x more space for your configuration then the original remote (380 K- 960 k). The RU 940 is the European equvalent of the TSU-2000 but it does not have the IR database so it has a lot more space (1404K)

Sorry dbl post

This message was edited by Anthony on 01/10/02 12:10.10.

P.S. If you look here [Link: remotecentral.com] (some configurations uploaded to this site by users) you will see many Pioneer receivers.

You want it all My suggestion is look at the Pronto. I have owned mine for well over a year and the anchor likes it too. You might initially lay out a little more but as your stuff grows so doesn't the capability of your remote. I disagree with the backlight problem I have had no problem with my unit. Also goto the files section and search for your pioneer component you will be able to check out some of the setups people have created for your reciever (You will have to download pronto edit to view)
Dan
Pay once and get what you want

I have to throw in the HTM MX-700 if you're not worried about a colour display and are more button oriented.

The PC software contains all of the discrete codes in the entire Pronto file section on this site, and is updatable.

Device files can also be shared, so you are bound to find any codes you don't want.

It also comes with the SideKick remote for those in your family that are not as "remote literate" as you might be.

And programming it is extremely easy.

Just a thought........

... Greg

This message was edited by GregoriusM on 01/14/02 00:31.14.