I just got off the phone with RTI. They indicated that their new remote will require dealer programming. There is no "learning fuction" on the remote. Dealers will be furnished with a device that will allow them to "learn codes from obscure remotes that are not on their list. He also said that the programming software is also for dealers only.

I will be looking into other brands of ir/rf learning remotes that are end-user programmable. Since I like to change the structure and look of my remote from time to time as well as upgrade equipment. I can't see sending the remote out for reprogramming nor to I care for the additional expense implied. I don't find this brand appropriate to my needs anymore.

I would appreciate your posting alternative remotes to consider

a lamentable decision by RTI: just when they seem to have such a great new product

I bought the T2 because I got tired of having to pay my dealer to reprogram my Crestron ST1550C every time I bought a new piece of gear:


To answer your question, you could look at the HTM MX-3000: an excellent remote that has most of the same capabilities as the T2+ (larger LCD, less hardbuttons) and no RS232 capability: the MX 3000 software is good (but not as good as RTI )

Now I'm more perplexed that I was before. I ordered the T2+ and have been waiting anxiouxly for it to get here. Does this mean that I should cancel the order and buy the older T2 if I really want to stick with RTI (although it seems like they're not interested in my business), or will there be "work arounds" available for those of us who can't afford to have the dealers do the programming, or just want to do it ourselves??? Or should I just go with something not as cool (I did take a quick glance at the MX-3000 . . . . looks great, l but $1000 and huge)???

what you need to know:

RTI has changed their policy and now sells only to dealers: they will not support end users directly

-the software (even v1.0) now requires a password for access /updates

-T2+ may not have IR learn capabilities: you will need an IR Pro, a separate device that has an IR eye and USB interface to learn IR codes (you only need to learn IR codes if they are not in the database: from my experience there are always some codes not in the database (e.g. the new HD Tivo default codes are available, but alternate address codes are not): and there are always new toys with new codes

-if you can find a dealer that will sell you these items and make the software AND FUTURE UPDATES available to you, and does not mind if do your own programming, you may be OK; assuming RTI allows this?

This message was edited by markrubin on 08/21/04 08:19 ET.

I think that your dealer installer for whatever RTI products you buy will take care of you. At least I do. I know of a few guys who even have set their customers up with AMX and Crestron software & personal training simply because they were such good customers. People pay big money for these components and most dealer installers realize this, so don’t get to bent out of shape about RTI's decision, they are just trying to reign in the boot leg businesses, so that those who do buy the products have the support of a qualified installer to back them up.

Phillips has just come out with a new color Pronto remote, the TSU7000. The remote lists at about $1000 but I have seen it as low as $602 on the internet. It does have an optional RF module( List $150, Internet under $100) that will allow you to use multiple ir blasters. It has a slick color interface(much like the Crestron) that can be graphically modified. The remote learns code and is fully programable. I'm going to pop over to BestBuy( or should I say WorstBuy) and check it out. If it meets my needs, I will order it thru the internet.

BTW my T2 developed a problem with the IR. RTI will only swap it out with a remanufactued model for $200. I'd rather put the $200 toward a new remote.

I have tried to love Prontos without a lot of success: did not measure up in terms of tactile feel of hard buttons/no hard keypad/software

keep coming back to RTI

YMMV

The T2+ looks like a nice product but RTI doesn't seem to have a Canadian distributor anymore... How does the Sonance TS2 stack up against the T2+? Are they basically the same under the covers?

They sure look the same:

[Link: mastertheaterbuilders.com]

and I know RTI makes it for them

Mark,

The new Pronto does have hard buttons.

yes but no hard button keypad:

did you get it?

Thanks for all your input and help . . . .with all the uncertainty concerning the T2+, I'm going to cancel my order and just stick with the old HTM. The RTI product seems great, the software is wonderful, but . . . . . . . hopefully all of the issues will be settled in a couple of months and I'll get the T2+ (I'll put the money towards my new subwoofers and get them a little sooner).

The Sonance remotes are kind of in limbo right now; so don’t count on any being available before the end of the year.

T2+ remotes are now shipping in ever increasing numbers.


Reiterating, and expanding of past statements I have made, the new T2+ will be (in my opinion) at least 75% more reliable than the T2. Further, since these remotes are now being mass-produced on Hi Precision machines, lack of availability will forever be a thing of the past.

Further still, RTI will be releasing more interface options, other than those listed on their site, before the end of the year. The need for consumers to have an IR-PRO to capture their own codes is not really that big a deal since the T2+ still uses the same IR library that I offer as a free download. You will still be able to use the Sonance library manager to convert pronto hex and all of the usual stuff, so the only time IR capture would be an issue, is if you have a really obscure piece of gear, that is no where to be found on remote central.

If you still have a T2 that you are going to keep around, you can still use that to learn codes as well.

So have you got any in yet? Can you do a short comparison between the T2 and T2+ and RF Modules?

I am supposed to have 2 remotes in my hands by Tuesday morning.