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Topic:
Replacing the Pronto System
This thread has 8 replies. Displaying all posts.
Post 1 made on Friday May 31, 2019 at 23:43
NBTBRV8
Long Time Member
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Given the lack of support I am fast coming to the conclusion that I need to replace the Philips Pronto system. I really want to keep the same design principal of having a tablet talk via WiFi and control my TVs via the existing infrared wiring that controls everything.

What system should I be looking for as I have no idea?

Thanks
Post 2 made on Saturday June 1, 2019 at 09:49
buzz
Super Member
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I've been using TouchControl. This is an iPad/iPhone App, no Android. Obviously, there are very few hard buttons compared to Pronto, but one can use the Volume buttons. Screen interactions are much richer and one can be more elaborate with the artwork.

JavaScriipt is the language. Similar to Pronto, it is not mandatory to use JavaScript, but it facilitates slicker interactions with the user. If one looks very closely, one can find bits and pieces of my ProntoScript in my TouchControl programs. IP commands can be directly sent to clients, IR and RS-232 commands must go through a box, such as a Global Caché.

Multi-room is easy -- all you need to do is swap room names, backgrounds, and IP addresses. If you are clever with your design, this could  require only three JavaScript statements per room. It's very powerful to be able to make one change and update the cable box or disc player in all rooms. Also, the modern devices are much faster than Pronto. Interactions that would require too much processing power and bog down Pronto can be done in a blink.

You do need to a different mindset. Don't approach TouchControl as a Pronto on steroids. If you held one of my TouchControl designs next to an ancient Pronto design, you'll see lots of similarities, but they are different under the hood. Some of the cheap tricks in Pronto don't play well in TouchControl and there are some cheap tricks in TouchControl that I would not attempt in Pronto.
OP | Post 3 made on Saturday June 1, 2019 at 18:17
NBTBRV8
Long Time Member
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I am looking for the easiest system to set up as this is not my forte. I also want to avoid Apple and iOS like the plague.
Post 4 made on Sunday June 2, 2019 at 10:55
buzz
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Look at Harmony. It's a DIY favorite.
Post 5 made on Saturday June 8, 2019 at 00:34
Lowpro
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On May 31, 2019 at 23:43, NBTBRV8 said...
Given the lack of support I am fast coming to the conclusion that I need to replace the Philips Pronto system. I really want to keep the same design principal of having a tablet talk via WiFi and control my TVs via the existing infrared wiring that controls everything.

What system should I be looking for as I have no idea?

Thanks

Given the lack of support? In what way? Genuinely curious. What kind of support are you needing? What's bringing you to this fast conclusion? Is your system failing you in some way or are you just getting bored with it?

I run Pronto TSU9600's and RFX9600 extenders. I can control anything out there via IR, RS-232 or IP and more importantly, do so from a user interface that I create in both form and function. My Pronto based system has been bullet proof for me year in and year out. It just works. The fact the Pronto line has been discontinued for a number of years is beside the point.

So what are your concerns? If you're worried about hardware failure there's always the used market where Pronto gear can be had for pennies on the dollar. Replacement batteries are very inexpensive also. In fact, I just swapped the battery out in one of my remotes the other day.

Not sure what your experience has been, but I've only had one Pronto remote stop working on me in all these years. It was the unit Philips provided me for beta testing prior to the remote being available for purchase. It was used and abused and still lasted a number of years. I have yet to ever have an extender go bad on me. That being said, I have several remotes and extenders in storage that I paid next to nothing for. If I ever do need to replace something I'll be set to go.
LP Related Links:
View my profile to access various
links to key posts and downloads.
OP | Post 6 made on Sunday June 9, 2019 at 20:14
NBTBRV8
Long Time Member
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May 2019
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On June 8, 2019 at 00:34, Lowpro said...
Given the lack of support? In what way? Genuinely curious. What kind of support are you needing? What's bringing you to this fast conclusion? Is your system failing you in some way or are you just getting bored with it?

I run Pronto TSU9600's and RFX9600 extenders. I can control anything out there via IR, RS-232 or IP and more importantly, do so from a user interface that I create in both form and function. My Pronto based system has been bullet proof for me year in and year out. It just works. The fact the Pronto line has been discontinued for a number of years is beside the point.

So what are your concerns? If you're worried about hardware failure there's always the used market where Pronto gear can be had for pennies on the dollar. Replacement batteries are very inexpensive also. In fact, I just swapped the battery out in one of my remotes the other day.

Not sure what your experience has been, but I've only had one Pronto remote stop working on me in all these years. It was the unit Philips provided me for beta testing prior to the remote being available for purchase. It was used and abused and still lasted a number of years. I have yet to ever have an extender go bad on me. That being said, I have several remotes and extenders in storage that I paid next to nothing for. If I ever do need to replace something I'll be set to go.

I've had two TSU9600 remotes die and it has been very hard to find somebody who has access to spare parts to repair them.

I don't have the original files to put on replacement remotes.

So you then have to ask yourself, do you send your remotes somewhere where you are going to be charged at least $100 to look at them and then if they can fix them and they need the original template I'm in trouble. The repair bill could end up well being in the hundreds.

So replacing the system seems the most economical thing to do seeing the Pronto system is on the way out.
Post 7 made on Monday June 10, 2019 at 01:46
Lowpro
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I wouldn't even entertain the notion of trying to have them repaired. I would just buy a couple used TSU9600's off EBay. There are 3 used TSU9600's for sale on EBay right now listed at $145, $185 and $189. I've seen them go for less even.

That being said, it sounds like you don't have the configuration file that was downloaded to the remotes. Did someone create and download the configuration file for you? If they aren't around anymore are you game at trying to create a configuration file yourself? I might be willing to help.
LP Related Links:
View my profile to access various
links to key posts and downloads.
OP | Post 8 made on Monday June 10, 2019 at 06:45
NBTBRV8
Long Time Member
Joined:
Posts:
May 2019
10
Yes, I don't have the config file as it was organised by the previous owner. I wouldn't know where to begin in getting one created, I don't even know the wi-fi password that it all works on. Also the original file needs modifying to take away some old subscription services.
Post 9 made on Monday June 10, 2019 at 09:04
Lowpro
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Understand. Well perhaps Harmony would be a good option to look into. Whatever you decide, I wish you the best of luck.
LP Related Links:
View my profile to access various
links to key posts and downloads.


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