RC5000 gets updated: Released today is a new version of the RC5000/RC5000i PC programming software package, RC5000 Setup 2.1. Since there’s been no functional changes or additions, this revision is only to address bugs. First, the remote firmware versions have been updated from SYS v4.2 and APP v5.0, to SYS v4.6 and APP v5.1. While I’m fairly sure what the APP update is for, I’m less certain as to why there has been such a huge system update. My guess at this point is that development in that regard was more for features on the Philips Pronto TSU2000, rather than actual changes to the RC5000.

The major issue addressed by this update is for a condition when a page history jump (forwards or backwards) was the first command on a soft LCD button. In that situation the remote would complain of a "corrupt CCF" and reboot each and every time a panel containing such a button was shown. That problem has been completely fixed. However, I am unable to determine any further changes – the page history feature still remembers 5 backward yet nine forward jumps, the LCD and backlight still turn on whenever a hard button is pressed, and short taps of buttons still may not be sensed by certain components. I recommend that anyone using RC5000 Setup v2.0 update to v2.1, however if you want to roll back to an earlier version I recommend v1.2.3.

That now makes three releases of RC5000 Setup since the last ProntoEdit release in April of this year. I’m hoping that Philips will catch up soon.
[Talk about the RC5000/RC5000i...]

DVD addition: New up under reviews is my look at Jackie Chan’s DVD release of Shanghai Noon. Disney’s DVDs keep getting better, with Shanghai Noon boasting top-notch anamorphic video and Dolby Digital 5.1 audio. Check it out!
[Talk about DVD movies...]