Marantz: As you may have read in the Pronto/RC5000 message forum, rumors surfaced last week of a soon-to-be-released update to the Marantz RC5000 remote, the RC5000i. It's expected to be initially available with the new SR-14EX Dolby Digital EX receiver and shortly afterwards by itself in retail stores. Although an exact list of updates have not been released, it's expected that a number of new software features will be added, different from those currently exclusively available on the Philips Pronto. A reliable source stated that current RC5000 users will be able to upgrade their existing remotes with a new firmware update in the near feature. Further details will be posted as soon as they are available.

For the last few weeks I haven't had nearly as much time to work on the site as I would have liked, mostly due to other responsibilities. For those wondering, a full review of the Crisp Solutions UCommand is on its way. Further, I will be contacting Denon this week in the hopes of obtaining details on the Aktis remote not already available on their web site. Until then, remember that I -- and many others -- are always available to answer your questions in one of the message forums.