I am in the process of converting my existing RC5000 program (pretty extensive) over to a color version that will run on my soon to arrive Pronto Pro. ProntoProEdit read my existing RC5000 file just fine, but as I started running it in emulator mode I discovered a big step backwards. In v2.2 of the RC5000 Setup program we had a Jump Backward and Jump Forward. I used the Jump Backwards extensively as a Return operator (ie I would jump to a specific hidden page and once finished the Jump Backwards would take me back to the page where the original Jump was called). Apparently Phillips never got around to adding the Jump Backwards/Forward functionality to ProntoEdit or even the newer ProntoProEdit.

This is not to be confused with Scroll forward and Scroll backwards. Scroll forward/backward only move to the next/previous panel in a macro. By combining an unconditional Jump to a specific page and the Jump Backwards, I had the equivalent of a gosub and a return.

I used this in several places but one in particularly heavy use was to allow me to jump to a page where I could call use DirecTV's menu and guide functions and when finished, return to the same panel from where I had pressed the button taking me to the secondary panel. Saved lots of duplication of panels.

I am overlooking something here? I can work around this, but it means putting many multiple copies of the same routine so that each copy can have a specific Jump that returns it to the page that originally called it. This is how the original version of the RC5000Setup functioned, so I have already been there, done that. I was really pleased when v2 and later of the RC5000Setup added the ability to Jump Backwards.

Thanks

David,

If you're asking if you can emulate the jump back feature on the Pro, the answer is kind of. You could put your Direct TV menu in a macro group. When you're finished on this page, touching the device menu icon would take you back to the last page you were at on the device side. Kind of a poor mans jump backward.

Jim L

While that might work in a round about manner, I am coming to the decision that since the Marantz version of the setup software includes the Jump Backwards (I run currently run the RC5000), there is NO excuse for Phillips to not include the same capability, PARTICULARLY in the new ProntoPro. I may well RMA my new ProntoPro when it arrives Monday and order the Marantz RC9200.

David,

The history is that Philips spent the R&D dollars for custom beeps and timers, so Marantz can't use them. On the other hand, Marantz spent the R&D dollars for the additional programing features (forward and backward jumps, multiple jumps in an action list, etc) and they remain the property of Marantz. It's called "product differentiation" AKA consumer frustration.

Jim L

Well, After working with both ProntoProEdit and the new Marantz TouchScreenSetup, I quickly came to the decision to return the ProntoPro (already done) and get the RC9200 (arrives later in week). The programming features of the RC9200 and the additional hard buttons (particularly the cursor pad), make all the difference to me. Although the ProntoPro is a very nice unit, for my use, the RC9200 was the clear winner.

David,

That was my conclusion as well. That's why I waited for the Marantz, resisted temptation, and chewed a few fingernails, before I upgraded from my TSU 1000. If the price increase to get color is worth it, then a small additional increase to get the additional programmable screen size, hard cursor and programming functions was more than worth it. I sure you'll enjoy it.

Jim L

I think most have missed the fact that the RC9200 has a larger area on the LCD that can be programmed when compared to the TU6000, not to mention the additional hard keys and the enhanced programming operators. I also did not like the fact that the hardkey labels on the TU6000 were such an intense blue with no way to change them. I found that I was having to choose colors that would not clash with those hardkey labels, rather than colors that I preferred. I also could not really find appropriate uses for the two outside hardkeys on the TU6000 (that would fit into my control layout strategy). I know that there are gripes about the lack of a clock on the RC9200, but with clocks in the VCR and the HDTV, I can live without it.

Since I have finished with my new RC9200 color ccf development, I am really anxious to get the unit and load it up. My old RC5000 will now get a remake as the bedroom remote and while I am at it, I am adding IR receivers to my extensive x10 automation so that I can trigger x10 macros from the RC9200 & RC5000 in addition to my existing RF x10 remotes.