I am interested in comparing the differences between the Pronto (TSU2000), the Pronto Pro and a very specific PDA setup. First of all for this comparison, assume the cost difference between the three is irrelevent. The PDA I'm looking at is the IPAQ 3835, using TV remote controller 3.1, and the UltraMote Extender (to eliminate the IR effective distance problem). Given this setup and no consideration to price, what are the advantages and disadvantages of the Pronto Pro, Pronto (TSU2000), and the PDA setup as I have described? I know this has been discussed before but one of the common problems people have w/ the PDA remotes it seems, is the IR distance which the Extender is supposed to eliminate. If you could please let me know why you prefer one over the other I'd greatly appreciate it, your input will help it what I consider a very important decision. Thanks.

To be honest, PDA's have improved a lot, and very recently with software like TV remote controller 3.1 that can import CCFs it is harder to reject the concept as laughable.
I will also admit that I have not tried the config you talked about, so take what I say with a grain of salt

Shape:

The Prono has the best shape, that curve in its back make it more stable in the hand, it can also be balanced on your leg, or armrest. I think the Compaq (since it is thinner) would tend o be lost in the couch more easily.

buttons:

I like the buttons on the side. I use them to judge how high I am on the screen (when I use my remote without looking.

IR:

The IPAQ cannot use UDB codes, RC6 codes... it can only use RC5 and learnt codes.

Programming:

Since it uses CCFs and you have to use PE (no editors in TV remote controller 3.1) there should not be any difference in programming. The only difference is downloading the CCF has a few extra steps

Screen:

The Compaq has a tft screen, so it should have a better image, but the CCF can only contain icons that fit the Pronto, so it will not use the IPAQ's 65,000 colors. And obviously since the Pronto is only gray it has the worst screen (color is always better)

charger:

not necessary for Pronto, but worth looking since it is necessary for the other two and I definitely recommend it for a Pronto. The Pronto's cradle points the remote in the right direction (slightly slanted upwards. The Compaq (if like most cradles) will point the remote in the wrong direction. (I use my Pronto directly on the cradle some times, that is why I consider it important).

IR:

Cannot comment

interface:

I like the look of the interface on the Pronto better then the one on the TV remote controller 3.1 (home, device, macro icons look better

Thanks for your help. I have another question in response to yours. I'm completely new to this so I'm not exactly sure what you mean when you mention the UDB or the RC6 codes. Could you please explain those or at least point in the right direction for finding those explanations. I tried a search on here, but I didn't find a post that described what those are. Thanks again.

UDB stands for Universal DataBase and is the name given by Philips to the IR database it uses in the Pronto remote controls (a database of IR codes for different manufacturer codes).

RC6 is one of the IR standards developed by Philips and used by other manufacturers. The standards created by Philips tend to be hard to learn so being able to input them manually is a definite plus

BTW did you read Daniel's reviews of the ProntoPro and the Pronto?[Link: remotecentral.com]

Hi,

to add my 5 Ct to the discussion:
Who needs RC6 or UDB anyway? When memeory was low in the old days I accept the necessity of reducing memory consumption, but now I don't see the point. It is far more convenient to learn the code from the origininal remote than to fiddle with codes. Most of the time you spend figuring out, what cold be the right one for the desired function.
And with the IPAQ you can have more than one configuration at hand, no need to take a PC for loading a new one.
The screen is much better, due to the outdated DSTN. There are shadows and smears on the display. I simply looks ugly.
And I for once like the slim casing!

Wilhelm: just out of curiosity do you have an IPAQ and UltraMote Extender? If yes how is battery usage? just curious, since, from what was said here, Philips decided to go with DSTN to save on battery life.

No I haven't got the Ultramote extender because they refused to sell it outside the US. I developed an "extender" for myself.
Anyway the display isn't the issue concerning the power consuption. I tested the Pronto Pro the first evening I got it and it went dead after approx. 2,5h constant use.
The IPAQ 3850 lasts for more than 3,5 hours continuous use, so that is definately not the problem.

I my opinion Philips went with the DSTN because it is cheaper and the version of Dragonball processor they use doesn't support TFT. The processor which supports TFT is faster, so they have had to do more changes in the software.

Wilhelm

This message was edited by Wilhelm on 05/26/02 16:41.44.

where does your extender get its power? and how does it work?

Thanks for the replies, I've got a lot to consider

If you have a Marantz receiver, it uses some RC6 codes. There are other Marantz products (possibly DVD players) that use them, I just can't think of them off the top of my head.

JJP

I have a pda and a pronto or three , that's the way it's meant to be (for now) purpose built technology we have.
The PDA is for Addys , email and many more apps. I have the Pronto's for ir/rf control .

It's an internal modification of the IPAQ. I fitted an IR-LED and some electronics in the 3,5mm stereo jack.

Wilhelm