Bill, the main software engineer for Pronto wasn't at CES. It's possible you bumped into me (a long shot, I was only at the booth for about 15 minutes or so), but if so, all I remember saying was 'should be the next week or two, if everything goes to plan'.

I'm trying to find out more about the plans for releasing ProntoEdit, but it may take a day or two. The guys responsible for the release of ProntoEdit are in a different organization to me. Believe me, we want it in people's hands as soon as possible, too.

I concur with AHP, main engineer far away from CES show. Please understand that Philips is a HUGE company with many issues to consider before making any moves. Until 1/31/99 arrives, no one can say that they broke any promises. In fact, I unexpectedly ran into what may be a bug this last Monday after testing some of my own remotes again. If it is a bug, believe me, you would all have unkind words for Philips, so how about we all be patient with AHP and others and let them have the time frame that they have gone on record with to iron out any loose ends before we complain any further.

Jack,

rather easy for someone to say who already has a version of the software. Beta, yes, but a working version none the less.

not complaining, just anxious!

Does this mean that the Marantz RC5000 will be delayed as well since it's supossed to iclude the cable and the software?
Is it the same software? Does anybody know?

Consider the brightest scenario:
Prontoedit.com will be a fully functional tool which can be used to trade all of the files that anyone may need to do the best possible creation on their Pronto via ProntoEdit. Not having been a beta tester would not have allowed such a tool to exist at the time when software is release as one would not know what was(might be) needed.

It would appear form the tone of this thread, that Philips needs to get things moving quickly. To quote the inspector from "Young Frankenstein", "A riot is an ugly thing, and I think it's about time we had one". ;-)
johnf

I am running lots of unsupported beta software from Microsoft. I don’t whine when I find a bug I know they are working dammed hard to squash them all.

I am sure a lot of you guys are in the same boat and I really can’t see any reason why Phillips does not allow a public beta of ProntoEdit. We could tell each other here if we find anything wrong then the chaps at Phillips could either pick it up or not as they please.

My wife is partially sited and although the Pronto does exactly what I wanted for her, she can’t pick out the differences between the macro buttons in their neat rows. What I need is graphics that are easy to see, even big letters would do, but all that is impossible without any tools.

I too have been told “By the end of February” by the Philips Technical Escalation Group. Having heard January – February I am now starting to imagine March – April – May.

- Nigel.

Why don't all you spoiled children relax,
and quit the incessant software whining
already? It will come out when they damn
well want it to! The beta testers were
chosen by Philips to test the product
so let them! You've got a great product
thats already basically self sufficient
without the software, so why not enjoy it
and show a little patience?!?

'Where's my software!'

'Where's my cable!'

'Why aren't they here yet?'

'Why, why, why?'

'Where's my soother!'

...and blah, blah, blah, blah.

What a bunch of diaper poopin' Pablum munchin'
babies!

Bubba - I have to say that in my opinion your message is quite the most immature I've come across on any bulletin board or newsgroup.

This site probably represents a reasonable proportion of consumers of electronic goods and as such can often influence the way that consumer driven companies react.

If sufficient numbers of people share the same ideas a little leverage is often available.

If we must, we will wait. If not, then that's a bonus that we'd all like to see.

though it seems like we are being whinny little children who can't wait for what will soon come, what is wrong with a little overstaged enthusiasm?
i think it's a sincere form of flattery to Phillips. from what i've seen already, the pronto is a 10 and i think i speek for most when i say, we just want to see what 'she' can do.

bubba, i think you need to go elsewhere to practice your parenting techniques!

Goo-goo, Gah-gah.

Settle down now. Hasn't mommy or daddy ever
told you 'good things' come to those who wait'?
'Patience is a virtue'?

Hopefully Philips will incorporate some sort of
screensaver you can load onto Pronto, maybe
some dancing Gummy-wummy Bears of fuzzy-wuzzy Ewoks, something to keep you pacified while
waiting for your Pablum or the next software update.

'Mo-om! Where's my software update!'

'Junior! Finish your bottle or it's
straight to bed w/o your Pronto!'

'Waaaaaaaah!'

taunting is soooo manly!

Sounds like Bubba must have some deep rooted emotional attachment to Phillips, awful defensive isn't he!