Just took the Pronto out of the box and hooked it up to my computer. Uploaded from the unit, downloaded to the unit (or vice versa), downloaded a long list of .CCF files, each containing one of my devices and a bunch of other stuff.

Now what?

And, btw, I couldn't find a Sony SLV-N70 VCR. Is there another device I can use instead?

Thanks!

Do a search for "newbie". There's heaps of useful advice out there. Even a lot in the past few days.

Newbie,

Use Pronto edit to merge existing CCFs together. Delete all other devices that you don't need from the new CCF that was created from the merge. If you like the layout of and existing device that is not one that you use, you can rename it, and have the Pronto learn each of the button's IR codes from your existing remote.

You can always create your own layouts by designing your own buttons with bitmap imaging. This can take some time. I used a gallery CCF that contains every button, icon and border here online. It's too big to save into Pronto edit, so I recommend opening the CCF and saving what you want(certain buttons, icons, or boarders) into different CCFs. Merge these with your layout and use what you want. Dan Tonks has a great CCF check it out.

With bitmap imaging remember to save it as a bitmap that is 256 colors or less otherwise it won't work (Thanks again Alan V). My point is the possibilities are endless. I spent 33 hrs working on my CCF before I even received my Pronto. Mine was delivered on Monday.

I recommend finding discrete codes for power on and off for your components. This is needed for system power off macros or alias so you don't turn a component on that is already off.

If you have any questions feel free to email me. I will be posting my CCF in the next couple of days.

Scott

Newbie

I'd get Scott's phone number and learn all there is that he can teach you. He's had his Pronto for THREE DAYS. As for me, I'm going to take a hammer to mine. I've had mine for a long time, but I didn't know about imaging and 256 and all. I didn't know how uninformed I was until I read this thread. 256. Wow.

Newbie, some people have all the luck.

AMF

Newbie,

I would take me's advice mate, as I feel the same way. By the way mate, what kinda hammer?

Whooo boy,
I'm from the BIg D. And if I knew as much about pronto as SB, why hell, I would certainly be rich.
SB, go get 'em boy!

Thank you!

I do have one correction...It's ANDY V that I needed to thank for the bitmap info...About the 3 day thing....I haven't left the Pronto alone except to go to work.....I CAN'T PUT IT DOWN!!!! I'm posting my first CCF without channel surfing guides. I notice alot of people have them, but I usually only watch DVD's and am eager for input.

Scott

Scott,

Go get 'em boy. Your'er a heck of a guy. And a good sport (and obviously smart)!

One thing I've always enjoyed about this community has been the good nature of everyone involved. Let's not descend into posting anonymous sarcastic messages that neither help nor entertain, please.

Thank God that at least I don't have trouble with the graphics. Btw, you probably don't want to use 256 color, since the pronto can only display 4 colors, the extra size seems to be a waste. If you create 16 color BMPs (4 bit), they should be exactly half the size.

Gary: Pronto edit changes them to 4 colors. Try saving to a bmp from Pronto and then open it, only 4 colors left.

As far as 4 color bitmaps go. If you use photoshop create a document in Indexed Color mode, make sure USE DITHERING is selected if it is a complex or photographic image. Use the RGB values found in the FAQ for your color palette. When you save the indexed color document choose 4 bit, or 8 bit if that is all that is available. I'm sure this technique is possible in other bitmap editors too. I've used this technique to get quite nice looking images into the pronto. One thing you have to take into account is brightness of the image, a photographic image generally will require a higher contrast setting than is preferable for the buttons, at least the default buttons.

One thing someone might want to try to ensure the best looking photographs on the actual remote is tweak the Pronto's values darker for dark gray and lighter for light gray. Then save the palette and use it for dithering. Might look a bit off on ProntoEdit, but it'll probably look better on the real LCD.