Evidently, the new version is being released with a large amount of "built-in" codes. Are they gonna make this database available to those of us with the "Old" Pronto?

Regards,
Paul

Well, this is a question I had in my news update. From the release, it sounds like the database is built-into the remote. Since there's already so little space left for the user configuration on the current 1mb model, I don't see where they'd actually put it.

Daniel,

Sorry, I read your news release and apparently missed this. That kinda blows, but I guess I understand. That gives me an excuse to buy another Pronto now doesn't it!

Regards,
Paul

Don't you guys think the database should be included in ProntoEdit rather than in the actual remote? I think it's better in the software because you don't need all the IR codes and they are just taking up space. Even with 2MB, I'm sure one day it'll run out of room.

Philips has had to purchase a licence to use these codes. {Someone else has done all the hack work in getting all the codes and they naturally want some money). So there are probably issues related to protection of intellectual property.

Seems like the codes are really just codes that will produce the same result. Phillips would not be using the original coding at all, something similar to what we do by learning them.

Wouldn't the logic of Phillips giving us the codes not be any different than us posting them here?

Perry

The problem is UEI is fairly paranoid about their library -- so I wouldn't expect them to put it in a "downloadable" state where it might possibly be extracted. The further problem with this is you probably won't be able to use "advanced" codes on the Pronto either.

In their demonstrations at the CEDIA EXPO in Indianapolis, Philips did show a working version of ProntoEdit utilizing the database. We will be able to use hard coded codes within ProntoEdit.

However, the new 2megabyte Pronto has a much more powerful feature. With the remote by itself, you can add an entire device with the default Philips artwork pre-arranged for you. They have automated the insertion of all of the device IR codes into all of the buttons in one swoop.

When programming with the PC and ProntoEdit, you will have to manually add each code to each button. So, PC programming will be considerably slower than remote standalone programming. The developer suggested that users will add devices in the remote (thereby adding all codes at once) then upload to ProntoEdit to make graphical changes.

The IR database from Universal also takes away a fair amount of free memory. Instead of the RC5000i's 1304kb, the new pronto will ship with 960kb of free memory.

By the way, they showed the color Pronto with a new interface. Although it is a 256 color screen the user will use a 216 color web-safe pallette in a screen of either exactly the same size or very close to it (240 x 220 were the developers words). So, Dale and Daniel are you ready for 216 color interfaces?

The Home Device and Macro bars have slightly different styling, and although there was some discussion about eventually opening up the entire screen to user edits, they have opted to delay that. I suggested that they at least offer a Home group only option (with a limit of 255 screens) and they said that that would be one way to do it. He did mention that there really wasn't any reason to limit to 255 screens currently.

The color ProntoPro (thats the working name) has improved styling, 4 hard buttons in a row at the bottom of the screen instead of 2. It also has a new charging base (a large molded cradle). At the show that was a passive mockup. The ProntoPro was a working prototype. I held it in my hands and was delighted!

The new Pronto default graphics are sexier than the old. They have opted for a very subtle use of color, with blue outlines and shadows. The contrast doesn't appear to be appreciably better or worse.

In their prototype interface, they showed vivid colors with a panel or two of channel logos. Really stunning! There was no mention of RF (I forgot to ask).

Looks like the Pronto has leapfrogged the RC5000 once again!!

Though why can't ProntoEdit offer the same capability as the hardware to add a complete device from the database!!