I didn't want to mention this before, but since Daniel mentioned it in his CEDIA preview, I am sure it is ok now.

I have been fortunate to try the new RFX6500 for the past 4 weeks, in 3 different setups with great success. It has been in my previously difficult setup for over a week now, with problematic pieces like a plasma, satellite box and a cable box. With the old RFX6000, the range in my house did not go through a single wall! With the prototype 6500, the TSU7000 was not missing a step in macros from the basement straight on through the 2nd floor of the house. It even worked from across the street!

While I cannot promise it will work perfectly in all installations, I can tell you it worked flawlessly in the 3 that I tried it in. One of these setups was a crash 'n' burn with a Universal Remote Control's MRF-300.

I have been experimenting with MX-3000's for the past few months, seeking better RF reliability. This new piece has me going right back to my ole' Pronto. I only hope Philips see the advantages of giving us addressable IR ports in the future.

People may post here complaining of lack of Philips support, and it may be true they do not respond well to individual problems. I can assure you they are constantly working on improving and perfecting their remote line.

Having seen their plans for their future remotes, I think they have a solid grasp on what we are all looking for in control in home theater and automation (IMHO).

Maybe they should spend as much effort on fixing the touchscreen problems with the TSU3000. After all if the remote doesn't work the new RF extender won't do squat.

What you say is encuraging, but I'd rather read it from Philips. If Philips would tell its small army of users that it indeed is moving in the right directions, I for one would stop reading the URC, RTI, UEI, Sony and Logitech ads. PR for the Pronto line s--ks.

Add the folowing to my last post in this thread.

If you check out the Philips Pronto web site, you'll find the last 3 press releases issued are dated 9/04, 1/04, and 9/03. And you wonder why some people are skeptics?

Any word on when the new RF base will be available?