Hello, I am a fan of URC remotes, but I was thinking of picking up a Pronto because I love programming these things.

2 questions - ais there variable programming with Pronto?
How do people handle toggle power and other toggle commands?

Also, what model would you reccomend? I am at the beggining of my research, any help would be greatly appreciated.

There's no variable programming.

Many devices that have toggle codes also have discrete codes so there is no problem. If they don't have discrete codes, the simplest way to set it up is to ensure that each device is always in a known state on a given page, and also provide a mechanism to rectify it if it is not in that state.

There are only two current models - 3500 (B&W) and 7500 (color). Once you see the color screen you wouldn't even consider the B&W model.

Philips will be announcing a new Pronto model next month. Perhaps it will support variables or other advanced features. You might wait and see. Variables are one of the items that have been requested by lots of Pronto programmers.

That said, there are usually simple workarounds the power toggle issue. Actually, that issue is not too common since there are discrete on/off codes available for most of the better equipment out there.

In my opinion, the most significant benefit to Pronto compared with URC, Nevo, RTI, etc. is the user base, which is substantially bigger than its competitors. That means that there is plenty of help, advice, utility software, graphics, templates, etc. available on forums like this one. I'd advise you to look through the files that people have posted in the Pronto NG area at [Link: remotecentral.com]. This will give you insight as to what prople have been able to do with the Pronto and a feel for the available resources.