Well, I decided to return my HK after about three weeks of use. Basically, what I wanted was a replacement for my Sony RM-TP501 (the one that comes with the 50ES receiver). The most important function was the "function selection" screen. The 50ES remote has a screen that pops up when you hit the function button. If you choose TV/VCR then all the necessary stuff will turn on and only turn on. There is a "system off" button that only turns everything off. Both of these could not be learned by my HK. The other pitfalls include: lack of programmablilty; you cannot change the screen format and are very restricted to macros or activities, speed; it is dog slow and the roller doesn't make up for it, and no online codes; I would really like to be able to download codes to update it. For $299 I feel that I could better enjoy my money spent elsewhere. I hope those that keep it enjoy it.

FWIW, I probably won't be buying a Pronto considering the follow up Daniel posted for the Pronto. For these prices I expect a lot more. For one, the ability to learn any code from any remote (IR only is fine).

You might want to seriously consider the Marantz RC-2000MKII. I went out yesterday to look at the HK TC1000 and the Pronto with my heart dead-set on getting a touchscreen. I was also attracted to the idea of using my computer to program it. I ended up falling for the low-cost, does everything, can learn every code flawlessly, RC-2000 for $199.

In my humble opinion, I liked the Pronto over the HK, but I think I'd rather have other toys. Let's face it... isn't the real toy the system? I just wanted to get all those damn remotes off the table and I have with the RC-2000.

Erik

If you are looking for high toy-factor for as little as $100 more than the RC2K check these out.

[Link: homepage.netspaceonline.com]
[Link: prontoedit.com]

I probably won't be buying a Pronto considering the follow up Daniel posted for the Pronto. For these prices I expect a lot more. For one, the ability to learn any code from any remote (IR only is fine).

Where did I say the Pronto can't learn certain IR codes in my followup? I've experienced the following problems, period:

Semi-correct learning of Sony's macro input/power buttons. Using the "one code only" versions from the RM-AV2000 works perfectly.

The one button I haven't been able to learn is the ANT button on my Sony TV. Don't know why, don't really care. :-) For some odd reason the Take Control didn't have any problem with it, but it didn't work quite as well as the Pronto on those Macro buttons.

Daniel, I was referring to the speed issue that you mentioned in your follow up. I should have been more clear.

As for the commands my HK couldn't learn, I was referring to the selection from the receiver remote of a particular functions (e.g. VCR, Video1, Video2, LD/DVD, CD). On my receiver remote these buttons only turn things on and they select only the appropriate equipment. Also, my HK couldn't learn the "system off" button either. I don't know if the Pronto will as no one responded to my post on the subject.

Cheers

OK... well, the Pronto is a fair bit quicker to operate than the Take Control, even with the drawn out scrolling effect.

The buttons you mention can't be learned because they're macro buttons. This means they send out multiple signals - VCR will turn eveything on and set the proper inputs. Nothing can learn that because it's too long.

The Pronto managed to learn the very first command from those buttons on my Sony system (turn the amp on to the proper input) but that's it. Easier programming came when I used the input buttons from the RM-AV2000 remote - single codes only. Much better.

Since my original HK AVR-75 remote has been declared dead (combination of a 4 1/2 year old visiting kid and a glass of juice) I have been looking for a replacement. Buying a ny original remote as replacement for the old was not what I had in mind, due to two factors: Insane price (230-240 USD here in Norway) and terrible layout/handling.

The shop where I purchased the AVR75 had a demo Take Control and I was tempered to buy it (for about 1 minute). I did not buy it for these reasons:
I dislike touchscreen. Without any physical 'feeling' / feedback towards what I was doing, it felt discomfortable.
Too large. I like a remote to be slim, ie you can grab around it with one hand and be able to operate with that hand.
Too slow. Yes, I noticed the delay at the roller at once I tried the Take Control.
High cost. Even with the computer link it was not worth the price (350-370 USD for the demo model).
First impression is important, and I know I have only tried the Take Control for 10 minutes in a shop, so these were only my first impressions.

So I bought a Marantz RM2000MkII instead, and the first impressions has been good. Not perfect, but good. I only miss one thing (yet): Link to a computer for backup / setup options. Anybody knows if you can use a standard IR sensor on a portable to recive and store the setup from the Marantz ? It has a transmit option if you want to send all setup from one Marantz to another (make a duplicate).

Daniel,

I've been monitoring the site trying to find a
remote. Something you said earlier really draws
my attention. IS IT TRUE THAT ALL THOSE MACRO
BUTTONS ON THE SONY (VCR, TV, LD/DVD, VIDEO1..)
CANNOT BE LEARNED BY ANY REMOTE???. EVEN PRONTO
OR TAKE CONTROL???.

The SONY RM-AV2000 however should be OK then?.
Since I have pretty much all SONY stuff so is the
best bet the RM-AV2000???

Please reply,
Daniel Nguyen.

The Macro buttons (such as most of the Video Input selecton buttons on Sony receivers) have multiple codes. Universal remotes are designed to be capable of handeling a single code at a time, and so are overwhelmed when a whole stream of them are sent out.

The Pronto managed (sometimes) to learn the very first signal from these strings, which did indeed change inputs on the receiver. The take control said it learned something about 1 in every 5 tries, but when I tried the code it didn't do anything. It's possible it was learning the LAST code, which I have no idea what it does. Basically it's a real pain. The Take Control's built-in codes for Sony Receivers didn't have all the ones I needed.

The RM-AV2000 comes pre-programmed for Sony receivers. It can't learn those macro buttons either, however it has alternate buttons that are single code only and just switch the receiver on to the proper input. These can be learned by any remote control. Since the Pronto allows users to swap files, you could download the proper codes from someone else.

I believe with some work there's even a way to swap codes via email for the Take Control.

Daniel - Is there a way for the TC1000 to accept manual code entries like the Pronto, where you can enter a numeric code to perform some IR operation assuming you knew what the code was?

Ron: Doesn't look like it. However, the learned data for a button is stored in text format, so it would be possible to cut-and-paste using Notepad.

I have a RC2000 mkII remote and have programmed it to run the sony STRDA50ES receiver with no problem. The function buttons on the Sony remote were no problem to program into this remote. Also works for the system on and off functions! I am very pleased with this remote, Only complaint is that it can be a little intimidating in appearance with all the buttons!

While I didn't have any problem with switch my Sony 30ES' inputs, I did have the same type of problem with my 30ES receiver's remote and the sound fields. Fortunately, the remote for my old STR-D650Z has "direct" sound field buttons that send single codes, and these work just fine with my Madrigal IRIQ and 30ES. I now have about 8 remotes hidden in a closet collecting dust, all replaced by the IRIQ. Coolness!

The problems Daniel has had with the Pronto learning specific Sony commands are not at all categorical for all Prontos. I have a Pronto and a Sony 32XBR200 and I have programmed the Pronto for both the Antenna and direct source (VCR, TV, DVD, etc.) selection without any problems whatsoever.

Jeff: Actually we're in the IRIQ forum here. :-) For the Pronto, I was unable to COMPLETELY learn the Macro codes, but the Pronto did seem (some of the time) to save just the first, most important code. Also, the ANT button wouldn't learn, but I can't figure out why since nothing else had that problem. For the IRIQ, it had no idea what to do with Sony'd input macro buttons, so I merely used the single code versions from the AV2000.

As for Sony TV input codes, the problem isn't with the Pronto but with the only remote I have to learn direct video 1 - 6 inputs from, the AV2000. It's a double key command to access: TV/Video + numpad 1-6. Problem is, it always sends the generic VIDEO swap key BEFORE the direct access code. The Pronto chokes on this. The only way is to block the signal at first then open it up when the proper signal is coming through. This seems to mostly work, but 75% of the time I get a unique code each time.

I wouldn't have any problems if I had a Sony TV that actually had these inputs, since I could merely test each one until they worked. But I don't, so it's a real pain.