Finally, a cost effective remote control! - YES $39.95 CANADIAN at Radio Shack ! - Pre Programmed codes - command learning feature - "punch through" volume control - 8 "modes" 40 learning keys in EACH MODE

No Macro feature (multiple commands on a single button - but I haven't found I need it since the AV Amp controls the power on of all connected devices 4 x AAA bateries required

Review of Phillips Model - PM8TSMD For manual see... www.gemini-usa.com/pdf/PM8TSMD.pdf If you want to program every button from every remote you own - This unit is NOT for you!!! If you want the basic day-today functions - READ ON... This is a small, well designed unit! Pre-programmed codes emulate original remote very closely (except receivers) - reducing the need to "teach the remote" after the pre-programmed code assignment Can add "learned" codes before or after selecting pre-programmed codes in each mode (i.e. TV, Audio, DVD etc...) Consists of a set of fixed buttons and a bright blue LCD Screen which displays one of two sets of 13 keys, each of which can: - adopt one of the pre-defined stored codes - learn a command from the original remote - be assigned one of a set of labels - removed from view completely Each set of keys is toggled by the "Screen" key. The Volume +/- and Mute keys can be "punched" through to other to all modes allowing control of these features regadrless of the mode you are in! The manual states that you cannot learn commands from multiple remotes within each defined mode e.g. Selecting the Mode "TV" will only allow commands to be learned from the TV's remote. This is not strictly true as I have actually managed to have the remote learn commands from the TV remote and the Audio remote within its DVD Mode This remote is so good even my Wife uses it without a problem (this may be a weakness) In comparison to the other remotes I have used, this remote is: - MUCH CHEAPER ! - Simpler to program - simpler to use - has replaced ALL of my existing remotes for general viewing/listening use ( I still need the original remotes for initial setup) AND - it was only $39.95 Canadian I now have the AV Receiver, DVD, TV and VCR setup to my satisfaction and can control the desired components.... For Example: I select DVD (the blue panel changes to display the functions I require i.e. - turn on the DVD - configure the AV Receiver to pickup the sound - configure the TV to pickup the picture - control playback, pause, Frame-by-Frame, Fast forward, chapter, stop, open ALSO as a CD player another button on the blue screen sets up the AV Receiver to paly a CD in Stereo instead of 5.1 surround The VCR is setup in a similar manner There is no change back and forth between devices One Caveat - I could not learn more than 7-8 comands even when I did not select one of the predefined codes (I should have been able to learn 40 codes - maybe it was my remotes, since some remotes take up much more memory), but I seem to have managed to learn all of the codes I required because the preset codes have been so well designed.

Similar Products Used:

Memorex, X10

Finally, a cost effective remote control! - YES $39.95 CANADIAN at Radio Shack ! - Pre Programmed codes - command learning feature - "punch through" volume control - 8 "modes" 40 learning keys in EACH MODE

No Macro feature (multiple commands on a single button - but I haven't found I need it since the AV Amp controls the power on of all connected devices 4 x AAA bateries required

Review of Phillips Model - PM8TSMD For manual see... www.gemini-usa.com/pdf/PM8TSMD.pdf This is a well designed unit! Pre-programmed codes emulate original remote very closely - reducing the need to "teach the remote" after the pre-programmed code assignment Can add "learned" codes after selecting pre-programmed codes in each mode (i.e. TV, Audio, DVD etc...) Consists of a set of pre-defined buttons and a bright blue LCD Screen which displays one of two sets of 13 keys, each of which can: - learn a command from the original remote - be assigned one of a set of labels - removed from view completely Each set of keys is toggled by the "Screen" key. The Volume +/- and Mute keys can be "punched" through to other (but not all) modes allowing control of these features regadrless of the mode you are in! The manual states that you cannot learn commands from multiple remotes within each defined mode e.g. Selecting the Mode "TV" will only allow commands to be learned from the TV's remote. This is not strictly true as I have actually managed to have the remote learn commands from the TV remote and the Audio remote within its DVD Mode This remote is so good even my Wife uses it without a problem (this may be a weakness) In comparison to the other remotes I have used, this remote is: - MUCH CHEAPER ! - Simpler to program - simpler to use - has replaced ALL of my existing remotes for general viewing/listening use ( I still need the some remotes for initial setup) AND - it was only $39.95 Canadian

Similar Products Used:

Memorex, X10

Not much, lots of wow factor. Impress your friends!

Low battery life, poor build, slow use

I'll start off with this; this is my personal opinion only. I cannot stand this remote. This has got to be one of the clumsiest remotes that I have ever had the misfortune to operate. I have worked for a dealership who sells these units for quite some time and have experience programming them as well. I'll list my main problems as below. -Poor build quality (MANY broken returns) -NO hard button familiarity (cannot use in the dark without touching to activate back light) -SLOW use (no quick commands here, you must find the desired page, find the button and make your command, very slow) -Clumsy Macros (people are obsessed with this one. Guess what, in the world or IR, macros do not work so well, this thing doesn't do RS232) This thing has lots of "Wow, neat" potential but little else. If you want a real remote try a Home Theater Master. This thing poorly emulates a higher end remote such as a Panja/AMX or Crestron.

Similar Products Used:

Home Theater Master, Panja, AMX, Crestron, Niles

Almost limitless versatility High build quality (mine was made in Belgium) Bright, easy-to-read touchscreen Easily learns IR codes from existing remotes ProntoEdit software is great Macros allow you to perform multiple tasks with one button (e.g. turn on cable, TV, receiver, switch receiver to video, etc.)

Getting used to touchscreen is a challenge (hard buttons are easier to use without looking) Manual is a bit confusing It eats batteries like crazy, especially during initial learning/set-up phase (I just ordered a refurb. charger kit, though)

I just bought a refurbished TS1000 from the Philips online store and it seems to be great so far. It replaced 4 remotes (Sony Receiver, Toshiba DVD, Motorola Digital Cable Box and Sony Wega TV) For the price ($85), it's pretty tough to beat.

Similar Products Used:

None (just regular component remotes)

Learns everything easy. One hand operation. Easy to read.

POOR batterie system!!

This remote is a total piece of JUNK!! It works good when the batteries are fully charged.Getting this piece of junk to recharge on the charging dock is where my unit falls short.Sometimes it charges , sometime it does not.I usually have to remove the batterie then put it back in and place it on the charging dock and HOPE. Anybody looking to waste $300.00 , buy this unit.When my Pronto batterie will no longer hold a charge I will through this over priced calculator away.

Similar Products Used:

none

Truely Universal Remote, 100% programmable, great backlighting, fantastic battery life. Good user support for additional programming.

Only accepts InfraRed codes (no RF codes). Not well documented. A computer is needed to take full advantage of its capabilities. Price is on the high side. Rechargable battery pack is an option.

This is by far the best universal remote control device on the market. The Philips Pronto has almost the same footprint size as the Palm Pilot III device, but it is a bit thicker and heavier. Just like the Palm Pilot, this device has a backlit LCD displays. The screens and the menu items are chosen by touching the LCD display. In addition to the LCD screen, there are actual buttons for Channel +/-, Volume +/- and a Mute button.

This device can learn the IR codes from any other IR remote control directly, by aiming the remote to its reciever, or the codes can be obtained from the internet and fed to the Pronto through the computer's serial port. Many device codes are available for download from "http://www.remotecentral.com" web site.

The "ProntoEdit" program is not included in the box, but can be obtained free of charge from Philips site on the web.

Using ProntoEdit, one can completely program this device. Even the icons for each component can be programmed... I even have Icons loaded for many DSS channels!

One of the greatest feature of this device is its macro capabilities. For example, I have created a macro for my 6 year old daughter which performs the following tasks, by pressing just one key:

- Turn on the TV.
- Select Video 1 input on the TV.
- Turn on the DSS Receiver.
- Tune to Disney Channel.
- Turn on the Amplifier.
- Select DSS Input on the Amplifier.
- Set Audio level to 20%.

Althoug this remote can be used out of the box fairly easily with many devices, its real potential cannot be tapped without programming it throught the computer. Initially, this could become frustrating as there is a great lack of documentation from Philips. The bright side is that the user community is sharing their knowledge, and lots of great device codes, icocns and macros can be found on the net.

Overall, this is a highly recommended product.

Similar Products Used:

Many, many remote control devices, some universal.

Computer programmable; the ability to create your own interface is fantastic. Good product support available on the web.

An additional 2 pushbuttons would have been nice.

This is the kind of device which once you have it, you can't believe you got along without it! The best part of this product is the computer design and testing of the interface. It's a lot of fun coming up with your own layout (right down to drawing the buttons); you can get a lot of good ideas from others who have uploaded their designs to the web. Good size to the remote - not too large or heavy. Very powerful transmitter. One of the few things I would like to have added would be 2 more pushbuttons (There are 2 now - If there were 4, you could set them up as Stop, Play, Forward, and Reverse). Highly recommended!

Great Product...Nice Wow factor...

To be very picky The screen in bright sunlight

I Love IT...I just picked this up from Crazie Eddies for $315 with the charger...they had it for $269 without the charger....I am just getting comfortable with it..but it is great already..Makes every thing easier...I would highly recommend this to anyone with a home theater and less then 4 arms...TV, DVD, AMP, Beer...

Similar Products Used:

None...Mortal remotes..in comparision

Completely custom, strong IR stream, best addition to my HT last year!

Could be more durable, oily fingerprints

I just wanted to say that the Prontoedit software issues need to be put in context. Prontoedit was NOT really intended to be used by the general populous; this was an afterthought by Philips I believe.

This software works and feels like a design ap, specifically for installers. It is not THAT hard to use, you just have to spend some time getting to know the inteface and playing with it. It isn't some "hold your hand" completely automated wizard with a little doggie assistant Microsoft crap.

But don't let the software stop you from buying one; it can be used without it. However, the true power of the remote is only unlocked with the software.

As far as touch screen type remotes go, this thing is amazing at a price under $300. Keep in mind that before the Pronto the only way you could get this much custom control was for $1500+

If you're fed up with "universal" remotes that don't have all the functions, don't have the buttons labelled correctly or aren't layed out the way you like; get the Pronto and build you own remote exactly to your liking!

Best addition to my HT I've ever made, one of the coolest gadgets that guests love. Check out remotecentral.com for help programming, and to borrow other people's files to make yours cooler. Even check out the music area to see my custom written songs for your Pronto.

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Tons, have done pro installs with $2000+ products

This is about the pronto sbc ru 890 (silver european model)

The lcd screen
The paint
The Philips service
No manual pronto edit

I am using the pronto for over 9 months now and i really enjoying it.
The possebility's are endless.But it take's at lot of time to customize the controls and graphics to you're own taste.

after 2 days of use i noticed that the touchscreen was getting darker the longer it was on til it got black.
I got back to my dealer en received a new one.

The second unit also has this problem also only very less,
you have to adjust the contrast often.

My other problem is that the paint is disappearing in several places(WITH PLASTIC IS COMING THRU).

I went to my dealer and he said it normal(i think it's not after 9 month's of use aprox a 1/2 ouhr a day.
So i called Philips customer care and they also say it's normal.But if i wanted i could file a complaint,so i did
They respond that it is normal but i could buy a new cover
I didn't do that because after 9 monht's this also would be paintless(very bad paint quality for a freqently used device)
i am really dissapionted about it, because it is a expensive device for $350 you may expect better

Further i really like how it work
It controles almost everything exept my airconditioning.

Pronto edit works wel althoug it takes a lot of time to learn how to work with it

I am not givig it a hige rating because of the problems i have had.
If i had not dose problems it would be a 5 star rating