I currently have a 7000 and an RF extender; I need to add a second remote. Right now, I'm leaning toward a 7500 because 1) it will work perfectly with my existing PCF, 2) it will work with my existing RF extender, and 3) "I think" I like that it is a one-handed design.

However, before I spend the money, I'd like to hear the opinion of others who have experience with both. Is the TSU9600 (plus a new RF extender) worth the extra money? What's it like living with a larger two-handed design vs. the one-handed form factor? Are the new hardware/software features really that much of an advantage in daily use?

Thanks in advance for your feedback.

If you have a large movie and music collection, the Escient interface is a lifesaver. It will be even better once Philips adds the iRadio and Movies screens.

I find the 9600 a little easier to operate with one hand. It is also much easier to operate with one hand when it is sitting on my coffee table. Also, it is not larger than a 7500.

Negatives for the 9600/9400 (depending on your point of view):
- you have to completely redo your graphics whem migrating from an NG as your existing graphics will be 1/4 the size
- the 9400 only works with wired emitters; there is no IR blasted from the 9400
Positives for the 9600:
- there is lots of functionality you may not need today, but may want in the future
- development of the 9600 is continuing whereas the 7500 has probably stopped

Well they did get us a new firmware this week!
(For the NGPros.)

New firmware for what?

New firmware for the TSU7x00 was just released. I think that is what Springs might have been referring to mistakenly. That being said, if there is some new firmware for the TSU9600 floating around out there which is not posted on Philips website I'm game. :-)

Hi there-I'm looking at buying the new Proto 9600 for the Escient features. Are these ready for prime time yet?? thanks william

Thanks for the feedback. I didn't realize that the 9600 is almost identical in size to the 7500 -- it seems larger for some reason. While is has some interesting features for Lutron and Escient owners, it doesn't seem to offer anything I'd need.

I wish it could have 2-way interface with Windows Media Center and Sonos, and wish it could view an IP-based webcam. Those are the features I need now. Based on history, I don't feel too confident that Philips will be adding features at a rapid pace or to a great extent. Also, I don't think they will embrace third-party developers.

So I'm kinda suck right now on which remote to get. I could go with a 9600 and perhaps be disappointed with the lack of future addition, I can take a chance with a Nevo remote (more of the feature I want, but perhaps a different set of problems), or go with a 7500 and at least know exactly what I'll be getting. So for now, I wait. . .

William,

Search this forum for +Escient and look at the various posts. Support for music servers is present but not for movies or iradio.