I was looking for a couple of TSU9600s for my folks house but am having trouble locating any units for sub $1k. I checked CDW, BUY.COM, NewEgg and they are all out of stock...CDW had 7 on backorder. Is there a shortage out there or is Philips not currently shipping these units - maybe holding off for release of updated software/firmware. Any thoughts on this or recommendations for alternative low-cost retailers?

Thanks.

Check out Ebay!

[Link: search.ebay.com]

www.letsautomate.co.uk.
Or you could buy mine.

LetsAutomate is in the UK, so the price is not that great. Ebay or a used on here on the forum are the best places to find one. Philips is keeping the distributor channel very tight with the TSU9600, so they aren't available anywhere/everywhere, the way other Prontos are.

It just seems strange that pretty large places that do carry it are out of stock. Specifically, CDW, Buy.com, and NewEgg. I'd rather not go the used route if possible.

Here are a couple of reputable sites that carry what you're asking:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/
http://remotequest.com

DIY Pete,

I think part of your problem is the fact that as far as I know there is one and only one company that distributes (wholesale) the "professional" line from Philips. The TSU9600 is a protected product that is only to be available to custom install companies and the like.
That is why B&H, CDW and others are finding it difficult to obtain product...Philips will not sell it to them.

This "protection" is also what is making it difficult to find product out there for well below MSRP. In all honesty the distribution channel is working exactly as it was intended to.

Being a custom installer myself I applaud their efforts but also understand your frustration.