Hello. I just happened upon this website via google b/c I was researching the rav-2000 trying to make sense of all of this. Frankly, these high-powered remotes seem rather taxing, but I have too many remotes now and need to use something else. Right now I am trying to decide what I should buy. I got a Sony Commander a few years ago, but it only half controls my stuff, and as such I have to have all the other remotes out. So, help me out. I currently need to control:

Yamaha RX-V1 (GL)
Yamaha 5-disc carousel CD Player
Yamaha 5-disc DVD player (GL)
Sony 400-Disc CD player (jukebox-style that reads MP3s)
Sony 32" television
Sony VCR
ReplayTV box
Motorola Cable Box
(and possibly an Audiotron, but I don't expect to use the universal remote to control that)

So, I can't decide if I should get the RAV-2000 or the new Pronto 3000. It seems like the Yamaha would require less programming, but in the long run the 3000 would be more functional. I have no clue what I should buy. I just want to purchase a remote that is powerful enough to control everything but still fairly simple enough to setup that I don't need a PHD or a month worth of time. Please let me know your thoughts.

With Replay and all I would say you want to have the directional keys to be hard buttons. I have had a TS1000 for years (the RAV-2000 is just a rebadged normal Pronto not worth it) and always had issues with not having the directional pad as hard buttons. As a heavy Replay it would be a real pain without hard buttons for it.

You next thing is you want to program and forget it. The TSU3000 is still beta software so there are issues. It will work fine but has a few issues. The other option is the Marantz RC-5200. It is based on the older more stable original Pronto software and has the hard buttons. The Marantz is going to be more expensive than the TSU3000.

I'd download the software for both and try them out and see which you are more comfortable in working with.

Just remembered why I jumped on the TSU3000 vs. the Marantz.

With the TSU3000 you can edit the entire screen - makes a big difference as my objective has been to minimize most devices to only 1 screen (no page jumps).

Go with the 3000 as long as you can work with the software.

As I imagine you'll already be aware, any multi-function remote will require a degree of work to get it to function as one would like, though arguably button style remotes such as the HTM MX-500 or Sony RMVL100 would be the "easier" option.

In contrast remotes such as the Pronto and RAV (not forgetting Marantz and Onkyo), though more complex, do have the capability (and beauty) of being fully customizable.

Personally, steep learning curve and all, I would opt for the 3000.

Now for the opinion you didn't expect in this forum:

Get a URC-8811 and a JP1 cable, a functionally fully customizable hard button remote, for a very small fraction of the cost of a Pronto.

1) Pure hard buttons is worse because you have to learn which ones you used for which functions, rather than have the remote remind you all the time.

2) Pure hard buttons is better because they are easier to press correctly (beter tactile feedback).

3) Pure hard buttons is better because there is room for more of them, so you control more functions without switching modes so you do more with fewer keystrokes.

4) Pure hard buttons is better because you want to look at your TV, not your remote when you're watching TV (I guess that might depend on which show you're watching).

A JP1 expert could customize an 8811 for your equipment a lot more easily than a Pronto expert could customize a Pronto for it. But we'll assume you're not an expert at either. I can't claim it's easier to learn how to do JP1 programming than to learn how to do Pronto programming (but I don't think it's harder either). Unfortunately, neither is anywhere near the level of open the package and start using it, that you probably want.

Christopher, the new software for the 3000 is no longer marked as beta software.

emjoyner, the Pronto 2000 has been discontinued for over six months now. I assume the same applies to the RAV 2000.

So, let me ask this. There seem to be MANY ccf files available for the 2000 for my equipment. Would it make sense for me to find a Pronto 2000 and use those, or just buy the 3000? I doubt that I will spend alot of time programming, so the hope is that the information for my equipment would be available. Thanks for your help.

You can convert CCFs (from a 2000) to a PCF (for a 3000). Of course, the only stuff of real use in the CCFs are the IR codes.

Eric,


Us regulars are many time guilty of not informing people what it takes to get products that look like the examples in the files area. There's a thread in Custom Installers area about how long it takes to put a ccf together. Generally, these guys have templates already laid out, they're experts on the software - they're only missing the codes, and it usually takes 3 to 6 hours. For you to learn the software, collect all the codes, and then merge everything together in a system that is both pretty, and flows logically would amaze me if you could do it in less than 30 to 50 hours in even a fairly simple home theater. Maybe even longer.

Not trying to talk you out of anything, or in any way trying to insult you, just lettin' you know that you will either not like how it looks and functions or you'll have to spend quite a bit of time.

Jim L

Yeah, it seems like the remote will take awhile to program. I am so sick of the 8 remotes I have now though that I am getting more and more comfortable with the thought of investing the time. I really want to have ONE remote that really does it all. I doubt that I get into the themes and music and such. I want a home page that asks all the pertinent questions (do you want to play a CD, watch a DVD, watch TV, etc) and then the pages in the background with that info. I honestly don't care initially whether or not everything matches or is snazzy. I just want it to WORK! You all have given great advice and feedback though.