Hi all. I've been rading here for a long while, but this is my first post. Hopefully it comes with some replies that help my cause... here goes:

I am putting together all new components for my family room viewing. I want a remote that can do EVERYTHING (I know alot to ask!).

My instinct right now is to get the ProntoPro TSU6000?? But I have some concerns and questions:

1. I will get the RF base station and put IR emitters in front of EVERY unit. Is there a limit to how many? Is there a link to what I need exactly and where to buy additional emmitters? Are the emitters such that if I use the original remote the IR will pass through?

2. A number of my components have RS-232 protocol (Some ONLY RS-232). Is there any way I make use of these. There will be a computer as part of my setup. Maybe there is a program out there that will recieve IR and allow me to program 232 commands as a result (I am very versed in RS-232 programming). Would that be too slow to respond? Is there any other way (a different remote?)

3. It seems from my reading that the Pronto is by far the most customizable, that is my MAIN issue, but a close second is the response. I can't stand waiting even a second for a command or menu change to complete after I have hit the button. I have seen many comments about the processor speed. Do you think I will be dissatisfied because of this?

4. Pronto or Marantz??? I know I saw a review of the Marantz Color version, but I can't seem to find it now. Does it exist? Is it identical to the Phillips? What are the differences.

I know this is a long post for a first timer, but I look forward to getting it right and helping others in the future!

Thanks,
Keith

It also seems the color version of the Next Gen TSU3000 (when it comes out) could be a replacement for the TSU6000.

Well, here goes with the answers:
1) It depends. If you have a means of daisy-chaining the devices, such as through an RC5 jack, no, you don't need an emitter in front of every unit. Otherwise, yes you do. For each RF receiver, there are a total of 8 flashers available.

2)No, I know of no means what-so-ever to send IR and have it convert to RS232 with just the RF extender. There are companies which will make IR to RS232 adapters custom for you and provide the IR codes for the RS232 transmissions they hard-coded into it.

3)Response time of the remote should not be a problem in and of itself. It will vary depending on how much superfluous garbage you have in it. Overall, no, you shouldn't be disappointed.

4) Differences between Marantz and Philips: Marantz has a larger USABLE screen (physical size is the same, but Philips has stuff on the top which cannot be programmed over). Marantz has a 3-year warranty vs. a Philips 1-year warranty. Philips does not support the software, Marantz does, along with the PC's and laptops the software is being used on. The Philips remote is not supported by Philips, but by an outsourced call center. Finally, Marantz has additional hard buttons, such as the directional pad.

Hope this helps.

Whoa..... Way off on Point #2.... There are LOTS of IR to RS232 converters out there. Xantech has 2 models, and Celedon will make a custom IR-RS232 box for almost any device.

Many devices have standard IR In jacks on the back of them now as well. Work great with the Pronto/Marantz Base Stations.

Remember that if you have equipment exposed, you dont NEED to use the RF extender, the Marantz and TSU-6000 will both work in mixed mode. This means if your TV is across the room from your componants, you can leave that IR controlled where all your electronics can be RF.... Or any combination....

All this being said, what does your system consist of? Maybe you should seriously conside a Control System rather than a Remote control...........

1) the base has 4 ports, and comes with some dual stick on emitters. If you stick them on, then you will need to make sure that you don't cover the IR receiver completely if you want to control it with other remotes. Also you can get IR blasters, and even the stick ons will work from a bit farther away. Also if you need more then 8 and you want to stick them on, you can use an IR distributor like Xantech or a second base.

2)not that I know

3) at it's price it is the most customizable. And performance is fast

4)
- screen usability, the Pronto system properties use up more of the screen then the Marantz (they both use part of it at the top and bottom)
- Marantz has a longer warranty (depends on where you live, Pronto is 1 year)
- both support the software as far as I know. PE used to be beta, but with PE 4 it became supported
- Marantz has more hard buttons
- Marantz comes with an RF base
- Pronto has beeps and timers, Marantz has multiple jumps and backward jumps

Wow! Thanks for the quick responses!

RC Geek,
I don't understand the daisy chaining idea, can you explain a bit further? All devicecs will be in a closed cabinet so there will either have to be an emitter on it or a direct connection to the back. What is an RC5 jack? I that a mini plug? 8 Flashers? Is that 8 ports for IR-out? Can they be split with a simple Y type adapter?

I am entrigued by the description of the marantz mainly for the hard direction pad. What is the model #? Is there a review I can't seem to find on this site?

Impaqt, I know I will generate more questions, but I will first read up on Xantech.com. I'm not sure what you mean by dont need the RF extender. My equipment will be in a smoked glass cabinet, but far enough away from the tV that it will be uncomfortable to aim at. I have become accustomed to my Sony SAT's RF and DEFINATELY wan't my commands recieved RF... That means I DO need the RF extender, right?

For a complete list of my devices, please take a look at this post: [Link: avsforum.com]

I have made a few more decisions since that post, but have not purchased anything yet (except for the plasma). Please give all comments, I want as much advice as anyone will give.

As for a System rather than a remote... I am well-versed in AMX and Crestron systems, and they would definately suite my purposes better, but my budget for a remote is only 1000-1300.

Thanks again for the replys!!!

keith

RC 9200


the Pronto cannot talk RF to the SAT. what you can do is get a RF base and talk RF to the base and then the base can send IR to the sat

With your computer experience, you could probobly Ebay a Crestron or AMX system for that kind of investment......

The Marantz 9200 comes with the RF receiver, so keep that in mind when searching the Internet (Or a dealer) for pricing.

HD Satellite Question... The SOny and Zenith receivers are the same Guts and will NOT output HD, S, and Composite vid at the same time.

See This Thread for a Satellite receiver that will do what your looking for.

IR Outputs can be expanded beyond 8 by using a Xantech or Speakercraft Amplified Conencting block off of one of the Outputs of the RF Receiver.

Yes, sounds like you need the RF Extender for the system you describe.

I jumped around a bit there..... Hoep you got most of that....

Impaqt



This message was edited by Impaqt on 06/18/03 17:54.

Impaqt,

Thanks again for the info. I had read an article on the Sony/Zenith and Samsung receiver, and althouth the samsung will output all at once, the article spoke of that device converting all HD to 1080i using it internal(poor) scaling, but the Sony/Zenith will output whatever is received, leaving the scaling to my Zenith Plasma with a Farujia in it. I'm gonna HAVE to give something up! Your thoughts?

keith

Impaqt - Please re-read my comment on number 2. Celadon does exactly what I described in my response. Help me understand where I'm way off base. My statement simply said the RF extender - ie the Marantz RX-77 will not transmit RS232 and there are companies (like Celadon) who will custom make an IR to RS232 converter.

Keith - with regard to daisy-chaining devices for IR, it is typically reserved for different devices made by the same manufacturer. For example, I have mostly Marantz equipment and, most of their equipment has RC5 in and out jacks (RCA connectors). I can then, use the IR receiver on a single device and run the signal through the chain in and out of each device rather than having to flash each device itself.

Hope that clears it up.

Double Post

Jim L

There are only 4 ports out, each cord has 2 emmiters, which means it's already a y-cord. Don't know if you could split it further without too much signal loss, but if you can you'd need more corded emmiters. The RF base also acts as an IR blaster, so if it's mounted in the cabinet, you may not need all the corded emmiters.

Jim L

So, I clearly start leaning towards the Marantz RC9200. Is the software the exact same as for the prontoPro. Are all the files/resources (other users files) of any use when programming the Marantz?

I think I asked this already, but maybe I was not clear... Am I blind? Is there a review of the marantz on this site? or anywhere else? I find the reviews here to be MUCH more indepth than anywhere else. I sure hope it's here or coming soon.

thanks again!

Keith

Sorry... I clicked send before I was done!

So if I want to control more than 8 devices (actually 10 I think). I would need a 2nd RF base station? How much do they cost?

I don't believe there is a separate review on the site. Some of the differences are talked about in the reviews of the Philips remotes, 2000 and/or 6000. To summarize, Marantz has a directional pad, a larger programmable screen area, additional programming commands (jump forward/back, and multiple jumps in an action list, etc), 3 year warrantee (US), and RF base included in the package. 6000 has custom beeps, timers, and a clock which the Marantz doesn't. Be aware, that Marantz's policy is that the warrantee is ONLY good if purchased through an authorized dealer.

Software is different for the Marantz - very similar to Pronto Edit, it's called Touch Screen Setup.

Files/codes are interchangable between remotes. But, obviously a Black and White ccf will not be in color. Additionally, custom features of a Marantz (larger screen etc) will not be usable on the Pronto, nor will timers be functional on the Marantz.

Addtional base stations are around $125, you can use either a Marantz or Philips model, the Philips may be found cheaper. You would need a 2nd one IF, the blaster function (or direct IR control) won't accomodate you for device 9 and 10, OR you want to operate gear in 2 different locations via RF. You do, via programming, have control over whether transmission is direct IR, or RF to the base unit. You also have control over which RF base is being addressed. The remote supports mixed transmission modes in a macro (RF and IR).

To be honest, programming one of these things to get a product like the examples in the files area takes a loooong time. The learning curve on the software is pretty steep. Just to convert my admittedly large and complicated ccf from Black and White to color took around 75 hours and I already understood the software. It can become a hobby in itself. On the other hand some feel this makes them a slave to the remote.

Hope this helps,
Jim L