can i use an USA model in EUROPE without problems?

I explain, i would like to buy a cheap pronto on ebay, i have read onto the pronto NG faq that turn an american model into an europeean model ll be impossible.
I would like to know if it is possible, (and easy) to change firmware into the Pronto classic models, for beeing able of transforming and american model to europeean and vice versa..

sorry if my post is a little bit stupid %)

All you need is a replacement transformer or a stepdown 220 to 110 transformer.

If you want to use an IR unit you will need to buy a US one as well.

I have a TSU6000 in Ireland and it works fine.

I believe what tyrrp meant was if you want to use an RF model, you'll need a US RF extender as well. Just to be complete, technically, emitting RF from a US spec device is illegal in Europe. It's not approved to operate on that frequency.

so, i must prefer buying an europeean model .

thanks a lot,
i ll read a lot before asking dumb question, next time.
and i ll not place a bid for a TSU6000 .
%P

You misunderstood Jim's response. There is no problem using the 6000 in Europe. You do not need to change the firmware.

However, if you buy the optional RF Extender, be aware it uses a frequency that is not approved in Europe, but that hasn't stopped anyone.

However, you will have to replace the power adapter that comes with the 6000, and get a 220V version. You can buy them at any electronics store for around 15 Euro.

But it is the remote that emits RF, not the extender. In which case, using a 6000 in Europe to operate any equipment via RF is illegal.

I think that there are different laws in different countries around Europe so it might not be illegal everywhere. For example:-

In France at the moment it is illegal to use a bluetooth device outside your own home.
In Ireland the iPod broadcaster (iPod on your car radio dohicky) is technically illegal.


To be honest though who will ever know. The signal strength on most of these units is so weak that they wouldn't be picked up by anyone unless they were specifically looking for them in the right area at the right time. (i.e. for the split second you push the button on the remote)

P.S. Sorry about the IR / RF error above. Had the wife in my ear while I was typing.

tyrrp: we are talking regulatory. RF frequencies are divided for different usages (radio, TV.......) as far as I know it is centrally regulated for Europe. It is illegal because the frequencies allowed by the US are different from those that are allowed for that usage in the EU. Also all RF is regulated and needs to get approval. So even if the frequency is not illegal, if the device is not approved by the regulatory board it is still illegal. It also means that Philips Europe cannot touch your US Pronto if something is wrong with it.

The simple facts are
1) US model can control EU IR equipment
2) If you get a US Pronto and you want RF to base you need a US base
3) US Pronto cannot talk to EU RF devices in RF (EU Pronto is compatible with EU X10 RF)
4) using the RF of a US Pronto in Europe is illegal (not sure if just owning it is illegal)
5) chances are no one will ever know
6) Philips Europe can't repair a broken US Pronto (because it is illegal)

What are they gonna do, put you in RF jail?

have no idea, on the other hand some people care if something they buy is illegal or not

Simple answers:

Yes you CAN use any Pronto in any country. It will work to control practically any IR equipment and any model of Pronto can be taught the same IR as well as use the same data files.

The answer for SHOULD you use may be different. If it's a classic Pronto without RF then there's no signal regulations to worry about.

There may be warranty or servicing issues.

If the Pronto has RF, and you use said RF, you're operating radio equipment that isn't licenced for your area. Will this cause problems for you or anyone else? That's arguable. Is it illegal? Perhaps. Don't put trust on internet advice for matters of legality.

If you don't need RF buy a Pronto that doesn't have that ability, or buy one that does and disable it.

Bruno