I've currently got an RU940 Pronto and am thinking about upgrading it so I can give the pronto to my parents to control their home cinema system and give me a new toy to play with.

I've been looking at the RC5400 (of course I'd love the RC9500 but I'm not that rich... ;o)

I've had a bit of a read about it and it looks nice, but are there any problems I should know about???

Also, does it come with the editing software etc etc???

Lowres

Search this forum and you will find many who dislike the RC5400 but I had one for six months and had no problems (until it got knelt on and the screen smashed). Everything I asked it to do, it did and I managed to make a custom PCF using the WizzIt software relatively simply.

A couple of points.

The battery case panel is a bit lightweight for many people - it can squeek a bit,

The WizzIt software is ok but there are a couple of annoying differnces from the Pronto or Wizzit 9 software - you can't add date and time to the system page for example (although they are there on the default PCF).

Marantz say that they will upgrade the software to incorporate the new features they've included in the Wizzit 9 software for the 9500 but there is no date on this. One of the oldest problems was that WizzIt had no help file but this has now been added.

I do recommend the RC5400 but having just upgraded to the RC9500 - I would say save a bit harder and go for that. The screen resolution is signifcantly better, its colour, its easier to use as a result, and overall its more robust from a software and hardware point of view. That screen is worth the extra cash.

Do that forum search for other POVs

Adam

HI

I also have the RC5400 and am very pleased with it. It took a little learning but I got there relatively quickly. Like Adam says, it does exactly what you tell it to do and I have had no problems programming it and the such. However I cannot compare it to any others as this is my first learning remote.

I would love the RC9500, but like you I cannot afford it at the mo. all a matter of keeping the wife happy as I am sure a lot of you out there will understand!!!

Mike

I recently shopped for a programmable remote. When I entered the store, I was convinced that I was getting the 5400. Just before I bought it, I asked the salesman to see a working model.

To our dismay, the screen was difficult to see. My wife said that she would never use it; and comparing the screen images of the 5400 and 9500 was like "comparing night and day". We wound up buying the 9500.

Moral: Take the wife with you when you shop for one, she just might encourage you to get the 9500.

lowres,

i bought the 5400 and 3 days later returned and upgraded to 9500.... i love it!
spend the extra and get the 9500...(t's like going hd and then trying to watch regular cable)

**before you buy... go here:
[Link: accessories4less.com]

if that doesn't work : www.accessories4less.com

talk to Mark...

you can get 9500 reconditioned for $699.99 with free next day shipping...
buy the extended warr for only like $25.00 and your good as new!

these guys are cool... if you decide you don't like it just ship back and trade out for another...