I just recieved the HK TC1000 remote today after ordering it last week. As soon as I got home I programed my living room system in and tested it out. All codes were built in with the exception of my B&K Ref 20 proc. and a few buttons on my Panasonic DVD. However, learning the new codes was straight forward and easy, especially with the software. Once I had the devices loaded, I tested them out with my system and found the range to be superior to my RC2000. I tested it from my normal listening position of a straight shot of about 14 feet; no problems. I then moved approximately 20'-25' away and at angles up to around 40-50 degrees off center; again no problems found.
I am not going to sit here and jerk anyone's chain and say this is better than the Pronto; I haven't tried that unit. I'm sure that unit is an excellent unit. However, I went with the HK because the software came with it, and there were no promises of software ever coming out for the Pronto. Luckily for me though, I found this site after I ordered the remote, and was not influenced from the negative posts. I do have one minor complaint, I can't seem to arrange the device buttons, only the activity buttons. Not a big deal since you can make several activity screens for each device.
Just wanted to throw in my 2 cents on this product.

Wow, never seen such bad press on a remote I use and like. Glad to see others who are pleased. Also happy for the Pronto users. Being a female, who normally aren't allowed near remotes, I find this very easy to use and program. I use the PC software that came with the unit with no problems.

For the record the PC software has been promised for the Pronto and by the sounds of it quite a bit more felxible such as importing bitmaps. Buttons can be any size, any shape, anywhere and have any bitmap. It will be free via the internet and due out by the end of the month.

This is quite a contrast to the itty bitty icons
and the fixed grid layout that makes every page
look almost the same. I almost wondered why they even bothered to make the screen a touch screen because they could of put 20 "fixed" buttons behind the screen and standard LCD display.

The IRIQ was easy to program, it also, lost its mind for several users that tried to push its capabilities.

The IRIQ plain DID NOT WORK for many us and may
be device dependent. Consider yourself lucky that you so happen to have devices that work. You may want to take the remote with you when shopping for new components to be sure they work before you purchase.

George:
Your right about the buttons, I too wish I could change the shape, but as long as I can choose which ones and the labels; I'm happy!

As far as Pronto software being "promised"... we'll see. If I had a dollar for every company that says "RS232 port for future expansion" and didn't come through, I could afford to buy both the Pronto and my HK.

As far as equipment goes, I have quite a variety. They include: Toshiba TV, Sony CD Changer, Panasonic DVD, Sony VCR, and a B&K Processor. I think this is a fairly diverse selection, but I will also try it on my bedroom system consisting of JVC TV, VCR, Receiver and Denon DVD, to see if I have problems.

I'm having trouble trying to figure out why you are putting so much effort into this forum, if you are so against the IRIQ/TC. Do you work for Philips? Maybe sell Prontos? Have stock? Or, are you a Saint trying to rescue us from the demon remotes? I just don't understand! Your posts, while maybe well intended, I feel have gone overboard. As I said I'm sure the Pronto is an excellent choice, and consumers should shop around before they buy. I can only give my experience with this unit and so far, I'm very happy!

It bothers me when people tend to convince others that since it works for them then I don't see what all the fuss is about. On top of that having never even seen a Pronto they have little to compare against. The statistics look like about 50%-%70 have had serious enough problems with the IRIQ to return it and 50%-%30 are happy. While the Pronto looks like %90-%99 are happy.

How many IRIQ owners do you think would be happier with a Pronto than an IRIQ. If the IRIQ works with your devices (or you did not get a defective one) then the IRIQ is "usable" in my opinion and yes it would eliminate all your remotes. But having to hold the remote up to my nose to read the text much like Palm Pilot users user there devices defeats the purpose. The Icons were too small to distinguish them from one another at arms length. I want to relax while I use my system. I can read the display while its in my wifes hand and tell here how to use it.

It's very hard to describe why the screen is better on the Pronto and hard to put a number on it. But the screen is say 50% better. Much like the differnece between a really good Dual Scan and an Active Matrix.

I have complete confidence in Pronto develivering the software. And the software is icing on the cake in my opinion. And will push the Pronto even further beyond the IRIQ.

The activity between the two forums should be a good indication that there is a sharp contrast between the two products. And when they do release the software I hope Daniels server can keep up with the activity. By the way Pronto won some sort of CES Inovation award and that's with out the PC Software !!!

Why does anyone share their opinions on the net?

I continue reading this forum because I curious how it evolves having owned one. If it was not me making waves it would likely be someone else and I don't plan to make career out of it.

The new Pronto software will likely keep me out of trouble for quite a while.

I'm dead serious if your IRIQ return policy has not expired you MUST do yourself a favor and at least go look at a Pronto.

George:
I do appreciate you looking after my interests, and urging me to look at the Pronto. However, I'm currently living in Iceland and must do my shopping over the phone or internet, so its not easy for me to check out the Pronto unless I return my HK.

The main reason I chose this unit over the Pronto was that software was part of the package. After owning an RC2000 (which I like), the configuration software alone is worth the money I paid for the HK. Nothing else was such a pain for me than creating Macros on the Marantz.

If Philips had waited a little longer and released the software with it, I surely would have gotten that unit. I like the looks of it and the size, but the lack of software scared me away. If they rushed the unit to market without software, what else did they skimp on?

I'm not speaking for all HK owners and I'm not putting down any Pronto owners. But I have a unit that works fine with no signs of data losses (I realize its early) and no IR range troubles. I can program all my remotes and macros about 4 times quicker than I did with the Marantz, and make periodic updates or fine tune without starting over.

I would think that you would give an objective opinion on your experiences and leave it at that. I'm glad you found your remote of choice-I think I found mine!

For the record I too had an RC2000 (an early) Mark I and I did not like it. I always thought I was in the minority on this when it was the hot item of the day. Now after reading these forums I see I was not as alone as I thought I was.

You can read what you want into the history of events of each remote but the statistics to me make it look like Madrigal/Microsoft/HK are the ones that rushed out a product. You also could of waited for the Marrantz RC5000 which will include the charging station, the software and the cable.

I believe most of the issues on the IRIQ can be dealt with, with software.

Someone new comes to the forum and reads the top couple messages of good results. What's wrong with my reminding them that a lot of folks have not had such good results. And most of my responses have included something along the lines of "read the forum" it speaks for itself. I've also thrown a few curves for fun :-)

Besides that you also started this thread with misinformation of the Pronto. It's been known for a month or so that the PC Software will be available for the Pronto and it's been a couple weeks or so it has been officially annouced it will be freely available via the internet and the cable will be mailed to you for free if you register.

I am new to this forum, but let me throw in my 2 cents worth. I purchased an IRIQ on thursday, brought it home, tried to set up my first device, ...nothing!! I am about 15 feet from my equpment rack at about a 30 degree angle, i have a clear glass door over my gear. I couldnt get any codes to work for my YAMAHA 795, so I learned the power button and still nothing, walked over in front of the reciever and it worked, this $400 dollar remote has the worst IR range of any remote I've ever owned.

I returned it the next day and went to a different dealer and bought a PRONTO. Man is this a nice remote, IR range from hell!! The screen was easier to read, page setups made more sense and looked better. The only thing I miss from the IRIQ/TK is the thumb wheel.

Again I'm new to this forum and am not into bashing just for the sake of bashing, put simply the Pronto kills the IRIQ/TK in every way (except the thumbwheel =)

Adam

George:
I did not start out with missinformation or at least not from what I was told. The Pronto website makes no mention of software being released soon. The two stores I dealt with had no information on any software. All I was told is that it has a port, but no word on when or if software was coming out. All I have heard was consumers on forums spreading, what appeared to me, as gossip. I had visions of this software being the next DTS experience. Maybe it will come out but when, and can I wait that long.
Also, I never said the software will not come out, I just said it wasn't available when I got the unit, and I don't have to aquire it later. I think Philips should send a CD with this software to all registered users, instead of making them download it. It should be part of the remote not an add-on.

George:
As far as the RC2000 goes, I should carify. At the time it came out I liked the unit, because I felt it was the best available. These new remotes, including the Pronto, are far better than the RC2000MKI. I just didn't want you or anyone else to think I prefer the RC2000.

I did not say your misinformation on the Pronto was intentional. Try telling folks in the Pronto forum that the software is vaporware. Jack has stated he is testing Beta software for several weeks now and setup a web site for sharing layouts and bitmaps.

I understand where your comming from (we all do it) and if the IRIQ did not fail for me I may of been too lazy to check out the Pronto. I'm glad it did fail and I'm glad I bought it local. Because the Pronto not only works it's much nicer.

I understand you're happier with the IRIQ than the the RC2000. Like I said I was not pleased with the RC2000 very soon after I got it. I would of returned it but it was mail order and 7 day return policy, so I sold it. The main problem with it was only the person who programmed it could use it. And by the time I mapped as much as I could to the buttons that could be labeled it ran out memory. By the time I sorted out what would fit it ran out of batteries. The Mark II solved many of my issues.

Perhaps a IRIQ Mark II is in the works.

I've just received ProntoEdit for testing, so I can assure you it's not vaporware.

Additionally, I spoke to Madrigal a few days about about the IRIQ, and they're still promising me one. Sigh.

Refering back to the initial thread as I haven't been over here in a long time, the main advantages that I see between the IRIQ(&derivatives) and the Pronto are:
Better backlighting
Easier readability
Full graphic programming via prontoedit(very soon)
Custom programming for "power users" as well as basic needs users
With this in mind, also being a Madrigal dealer, wht more can I say...Call it what it is.

Daniel,
Is there any chance you would be willing to share a copy of ProntoEdit for my testing?

I have been doing research for a friend to try an d find the best unified remote out there. Both the Pronto and the Madrigal look like the prime candidates.
From the literature and web material I must say that the Pronto looked most tempting - Big beautiful display, very little wasted footprint, a couple useful real buttons.....But no software? (but apparently the Marantz 5000 already comes with software) And such a hefty price tag?

Being in Canada I have a tough time justifying such a hefty price tag for a product I must order from the states without testing first - so my next choice is the Madrigal.

The Madrigal didn't impress me as much as the Pronto - but it does have software and still some very nice features. - Well!, today I went to a store to look at a Madrigral.

It was a lousy experience. The display did not sense some key presses - in some cases I had to make the LCD liquid 'warp' before the unit would beep for me. The wheel made a funny grinding sound and I found the buttons way too large and somewhat awkward. The salesman kept saying things like "the batteries are almost dead - it works much better than this with batteries" For some reason he never took me up on my suggestion to find some new batteries. I also found the shape quite cumbersome - the bottom battery unit helps shape it into a wedge. I dropped the unit once when it almost squirted out of my hand. Due to the hard plastic, shape, and top heavy nature of the unit, I found I had to concentrate not to drop it (I must be a pretty lame klutz)...

I told the sales guy I would be back Saturday to give him one last chance (with the new batteries). Although the experience scared me, $600 is about the limit for me when just buying a remote - I may end up buying it.....

I'll see if I manage to chicken out and wait until I can afford the more expensive Pronto.