I suspect we're all, to one degree or another, computer "freaks". As such, I have one word...vaporware.

You know what guys, most of you are CONSUMERS where as these issues of product delay or introductions are TYPICAL in ou rbusiness. As a CONSUMER, you usually would NEVER know about any of this stuff and it is unfortunate that some of you are getting Bent out of shape. Just chill and let the product come out liek it should and when it is READY for you to BUY, you will have your chance and then we can have an intelligent discussion about how GOOD or BAD it is. Just remember, the information that you are getting is usually Privleged and for Dealers eyes only. thanks to Daniel, now anyone in the know universe can knwo what is happening behind the scenes.

With all due respect, the internet has changed everything regarding both disseminating information and marketing. I would agree we all fit a category of "consumer" but unlike others we have a passion that directs us to find out more, question further, speculate harder and analyze intensely.

Most forums and newsgroups regarding home theater are inundated with product announcements and delivery dates that usually come directly from company press releases. In many cases these announcements are rife with optimistic information and downright deceitful "promises" intended to delay consumers from purchasing competitive brands or motivate them to "jump in with both feet" because "they'll soon be delivering the missing piece to make it all work."

I'm in no way questioning the integrity of either RTI or Etronix and I'm certainly not commenting on the quality of a product I don't have yet. Rather, I'm defending my right to express both frustration and skepticism.

With all due respect Jim, but it has been obvious from various sources that we're not dealing with vaporware, as there are copies of this product in the hands of several people here, including Daniel who has given a full review.

So whatever your frustration may be (do you have one on pre-order?), please keep the comments in the same level as the situation. Blowing things out of proportion serves no other purpose than to confuse things. I'm assuming this is not your purpose. You don't work for Philips, do you ;-)?

DJ

Well everyone, looks like Theater touch is NOT gonna come out until mid to late summer since RTI wont return anyones phone call, wont tell anyone the real PRICE or they wont have dealers buy direct anymore. So whats wrong with this picture? To me and other installers, we are screwed. We cant get any Prontos, we cantget any T2, so whats left ? Please tell me someone!!!!!!!!

Giovanni,
I think you need to settle down just a bit. I spoke to Mitch at RTI this week and he said that all the sales guys were at Infocomm so that my be the problem you are talking about no returned phone calls.
Mitch also said that they were putting together remotes as we spoke. As far as the price thing I have no idea.

Giovanni,
From your previous response, you made it sound like you are a dealer/installer. What is up with the 180-degree change in attitude?
You are right that delays are VERY common in our industry, but I would rather have them delay the product than rush it if it is not ready for market no matter how long it is delayed!
If you are truly a dealer/installer, you must remember when Phast first came out. It took the company like 3-4 years after the product was released to get it to work right let alone get the bugs out. I know we lost A LOT of time and money trying to work with a product that just wasn’t ready for the market!
As it was said before, only dealers would ever know about delays in products such as these. And no amount of ranting or spreading rumors is going to help.

Rob