RC5000 Software: Late yesterday afternoon Marantz quietly released a new version of RC5000
Setup -- v1.02. From speaking with them it's basically a bug-fixed version of ProntoEdit v1.04, but
without timer or beep support. However, it will still load all files created by ProntoEdit v1.04 and merely
remove any timer or beep references. This version also fully supports hidden panels. Although the version
number is "1.02.01 USA" on the About screen, it is in fact "1.02.02 USA". I'm hoping to receive a
detailed list of specific bug fixes from Marantz during the next few days, though I do already
know that the global definition problem with the left/right hard buttons has been corrected.
The new download also includes new firmware for your RC5000 remote -- SYS v3.61 and APP v4.84. Just
as with the RC5000 regarding Pronto firmware, please don't update your Pronto with RC5000 firmware
as it will not work. Various documents around the site have been updated with the new information.
To download the new package from Marantz, please click here.
VBAJET32.DLL problems: In the process of upgrading my RC5000 Setup version, I encounted a problem
that several other users have seen in the past with ProntoEdit -- upon running the software, an error message
saying that "The Jet VBA file...vbajet32.dll...failed to initialize when called" is shown,
preventing it from starting. Up until now, the only solution has been to reinstall Windows. Well,
I'm pleased to say that I discovered another fix that only involves copying a file into Window's
system directory -- nothing else is required. If you ever encounter this problem you need only
download and extract this file to c:\windows\system,
where "c" is the drive your operating system is installed on. Another version of vbajet32.dll is
included in this file if yours is missing. The interesting "missing" file is "expsrv.dll", which
requires no other registering besides being in the proper directory. This solution was news also
to Marantz, who may consider adding it to their installation package to ensure that this problem
is fully eliminated. This fix has been added to the Pronto/RC5000 FAQ (which has been updated with
other items as well) and the required file will be available from Remote Central as long as the
problem persists in either software version.
VisionTouch solution? Gil Diaz has released a new solution that
should allow all Sony VisionTouch users to finally make use of traditional remote controls. Indeed
any Sony receiver, CD, tuner, tape deck, MD deck or Jukebox could be controlled, providing it has
the Control-A1 or Control-A11 interface. Gil has uploaded a Word document with instructions on
building the Control-S to Control-A1 translator cable that requires only $6 in parts, along with a
Pronto CCF file with codes to his Sony STR-DA90ESG receiver. Or, for $25, he'll build the cable for
you. If you'd like to check out the document or CCF file please click here.
Not a Pronto owner? There is a shareware solution that will allow you to teach your universal remote
the codes needed using a PC and an IR transmitter. Email Gil
Diaz for full details. The codes used in this system are still being translated, so more is bound
to come. Once I've heard more user reports I'll update other VisionTouch references on this site.
Take Control v1.5 software: Due to many user requests and as Harman/Kardon has chosen to
remove it from their site, I've made the Take Control v1.5 software package available directly from
Remote Central. To download it, please click
here. Enjoy!
This news report was updated on May 19, 2006.
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