MX-1000 update: Well, I suppose it was inevitable. The Home Theater Master MX-1000 touchscreen remote has been delayed a little while further, until mid April. There is some good news, though: chances are high it will now ship with the PC editing software on CD-ROM along with a serial cable for immediate remote customization. So, no waiting to see what you can really do with it! Though I managed to see it for a few minutes at this year's CES, I'm really looking forward to finally having a full and proper chance to use one.
[Talk about the MX-1000...]

Merlin remote: This weekend, the Philex "Merlin" remote was brought to my attention. The Merlin is a backlit LCD touchscreen remote that also features a full numerical keypad and round channel/volume controls, along with a few others. It can control up to 10 devices and comes preprogrammed, or you can use the full learning capabilities on up to 32 keys per device. The screen is "reconfigurable" and there's even macro functionality. What's more, a full QWERTY keyboard is expected shortly as an add-on. The picture I have is merely an artistic mockup, so I hope to get something more concrete from the company soon.
[Talk about the Merlin...]

New Pronto firmware? As you no doubt are already aware, the Marantz RC5000 is currently using firmware APP version 4.84, while the Pronto has version 4.81. The main operational difference in the newer version is bug fixes. Well, it appears new Prontos shipping from Belgium are starting to also appear with version 4.84, even though no updated firmware upgrade file has been provided for everyone else. This firmware is not the same as the Marantz version. The Pronto version is dated December 27, 1999, while the Marantz revision is December 30, 1999. Sounds like someone was cramming to get it done before the end of the year, eh? (Remember, you cannot cross-load Marantz/Philips firmware revisions.) Well, I'll be speaking to Philips early this week and hope to get some clarification on this new firmware issue -- along with juicy new tidbits on the upcoming color version!
[Talk about the RC5000 & Pronto...]

New Pronto files: A number of new system CCF files are available for this week, by Danny Owens, Ernie Davis, Gareth Morrow, Johnny Chuah, Lain Davis & Michael Marciante. Peter Dewildt has recently sent over CCF Explorer, in the Utilities file area. CCE Explorer allows you to view the contents of a CCF file in a Windows Explorer style interface. Check it out!

Eric Johnson's new CCF file for the Marantz SR-4000 receiver demonstrates how it is possible to simulate holding down a button for a macro. The SR-4000 requires 2-second holds to turn it off or switch video sources, and using split-up codes and a few aliases Eric has reproduced this needed functionality. Andrea Whitlock has sent an updated file containing 117 Dish Network logos for your use. In addition, George Fournaris has uploaded "Mind It" -- a handy place on the Pronto to store notes -- in the Design Elements file section.