RCA RCU810: Looks like RCA is again joining the learning universal remote market with
the introduction of their $70 RCU810. Although details are few, it appears that it will be an
8-device hard-buttoned remote with learning capability, comprehensive built-in code library, LCD
display with sleep timer and clock, macros, backlighting, and over 50 buttons total. The feature
set sounds very similar to the One For All Home Producer 8 URC-9800, but with a different layout.
More information will be posted as it is available.
[Talk about the RCA RCU810...]
HTM MX-1000: Now how many of us have been eagerly awaiting the release of the Universal Remote
Control Inc. Home Theater Master MX-1000 touchscreen learning remote? Or at least the release of
further details? Well, looks like we may all have to wait a little while longer. It now appears
that URCI may not get the remote out until early August -- this apparently due to a software glitch.
While I accept that they want to release a perfect product, I'd still like to get my hands on some
cold hard facts. The information I do have (in my CES 2000 report)
is now six months old, and URCI has not been forthcoming on further details. C'mon guys! We're
waiting with baited breath!
[Talk about the MX-1000...]
Denon Aktis: As reported earlier, the new Denon Aktis is coming out this month. The latest
news indicates that it will be shipping to stores within the next few weeks. Although I have
made a request for a review sample, I've been told that Denon has a tendency to not grant
Internet site requests -- no matter who they are from. But hopefully we'll be able to take a look
at it sooner rather than later.
[Talk about the Denon Aktis...]
DVD review: In between all of this I managed to get the time to watch the comedy-mystery
movie Clue, starring Tim Curry and Christopher Lloyd, recently released by Paramount on DVD.
You can read my complete review here.
[Talk about DVD movies...]
Color Pronto: Development of the forthcoming Pronto with a color LCD screen continues at
Philips, with no new details to announce. But as for timing, everything seems to be on schedule,
with early previews at the CEDIA show held in September, and general availability during the first
quarter of 2001. While we wait, I figured it may be interesting to try and figure out what Philips
would call it. Pronto 2? Pronto Pro? Pronto Color? What do you think? Be creative! Join
this thread to
add your two cents!
CCF updates: Who's looking for some Pronto and RC5000 files? Well, even if you aren't we've got plenty
to report on this week. New and updated complete System CCF files are available
from: Andrea Whitlock, Andy Merrill, Caryl Gervereau,
Chris Baigent, Gareth Rees, George Woods,
Gordon Middlemass, Guido Godrie,
James Lindsey, Leigh Rankin,
Mango Chutney, Marc Burge, Michael Der Vartanian
and Robert Holtz.
As for component files, Bertrand Fournier
sent a NAD T770 receiver CCF, Per-Fredrik Boman a Sony VPL-VW10HT
projector, and Phil Clelland uploaded Meridian 602 CD player.
Finally, there's a Meridian 500 series preamp, Kenwood KRX-1000 receiver and Ferguson 3V43, 3V50
and 3V53 VCR files posted by an anonymous visitor.
You'll find a new Pronto/RC5000 utility, MakeHex, in the Utilities
file area by John Fine. No, it's not a way to use your remote to
cast spells -- MakeHex is designed to generate ProntoEdit hex codes to assist in discovering
discrete codes, or clean up dirty ones. And last but not least, Barry
Gordon (yes, the very same Barry Gordon who wrote that informative IR protocol document)
has created a rather massive program entitled GenIRDB. This utility will create and manage
ProntoEdit database files containing IR codes, which are generated from built-in code tables.
Check it out here, and post your comments in the forum.
[Talk about all Pronto/RC5000 matters...]
This news report was updated on May 19, 2006.
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