First, there's the TheaterTouch from RTI. This features a small backlit touchscreen and 26 real buttons for keypad and menu controls. It's only one inch thick with rechargeable batteries, allows custom graphics and text and features both IR and RF transmission. A unique feature is that as soon as you pick it up it turns on. I spoke to RTI early last week and hope to obtain more information on it soon.

A new prototype remote from Sony was also shown, the RM-AV2002. Though I have little information on it right now, I do know it will feature additional macros, enhanced button customization and an RS232 port.

One For All (now distributed by the Hudson Access Group) were displaying their new learning remotes, including the new Home Producer 8 (URC-9800). While I was out of town last week I received one of these in the mail. I'll be writing a review of it in the next few weeks after I've had some time to use it. It looks very promising -- flexible programming with a great physical feel.

Though I am uncertain whether it will be sold under the One For All name, Universal Electronics Inc. (the OEM manufacturer) is reportedly continuing development of their Mosaic LCD touchscreen remote. It should become available early 2000.

I've heard no reports on their presentation yet, but Universal Remote Inc. -- the makers of the SL-9000 -- were going to display their new LCD touchscreen remote, the Home Theater Master MX-1000. This will also feature a large complement of real buttons and computer connectivity. I hope to be getting more details later this week. If you saw any other cool remotes last week, be sure to drop me a line!

Pronto FAQ: I felt the Pronto FAQ was getting a tad out of date, so I've updated it to version 1.03 with current information.

CCF files: Three new or updated Pronto files this week, from Michael Hiatt, Steven O'Neil and Jean-François Mercier. There is also a new full-featured Pioneer Elite television setup from Dan Kurts.