Philips recently posted features and specifications for their new Pronto Pro TSU6000 model, expected to arrive at the end of June. Besides for confirming what we already know - that it has 8mb of memory, a color screen, pickup sensor, rechargeable batteries and optional RF receiver - some new information was posted.

First, the optional RF receiver will be known as the RFX-6000. At 4.5 by 3.2 by 1.1 inches, it's fairly slim and is said to work with an IR frequency range of 36 to 550kHz. It will include 4 "dual IR emitter" compatible ports for use with industry standard emitters. No specifications on range were provided.

Next, onto the actual Pronto Pro:

Direct access buttons

• mute
  
• channel up/down
  
• page up/down
  
• volume up/down
  
• 2 free programmable buttons
  
• backlight button

Send/learning IR eyes

Hardware

• Built-in IR codes for 549 brands
  
• IR operating distance up to 33 ft (10 m)
  
• IR operating angle ± 30 degrees (@16ft or 5 m)
  
• IR learning frequencies up to 56 kHz and 455 kHz
  
• Automatic power mgmt: auto power up/down
  
• Battery type: rechargeable AAA battery pack (included)

LCD

• Display type: FSTN
  
• Dynamic LCD input: finger or capped pen
  
• Resolution: 320 x 240, 0.24 mm pitch
  
• Position: portrait
  
• Number of colors: 256
  
• Dimensions: 3 x 2.3 inches (77 x 58 mm)

Environment

• Operating temperature: 40°f-113°f (5°c-45°c)
  
• Storage temperature -13°f-158°f (-25°c-70°c)

Memory

• SRAM: 512 KB
• Flash: 8 MB

Other

• Backlight luminance: output f45 cd/m²
  
• Audio: Piezo with adjustable volume
  
• Processor: Motorola DragonBall mc68328
  
• PC link: RS232 serial port
  
• Weight: 8.8 oz or 250 g (with batteries)
  
• Dimensions: 5.6 x 3.7 x 1.3 inches (141 x 94 x 32 mm) (length x width x height)

Several have noted that, under hard buttons, it lists "two free programmable buttons" and have been concerned that only those two may be programmable. We've been assured that, as with the current Pronto, all hard buttons are programmable - those are just the two center bottom hard buttons that don't have specific default functions.

For the LCD screen, "FSTN" is the latest and most prevalent generation of passive matrix LCD screen technology. These have been designed specifically to deal with the visibility and image quality problems associated with original passive matrix designs. Plus, although it specifies 256 colors, custom configurations will be limited to a 216-color "web safe" palette. The LCD dimensions of 2.3 by 3 inches are identical to the current Pronto, though the outside footprint is 0.2" by 0.2" larger, but also 0.2 inches thinner. Weight with the included AAA battery pack is significantly lighter.

IR learning capabilities are listed as "up to 56kHz and 455kHz", which leaves me wondering whether the Pronto Pro will truly learn up to 455kHz, or whether it merely employs the same "software trick" as the existing Pronto to learn some higher frequency devices on its hardware.

When you're done perusing the specs, be sure to visit our CES 2001 Pronto Pro page which includes numerous photographs of the new remote.
[Talk about the Pronto Pro here...]