RAV-2000: Click to enlarge.

It's official, Yamaha is releasing their own touchscreen LCD remote which appears to be a customized version of the Philips Pronto TSU2000 remote complete with code database. The Yamaha RAV-2000 features a new case design and rearrangement of hard buttons, but lacks a recharging station. The on-screen interface has been totally customized with new graphics and animations. Although I did get to see a fully functional version at CES 2001 - which was actually quite snazzy - the one photographed was a dummy model and does not reflect at all what the real interface looks like. Suffice it to say it is quite different from the Pronto.

What is still yet to be seen is exactly what sort of software Yamaha will be providing, and how compatible its' files will be with existing models - and vice versa. What advanced feature set the RAV-2000 will include has also not been announced. The list price will be $499 with availability in May 2001.

The press release follows:

YAMAHA'S FIRST TOUCH-PAD REMOTE
CONTROL IS A SOPHISTICATED MODEL

BUENA PARK, CA, Jan 19, 2001: The company's first touch-pad remote control has been introduced by Yamaha Electronics Corporation. The new model, designated RAV-2000, is a sophisticated programmable unit that comes preset with Yamaha IR codes as well as codes from other manufacturers. The RAV-2000 has learning remote capability, and 7 programmable direct access buttons provide easy set-up. Designed to be the controller of complex home theater systems, the new touch-pad is macro capable and can handle up to 255 commands per macro. The macros are individually set and can be edited and changed by computer. An RS-232C serial port connector allows the RAV-2000 to interface with a PC for complex programming and future expandability.

The large, dynamic LCD screen features a high-resolution, 320 x 240 pixel display. The direct access and LCD screen are backlit for easy reading at night, or in a darkened home theater environment. The backlighting can be adjusted so that the readout and keys are easy to operate, but not so bright as to be distracting.

Other features of the new Yamaha RAV-2000 touch-pad include infrared sending and receiving sensors and 2 MB of flash memory. It has an operating distance of 30 feet.

The Yamaha RAV-2000 touch-pad remote control has a suggested retail price of $499 and will be available in May, 2001. For information on other Yamaha products, visit the Yamaha website at www.yamaha.com.
[Talk about the RAV-2000...]