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...]