Marantz RC5000 software: If you've been following the message forum you know that updated software is a hotly requested item. Well, Marantz is prepared to deliver -- soon. Though I have no exact date for the release, it is a guaranteed item. Unfortunantly this is where Philips and Marantz will begin to diverge their products.

Though the updated firmware will incorporate the same base enhancements and bug fixes as the most recent Pronto firmware, a few of the new "Philips-sponsored" feature will not make an appearance, namely timers. I myself will be quite interested to see how the new RC5000 Setup will handle CCF files containing timers.

MX-1000 delayed: The folks at Universal Remote have informed me that the release date for their highly anticipated Home Theater Master MX-1000 has been delayed from mid-November to mid-December. The reason for this postponement is said to be an unexpected supplier change. Though I have been promised a remote as soon as possible, they could not pin a specific time frame for it's arrival.

New CCF files: A few new files this weekend from Greg Steele, Jerry Dobson, Matt Weigel, Mikel Draghici and Vince Pate.

Philips Pronto advertising: It's interesting to see the latest adverts placed by Philips for the Pronto in several November and December issue home theater magazines. In these they advertise the customizability of their product, specifically through favorite channel icons and a customizable user interface. If Philips plans on making this their primary selling feature, I can only hope that development of ProntoEdit earns a higher priority than has now. Namely: when bugs are found, issue a patch as soon as possible! There doesn't seem to be any logical reason to hold back the release of updated firmware for months when annoying (albeit not critical) bugs are still in the current public version. New features should take second stage to ensuring that everything else functions one-hundred percent perfectly.

Speaking of advertising, I'm sure that everyone has noticed the banner ads that appear on the top of each page. They aren't there merely to fill space: they help towards supporting this site. If you as a visitor find Remote Central helpful, please take the time to click on an ad or two that is of interest. Also, if you're a home theater-related manufacturer or retailer and would like advertise your product or service here please contact me directly. Thanks!