A big remote that does big things: that’s one description that could fit Sony’s popular RM-AV3000 touchscreen remote control. First released over two years ago, the RM-AV3000 has proven itself more than capable of controlling complex home theater systems. But, as with any industry, progress marches onwards. Sony’s recent introduction of the RM-AV2500 marked the addition of a few new tricks to Sony’s repertoire of features and naturally, the company felt the need to update their top-of-the-line RM-AV series model.

The new Sony RM-AV3100 has the same impressive list of central features as the RM-AV3000: full control of 18 devices, up to 1000 learned signals, 32 macros, 12 timers, editable labels, backlight touchscreen and much more. Although both models are physically identical, the RM-AV3100 improves upon its predecessor via software upgrades. Not only does it encompass the latest refinements offered by the RM-AV2500, but you’ll even find a few other interesting goodies.

Fresh on the heels of our RM-AV2500 review, we now bring you a brand new evaluation of the just-available Sony RM-AV3100. Since the RM-AV3100 and RM-AV3000 are so similar to each other, our original review has been extended with photographs and new information on the changes and additions offered by the RM-AV3100.

If you’re unfamiliar with the RM-AV3000, start at the beginning of the review by clicking here. Otherwise, jump right to our RM-AV3100 addendum by clicking here.

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Philips updates ProntoProEdit NG...
Next for today, Philips has just posted a brand new version of the ProntoProEdit NG editing software, along with an update to the ProntoPro NG TSU7000 and SBC-RU980's firmware.

ProntoProEdit NG version 1.0.15 has two major changes: the software is now ready to learn infrared codes quicker, and the "Add IR" dialogue box has been optimized for quicker addition of IR codes.

The firmware, now updated to version 3.0.51, improves infrared learning by making the remote less sensitive to learning distance, time, and so forth. The remote will also now recognize IR codes that have been problematic in the past, including Kenwood, Somfy, B&O, Yamaha, Onkyo, Grundig, Thomson and Echostar.

Download the new versions here!

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You could win great prizes!
It's time for our next contest! Thanks to our friends over at AVSmarts.com, we’ve got four fantastic prizes for you this month. You could win a Harmony H688S activity-based remote control, a Colby DVD-915 5.1 DVD home theater system, a Sony RM-AV2500 touchscreen remote control and a Panamax M-8DBS5 surge suppressor!

So what are you waiting for? Enter today!