It’s probably the most recognizable touchscreen remote control in the world: the Philips Pronto. Although nearly five years old, the original Pronto TS-1000 still holds its own against even modern day remotes. Still, as consumer electronics companies are want to keep their product offerings fresh and up-to-date, earlier this year Philips released a completely upgraded and redesigned version, the Pronto NG TSU3000.

As the granddaddy of computer programmable touchscreen remote controls, the Pronto name comes with high expectations. Although the new model clearly had some initial growing pains, I feel that enough time has now gone by for the product to mature with software and firmware upgrades, and that a complete in-depth review was now warranted.

So, today you’ll find our biggest review ever (and that’s saying something) for a trio of Pronto NG products: the TSU3000 remote control, the DS3000 docking station and the RFX6000 RF extender. This time our review is packed with enough photographs, screenshots and juicy details to even call it a Pronto NG crash course. If you’re even slightly interested in the Philips Pronto you’ll want to check this out!

Read all about the TSU3000!

In related news, current owners of the TSU3000 will want to update to the latest firmware version as used in our review, APP 2.3.9. You can download it from Remote Central by clicking here.

New Philips ProntoPro remote!

TSU3000: Click to enlarge.

If you’ve been waiting for Philips to release a new color touchscreen remote control, it looks like you may not have to wait much longer! I’m pleased today to release exclusive information on the next Pronto model, the ProntoPro NG TSU7000. This new model upgrades several key areas of the black & white TSU3000, with an active matrix LCD display, 32 megabytes of memory, a pickup sensor and more sophisticated layout capabilities.

Although more information will likely be released at CEDIA Expo 2003, which begins later this week, here’s the information available right now:

• 32 megabytes memory (initially 16mb will be available, but a future firmware upgrade will open up the entire 32mb space)
• 3.8” TFT display
• 64,000 colors
• Digital contrast control

  TSU3000: Click to enlarge.

• 17 Backlit hard buttons
• LCD & button backlights fade off smoothly
• Pickup sensor
• USB 1.1 interface
• Charcoal grey case color
• Alpha blending transparency support
• Timers
• RF capabilities with optional extender
• Docking station and NiMH battery included
• Multiple language support (English, Spanish, French, German, Dutch)
• $999 USD list price
• Available late Q4 2003

Here are a few sample screenshots demonstrating what can be done with ProntoPro Edit NG (PPENG).

Stay tuned for further ProntoPro details and even more great remote control news from CEDIA!

[ Talk with others in the Pronto NG Forum! ]