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PHILIPS AWARD-WINNING PRONTO REMOTE NOW OFFERS MORE CONTROL FOR HOME ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEMS
Maximum Customization is Made Possible With New PC Software
PALO ALTO, Calif. December 18, 1998 Today Philips announced the addition of Pronto Edit software package to its award winning Pronto Intelligent Remote Control. Pronto, introduced in September this year, is a learning universal remote with a LCD touchscreen that can be customized to control IR-enabled home entertainment products independent of brand. Pronto Edit will be available on the Philips website and will provide advanced customization features, including the ability to duplicate configurations, store IR codes, and add graphics and templates. These features will be accessible through the PC and new configurations can be downloaded to Pronto through the built-in serial port, using a serial port cable.
Pronto Edit will be available online in January 1999 at no cost to dealers and Pronto users who want to take advantage of this new customization to add value to an already fun and easy-to-use remote control. Pronto and the Pronto Edit software will be demonstrated during the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas in the Philips Electronics booth #928.
"Philips has been applauded for creating a remote control that combines style and ease without compromising on the customization features that users want," said Lisa Haley, VP/GM Digital Video Products Marketing. "The addition of Pronto Edit will allow users the added customization features necessary to create a remote control uniquely designed to fit their needs."
PC Software Customizes Home Entertainment Control
Pronto Edit allows the user to completely redesign the graphical user interface to fit their needs. Panels, buttons and devices can now be rearranged, added, deleted and mixed to create a personalized interface that is as unique as the user. Also, users can alter the on-screen appearance by changing fonts, sizes and importing graphics. For example, users can create specific pages dedicated to their favorite television channels using network logos for identification. These logos can be downloaded from the network web sites and imported to Pronto through the software and serial port cable.
"The level of customization being offered can launch Pronto into the realm of the elite in consumer electronics," said Chris Greene, Systems Designer and Integrator, Century Stereo, San Jose, California. "The potential for this software is astounding. People with any experience programming products like Crestron and Lexicon touchscreen systems should find this layout familiar enough to begin doing some creative work almost immediately."
Pronto Edit offers users the added benefit of cloning devices, macros, panels, buttons or entire configurations. For users, this will protect them from having to reprogram the remote in the case of accidental deletions. For dealers, this will allow them to create templates for specific products and keep them on file. It will also enable dealers to add value through differentiation of the design and control of their customers home entertainment systems.
Another key feature allows users to view their Pronto configuration on a PC and test the programming before downloading it onto Pronto. This will assist dealers by allowing them to demonstrate the product features before actually programming them into the remote, offering them the opportunity to differentiate their service to customers.
Pronto Makes Home Entertainment Control Fun and Easy
Pronto replaces all other remotes in the home. It comes pre-programmed with commonly used A/V component commands and can learn IR codes for home theater devices. As new technologies are implemented into future consumer electronic devices, Pronto can easily be expanded to meet the user’s needs and requirements.
Compatible with virtually any home entertainment component, Pronto can manage in excess of 20 devices and multiple macros. Pronto’s memory allows programming to be saved even if the battery is removed. The optional recharge package includes a recharging dock, A/C adapter and rechargeable battery pack.
Availability and Pricing
Pronto Edit is free to all Pronto customers and will be available online in January 1999. Philips will enable users to download the software from the Philips website at www.pronto.philips.com. The two-way RS232 serial port cable will be available for order online at no additional cost to Pronto owners and authorized dealers. Pronto is currently available through select audio and video retailers throughout the U.S. at a suggested retail price of $399. The recharge unit is sold separately for $80.
Pronto is covered by a one-year warranty. Customers can obtain general information and assistance regarding Pronto by calling the Philips’ toll-free Call Center at 1-888-486-6272, or e-mail Philips via the web site at www.pronto.philips.com.
For more information contact:
Philips Electronics
Marty Gordon
408-570-5694
marty.gordon@na.km.philips.com
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Brodeur Porter Novelli
Cara Broglia
408-324-4848
cbroglia@brodeur.com
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