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Philips Debuts the Pronto TSU2000 Universal Remote Control
The TSU2000 Provides the Ultimate Customized Home Theater Experience -- Your Way to Total Control
INDIANAPOLIS, Sept. 8, 2000 -- Furthering its commitment to making
things better, Philips Consumer Electronics introduced its Pronto TSU2000
Universal Remote today at the Custom Electronic Design & Installation (CEDIA)
2000 Expo in Indianapolis, Ind. (Sept. 7-10). Building on the success of the
award-winning Pronto Intelligent Remote Control, the Pronto TSU2000 will allow
consumers to control and further customize their entire home theater
experience with one remote that fits in the palm of your hand. Pronto TSU2000
will be available this fall for $399.99.
Due to an overwhelming response from consumers after the introduction of
Pronto, the TSU2000 features an expanded memory of two megabytes and the
Pronto Universal database, which has infrared codes for more than 260 brands
in 17 product categories. This onboard database is accessed through a user-friendly
graphical set-up, which allows Pronto to memorize your devices in
seconds without the user having to search for model names or program in codes.
The TSU2000 also has the ability to learn codes so it can control current
and/or future devices that may not be in the database. In addition to state-of-the-art
technology advancements, the TSU2000 has a new innovative look with
a silver metallic case.
Pronto brings together total home entertainment control, complete command
customization, an intuitive interface and a unique, attractive ergonomical
design. The Pronto Universal replaces all other remotes in the home,
resulting in less clutter in the living room and less confusion for the user.
The new universal database makes set up so simple that kids can do it.
"The addition of the Universal database and expanded memory is a direct
result of key consumer feedback," said Thorsten Koch, senior vice president
and general manager of Philips Video, North America. "With the TSU2000 we've
simplified and re-defined the universal remote making it a fun tool for
anyone, from the novice to the expert, to use."
The Pronto Universal features easily accessible hard keys for basic
functions -- channel up/down and volume control, but all other functions are
controlled through a large LCD touchscreen that can be backlit. The screen
allows users to customize what "buttons" should be featured on their remote
including the ability to import and display graphics. The expanded memory
allows for more graphic downloads and increased task functions, making the
individual user's imagination the only thing that limits what Pronto can do
for their home theater experience.
Tailored and Expandable to Individual Needs
Pronto combines all of the complex functions of button-dependent devices
into an easy-to-program touchscreen that is fully customizable, making the
operation of a home theater as simple as the touch of a finger. Pronto comes
pre-programmed with common A/V component commands and IR codes for more than
260 brands of home theater devices. The remote can be customized as new A/V
components are added, by labeling and addressing virtual buttons in the
control menus. Through editable macro buttons on the LCD, users can
interactively create a sequence of commands that can control the home
entertainment system from up to 33 feet. With two megabytes of memory, the
user is able to store a vast number of macro commands in Pronto. Pronto's
memory allows programming to be saved even if the battery is removed. The
optional accessory kit ($79.99) includes a charger cradle, A/C adapter and
rechargeable battery pack.
As new technologies are implemented into future consumer electronic
devices, Pronto can easily be expanded to meet the user's needs and
requirements. New A/V components can be added to the Pronto Universal one of
three ways: by using the codes found in the Universal database, with the
learning eye on the Pronto that captures the IR code from the old remote and
by downloading CCF files with the correct codes from Web sites such as
Remotecentral.com and Prontoedit.com.
Dynamic Display and Elegant Design
The elegant design combines the ease of a LCD with the comfort of direct-access
buttons, making Pronto simple but flexible. Providing a larger display
than most handheld remote controls in its category, Pronto easily manages A/V
components via the touchscreen LCD that measures 3 x 2.3 inches. Familiar
icons and a smartly designed layout allows anyone to quickly and easily
execute routine commands.
Measuring 5.4 x 3.6 inches and weighing 8.8 ounces, Pronto's handheld
design can be used with one or two hands. It can be used in the dark due to
its back-light illumination. The sleek metallic case gives it a futuristic
appeal that will compliment any decor.
Futuristic Customization and Advancement
Pronto Edit Software enables Pronto users to let their imaginations take
control. By synching the Pronto universal remote control to a PC, today's
tech-minded individuals can program their Pronto to new levels. It allows
users to import graphics such as a channel icons or pictures of their A/V
components. The software also creates an easy environment to create and edit
macro commands, customize menus and layout the virtual buttons on LCD screen
enabling the user to control their IR devices with a single tap of the screen.
Pronto Edit software can be downloaded from http://www.pronto.philips.com into a PC
and then connected by a RS232 serial cable to a Pronto remote.
Customer Support and Information
Pronto Universal 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 visit the Web site at
http://www.pronto.philips.com.
About Philips
Royal Philips Electronics of the Netherlands (NYSE: PHG) is one of the
world's biggest electronics companies and Europe's largest, with sales of
$33.5 billion (EUR 31.5 billion) in 1999. It is a global leader in color
television sets, lighting, electric shavers, color picture tubes for
televisions and monitors, and one-chip TV products. Its 232,433 employees in
more than 60 countries are active in the areas of lighting, consumer
electronics, domestic appliances, components, semiconductors, medical systems,
and IT services (Origin). Philips is quoted on the NYSE (symbol: PHG),
London, Frankfurt, Amsterdam and other stock exchanges. News from Philips is
located at http://www.news.philips.com.
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