Entered CNET Catalog: 05/04/2003
SKU: 0037849911273
Manufacturer: Philips Consumer Electronics
Manufacturer description
After the very successful TSU2000 Pronto, Philips is glad to announce a new member in the family! The Pronto TSU3000 is now available with even higher performance and flexibility. The TSU3000 has an improved 320x240 pixel 3.8" display with 16 gray scales that allows you to create much more realistic buttons and pictures. The bright true blue backlight that lights up both the LCD and all hard buttons ensures perfect operability in the dark. The built-in light sensor will switch the backlight on automatically, while after the adjustable time-out the light will smoothly fade off. The Digital Contrast Control is always directly available to adjust the LCD-contrast. A total of 19 hard buttons are available to perform basic functions: The channel up/down, mute, volume up/down buttons are conveniently located at the right side of the LCD. Of the four buttons below the LCD three can be freely assigned and labeled. The 4-direction cursor key can both be used for controlling devices by infrared or navigating through the devices and pages on the LCD. The four buttons around the cursor are freely programmable. On the left side there are the page up/down and the backlight key. The TSU3000 has the latest available infrared codes in its universal database featuring more than 500 brands and the latest products like TiVo and X10. But in case your exotic amplifier or hard disk recorder is not listed, you can still learn the codes by copying your existing remote control. In case your equipment is hidden behind a closet or is located in another room, you just switch the Pronto to RF (optional RF Extender required). One of the strongest features of Pronto is its configurability via the included USB-cable to the PC. The software package ProntoEditNG includes new functionality to help you create your configuration file, now called PCF (Pronto Configuration File): multi-document, multi-level (Standard and Advanced), Transparency, multiple jumps in macro, full screen configurability, assignment of system functions to buttons, and import function for CCF-files.Product summary
The good: Interface is highly customizable via Pronto Edit NG software; large LCD touch screen; blue backlight senses room lighting; remote learns codes well; huge online community can provide many preconfigured files.
The bad: Slow response; touch screen isn't sensitive enough; software is clunky and difficult to use; you must charge the station for the best results; Windows only.
The bottom line: This attractive remote enables nearly infinite customization, but casual users will want something simpler.
Editors' review
- Editors' Choice: No
- Reviewed on: 12/03/2003
Philips was the first company to popularize a computer-programmable touch-screen remote, and this update of the original Pronto is a hit with home-theater/computer nerds. If you're patient, the TSU3000's almost infinitely customizable screens, buttons, and graphics will serve not merely as a remote but more as an expression of your creativity.
At 6.1 by 3.6 by 1.1 inches, the large Pronto looks like an oversize, well-appointed PDA. Its Mute, channel, and volume hard keys sit to the right of the big LCD, presenting a problem for southpaws. The only other controls outside the touch screen are the small menu pad, the four buttons to the sides of it, and the four above it. We preferred them for daily use because we could use them by feel and, unlike the touch screen, each always responded to one press.
The TSU3000 takes four AAAs, which it burns through at a pretty rapid clip. We supplied our own Radio Shack nickel-metal-hydride rechargeable cells, but we had to recharge them every three days or so. We strongly recommend that owners invest in the DS3000 recharging station, which includes its own rechargeable batteries and sells for $60 online.
The TSU3000's large 320x240-pixel screen is highly legible, but those who have seen the more expensive Pronto TSU6000 (or even a color PDA) may be disappointed. The blue backlight can be bright, but it automatically dims according to the room's lighting conditions, and it tended to fade too quickly for our taste. We ended up setting the brightness as high as possible.
The built-in code database lets you program the remote for many devices, but for true compatibility, the learning function is indispensable. It operates in the standard fashion: you point your gear's original remote at the Pronto and program buttons one by one. The process worked well; the TSU3000 accepted all the commands we tried.
You can execute a series of commands with a single press, create new screens, and assemble original button configurations. Unfortunately, the proprietary, Windows-only Pronto Edit NG software makes this customization difficult. There are few preinstalled button styles, and designing your own requires a graphics program, which isn't included.
Getting the most out of the Pronto means spending hours with its software. At sites such as Pronto Edit, you'll get plenty of support, including device-control information and downloadable buttons. For the average user who doesn't have lots of time, however, the TSU3000 is just too much work.
User opinions
Select a User Opinion to view: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12out of 12 user reviews
Takes work, results worth it.
Pros: Infinitely programmable. Can download programs from a very active community and do no work yourself. Controls any device I've thrown at it in multiple combinations. Can be made dumb proof .
Cons: Battery life is poor. Some codes are hard to find even in their library. Screen too dim.
out of 12 user reviews
Infinitely customizable
Pros: Very flexible -- you can set it up any way you want it.
Cons: Doesn't come 'out of the box' in a usable state; use the software to configure it to your liking.
out of 12 user reviews
OUTSTANDING ! ! !
Pros: With a little programing this baby can do anything. I now have a remote that my wife can operate. Also, it has a LOT of cool factor.
Cons: The editor program has a steep learning curve but one you catch on to the flow of things you are limited only by your imagination. Oh Yes, it EATS batteries.
out of 12 user reviews
Very fun to play with
Pros: I presonaly think it's fun to change the look of this remote all the time, it conrols everything, I actually took a picture of my living room so you just touch a light to control it. Turning on and dimming lights/picking scenes from your remote so the li
Cons: MUST update firmware often, used to be VERY slow but with the latest firmware this remote is pretty fast, and they've fixed the memory leaks and VERY low battery life problem. The charging dock feels like it could break easily.
out of 12 user reviews
Best new toy of the year for me.
Pros: Unlimited potential. Great screen that is easy to see and has an automatic backlight that does not come on in bright light. Pleanty of hard buttons with punch through capabilitys. My wife even likes this remote.
Cons: The software needs a good manual. After market manuals are available but Phillips should include one. Touch screen really works better with a PDA pen.
out of 12 user reviews
Great remote Best there is
Pros: Good graphics with lots of memory for ALL your remotes. I have tried all the other multi use remotes and this is the best for the price. even better dollar for dollar than the much more expensive ones. And to steve who rate this as a "this remote sucks" g
Cons:
out of 12 user reviews
Have Someone else program!!!
Pros: I was able to allow someone else to program it for me over the net.....prontoprograming@aol. com!!!
Cons: Very difficult to program if you don't have the time.
out of 12 user reviews
Once programmed, it's the best
Pros: I don't mean to be sexist, but this remote passes the "wife" test. Once the unit is programmed with Macros, it is the best out there.
Cons: To get it up and running took a couple of hours for me, a relatively savvy Wintel guy. Not for computer phobes (unless you want to pay someone to do the programming)!
out of 12 user reviews
Awesome Remote
Pros: I bought it to use with my Sony 51 inch digital TV, Dennon 5.1 Receiver, Sony progressive scan DVD, and Sony CD-Player. Replaced 4 remotes with one. Used the software to set up a custom interface on the remote to make it easy to use. This remote and the s
Cons: Price, but this is of minor concern. You get what you pay for.
out of 12 user reviews
money
Pros: once it's programmed, no question the best around. Lots of codes/configurations available for d/l on the internet
Cons: software is somewhat difficult to configure for beginners
out of 12 user reviews
Programing is a pain
Pros: Appears to be able to get all the remotes in it
Cons: wonder if all the trouble is worth the effort.
out of 12 user reviews
cool toy with lots of features
Pros: Automatic backlight is awesome. Good graphics. Touchscreen works very well. Tons of memory for all kinds of menus. Great upgradability...never will be obsolete. Can learn remotes with or without hooking up to pc. USB cable is very easy to connect.
Cons: No manual available for editing software. Found it difficult to learn how to program at first. Worked on it for over 24 hours before getting my first decent set of menus. Not that many downloadable configurations that are specific to the tsu3000.
