Customer Reviews

Philips TSU500 Pronto Neo LCD Universal Touch Screen Remote Control

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(6)

 

 

First off, you must go to the Philips website to download the latest firmware patch. It will make it sooooo much easier. Do this before trying to program it.

The best way to program this device is to "learn" each of your devices via the remote "learn" feature. Then upload those IR codes via the cable and software that comes with the remote to your PC. You can then create all the macros (playback steps) you like to simplify your life. My wife now only has to press the "Watch TV" button I created to turn on the Receiver, Digital Video Record (ReplayTV 5040 -> Worth every penny) and the TV. I have it programmed to set all the audio and video settings for these devices to the way she likes. She is VERY VERY VERY happy.

If you're like me and want to make your life easier, get this remote. It definitely has a big WOW factor by eliminating all of your other remote controls...

The only draw back I can tell you about is that once in a while the remote will hang. Pop off the battery cover and pull a battery and you're back in business. In the two weeks that I have had this remote I had to do this 3 times. This mostly happened while trying to go too fast between functions.

REMEMBER when programming the remote to put a .1 sec. delay between each IR command or the second command will be ignored.

Need a universal/learning remote? Like software development? This is the remote for you... it comes with a PC-based development environment (Think "Visual Basic", only much simpler.) The screen is Palm-like, unlike other "do everything" remotes (like the Sony Commander) this one fits in one hand. There is extensive `net support, and several on-line communities supporting this remote.

Not for the faint of heart, but for a tweaker, it can't be beat - except possibly by the higher end Prontos.

After a week trial with the Sony Universal Remote RM-VL1000, I traded it in for the Pronto TSU500. There are definitely things that I do not like about the Pronto... but the advantages out way the negatives.

Advantages
(1) Finally, I use only ONE remote.
(2) 'Soft' buttons and LCD screen allow you to program any function or macros you wish.
(3) PC editor included w/ purchase. This will allow you to customize the screens and flow as you wish.
(4) Love the Macro functionality
(5) Customizations and programming can be backed and restored by PC.
(6) Unlimited number of components (or extras such as lights or window shades) can be programmed into the remote.
(7) Programming via remote is easy.
(8) 'Learning' Remote functionality.
(9) 'Jump' functionality allows you to change the screen that pops up when you use a macro. So when I switch from DirecTV to DVD, the Screen now shows all my DVD buttons (including a one touch macro button that sends me back to DirecTV)

Disadvantages
(1) The Remote locks up on me frequently (2-3 times a week). This requires me to remove the battery. Still trying to solve this one... I have not contacted Technical Support yet. Perhaps there is a solution.
(2) Soft keys for Numbers. I wish that the Numbers were 'Hard Keys'. Soft keys are sometimes 'touchy' and requires me to press in three digit satellite channel code several times in order to get the right channel.
(3) Perhaps a little pricey, but given the alternatives I found this was the best option for me

It may seem a little pricy, but its worth it. I haven't had any problems with this remote at all. It learned everything I wanted it to. Some of the things that make it so great:

1) Backlight on everything, including hard buttons
2) NeoEdit software can be used to customize the look of your remote (you can use your own bitmaps if you really want, or just use the ones provided), and to backup/restore the remote if anything ever happened to your programming.
3) Nice, easy to read LCD (adjust the contrast if you are having difficulty)
4) LCD buttons are just as easy to press as every other LCD remote (I have tried several others), just need to get used to it.
5) Remote response to button presses is very fast, as opposed to other learning remotes I have tried.
6) Good selection of hard buttons, I like having the navigation and selection buttons, as every piece of equipment I own needs them. Also, you get 2 hard buttons you can give custom labels to for each device right underneath the lcd screen.

Even though this remote may be a little on the pricy side in contrast to its screen size. Its worth the [$$$] price tag. Even before I got the remote, I downloaded the NeoEdit software from the [...]. I created all of my pages and set up everything, and when i got it, all i did was erase everything on the remote, and download what was on my computer to the remote. Works like a charm!! I've created a One-Touch page, so i just tap Watch DVD, and it sends out about 15 IR commands and sets everything correctly! I love it!!

Overall very happy with this remote. At first a bit intimidating to program the remote, but the NeoEdit software that comes with the remote makes programing the remote very easy. Be sure to download the new version of FirmWare and NeoEdit from Philips web site.

To make life simpler, I deleted all pages under the devices. Delete the devices I don't use (LD -- any one still using this ?
). The I dragged and dropped the buttons on new pages under the devices. I kept the buttons to be simple and the ones I use frequently. I will break out the original remote for the functions I use once every two years. I felt that removing the clutter from the remote would make it more simple a user friendly ( want to cut down the time spent on teaching the mother in law to use the remote, so user friendliness is a big priority).

After adding the buttons, I used the original remotes to program the IR codes into the TSU500.

The process of setting up the remote took over an hour, but it was a fun thing to do..

I've been using this remote for two months now with my rather complicated A/V system, and I love it. You can make this thing do anything you want; I've even got it controlling my lights and air conditioner. However, do not buy this if you want to pull it out of the box, press a few buttons, and watch it go. You'll need to program it on your PC, and the software is pretty anti-intuitive, buggy, and requires quite a bit of tweaking for good results. On the other hand, if you like that kind of thing... you're in for a treat, just be sure to check out www.remotecentral.com for invaluable resources. This is a cheap programmable remote with no limitations as far as flexibility and customization.

The NeoEdit software takes some time. I spent maybe a week developing my entire setup, but 2-3 years later, I have only edited it twice since then and only to add some simple shortcuts - like displaying the time on the VCR and changing the tuner volume from any device screen: TV, VCR, DirecTV. I love this thing. In fact, I cannot imagine going back to having 8 separate remotes. The only issue I had with the IR learning was that sometimes I had to do it twice, but I tested all my "buttons" right after saving my configuration and it was easy enough to rememorize them and save it again. And, again, haven't had to re-memorize anything ever since. And, yes, the batteries last only 2-3 months, but I figure I save money replacing only 3 AA compared with all the batteries from all other 8 (or more) remotes.

On the OTHER hand, I am writing this with my fully reset SECOND - NEW Pronto sitting in front of me with my SECOND failed touch screen. If this thing drops on the floor in just the right way - not from great heights - not being thrown - just a simple fall off the couch or chair edge - it's done. I've dropped it before, and I knew this could happen. I cringe every time it falls hoping this won't be the time it fails.

If it's out of warranty, you CAN have it refurbished at your own cost. They also sell refurbished ones some places for a LOT less than a new one.

But, it's very discouraging. I wouldn't even consider fixing it or buying a third one...except I just can't see going back to 8 remotes. I doubt I would even remember how to use them all manually having lived with a remote that when I press a button that says "Use DVD player" - turns on/off my Tuner, VCR, DVD, TV, CD player, DirecTV and set all the inputs, volumes, sources exactly perfect without me having to do anything except put the DVD in that I want to watch. I spent almost all of my editing time developing my macros that switch between devices - from TV to DVD, from DVD to DirecTV. I even use this to control my Camcorder.

It's heartbreaking, but refurbishing costs about $50 or so. And...I'll probably pay it...gladly.

I have used this product for the last 6 months, and am happy to put away from remote controls for DVD, TV, Amplifier and VCR. The panel light helps operate when we sometimes watch movie under dim lights.

Overall I think that the concept of this device is outstanding. Having the ability to combine functions like Volume onto your DVD settings allows you to use only one remote instead of two. Also, the price makes this an excellent value for someone who has a few remotes, but not overloaded.

My only two complaints are that the touchpad is a little hard to use. Sometimes your thumb will hit a couple of numbers and unlike remotes, you do need to look at the remote while pressing the buttons. However, I was able to remedy that porblem by velcro-ing a PDA pen (like a stylus) onto the side of the device.

The second complaint is that the software they send you is not that easy to use. It seems like once you make updates to an additional screen, you need to re-program all of the "learned" functions.

Overall it still solves alot of headaches at a great price.