I'm looking for a touchscreen remote. The Philps is reasonable at $500. Anybody got one?

try remotecentral.com, you should be able to get more responses there.

I owned that remote with the Docking Station last year.I bought it for $339.00 shipped from Stereo Trading Outlet.It truly will do anything.Once you download Pronto Edit,you can customize it any way you like.

I've had the Marantz version of the Pronto (RC5000) for about 8 months. It is one of the most versatile and full featured remotes available.

Not only can you create complex macros to control your HT, you can also set up sequences to, for example, power up your system, dim your lights, and draw the curtains---all with one touch of a button. If your equipment supports discreet commands, the Pronto will allow you to use these in macros.

Equally important, you can customize the interface (button size, appearance, layout, etc) to meet your unique needs and demands. For example, you can set up special GUI’s for various family members (or guests) which restrict access to specific functions. Its also easy to create situational screens which give access to the most used functions to a variety of equipment on one screen.

The IR is very powerful (compared to the Harmon/Microsoft offering) and works from almost any angle.

One sour note. The touchpad is sensitive and easily damaged. Quite a few users have experienced a failure (mine's been in the shop about 2 months). Marantz and Phillips have inconsistent policies regarding warranty coverage.

As sinned suggested, you should check out the pronto forum at remotecentral.com.

Thanks for the info. I checked at etronix.com and they have silver one (sold in U.K. previously-much cooler looking) and docking station for $389 shipped; cheaper than I thought.

Try the SONY RMAV2000. It has a great touchscreen, easily programmed and only costs $100-$150. I have it and love it. Whatever small misgivings it might have compared to these MUCH more expensive units, they can't possibly be worth 3-4 times the price.

Rx, the Sony is, indeed, a great remote; I also have a AV2100 (the replacement to the 2000). But the Sony and the Pronto are two very different designs aimed at different audiences. Is the Pronto worth the extra cost? The answer is not as simple as you imply.

If all you want from a remote is to replace a handful of OEM remotes, the Sony serves well. The LCD is bright and easy to read; the IR is powerful, and its easy to set up. I like mine a lot.

However, if you need a remote that will allow almost anyone to control your system (kids, relatives or friends who do not understand your HT equipment), if you change equipment often, or if you want the convenience of controlling a complex system without having to jump back and forth between device modes (e.g. DVD, TV, AMP, etc.), you’ll need a programmable remote like the Pronto. The Pronto doesn’t just replace your OEM remotes, it provides a quantum leap forward in convenience and usability over conventional learning remotes like the Sony.

Sure you can create macros on the Sony. But which is easier for someone to remember: Press macro button “1” to power up the system, then press and hold the “DVD” button to execute the macro to power on the DVD player and switch the receiver’s input to DVD? Or the simplicity of a “Watch DVD” button which performs all of the preceding events in one easy to remember step? The Pronto allows a level of personalization and customization not available on the Sony.

The Pronto also simplifies troubleshooting and problem recovery for novice users. When a macro does not execute properly, which happens from time to time, the TV may not switch to the correct input or the receiver fails to select the DVD input. On the Sony, the user has to understand the nature of the problem (e.g. no sound = wrong input selection on the receiver), then hunt and peck on the remote to fix the problem. The Pronto, in contrast, allows inclusion of Troubleshooting buttons (e.g. No Picture or No Sound) which resolve the problem without knowledge of your system.

And then there’s all the fun things, like designing your own unique interface, using station logos (HBO, TCM, History Channel, etc.) to select a station rather generic black buttons, and building complex macros on your PC. Sure the Pronto costs as much as some DD receivers. But is it worth the expense? The answer depends on the individual’s wants, needs, and available funds.

Very nice post Audrey. I'm in the market for a new learning remote myself... probably going to go with a Sony VL-900 or one of those All-In-One remotes, as my own needs are not nearly as complex.

I've had a Pronto for almost two years now and love it. I've never found another remote that is as customizable.

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You get what everyone gets. You get a lifetime.
My DVD's

Pronto is awesome, bought mine July of 1999 for about $300. I spent about 8 hours to customize it with Protoedit and it is the best remote I have ever seen.

Go to ebay dutch aution# 405176195 for 100 brand new Euro Prontos. Bidding is at $269 with approx. 60 left.

Bidding closes approx. 11:00 am CST 8/19/00.

[This message has been edited by KEG (edited August 18, 2000).]