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FAQ documents are collections of answers to Frequently Asked Questions. This particular FAQ file covers
the operation of all remote control models related to the Philips Pronto. To view the answer to a particular
question, click the number on the left side. A separate FAQ is also available for the new Pronto NG.
| French (v1.07i) | Japanese (v1.02) |
Unofficial Philips Pronto & Marantz RC5000 Intelligent Remote Control FAQ
Compiled by Daniel Tonks and the online Pronto community.
Requests for suggestions, additions or modifications are welcome!
Version 1.09d
November 1, 2004
Please note: although this document refers to the "Philips Pronto TS1000" and "ProntoEdit", unless directly specified all information also applies to the
Philips ProntoPro TSU6000, Philips ProntoPro RU970, Philips Pronto TSU2000, Philips Pronto RU890, Philips Pronto RU940, Marantz RC5000,
Marantz RC5000i, Marantz RC5200, Marantz RC9200, Onkyo CHAD USR−5RF, Yamaha RAV−2000, Yamaha RAV−2000Z1, Marantz Touch Screen
For more information visit RemoteCentral.com
Setup, Onkyo CHAD Edit and Yamaha RAVedit.
©1998−2004 Daniel Tonks. All Rights Reserved.
Table Of Contents
SECTION A: HARDWARE & OPERATIONAL QUESTIONS
General Description
A1−01 Briefly, what is the Philips Pronto remote?
A1−02 How many brands and models are there?
A1−03 Approximately how much does it cost?
A1−04 Where can I go to buy one?
A1−05 What are the ProntoNEO and RC3200?
A1−06 What are the Pronto NG and ProntoPro NG?
Physical Characteristics
A2−01 What are the hardware differences between models?
A2−02 How much free memory is there?
A2−03 How much memory do I really need?
A2−04 What processor does the Pronto use?
A2−05 How large is the remote?
A2−06 How big is the screen?
A2−07 How many colors can the screen display?
A2−08 Can I put a different/better display into the Pronto?
A2−09 How can I tell whether my remote has a light sensor or not?
A2−10 How can I tell whether I have the Marantz RC5000 or RC5000i?
Basic Hardware Interaction
A3−01 What frequencies can the remote learn?
RC: Philips Pronto & Marantz RC5000 Unofficial FAQ 1
A3−02 Can I use the Pronto with Sony *G (or VisionTouch) receivers?
A3−03 Can the Pronto work with RF equipment?
A3−04 Can the Pronto work with IRDA equipment (ie. Pace cable boxes)?
A3−05 How can I control my X−10 system?
Using The Remote
A4−01 Why does the backlight stay on as long as the LCD does, even though it's only set for half
the time?
A4−02 I've got a TSU2000. Why does my TV keep turning off?
A4−03 Why is the REVERT button grayed out?
A4−04 I hear there's a hidden game on the remote?
A4−05 In the Macro Menu, why does the left hard button read "OPEN"? Can I change this?
A4−06 Why doesn't the backlight come on when I set the arrow all the way to the left, as described
in the manual?
A4−07 Why do my Device and Macro Menu buttons not work?
A4−08 What happened to my Mode button?
A4−09 What happened to the Macro Menu's REC command?
Batteries & Docking Station
A5−01 Should I buy the docking station for my remote?
A5−02 Why does the remote appear to behave erratically when battery power is still 50%?
A5−03 How often should I recharge the remote?
A5−04 Why does my rechargeable battery read only half full even when I know it's full?
A5−05 Why is my desktop charger's light blinking?
A5−06 I already have a docking station, can I buy another rechargeable battery?
A5−07 My ProntoPro's docking station is dead. Help!
Diagnosis and Repair
A6−01 My remote is dead! What can I try to fix it?
A6−02 My remote is rebooting all the time... help!
A6−03 What can I do if the remote will not power up and I hear 4 beeps?
A6−04 How do I connect to the remote with Hyperterminal?
A6−05 What can I do if my buttons stop working?
A6−06 I've broken the LCD screen and it's out of warranty. Can I replace it?
A6−07 Why does the screen's contrast keep changing?
A6−08 Can I buy spare parts for the Pronto?
A6−09 What's that buzzing sound I can hear?
A6−10 What else can I do to troubleshoot random problems?
SECTION B: WORKING WITH PRONTOEDIT
General Description
B1−01 Briefly, what does the software allow me to do?
B1−02 Is there editing software available other than ProntoEdit?
B1−03 Where can I download the software?
B1−04 Can I take screen captures of my file?
B1−05 How can I change the program that opens CCF files?
B1−06 I'm getting an "Invalid Configuration File Version", "File is not a valid configuration" or
"CCF file is invalid or corrupt" message. What can I do?
B1−07 Can I use Pronto NG .PCF files? How about .ICF and .NCF files?
Software & Firmware
B2−01 What are the current software versions?
B2−02 What are the current firmware versions?
RC: Philips Pronto & Marantz RC5000 Unofficial FAQ 2
B2−03 What are the differences between the various firmware & software versions?
B2−04 I'm told the software will not work with Windows XP. Is this true?
Remote Communications
B3−01 Where can I get a serial cable for the Pronto?
B3−02 What does "Invalid Software Version" mean, and what can I do about it?
B3−03 I'm getting a "Failed to get valid information from Pronto" error message when transferring
CCFs, or timeouts when learning IR codes.
B3−04 Can I make ProntoEdit, Touch Screen Setup, CHAD Edit or RAVedit work on a Macintosh
Computer?
B3−05 Can I hook the Pronto up to a USB port?
B3−06 Why can't I get my computer to talk to the Pronto?
Learning & Infrared
B4−01 How can I tell whether my learned codes are "clean" or not?
B4−02 Why won't my codes repeat when held down?
B4−03 What does 0000, 8000, etc. mean in a hex code?
B4−04 Why can't I get the Pronto to learn a particular device?
B4−05 Why won't my buttons work twice in a row?
B4−06 How can I copy the IR code from one button to another?
B4−07 What is the password for the rcir.mdb infrared database file?
B4−08 Why won't just tapping the button always work?
B4−09 "Test IR" doesn't always work right. Why?
Discrete Codes
B5−01 What are discrete codes?
B5−02 How do I find or create them?
B5−03 How can I use them?
Managing CCF Files
B6−01 What are CCF files?
B6−02 What does 'CCF' stand for?
B6−03 How can I get rid of the "+" symbol before device names?
B6−04 What do the short letter designations ([C], [D] etc.) mean?
B6−05 What do all the symbols before device or page names mean?
B6−06 Why can't I open the CCF file I downloaded?
B6−07 How can I best merge CCF files?
B6−08 With ProntoEdit v4.0, why can't I modify the gallery files?
Designing Layouts
B7−01 Why won't my panels or buttons show? (or How can I preview my CCF file without
learning any IR codes?)
B7−02 Why doesn't my home panel look or act like I designed it to?
B7−03 How do I copy a device, panel or button from one file to another?
B7−04 How can I design my CCF so when I make changes I don't need to relearn my remotes?
B7−05 How do I add plain text to panels?
B7−06 Can I add more FONTs to the Pronto?
B7−07 How can I group buttons together?
B7−08 Can I create a "back" button to return to the last page accessed?
B7−09 Can I create multiple text lines on a single button or otherwise position text?
B7−10 How do I define a custom grid?
B7−11 What keyboard shortcuts are there?
Macros
RC: Philips Pronto & Marantz RC5000 Unofficial FAQ 3
B8−01 What are macros? How are they different from regular commands?
B8−02 What would a macro for a system on/off button look like?
B8−03 How can I get the Pronto to "hold" a button for several seconds in a macro?
B8−04 How can I enter multiple digits on a single button, say for a favorite channel icon?
B8−05 Can I use more than one page jump in a macro?
B8−06 Can I have delays shorter than 0.1 seconds?
B8−07 Can I change the default delay time from 0.1 seconds?
B8−08 Why aren't the commands I assigned to each device being sent when I use my custom Home
panel?
B8−09 Why are some of my macro commands not being received?
B8−10 How can I handle switching Video Inputs?
Custom Bitmaps
B9−01 Where would I use bitmap files?
B9−02 How can I create my own bitmaps?
B9−03 Can I use transparent or animated bitmaps?
B9−04 Why are my bitmaps/icons truncated?
B9−05 How can I create a really large gallery file?
B9−06 How can I best create color graphics for the ProntoPro?
B9−07 How do I convert color CCF graphics to black and white?
B9−08 Is it possible to change system−level bitmaps, such as the device bar and Home icon
background?
Memory Optimization
B10−01 How can I optimize memory usage?
B10−02 What are aliases and how are they used?
B10−03 General ProntoEdit & RC5000 Setup Tips
B10−04 What exactly does the "CCF Optimizer" utility do?
Other Functions
B11−01 What is mouse mode for?
B11−02 Why do my custom beeps not make any sound?
B11−03 How do I use and activate timers?
B11−04 Why won't my timers change to a new page?
B11−05 Can I password protect pages?
B11−06 On Marantz remotes, how can I use the page memory feature?
B11−07 Can I use the built−in database codes with my own custom files?
Problem Diagnosis
B12−01 Why do my RF codes not work?
B12−02 What happens if I get a "Configuration is xx% too big to fit in Pronto" error message?
B12−03 Why does the emulator complain that it "Can't open configuration file"?
B12−04 Why does the alias list show strange symbols? (Plus other FONT troubleshooting.)
B12−05 Why does ProntoEdit not install correctly or give strange errors right after installation
when I try to run it?
B12−06 Why does ProntoEdit crash when learning IR codes in Windows XP, 2000 or NT?
B12−07 I'm getting an error with MFC42.DLL. What can I do?
B12−08 In ProntoEdit v2.0, why can't I edit hex codes?
B12−09 Why can't I change IR code labels?
B12−10 I'm getting a "none or invalid pronto.ini file" error message.
RC: Philips Pronto & Marantz RC5000 Unofficial FAQ 4
Acknowledgments
Thanks to everyone who has helped make the Pronto such a great remote, namely the regulars in Remote
Central's Pronto Forum! Plus special thanks to Andrea Whitlock, Tom Held and Robert Wallace for
developing alternative printable versions.
Recent Additions
v1.09d, November 1, 2004
Modified:
B2−02, B3−01
v1.09c, April 17, 2004
Added:
A1−06 What are the Pronto NG and ProntoPro NG?
A2−10 How can I tell whether I have the Marantz RC5000 or RC5000i?
A5−07 My ProntoPro's docking station is dead. Help!
B1−07 Can I use Pronto NG .PCF files? How about .ICF and .NCF files?
B2−04 I'm told the software will not work with Windows XP. Is this true?
B9−08 Is it possible to change system−level bitmaps, such as the device bar and Home icon background?
Modified:
A3−03, A6−06, A2−09, A4−06, A5−05, B12−04, B12−06.
RC: Philips Pronto & Marantz RC5000 Unofficial FAQ 5
Take a Test Drive at www.harmonyremote.com today!
Unofficial Philips Pronto & Marantz RC5000 FAQ
Section A1: Hardware Questions:
General Description
A1−01 Briefly, what is the Philips Pronto remote?
The Pronto (and its siblings) are universal learning remote controls that offer large, righ−resolution
dot−matrix LCD touchscreen displays along with a number of hard buttons. Their open−ended internal
design allows for complete customization of the user interface, providing users with the opportunity to
design a remote that's as simple and automated or as complex and "technical" as desired.
A1−02 How many brands and models are there?
There are currently fourteen models, based around the same Pronto concept:
• North American 1mb Philips Pronto TS−1000
• North American 2mb Philips Pronto TSU2000
• North American 8mb Philips ProntoPro TSU6000
• European 1mb Philips Pronto SBCRU890
• European 2mb Philips Pronto SBCRU940
• European 8mb Philips ProntoPro SBCRU970
• OEM Philips Pronto (TS1003, sold with Philips HDTV sets only)
• Worldwide 1mb Marantz RC5000
• Worldwide 2mb Marantz RC5000i
• Worldwide 2mb Marantz RC5200
• Worldwide 8mb Marantz RC9200
• Worldwide 2mb Onkyo CHAD USR−5RF
• Worldwide 2mb Yamaha RAV−2000
• North American / European 2mb Yamaha RAV−2000Z1
A1−03 Approximately how much does it cost?
Different models of the Pronto come with different capabilities. MSRP prices range from $399 to
$1299, although street prices are generally much lower. Black and white remotes go for up to $599,
while color models retail for up to $1299. Most models also offer optional accessories.
A1−04 Where can I go to buy one?
The most current list of dealers for both the Philips Pronto and Marantz RC5000 is located at
http://www.remotecentral.com/pronto/wherebuy.htm.
For the TSU2000/RC5000i, the list is located at http://www.remotecentral.com/tsu2000/wherebuy.htm.
Finally, a dealer list for the ProntoPro can be found at
http://www.remotecentral.com/prontopro/wherebuy.htm.
RC: Philips Pronto & Marantz RC5000 Unofficial FAQ 6
A1−05 What are the ProntoNEO and RC3200?
Even though the ProntoNEO and RC3200 sound similar to their more expensive counterparts, these
are in fact totally different products incompatible with the "normal" Pronto's standards. Yes, they can
be similarly customized with macros and bitmaps, however these newer models cannot use standard
Pronto CCF files (they employ a new NCF format), or Pronto−formatted IR hex codes. Currently,
there is no way to convert a CCF to NCF format, or vice versa.
A1−06 What is the Pronto NG and ProntoPro NG?
The black and white Pronto "Next Generation" TSU3000 and SBC−RU950, along with the color
ProntoPro NG TSU7000 and SBR−RU980, are very different remotes from the original Pronto
hardware designs. They feature a completely new hardware platform with better screens, additional
hard buttons, more memory, USB communications and a wealth of operational enhancements. In other
words, progress!
The software programs ProntoEdit NG and ProntoProEdit NG will be instantly recognizable to
original ProntoEdit users, and can import Pronto CCF files and use regular Pronto hex codes. The new
models share that distinctive "Pronto" feel that made the originals so popular. If you'd like more
information on the Pronto NG, be sure to browse Remote Central for full reviews, a discussion forum,
and a completely new file area.
RC: Philips Pronto & Marantz RC5000 Unofficial FAQ 7
The Ultimate Pronto Guide − a must−have for every Pronto owner!
Unofficial Philips Pronto & Marantz RC5000 FAQ
Section A2: Hardware Questions:
Physical Characteristics
A2−01 What are the hardware differences between models?
North American Pronto TS−1000: 1 megabyte of memory. Case color is solid dark blue/green
(something I've coined as "Midnight Sea Foam"). Optional silver desktop charger. Note: All Prontos
no longer include the light sensor!
North American Pronto TSU2000: 2 megabytes of memory. Color is painted silver over gray plastic.
Otherwise, hardware is the same as the TS−1000.
North American ProntoPro TSU6000: 8 megabytes of memory. Features a 256−color LCD screen,
pickup sensor, two additional hard buttons, newly designed case, RF capabilities plus packaged NiMH
rechargable batteries and docking station.
European Pronto RU−890: 1 megabyte of memory. Color is painted silver over gray plastic.
Optional silver desktop charger includes an appropriate AC/DC converter depending on region.
Otherwise identical to the TS−1000.
European Pronto RU−940: 2 megabytes of memory. Otherwise identical to the RU−890.
European Pronto RU−970: 8 megabytes of memory. Otherwise identical to the TSU6000.
OEM Pronto TS−1003: 1 megabyte of memory. Color is solid black. This is only available with
high−end Philips HDTV sets. It is not 100% compatible with other Pronto models.
Worldwide Marantz RC5000: 1 megabyte of memory. Color is painted gold over white plastic. Base
package includes a gold desktop charger plus an appropriate AC/DC converter. Models no longer
include the light sensor.
Worldwide Marantz RC5000i: 2 megabytes of memory. Hardware is otherwise identical to the
RC5000.
Worldwide Marantz RC5200: 2 megabytes of memory. Features a newly designed case, upgrades
total number of hard buttons from the RC5000i's 8 to 16 and adds RF capabilities (RF basestation is
optional).
Worldwide Marantz RC9200: 8 megabytes of memory. Features a 256−color LCD screen, 8
additional hard buttons, newly designed case, RF capabilities and is packaged with NiMH rechargable
batteries, docking station and RF basestation.
Worldwide Onkyo CHAD USR−5RF: 2 megabytes of memory. New physical case design plus RF
capabilities (basestation is optional). Hardware is otherwise identical to the Pronto TSU2000.
RC: Philips Pronto & Marantz RC5000 Unofficial FAQ 8
Worldwide Yamaha RAV−2000 / RAV−2000Z1: 2 megabytes of memory, no recharging dock
option. Channel Up/Down buttons replaced with "Power" and "Standby".
A2−02 How much free memory is there?
Pronto TS−1000: 380kb.
Pronto TSU2000: 960kb.
ProntoPro TSU6000: 5952kb (first firmware: 6144kb).
Pronto RU−890: 380kb.
Pronto RU−940: 1404kb.
Pronto RU−970: 5667kb.
Marantz RC5000: 380kb.
Marantz RC5000i: 1404kb.
Marantz RC5200: 1220kb.
Marantz RC9200: 6900kb.
Onkyo CHAD USR−5RF: 697kb.
Yamaha RAV−2000: 444kb.
Yamaha RAV−2000Z1: 772kb.
A2−03 How much memory do I really need?
You'd be surprised at how much can be packed into the 1 megabyte Pronto, which has 380kb of free
space. Many users have incorporated complete lists for their 300 and 400 disc CD or DVD jukeboxes,
favorite channel lists with station icons, games, calendars and more. But a small minority of owners,
who may have multiple jukeboxes, a huge home theater system or just a penchant for huge bitmaps,
have run out of room. For them, the 960kb of user space offered with the Pronto TSU2000 or 1404kb
with the Marantz RC5000i is a must − but the majority of users simply won't have any use for that
much memory.
The Philips ProntoPro (6144kb) and Marantz RC9200 (6900kb) have quite a bit more "usable"
memory than even the TSU2000 & RC5000i, despite the greater amount of space occupied by color
bitmaps.
A2−04 What processor does the Pronto use?
All black and white models use the 16MHz Motorola Dragonball MC68328, which supports
4−grayshade displays and serial communications.
All color models use the 33MHz Motorola Dragonball MC68VZ328 "VZ" processor, which supports
256−color displays and serial communications.
A2−05 How large is the remote?
All models can be easily held with one hand. Black and white remotes have the approximate
dimensions (WxHxD) of 3.6"x5.4"x1.5" and weigh about 9.5 ounces with batteries. The Yamaha
RAV−2000 is only slightly larger at 3.7"x5.4"x1.5".
The color ProntoPro has a slightly larger footprint at 3.6"x5.5"x1.3" and weighs in at 9.0oz with
batteries. The Marantz RC5200 and RC9200 are again slightly larger, at 3.5"x5.9"x1.5" and 9.5oz.
A2−06 How big is the screen?
The screen resolution on all models is 240 x 320 pixels, however some of that resolution is used by the
user interface. The editable screen area for everything but the Marantz RC5200 and RC9200 is 240 x
RC: Philips Pronto & Marantz RC5000 Unofficial FAQ 9
219 pixels. Physical screen size for black and white units is 3.8" diagonal and feature an aqua−colored
EL (smooth) backlight. The ProntoPro's screen is 3.7" diagonal and employs paper white backlighting.
The RC5200 and RC9200 feature the same physical screens as their counterparts, but provide a larger
editable region of 240 x 270 pixels.
A2−07 How many colors can the screen display?
Black and white models can display four: white, black, light gray, and dark gray. By using special
dithering techniques in custom bitmap files, up to seven shades may be obtained.
The ProntoPro and RC9200 are capable of displaying 256 colors, 216 of which are considered a "web
safe" palette.
A2−08 Can I put a different/better display into the Pronto?
No − the display controller is part of the processor, thus you cannot (for example) install a TFT display
to replace the ProntoPro’s passive matrix version. However, Motorola does produce other compatible
processors that Philips may make use of in the future − for instance a 66MHz processor that supports
16−bit color TFT displays and USB, or a 20MHz processor that supports 16−grayshades.
A2−09 How can I tell whether my remote has a light sensor or not?
This tip applies only to the Philips Pronto TS−1000 and Marantz RC5000 remotes:
All recent remote models do not feature the light sensor due to European environmental restrictions.
The light sensor contained trace amounts of a banned substance, and as all models are manufactured in
Belgium it was removed altogether.
Although units with a light sensor place it under a small clear circle near the top right−hand corner of
the remote, all remotes with that spot do not actually have the sensor.
To check if your unit truly has the sensor, go to the remote's setup menu by pressing and holding the
Pronto icon for three seconds. Scroll to panel two. If the "Light Sensor" bar constantly reads 50% and
will not change by changing the lighting environment around the remote, it does not have the light
sensor. If the bar jumps around and appears to reflect the current lighting situation, it has one.
A2−10 How can I tell whether I have the Marantz RC5000 or RC5000i?
Despite what you may have been told in the past, the 2 megabyte RC5000i should, in fact, say
"RC5000i" on the label on the bottom, not just "RC5000". However, since the remotes are otherwise
physically identical and share the same firmware versions numbers, here's how you can conclusively
check whether the circuit board in your RC5000−labelled model is as it should be − or better:
1. Run the Marantz Touch Screen Setup software program.
2. Run "File −> New" and, when the program asks, be sure to specify that you're using a 1mb
BWRC5000.
3. Now, open any CCF file (the "Default_Old_RC5000.ccf" file would be a good one).
4. Run the emulator.
5. Hold the icon of the RC5000 at the top of the screen for three seconds to access the remote's Setup
Menu.
6. Scroll to panel 3 and make a note of the "free memory".
7. Close the emulator.
8. Download the open CCF file to your connected remote control.
RC: Philips Pronto & Marantz RC5000 Unofficial FAQ 10
9. Perform steps 5 and 6 again, making note of the amount of free memory shown on your remote. If the
number is approximately the same (plus/minus 1 percent), then you do in fact have an RC5000. If the
amount of free memory shown is GREATER (by about 33% for the file mentioned above) then you
do, in fact, have an RC5000i.
RC: Philips Pronto & Marantz RC5000 Unofficial FAQ 11
Visit our new website!
Unofficial Philips Pronto & Marantz RC5000 FAQ
Section A3: Hardware Questions:
Basic Hardware Operation
A3−01 What frequencies can the remote learn?
The Pronto & RC5000 can learn frequencies up to 56KHz. However, they can send frequencies that
are much higher: all you need to do is find a CCF file that has the codes you need. Philips has added
some high−frequency learning ability including BOand Kenwood code formats in the latest firmware
update, however insufficient user feedback on this new feature has been available to determine
whether this is a viable option for equipment owners.
A3−02 Can I use the Pronto with Sony *G (or VisionTouch) receivers?
Without additional equipment, the answer is no. Due to a combination of high frequency and a
non−standard protocol, Sony VisionTouch receivers can't be directly controlled by any low−cost
universal remote control. This problem is not merely limited to the Pronto.
Common models affected include the STR−DA90ESG, STR−DE805G, STR−DE815G,
STR−DE905G, STR−DE1015G, STR−D760Z, STR−G1ES, STR−G3, STR−GA9ESG, TA−VE800G
and TA−VE810G. More information on the VisionTouch problem −− including possible workarounds
−− can be found on the Remote Central web site. Sony has since dropped the VisionTouch system in
favor of a new 2−way protocol that, with a little finessing, can be learned by the Pronto. Remember
that the Pronto is not a 2−way remote, so you can't receive information from the receiver.
A3−03 Can the Pronto work with RF equipment?
The Pronto cannot control RF−only equipment. Certain RF devices such as satellite receivers can also
be controlled by infrared, so you may wish to contact your manufacturer to double−check. Currently,
there are no universal remotes that can control RF components.
Don't be confused by models (such as the ProntoPro, RC5200, RC9200 and CHAD) advertising RF
control of IR devices −− this is not the same as RF control of RF devices.
However, as is the case with most rules, there is an exception. RF−enabled European−model Prontos
can be used to directly control certain European−spec equipment, such as X−10 RF transceivers,
though special codes generated by a program called "CodeGen" (not available for download). Note
that North American models CAN NOT control RF equipment directly.
A3−04 Can the Pronto work with IRDA equipment (ie. Pace cable boxes)?
Currently, the answer is no. You cannot control newer Pace cable boxes or any other IRDA−based
equipment with these remotes.
A3−05 How can I control my X−10 system?
RC: Philips Pronto & Marantz RC5000 Unofficial FAQ 12
If you’re currently using a wireless remote to control your X−10 home automation system it’s most
likely transmitting via RF signals to a transceiver. The transceiver plugs into the wall and re−sends
commands as actual X−10 signals through the house wiring. If you wish to use the Pronto to control
your system you will need to purchase an IR to X−10 transceiver, which takes IR signals from your
remote and rebroadcasts them directly as X−10.
The only such economical device that I’m aware of is the IR543 (which is re−branded to various other
names and sold by many companies). It is a small black console unit with white buttons on the top for
manual control of up to 8 devices on a particular house code. You can download a complete X−10
CCF file for control of a full 16 modules from the file area on Remote Central. Note that the console
can only control one house code at a time and that the IR codes remain the same no matter which code
it is set to −− making it nearly impossible to work with more than one house code at a time. Though
more expensive and complicated home automation systems exist, the price of the IR543 can’t be beat.
You can also buy an IR543AH, which controlls 16 house codes and 16 device IDs.
RC: Philips Pronto & Marantz RC5000 Unofficial FAQ 13
Take a Test Drive at www.harmonyremote.com today!
Unofficial Philips Pronto & Marantz RC5000 FAQ
Section A4: Hardware Questions:
Using the Remote
A4−01 Why does the backlight stay on as long as the LCD does, even though it's only set for half the
time?
This tip only applies to remotes manufacturered before January 2000:
This is normal. If the backlight is configured to be on all the time, or the light sensor setting tells the
remote that it should be on, it will remain on for as long as the LCD does. For instance:
Sensor: ||||||−−−−−−
Level: −−−−−−−−−−−|
LCD: 30 Seconds
Light: 15 Seconds
Will mean that the light ALWAYS come on automatically and shall remain on for as long as the LCD
does, 30 seconds. A setting of:
Sensor: ||||||−−−−−−
Level: |−−−−−−−−−−−
LCD: 30 Seconds
Light: 15 Seconds
Means that the light will NEVER come on automatically −− only when the backlight button is pushed.
When that happens the backlight will remain on for 15 seconds and the LCD will stay active for 30. If
your remote has a light sensor, a setting of:
Sensor: |||−−−−−−−−−
Level: −−−−−−−|−−−−
LCD: 60 Seconds
Light: 5 Seconds
Will mean that the light is currently coming on automatically and will remain on for 60 seconds. If
ambient light levels increase, the backlight will no longer come on automatically. When manually
enabled it will only remain on for 5 seconds.
The button backlight operates the same as the LCD backlight.
A4−02 I've got a TSU2000. Why does my TV keep turning off?
When using the TSU2000's built−in database, the default configuration assigns certain functions to
automatically transmit each time the device is selected. For some devices this is merely an "input"
command, but in the case of the TV template it sends the "power" code. While it's possible to not send
the command while switching from one device to another with the Device Menu (by holding down the
left or right hard button as you select the device), that can't be done from the Home Menu.
There are two ways to fix this. On the basic remote, without ProntoEdit:
RC: Philips Pronto & Marantz RC5000 Unofficial FAQ 14
1. Open the Mode Menu and select "DEL" mode.
2. Open the device menu.
3. While holding the right hard button, select the device you'd like to remove the command from.
4. When prompted, select "Delete Device Action".
If you're using ProntoEdit:
1. Upload your configuration from the Pronto if you have not done so already.
2. Double−click on the device name.
3. Double−click on the "Properties" option.
4. Under the "Action" tab, delete the [C] UDB command.
5. Download your setup back to the remote.
A4−03 Why is the REVERT button grayed out?
The "revert" function is only available after you have made changes on the physical remote. Whenever
you download a CCF from the computer this function is disabled, and you must make at least one
change to your file on the remote before it will again become active.
Remember, if you would like to change back to the original factory default CCF file it is distributed
along with all software packages in the /SAMPLES/ directory as default.ccf.
A4−04 I hear there's a hidden game on the remote?
You've heard correctly! Built−in to every remote based on the Pronto is a hidden game, very similar to
Tetris. To access it:
On the Philips Pronto, Marantz RC5000 and Onkyo CHAD:
• While holding [LIGHT], [LEFT] and [RIGHT] at the same time:
• Press [MUTE]
• Press [CH+]
• Press [MUTE]
• Press [CH+]
• Press [VOL−]
• Release the [LEFT] and [RIGHT] keys before releasing [LIGHT].
Commands are:
• [LEFT] = Left
• [RIGHT] = Right
• [VOL+] = Rotate
• [VOL−] = Down
• [CH+] = New Game
• [CH−] = Pause
• [MUTE] = Exit
On the Marantz RC5200 and RC9200:
• While holding [LIGHT], [LEFT] and [RIGHT] at the same time:
• Press [VOL+]
• Press [VOL−]
• Press [VOL+]
• Press [VOL−]
RC: Philips Pronto & Marantz RC5000 Unofficial FAQ 15
• Press [MUTE]
• Release the [LEFT] and [RIGHT] keys before releasing [LIGHT].
Commands are:
• [MENU LEFT] = Left
• [MENU RIGHT] = Right
• [MENU UP] = Rotate
• [MENU DOWN] = Down
• [CH+] = New Game
• [CH−] = Pause
• [MUTE] = Exit
On the Yamaha RAV−2000:
• While holding [LIGHT], [LEFT] and [RIGHT] at the same time:
• Press [POWER]
• Press [STANDBY]
• Press [POWER]
• Press [STANDBY]
• Press [VOL−]
• Release the [LEFT] and [RIGHT] keys before releasing [LIGHT].
Commands are:
• [LEFT] = Left
• [RIGHT] = Right
• [VOL+] = Rotate
• [VOL−] = Down
• [MUTE] = Pause
• [STANDBY] = New Game
• [POWER] = Exit
On the Philips ProntoPro:
• While holding [LIGHT], [FAR LEFT] and [CENTER LEFT] at the same time:
• Press [MUTE]
• Press [CH+]
• Press [MUTE]
• Press [CH+]
• Press [VOL−]
• Release the [FAR LEFT] and [CENTER LEFT] keys before releasing [LIGHT].
Commands are:
• [FAR LEFT] = Left
• [FAR RIGHT] = Right
• [CENTER LEFT] = Down
• [CENTER RIGHT] = Rotate
• [CH+] = New Game
• [CH−] = Pause
• [MUTE] = Exit
For the bonus game on the Philips ProntoPro:
RC: Philips Pronto & Marantz RC5000 Unofficial FAQ 16
• While holding [LIGHT], [CENTER RIGHT] and [FAR RIGHT] at the same time:
• Press [MUTE]
• Press [CH+]
• Press [MUTE]
• Press [CH+]
• Press [VOL−]
• Release the [CENTER RIGHT] and [FAR RIGHT] keys before releasing [LIGHT].
Commands are:
• Touch Screen to Select Square
• [CH+] = New Game
• [MUTE] = Exit
A4−05 In the Macro Menu, why does the left hard button read "OPEN"? Can I change this?
This is actually covered in both the Pronto and ProntoEdit manuals, however it still seems to be easily
overlooked. When in the Macro side of the remote, the left and right hard buttons are dedicated to
macro−based functions and cannot be user defined, even in ProntoEdit.
What do they do? Well, hold down the "OPEN" button while selecting a macro to list its contents.
You'll find the left button now reads "CLOSE" (to close the macro), while the right reads "PLAY" (to
run through it). When editing a macro these buttons also perform the same functions, but change to
more important ones when the Device Menu is opened. They will then read "DEVICE" (to add a
screen jump to that device) and "ACTION" (to create an alias to the device's action list, which is
normally run each time it is selected).
Note that beginning with RC5000 firmware APP v5.0, the left/right hard buttons can now be assigned
to any function. This has not been added to any other remote.
A4−06 Why doesn't the backlight come on when I set the arrow all the way to the left, as described in
the manual?
This tip applies only to European Pronto remotes:
This isn't a firmware or ProntoEdit bug, but rather a typo in the multi−language manual that ships with
the silver European Pronto. Although there is no light sensor, a substitute feature allows users to
configure the remote so the backlight either always comes on when a button is pressed, or only when
the backlight button is pressed. In the manual, it says to move the arrow to the far left in order for the
backlight to automatically activate. This is incorrect −− you should set it all the way to the right.
Setting it to the left will ensure the Pronto never turns the backlight on by itself.
For more information on the light sensor, please see section A2−09.
A4−07 Why do my Device and Macro Menu buttons not work?
This tip applies only to the Marantz series of remotes:
The default setup as of APP v5.0 is to disable both the Device and Macro Menu buttons. To fix, hold
down the icon of the remote for three seconds, scroll to the second panel, and press the two buttons at
the top of the screen that say "Show Macro" and "Show Device", so that they read "Hide Macro" and
"Hide Device". This cannot be done in RC5000 Setup.
However, if your configuration is marked as "Write Protected" in RC5000 Setup's "System Properties"
RC: Philips Pronto & Marantz RC5000 Unofficial FAQ 17
screen, you will not be given the option to show the Device or Macro Menus in the Setup Menu. First
unselect this option in RC5000 Setup, then download the file to your remote and follow the previous
directions.
A4−08 What happened to my Mode button?
There are two reasons why the Mode button might not be showing on your remote:
1. It has been hidden in the remote’s setup menu. Hold the icon of the remote for three seconds and scroll
to the second screen. If you see a "Mode Menu" button with an X though it, press it to remove the X.
The mode button will be restored.
2. If you don’t see the mode menu setup button as described above, then your configuration has been
marked as "write−protected" in ProntoEdit. Open your CCF in ProntoEdit, click on the plus sign next
to "HOME" and then double−click on "System Properties". Make sure the "configuration is
write−protected" option is not selected, then save and download your CCF to the remote. If you still do
not see the mode button follow the directions in the previous step.
If you have a Marantz RC5200 or RC9200, then the procedure to re−enable the mode menu is slightly
different, Assuming you've already checked that the CCF is not marked "write−protected", press the
region where the mode menu used to reside for five seconds to enter the setup menu.
A4−09 What happened to the Macro Menu's REC command?
This tip applies only to the Philips Pronto TS−1000 and Marantz RC5000 remotes:
Beginning with Pronto firmware APP v4.8b13t and RC5000 APP v4.84, the REC command as
described in the manual has been renamed to EDIT. This is merely a cosmetic change prompted by the
addition of the timer feature in the Pronto and continued in the RC5000.
RC: Philips Pronto & Marantz RC5000 Unofficial FAQ 18
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Unofficial Philips Pronto & Marantz RC5000 FAQ
Section A5: Hardware Questions:
Batteries & Docking Station
A5−01 Should I buy the docking station for my remote?
The answer to this question is completely dependant on your pocketbook. Although it seems that
you’ll save money by not needing to replace alkaline batteries, the cost of the docking station is far
greater than the lifetime cost of batteries the remote would ever use.
The docking station is a convenience item (no worrying about how much you use the remote or when
to replace the batteries) and a stylish place to store your remote when not in use.
A5−02 Why does the remote appear to behave erratically when battery power is still 50%?
The Pronto does not actually like low battery levels and may begin to behave quite erratically when
levels are less than 50% −− even though the low battery caution does not appear until far lower. If
remaining power is less than half and you are experiencing problems, I recommend replacing the
batteries or recharging the remote immediately.
A5−03 How often should I recharge the remote?
The rechargeable battery pack uses NiMH batteries, which are much less likely to develop a "memory"
problem than the older NiCad style. I have been using one remote since 1998 and it has sat on the
charger almost every night since then without any noticeable effect on battery life (and yes, I’ve had it
off long enough to know!)
Whenever you feel like recharging the remote, do so.
A5−04 Why does my rechargeable battery read only half full even when I know it's full?
This is a known issue on the remote control. If you're sure the battery is fully charged − you've put it
on the charger but it stops charging after a few minutes, remove the battery from the remote and then
put it back. It should now read full. This condition appears to be triggered by letting the battery levels
get fairly low. Instead, always keep your remote topped up every few days. Since it uses a NiMH
battery, "memory" effects are very minimal and you should not see any degradation in performance.
If this does not correct your problem, clean the battery's power contacts with an abrasive erasor, along
with the internal battery compartment contacts. You can also try bending the remote's contacts
outwards further (but be careful, they can snap off).
A5−05 Why is my desktop charger's light blinking?
This text does not apply to the Philips ProntoPro, Marantz RC5200, RC9200, or Yamaha RAV−2000:
The blinking light indicates that there is a bad connection between the charger and the remote control.
RC: Philips Pronto & Marantz RC5000 Unofficial FAQ 19
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