Improved software now works with the Pronto Professional TSU9400, TSU9600 and new TSU9800.
Posted by Daniel Tonks on August 23, 2008 at 1:16 AM
Months in development, Philips has finally officially released the all-new ProntoEdit Professional v2.0 software. This major new version marks the first time since ProntoEdit v4.0 back in 2002 where a single Pronto editor works with multiple remote models. In this case, that means combined editing for the Pronto Professional TSU9400, TSU9600 and the brand new TSU9800.
Major new features are, according to the official release document (my comments in italics):
- Redesigned user interface with fixed windows, a single page view, and permanent properties overview.
Finally! This one has been a long time coming, and has been one of my biggest wants ever since the first version of ProntoEdit. ProntoEdit NG did get halfway there, with a properties window that could remain open if you knew about it, but it’s nice to finally see a user interface where you don’t have to keep opening and closing different windows to get something done.
- Enhanced My Database can now store RS232 commands in addition to IR.
-
Improved Gallery can now store pages and activities.
In addition to a return to multiple model support, this is something else that harkens back to the original ProntoEdit days – once again, a gallery feature that can store more than just individual buttons!
- New Quick Start Wizard automatically builds the tree view and activity macros to save time.
Don’t worry – the wizards haven’t taken over! This new feature can be used to complete a lot of the “grunt” work required when building a layout from scratch, and everything it does can be changed or tweaked later. Or, just ignore it and do the hard work yourself!
- Activity macros now stored as part of the activity, rather than on a Home Page button.
Looks like they really did have some ideas right on the original Pronto? Once again, an activity/device macro is stored as part of that activity/device. This makes it more intuitive to link to Activities from multiple locations.
- Different fonts can be used.
Eight, actually.
- Backgrounds can be set on an Activity level.
This is a very useful enhancement over the previous “entire system” or “pages one-by-one” levels.
- Images can now be resized in the editor.
Although for the best quality you’re still recommended to create your buttons and images the actual size you need them, this useful feature will be great for backgrounds, photos or when “ultimate quality” just isn’t needed.
- More advanced “Drag & Drop” operations.
Because you can never have too many.
- New IR code database with more model numbers.
Ditto!
- Easily change system icons (such as WiFi and battery level).
Yes, this really was far too awkward to accomplish in the past.
Overall this is a fantastic new release, and is a highly recommended upgrade for all current TSU9400 and TSU9600 owners. The new interface alone is worth the lengthy 135 megabyte download. And speaking of downloads, you can obtain this new software direct from www.pronto.philips.com, or alternatively in the file area on this site.
To talk about ProntoEdit Professional v2.0 visit our Philips Pronto Professional forum.
That childhood favorite is back in a new Timmy video.