Remote update: A brief update for today. I've received confirmation that I will soon be receiving a few remotes to review -- the TheaterTouch by Remote Technologies and the Merlin (as mentioned in my last news update) along with a few others by Philex. More -- such as the MX1000, Mosaic & RC-1200 -- when they're available!

TheaterTouch: Speaking of the RTI TheaterTouch, if you've been waiting eagerly for one you'll be pleased to hear that it's now officially shipping. However, due to overwhelming demand it's already backordered until May. Doh!
[Talk about universal remotes...]

Pronto durability: I've been sent an interesting spec sheet on the Philips Pronto listing power usage and durability test results. Since its quality is fairly poor I'll instead post some of the interesting specifications -- some of which may surprise you:

• EL Backlight Output: 1.3 Cd/m²
  
• Operating Voltage Range: 4.7 - 7.0V
  
• Standby Current: 100µA
  
• Transmitting Power: 120mW/sr
  
• Operating Distance: 10m typical with a receiver sensitivity >= 0.5mW/m².
  
• Drop Test: The entire unit including batteries is dropped on a PVC covered stone floor from a height of 70cm (27.5") once on each side. After this test the unit should perform without failure.
  
• Liquid Test: 55cc of coffee is poured over the top-side of the RC unit. After 5 seconds the coffee is removed as much as possible and dried in an open space at 20°C for 48 hours. After this test the unit should perform without failure.
  

Take it for what it's worth, but the drop test basically tells me that the Pronto/RC5000 should be pretty difficult to break. So, it makes me wonder why a number of users have been experiencing broken LCD screens.
[Talk about the RC5000 & Pronto...]

Pronto files: My weekly Pronto file update starts off with new or updated system CCF files from a variety of talented authors. Namely, Adam Bursey, Andrea Whitlock, Cary Gerber, Chris Cluthe, Frank Moors & Jim Froumis. Further from that, the first component CCF featuring NAD components is available from Nomad. New Adcom preamplifier CCFs have been uploaded by Ray Holzer. George Fournaris has sent a new entertainment CCF entitled Number Maze. Finally, Peter Dewildt has completed v1.1 of CCF Explorer -- now featuring bitmap previews!

I hope to have more news for later this week.