News

RGB Communications add Philips iPronto to the range (21/10/2003)

RGB Communications are delighted to announce that they have been appointed as distributor for the Philips iPronto universal wireless remote control panel with immediate effect. The iPronto (and all the other members of the Philips Pronto family of universal intelligent remote controls) will be sold by RGB SmartHome, the specialist residential division of RGB Communications.

Billed as 'the dashboard for the digital home' iPronto is a unique touch screen remote control for the home. Users can manage their digital home and lifestyle through an integrated, convenient and intuitively simple interface. From any part of the house with one touch users can access their entertainment devices or find out what TV programme to watch; listen to music and look up concert dates; or dim the lights, close the curtains and turn on the projector using one-touch buttons.

The iPronto boasts an impressive list of features including:

* iPronto is a Universal Remote Control One universal interface to replace all IR remote controls in the home. Use the on-board database to select a device from over 500 brands, or learn the infrared codes from other remotes.

* iPronto is an Electronic Programme Guide No need to waste time surfing through TV channels to find programmes you want to watch - one touch to select the show you really want will automatically change the channel on your TV.

* iPronto is an interface with One Look and Feel Eight direct access buttons lead to eight separate layout screens. Each layout contains a different application. One layout even displays four remote control screens.

* iPronto allows the user to perform multiple tasks while staying in control. Through the customisation options, each layout can be given a different theme and purpose.

* iPronto gives instant access to information No more waiting for the PC to boot up to access information you want to find, such as weather, news, sport; or to read or write an email.

* iPronto connects wirelessly to the home network using Wi-Fi to access broadband connections.

* iPronto has a large on screen QWERTY keyboard that pops up for easy text input whenever it is needed. A stylus is also supplied for more accurate tasks such as web browsing.

* iPronto provides an easy software upgrade mechanism to offer new services on top of the iPronto core uses as they become available,. e.g. software or IR code upgrades, downloading new applications, etc.

iPronto has its roots in the award winning family of Pronto remote controls. It is in the first instance a universal remote control for audio, video and home cinema and for every other device in the home that uses IR signals for control.

iPronto produces IR output signals that make it possible to control all the devices in one room, whilst remote IR devices in another room or out of sight can be controlled by the iPronto Network Extender. The Network Extender connects to iPronto through the LAN via either an Ethernet cable or a WiFi connection.

The simplest way to install IR codes is to use the universal database already available on the iPronto. The database contains the codes for more than 500 brands of devices in categories ranging from high-end audio/video components to home automation equipment for controlling e.g. lighting and curtains.

iPronto goes much further than media control with the addition of Electronic Program Guides delivered via the Internet. Users can filter for the type of programme to be watched; once selected, the iPronto uses the remote control functionality to switch on the TV to the right channel at the right time. Any audio or video component in the system can be designated - whilst a selected programme can be recorded by activating a programming function for a recording device like DVD.

Hard disk based audio or video servers or any other network-enabled audio or video component containing play lists can also be controlled via iPronto, accessing all the content on the server.

RGB Communications will also distribute other products within the Philips Pronto family including the Pronto, ProntoNeo and ProntoPro.

* The Pronto universal touch screen remote control lets users easily manage and tailor their home entertainment systems. The device is simple to set up, customise and operate through a dynamic display.

* ProntoNeo is a universal learning touch screen remote control with an intuitive user interface and direct access buttons to conveniently control any IR equipment, separately or simultaneously.

* ProntoPro is a home cinema control panel with a 256-colour LCD touchscreen, RF transmission, pickup sensor and 8MBs of memory that allows maximum flexibility and customisation for even the most sophisticated home entertainment systems.

www.rgbsmarthome.co.uk