Philips has announced a major upgrade of its Pronto remotes that allows the device to automatically detect IP-based devices, including Sonos wireless systems. The new PEP 2.4 software also features enhanced UPnP (Universal Plug and Play) and DNLA (Digital Network Living Alliance) compatibility.With its latest PEP 2.4 (ProntoEdit Professional) software, Philips now claims that with the inclusion of their new UPnP / DNLA engine, the Pronto platform will accelerate the development of two-way integration modules between A/V servers, players and control devices, providing a straightforward, single solution for controlling any product adhering to the UPnP standard. The UPnP discovery mechanism embedded within the software’s ProntoScript library will help the Pronto control panel automatically find IP devices on an IP network.
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These developments will allow Pronto to integrate Sonos multi-room audio systems quickly and directly into a system without the need for special hardware, additional PCs or the use of a Sonos controller, claims Philips.
The upgraded software will also enable Pronto to control and access content from TwonkyMedia-based equipment, which is described as one of the most popular UPnP servers on the market. New Sonos and TwonkyMedia pre-configured modules are now available in ProntoScript.
“PEP2.4 is state-of-the-art software for the Pronto family,” says Rudy Musschebroek, Marketing Manager of Philips Pronto. “The new UPnP / DNLA engine together with the advance in automatic IP device recognition are giant steps forward for the integration potential of Pronto, as you can see with the launch of new Sonos and TwonkyMedia modules. And, with more modules scheduled for release, total two-way control in the home using one easy to programme, affordable and great to operate Pronto device is becoming a reality for dealers.”
Philips has also introduced a new Gestures feature in PEP 2.4 that will allow dealers to create iPod-style interfaces for a range of common functions, including super-fast scrolling of song lists and sliding volume control.
Other improvements in PEP 2.4 will make programming much easier and quicker for dealers. These include:
- Re-sizeable and dockable windows to assist in more complex programming tasks, such as creating user-interface graphics.
- Display and editing of multiple pages on a single screen to help with smoother, faster programming workflow.
- Re-usable macros. Once set up and used, programming macros can be simply stored and re-used when configuring repeated actions in multiple locations in a project.
- Rotary wheel enhancements. Actions can be ascribed to the rotation / counter-rotation of the controller’s rotary wheel, e.g., controlling volume or light levels.
- Improved font selection. Any Windows PC font can now be easily selected and used in PEP2.4.
- Dynamic user interface. PEP2.4 brings improved dynamic graphic and text property control, adjustment and object manipulation through improvements to ProntoScript.
PEP2.4 can be used to configure the complete Pronto family of two-way, programmable touch-screen panels: the Pronto TSU9300, TSU9400, TSU9600 and TSU9800. Many leading CI equipment manufacturers have now joined Philips as a partner, taking advantage of the programming capabilities to deliver easy-to-use 2-way control modules for their components. The result is integrated control using richer, more responsive user interfaces for a growing variety of AV, lighting, HVAC and security systems. All application modules are very easy to use, and can simply be dragged into a Pronto project using the PEP software.
