This time I was inspired by fellow Remote Central Pronto NG community member Lowpro and (in particular) by the way his movie library page functions. I eventually decided to convert my whole PCF to operate in this same manner because it allows me to have all 17 activities and control of my theatre readily at hand without making buttons or text too small. At over 700 PAGES and 300 DEVICES, this design is still simple to use and comes in under 7 megs and 69% free memory! The cosmetics reflect a snazzy PDA / Cell Phone. All of the artwork in the PCF is mine except for a couple of buttons borrowed from Daniel Tonks. PCF includes: complete control of 17 theatre activities; really cool (I think) customized loading pages for each activity; a DVD Library of 500 films (and growing); extensive interactive help screens; cable logo access buttons for Dallas area; an easy to use device teaching menu; X10 lighting control with active graphic of my theatre room and a slideshow area of theatre pictures and family photos. Special thanks and recognition to Lowpro, Lyndel McGee, and the great software upgrades from the Pronto Team. Needless to say, I would never have attempted this without the new shortcuts plus drag and drop provided in the new Pronto Edit software. As Lowpro says, "Enjoy"!

The result of my design: 134 custom-made buttons (not counting spacers & labels)! My favorite button is the volume toggle in the lower right page. Here's what's unique about my configuration:

Consistent frame-based GUI with three button groups in frame:
TOP: device selection with trinary button states - pressing a pressed button in the main page of a device executes a setup macro with auto-power-on, etc.
LEFT: device specific buttons, e.g. TiVo: Favorites, Thumbs Up/Down, Slo-Mo
BOTTOM: “orthogonal” (e.g. X-10 & Amplifier are always needed independent media devices), or common functions (Keypad)

Modifier buttons, when pressed once, lead to an extra screen – when pressed again they lead back to same device

Eye pleasing “soft” design with fairly correct lighting (shadows, etc.) and well balanced colors

Simplicity – one page operation with most common functions

No confusing clutter (I put in time, date & battery for completeness only... I actually prefer it without those items, but it's easier to erase them than to integrate them later)

The activity signal is still visible, though barely taking up any space now

Background is defined on the System page only,... (more)

If you're looking for animations and wild colors, then this PCF is not for you. It was designed with the older generation in mind, with nice big buttons, large text and a simple but effective layout. All buttons have a pressed and released state image. As on all of my PCFs, I have included the cursor buttons on the screen as well as the hard buttons. XaraX was used entirely for the design.

This layout is an evolution of my TSU3000 layout. It is activity-based and makes heavy use of macros to control my two zones of equipment and home automation. The layout of hard and soft buttons for each device follows a pattern, making it fairly simple to learn to use. It contains a fairly extensive help system. The look borrows from the plastic look of some of the Max OS X widgets.

This is my first PCF design for the TSU7000. I created this design to accommodate my 6 year old son and my wife. Like most, she doesn't want to learn about all the equipment. As she says, "Just make it work."

The design is simple to use and is based on our most frequently used activities. These icons are on almost all pages, DirecTV, TiVo and HDTV icons. Since some of the equipment, like the Yamaha, is new to me, I'll be adding functionality over time. Most pages have a browse back button, even though one is hard coded. Easy access to guides and info. A complete collection of CD cover art provides direct access to any CD. TiVo is used frequently. Buttons are built from stock Liatro buttons.

Thanks to Daniel and all the Remote Central forum members and their designs. I borrowed from everyone. Special thanks to Dave D'Arche for the Pronto Wizard Guide. It saved me many hours and he was extremely helpful with my email questions.

This is my attempt to design a unique configuration for the ProntoPro NG. I like to design devices that look similar to the original remote, so others could operate the remote with ease.

The TOOL, DEVIVE and PAGE# labels have changed cosmetically. HARD-BUTTON 1 through 4 are reserved for instant access to frequently used devices. HOME and HARD-BUTTON 1-4 also function as page down when pressed again.

For additional info, press the [?] button, where available.

Note: Some buttons (lights and scene) are not programmed since there are many different ways to send X-10 signals. Also, toggle lights (in the SCENE section) does not work on current version of emulator(1.0.10.0), but works when downloaded to the ProntoProNG. Please download the PCF file and take a look. Unleash your creativity and copy, modify, add and edit to your liking!

I wanted to build a monochromatic theme with fairly large buttons, logical and simple approach, mostly symmetrical, and some fun on the way. Intro at start opens drapery and arrives at our home theatre…then you "launch" to Outer Space theme. Worlds “move” when pressed…adding depth to graphic. New SAT channel buttons designed to coordinate with overall “space” theme. I worked hard at making it “guest” proof but I’ve also included an extensive help menu with greatly improved text graphic throughout. All equipment buttons are “aliased” (pro 6000 term) or “linked” (7000 term) to Device Codes folder making it easy to change, upgrade, or compulsively buy something else in the future for the pronto to control! CD covers will be added when extra 16mb are released. Kudos to D. Tonks, Lyndel McGee, & Peter dewildt (just to name a few) for all the great help offered on the Remote Central site.

This PCF has all original graphics that make use of the transparency and colors available. Each device has a uniquely colored background for all of its related pages as well as a help screen to identify the functions of the cursor and its surrounding buttons. The layout is quite intuitive to use. The soft buttons are well sized and spaced to help avoid pressing the incorrect one.

In the same vein of my previous submissions, here's a Star Wars version. Enjoy!

This layout is an evolution of my TSU3000 layout. It is activity-based and makes heavy use of macros to control my two zones of equipment and home automation. The layout of hard and soft buttons for each device follows a pattern, making it fairly simple to learn to use. There is a help screen for each device. The skin is based a concept of liquid metal.