GRAND PRIZE WINNER! Unlike my TSU6000 CCF, this PCF can be easily modified with only basic knowledge of graphic editors like Photoshop or Paintshop Pro. It makes excessive use of transparent PNG graphics as well as multiple jumps. Thus, there are two simulated joysticks and an antique-style lever for VCR transport, including a record protection latch! The station logos can be replaced within minutes since they are simple bitmpas lying underneath a transparent button frame.

Furthermore, there are controls for PVR, tuner, CD, lights and receiver. The welcome screen features animations and a help screen for both users and developers. Play with it and enjoy!

Colour PCF based on Daniel Tonks' TSU3000 PCF (which I loved when I had my 3000). Layout sorta carried out in iMac style. Trying not to remember just how long this took... and it still needs lots done to it, but I had to stop before I went insane!

This ProntoPro NG layout is named 'blasenkammer' after an inspiring picture of bubble chamber experiments I found some times ago in the net. (Blasenkammer = bubble chamber auf deutch.) Parts of that picture, heavily edited, are used as background in this layout.

The usability model of my layout is action or mode based and it originates from my ProntoNEO layout that I have found practical among users of different ages (5 - 77). Use of the hard keys at the bottom of the screen (Firm1-Firm4) differs from almost all of the layouts that I have seen. The middle ones are used in all modes to power up, configure and switch down the whole system. I call these buttons green and red buttons (in fact I painted the hard buttons on my ProntoNEO green and red accordingly). Leftmost hard button is used to accees menu functions for main device in current mode. Righmost is used to go back to home page and to re-select the mode.

To start up the system select first from the home (mode) page what you want to do: watch TV (actually DVB or Digi TV), watch DVD, watch VCR or listen to CD. The selected button takes you to mode pages. Note that the system is not automatically turned on. In order to do... (more)

RUNNER UP! This is a completely custom PCF, with an emphasis on navigation and simplicity. The top area of the design remains consistent from one screen to the next, making operation of the remote fairly intuitive. An "All Devices" button on every screen gives the user access to a given device within two button presses. I've avoided duplicate buttons (like having 4-way toggles on screen) that might confuse novice users. All graphics (with the exception of the Favorites show icons) are 100% original.

My approach to developing the user interface for my ProntoPro NG was focused on practicality and function. The PPNG's utility, in my opinion, comes from its many hard buttons--allowing a user to issue commands without looking down at the remote. My design therefore tries to use the hard buttons for the most common operations: arrow navigation, chapter advance, home page, the "TiVo" button, and so on.

I believe the most practical user interface for an entertainment system is one that focuses on activities rather than devices. The design I've implemented hides the devices that are merely providing "output" (namely the receiver and the television). The activities are roughly analogous to "input" devices (DVD player, DirecTivo, GameCube, and music). However, the user interfaces for these activities are often sparse--limited to only those remote control features I have ever utilized while engaged in an activity. If I'm playing GameCube, I only care about controlling inputs, adjusting the volume, and switching the television aspect.

Where possible, I have tried to keep buttons that provide a given function across multiple activities in roughly the same place. For example, a "Go"... (more)

The graphics in this PCF are 98% original and are clean and simple, but effective. The overall layout is activity based and designed for ease of use. If you would like the original Photoshop files to mod for your own system, please e-mail me.

This PCF would have been better had they not lost to St. Joes, but includes discretes for TV, CD, and DVD, plus original basketball buttons, ref jerseys, player jerseys and hand drawn home court floor!

This is a complete design library that includes a PCF, a DOC containing design notes, along with Photoshop .psd files (and associated .png files) for all elements. The files are appropriately named and are organized in suitable sub-directories. The design objective is to provide an intuitive consistent remote control that looks like a high quality industry supplied device and can be used by anyone with minimal training and without reading glasses. This design is particularly effective in maintaining and restoring device synchronization. All buttons are realistically animated.

I now have an Oppo which simplifies things a lot. So here's a new layout that just has audio or video.

I've wanted to do a Futurama set-up since the RU890, and now I've finally done it! I'm surprised no one beat me to it. Hope you enjoy this colourful set up for the 31st century.