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)

RUNNER UP! This PCF is a modified version of the one I use on my remote. It has continued to change and be enhanced almost every day for two months! Most of the buttons have been redone several times to look right on the actual remote. Things you might miss a first glance are:

Buttons that blend into the background (on the side and top bars).

Shadows on some buttons and text. On the actual remote the home page buttons actually seem to float above the background.

In the “Power Center”, rocker switches that seem to work when pressed.

All buttons have a “pressed” state.

“Filmstrip” Dish Network TV icons on the favorite pages

“Visual” independent lighting control for the Home Theatre.

Password protection lockout sample on the home page; click on the padlock.

Animated countdown timers runs in macros, giving user feedback to wait.

Magnifying glass on help page.

A tools “mini remote” page for the basic TV and AV receiver functions from most devices.

Cursor buttons on the screen as well as the hard buttons. My wife likes the soft buttons and I like the hard buttons. One remote does it both ways!

Full... (more)

A sample PCF file from Philips with three sample cursor control interfaces.

A sample PCF file from Philips, used at the CEDIA 2003 show. Similar to the default configuration, but with some different buttons and backgrounds.

A sample PCF file from Philips, displaying cartoon-style device icons on a home page.

This PCF contains jacket covers for over 300 DVDs as well as macros for all 400 slots. Both satellites have all available DirecTV channel icons and macros. Very user friendly. 95% of all graphics were made by me. Only a few were borrowed.

v1.02 This completely original and full-screen design builds on my previous layouts, but features a new concept with quick-switching to any system device, plus page navigation via hard buttons. Although the layout can be used without a home page, one is still included.

Sporting 23 full device configurations with seperate code pages, this setup makes liberal use of hard buttons along with a quick task bar on the left. Other features include cable TV icons for the Toronto area, an interactive lighting device, multi-room control, and "pressed" states for all buttons.

Included as a hidden device is a huge button gallery with many original graphics not used in the actual layout. For example you'll find 80+ large device icons, 70+ small icons, 120+ text object and much more! Please read the README file for important information.

v1.02 Is your computer having trouble opening my PCF file? Here are three alternative smaller versions that might help. Includes a file with only the gallery, a file with everything but the gallery, and a stripped file with only the core system. Same description, devices and screenshots as the above file.

My second PCF for the TSU3000 is a unique file that features a futuristic interface, page "morphs" instead of "jumps", and even a friendly robot. It might make you feel like you are controlling something other than a home theater.

I know that this is really closer to software than to an actual operating system, but I call this PCF SamOS. My approach was to use the hard buttons as a means for consistent navigation, making it easy for the user to get anywhere on the remote in no more than two button presses. I've created custom graphics to give each device its own personality and vibe. I've also made use of drop-down menus in a few sections. I hope you dig it.