What Hi-Fi? Sound and Vision News Accessories Philips axes Pronto remote control business

Philips axes Pronto remote control business

4 Nov 2010

Philips Pronto
Philips Pronto is no more

Philips is closing its Pronto remote control business and will cease production immediately.

The Dutch electronics giant had been looking for a buyer for the Pronto division, but failed to find one.

In a statement, the company says: "In December 2009, Philips announced the intention to relocate some of its existing remote control activities in Leuven, Belgium to Asia. At the same time, the intention was communicated to investigate alternative strategic options for the Pronto business, as this activity no longer fits with the Philips strategy."

"Following thorough research, no suitable partner was found for the acquisition of these activities. As such, Philips confirms today that it will discontinue the Pronto product line and related activities.

"The Pronto business, headquartered in Leuven, Belgium, serves the Custom Audio-Video Installation market with advanced control devices.

"Philips will engage in a dialogue with its social partners on the consequences for the involved personnel of this announcement."

The announcement comes weeks after Philips launched its latest Pronto product, the TSW9500 in-wall touchscreen, at CEDIA Expo in Atlanta, as well as relaunching the website for the line.

Philips says it will continue to offer support to existing users of Pronto products. But it seems as if the rise of iPhone/iPad control apps has killed the market for dedicated controllers.

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Comments

Tooslow Fri, Nov 5 2010, 2:20PM

"Philips will engage in a dialogue with its social partners on the consequences for the involved personnel of this announcement."

I think this sentence escaped translation from Dutch? Would its "social partners" be the poor sods about to lose their jobs?

Business speak!  Grrr.

John

AlmaataKZ Fri, Nov 5 2010, 10:44AM

all we need now is an ipod/ipad with infrared eye or a slide-on thing with one and some hard buttons, like the savant thingy.

but seriously though, Prontos are really good and it is sad that they are no more. It will take new platforms and software some time to reach the level of flexibility of Pronto.