[mythtv-users] Very simple user guide for Myth?

Mike Dent mcdent at gmail.com
Wed Jan 14 16:07:34 UTC 2009


2009/1/14 Brad DerManouelian <myth at dermanouelian.com>:
> On Jan 14, 2009, at 7:22 AM, Richard Thomas wrote:
>
>> Exactly. Most of the features you can ignore if you want to but
>> would be
>> confusing to someone not used to not having stuff served up on a
>> plate.
>> A user guide would serve the triple function of informing the less
>> technically inclined how to use the core features, advertising mythtv
>> for those who might be interested (softening the learning curve a
>> little) and maybe pointing out a few things the more technically
>> inclined of us might have missed (like what the watch list is about)*
>>
>> What might be nicer for mythtv would be to have most of the extras
>> turned off by default (not visible in the menus) and have the users
>> activate as required with appropriate setup (for example, Netflix is
>> switched on in the default Knoppmyth install but not configured and,
>> to
>> be honest, I probably won't use it anyway). Course, I have no code to
>> contribute so that's definitely only a "nice to have" type thought.
>
> I'm telling you guys.. use the DVR menu options. My main menu has:
> Watch Recordings
> Launch Boxee (because I added it in)
> Upcoming Recordings
> Schedule Recordings
> Recording Priorities
> System Status
>
> and hidden until you scroll down:
> Utilities/Setup
>
> If I were to put that in front of my parents, they would pretty much
> get it right away. This also has the bonus of not having LiveTV in the
> main menu so if you really want to use that feature, you have to go
> hunting for it under Utilities/Setup. :)
>
> Don't forget that the UI is just a bunch of xml files. Put menu items
> wherever you want them to be so your common features are up front and
> the less common ones are buried in another menu and the ones you don't
> use are commented out.
>
> It's not that hard. In fact, rather easy.
>
> -Brad
>
>
I'm using the DVR option, as you point out the top level menu is fairly simple.

But what happens when they want to schedule a recording with anything
other than the program guide? Or they accidentally open up the
scheduling options, post recording options etc. It's just Gobledegook
to a
non tech person.

I've not got Sky+ yet but I've heard it is extremely easy to setup a
series link, record past end of show 5 mins etc.
Unless I am missing something its not *that* obvious in Myth?

Oh and dont get me wrong, I'm not knocking it, it's fine for me.
As Rich suggested a basic and advanced option set would be nice.

Mike


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