[mythtv-users] MythTV and the "average" user...

[Nick Morrott]

On 15/05/2008, Colin McGregor <colin.mc151 at gmail.com> wrote:

>  My mother is a retired high school home economics teacher, so, no
>  dummy, but on the other hand, limited computer skills (well, limited
>  technical skills in general, programming the VCR is something she
>  finds frustrating). So, the question is has MythTV with say Mythbuntu
>  reached the point where once set-up a "average" person could run the
>  machine? Basicly I want something that will make life easier for her,
>  not frustrate her...
>
>  Thoughts? Feedback?

Go for it. My mother (a retired computer-savvy mathematics teacher)
has taken to her MythBox (UK, DVB-T) very quickly.

Some tips:

i) If using a remote, pay some attention when setting it up via LIRC
so that key names are as close to the intended function as possible. I
know this can be difficult with a shortage of, or differently named,
buttons, but it makes the 'appliance' much easier to navigate.

ii) Set up a script via a remote button to shutdown/restart the
frontend 'just in case'.

iii) Create a jump point on the remote to the programme guide, so that
it can be reached from anywhere.

iv) get ready for the questions! I was taken aback when my mum asked
why the amount of available disk space was not decreasing after
deleting watched programmes. Having deliberately hidden most of
MythTV's setup complexity from her, we had the 'expire rather than
delete just in case' conversation - but I was still impressed she'd
noticed the diskspace.

She really likes the fact that programmes just appear in the
recordings list, doesn't have to worry about missing programmes she
wants to watch, and can enjoy her retirement with one less thing to
worry about.

Nick

-- 
Nick Morrott

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