Awkward interface

[picomode]

The CANCEL button in the recording sub menu actually deletes events which is a NO NO in Windows convention. Cancel should be harmless. The button should be renamed to DELETE or RESOLVE conflict. I've accidentally deleted files and recording events too many times now.

I have to be so careful trying to navigate the recordings menu
A - because there is no indication of which sub menu you are in
B - deletes do not go to the recycle bin it deletes files and events DEAD
C - normal right button context menus are not used

Speaking for those of us who do not use the mediamvp, using the right mouse button to back out of a menu is really awkward and counter-intuitive.
There must be hundreds of us who simply watch our shows on the computer monitor.

[sub]

The CANCEL button in the recording sub menu actually deletes events which is a NO NO in Windows convention. Cancel should be harmless. The button should be renamed to DELETE

I thought about this long and hard at the time, and discussed with the forum users, and we decided CANCEL was the right name to use. DELETE has a different meaning. I'm happy with the current naming so wont be changing this.

C - normal right button context menus are not used

Yuck. In case you hadnt notice, this is not a regular Windows apps. Its 10-foot interface, designed to be used as a fullscreen interface across the room from the comfort of your remote. I dont want it to look or behave like a Windows app in this respect. Right mouse button popup menus just dont fit it with how I was designing this app.

[picomode]

If you don't want to make changes affecting all users, could you give the end user more control over those options through XML? Eg: edit the names ourselves or a mode setup selecting "remote control mode" or "mouse mode" where it's mouse friendly. At least a checkbox option to delete events and shows to the recycler.

I am not trying to get in an argument here but no matter what the collective forum thinks, CANCEL means non-destructively getting out of what you are doing, to a much larger collective. If you don't agree with that then you are pushing the user friendly parts out the Windows (fun intended).

Look, I get that you are mainly writing this for mvp users but that slams the door on an awful lot of folk who want a simple timeshifter not for mvp or remote client. A couple tweaks could go a long way here, you're 8/10 already.

[Brian_W]

He's also more intending to write this for his own personal use and benefit, which was the reason this program was written in the first place. He's very gracious to the users who ask for feature request. Even if it isn't something he wanted or would personally use, if it is a request that a lot of people would like and it makes sense to be in the program, he will add it. GBPVR is a great program, but alas once you start having other people use it, you will never get a consensus on everything, nor can you make everyone happy.

Please don't take what I say as an attack or anything, just tossing out a little more info. It isn't very hard to get used to using the cancel button as cancelling a scheduled recording.

Brian

[fuzzweed]

If you don't want to make changes affecting all users, could you give the end user more control over those options through XML? Eg: edit the names ourselves or a mode setup selecting "remote control mode" or "mouse mode" where it's mouse friendly. At least a checkbox option to delete events and shows to the recycler.

you can use the language plugin to rename buttons - ie you are really creating a 'language' that conforms to your expectations. I've used it sucessfully to tweak GBPVR to suit my own personal tastes.

Nothing you can do about the right mouse button tho (use a remote control ). I can see your point - but it's kind of like getting into a new car and finding the indicator stick on the other side - you get used to it and neither Ford or Toyota is 'right'.

EDIT Actually, if I think about it, the few times that I've used the mouse to navigate I've found the RMB a very usefull shortcut...

[zehd]

Ever navigate a TV menu or VCR scheduler with a remote? Whenever you're in a screen you'd like out of, you hit the back or exit button on the remote. There is never a mouse or cursor, just back or exit.

GB-PVR is not primarily a MVP app. It's a PVR. It makes your computer become an appliance. That's the direction it should be going, and thankfully is going. Next time you're in the GB-PVR screen, don't use the mouse. Just use the arrow, Return and Escape keys. You'll get a feel for what a PVR appliance is all about, rather that trying to use it like a Windows app...

Considering that, the interface is robust and intuitive. Perhaps you should take a stab at MythTV and Sage. Have a look how other Interfaces run...

[picomode]

A smooth user interface on the PC end is really the only thing missing that would allow this otherwise great program to go to market and compete. I use a program based on price and I'd rather support a little guys effort. That said, I'd hope I could influence its design as I have done with other small vendors programs. Like I said a few tweaks here would go a long way.

[stefan]

Did you try the "create your own language" approach proposed above? I think it would solve a few of your problems.

[fuzzweed]

A smooth user interface on the PC end is really the only thing missing that would allow this otherwise great program to go to market and compete. I use a program based on price and I'd rather support a little guys effort. That said, I'd hope I could influence its design as I have done with other small vendors programs. Like I said a few tweaks here would go a long way.

I'd prefer it not to go to market. Nothing I've ever paid for is this useful or has this level of support

[picomode]

Did you try the "create your own language" approach proposed above? I think it would solve a few of your problems.

Thanks for the suggestion. I will definitely have to try this.

I'd prefer it not to go to market. Nothing I've ever paid for is this useful or has this level of support

No argument there.