Slashdot Mirror
Ask Slashdot: Video Streaming For the Elderly?
First time accepted submitter ChrisC1234 writes "My grandparents are getting older and don't get out much anymore, and with the demise of video stores (and not even understanding what a RedBox is), they don't see movies anymore. They've got internet access, so I'm thinking of getting them a streaming appliance and a Netflix account. So I'm wondering what device is the easiest for elderly people to use. I'm thinking either a Roku or Apple TV, but open to other options. It just needs to be easy to navigate and support closed captioning. Has anyone else done this successfully?"
The Apple TV setup is simple and straightforward. Minimal controls mean less things to mess up. My grandparents are getting up there, and they rarely mess it up with Netflix Streaming.
I know that you didn't ask about which service to choose, but given their age perhaps the long library of older TV shows offered by Hulu might be a better choice. They've got many shows from the 50's that might appeal to them more.
No, nobody has ever set up a Roku successfully. Netflix is a fad.
WTF is up with these ask slashdot questions? If it's not "give me teh codez" then it's "I've got a leaky faucet, is that a thing that's fixable or do I need a new house".
The sony blu-ray players with Wifi they sell at Best Buy (and other big box retailers) cost about the same as an Apple TV but, most importantly, have a big red button on the remote labeled "NETFLIX". My dad has one at his house and he loves it.
Perhaps get them a TV with Netflix already built into it? Something like a Samsung?
I think the key is to set up the remote properly so they can access everything using a minimal number of remote controls, preferably just one. I think that's what confuses most people.. hell it even confuses me.
----- obSig
I just did this setup for my grandmother. I put an auto-sensing HDMI switch connecting the Blu-Ray and Cable Box to the TV, and ran Cat5 Ethernet cable directly from the Blu-Ray to the router. (No wireless, no manual switching, super easy.) She hits the power button on the Blu-Ray remote (she'll never use the discs) and then hits the big red Netflix button on the remote. Apple TV and Roku are prettier, but this is far less complicated, bulletproof, and gets her watching Netflix with two button pushes.
Both of my parents (born in 1940) have their own iPad with the Netflix app installed. That way they can watch whatever they want, at whatever volume they need, and not fight over what to watch.
sat tv or on demand cable.
This is a combo DVD/Blu-Ray wifi internet connected device. I got it solely for the blu-ray player, but discovered how convenient the internet connection is. A netflix interface is built in. The remote control even has a "netflix" button. There's a tiny bit of setup that you can do, and after that, my over-70 mother can operate it just fine. It also has interfaces for hulu, vudu, and music services like pandora and slacker built in. I used to hook my laptop up to the tv to watch netflix, but no more. There's a selection of other lesser-known services available in the interface, too.
I'm not sure the devices are there yet, but http://biglauncher.com/ would allow you to make a custom experience. Why this in particular? The elderly relative could be infirm to the level where they can't adequately type into application in order to look for something. They may instead prefer to click on things they are familiar with. Namely channels. Radio stations are nearly all fully represented online so the "live" experience is unchanged from the FM/AM broadcast one. TV - not so much yet. The added benefit, is that BigLauncher buttons could be to initiate calls with other family members too, if they are getting to the point where they're unable to remember dialing instructions even for quick-dial options on handsets.
I have Roku and use it with Amazon Video (among other stuff).
It's pretty easy to use. Just make sure their TV is set to the right video input source and that it stays there. You don't want a late night phone call trying to explain how to switch between HDMI1, HDMI2, AV, TV ...
A smart TV is what I would get them. It is completely self contained, no extra box, no extra remote. They have Amazon Prime, Hulu, Netflix and even Vudu I believe.
Get your PostgreSQL here: http://www.commandprompt.com/
No more fighting over the remote, no complex wiring. No remote at all even - they can just touch the movies they want and it plays.
That is, if they don't mind holding their screen. If they really really want to use their large-screen TV an iPad may not be the best option, or maybe there's some iPad + Apple TV setup for Netflix?
In the time of their lives when their faculties are declining, you're going to hook them to a brain-rotting spigot of drivel. Why not get them Kindles?
Its cheap, you can do a lot more with it and its so easy even a child can use it... (even my 3 yo can handle it with ease :D)
As long as they use a browser they can use conversat.io to stream video between them and everyone else, let them be more social instead of just giving them another one-eyed babysitter.
A used Wii ($99 at your local GameStop) loaded up with NetFlix and Hulu will do everything you need.
My three-year-olds can use it, and they can't even read.
It's also a heck of a lot cheaper than any of the other solutions, too, and it's totally zero-maintenance. And if/when they break it, it's a tiny cost
to just get a new one.
Least troublesome would be a Tivo. We gave the grandparents one 10 years ago and they took to it with absolutely no trouble at all. Including using Netflix for viewing. The menu structure just never gets them lost. And the remote it likewise straightforward to use. Sure, there's a monthly subscription for it, but the convenience and lack of support calls back to me is totally worth it (for both me and them).
They use an iPad for just about everything else. They could use that for Netflix viewing but prefer the TV. And since there's no decent way to do airplay to TV without an apple TV (which is shit otherwise) that's fine. They have a Mac Mini connected to the TV but don't make much use of it. It's only there at this point to act as a bridge for the iPad to print through.
Yup, if my 3 year old can start her cartoons in Netflix on our Samsung TV, I'm sure your parents can do it.
Don't blame me, I voted for Kodos
I'm a great-grandfather so I suppose I'd qualify as 'elderly', though I have no idea what that word means and I don't like it. I have several streaming devices but only one that I'd recommend for people of any age who are technically challenged and that's the WD (Western Digital) TV Play. Much like the Roku and Apple TV, the WD is small, easy to set up and less expensive than the Roku and Apple; a big plus for us 'elderly' on fixed incomes. I'm currently using it on an older HD TV and it has never given me any problems and doesn't do any weird shit on its own; like my streaming blu ray player does. Oh, and did I tell you it runs imbedded Linux? How could you possibly go wrong?
Buy them Roku 3, and somewhere, anywhere, with a good internet connection, install Plex Media Server. It is amazing how transparent and how easy to use this solution is.
Sometimes when I'm gaming I really have to go to the bathroom but I'm too lazy to interrupt my game, get up off my ass and walk to the can. Should I invest in a catheter or suck it up and piss on a toilet like a normal human being? Help me, Slashdotters!
My parents are both in their late sixties and are very capable when it comes to technology. However, the village they live in the broadband speed is so slow none of these services can be used. All they have is sky or ALLOT of buffering. I have the same problem my broadband is so slow 3G seems like light speed!! (I'm in the U.K.)
A PS3 is your best bet and offers the biggest bang for the buck. You can download and install Netflix, Amazon and Hulu, plus it has a text and if you add on a web cam, you can access the AV Chat feature.
While they may not be interested in games, the built in Blue Ray DVD player is top of the line so it can double as their DVD player for movies as well.
MythTV. A rule of thumb in setting up any system is to put yourself in the place of the user.
By the time you get it working, you'll be as old as they are now. (drrrTISH!!!)
Confucius say, "Find worm in apple - bad. Find half a worm - worse."
I love the AppleTV, but the big interface issue is that the very top row of icons are "Movies", "TV Shows", etc, that are links to the Apple iTunes Store. So if they think "I want to watch a movie," they'll go to Movies to where they'll be charged individual rental fees.
It would take noticeable training to get them to recognize "I want to watch a movie" means "go to Netflix". (Same with TV shows and iTunes vs. Hulu Plus.)
I would not be so sure - they might, but 3 year olds are a lot more interrested in learning how to get things "their way" than old people, most old people will just yell and complain till they get their way (and there is nothing wrong with that, most old people are not as adventorous and want to learn new stuff as a 3yo) ofcourse you also have 3y olds who will just yell and complain, and you will have old people who are interrested in learning and/or using tech.
Just don't get a Panasonic for that. While I like mine for most things, the Netflix driver has a bug that causes the screen to blank out whenever the streaming resolution changes (at least that's what I think is happening). It is really annoying since the effect is similar to someone walking in front of a projector. Sometimes it was happening every 30 seconds to a minute, so I bought an Apple TV because it doesn't have that issue and I watch quite a bit of Netflix material.
Just get them a Wii. My parents (both born in the 40's) actively shun technology, but have found the Wii to be user friendly, even when using netflix.
I recommend that they check out Breaking Bad and Sons of Anarchy.
Tell your grandparents that Red Box is a Coke dispenser that gives out movies instead and also takes them back for recycling.
I use mine solely for Netflix. Works great, and the UI is simple enough for children/elderly.
If they want 50s TV, then just get an antennae. My local ABC affliate has "Me TV' on sub channel 2 (2.2 for those in Metro Atlanta) and has all those old shows on from the 50s, 60, and 70s.
If you are interested in no fuss, get your elderly parent an iPad. They will love it with Netflix streaming because they can make it as close to their eyes as necessary for them, and they -- and they can get a good quality pair of headphones (with inductive coupling to the hearing aid, possibly) to make it eaisier for them to hear. And yes, the ipad app has captioning.
When they are more comfortable, they will download books and recipies, and love it because the paper won't take up much space in their home and they can enlarge the text to exactly what they want. They will be delighted when they figure out how best to do video chat with you (whether that might be Facetime or otherwise) for "free."
And for you, once her internet connection is up and running, the purchase will be a "painless" one for support... no need to configure the device for her, no need to "set the clock on the DVD player" or what have you... You will be free to have conversations about more important things for your life.
This is from a long time Linux geek whose 70+ year old mom is pleased as punch with her iPad. Even though I am a die-hard Linux guy & would rather have myself on the latest and greatest Linux-ish device -- her happiness & piece of mind is worth a lot to me. This makes her happy.
My 3 year old starts his netflix cartoons on a Roku. But then again he also does that on a dual-boot pc...
One aging parent makes good use of Roku and an Android tablet. Another can use the Roku, but never took to the tablet. I think tablets and specific streaming boxes like Apple TV, Roku or Western Digital TV etc. etc. are your two best choices. Obviously the Roku or similar is easier if they don't have experience with computers or prefer not to interact with computers.
Why isn't anyone recommending the Pi? OpenElec seems to be good and headed in the right direction. Not having a remote (using a website) seems easier... am I missing something?
What the hell kind of a question is "which closed source non-free software appliance should I buy to pay for DRMed content?"
The cost of recording a music album with quality comparable to commercial releases has fallen to a "prosumer" level, which allows a dedicated hobbyist to record an album without "how am I going to recoup the cost of production?" necessarily hanging over his head. Until the same happens to the writing, directing, cinematography, acting, and set and prop design of feature films, there won't be any viable alternative to the MPAA, and MPAA studios have made a business decision to apply digital restrictions management to their works.
Lots of channel options, the new UI is pretty simple and it should integrate well with an HD TV.
I don't like the Ipad for this - 10" screen is too small to share watching a film with a spouse.
Another good option would be a smart TV.
Teach them about your local library's inter library loan system. Many will have older movie titles. Your parents are comfortable with the use of a dvd? Many library will offer delivery to those who no longer drive.
Your parent could get large print books, books on tape, and join and adult book discussion group.
The best part: it is FREE!
Any Android tablet will do everything you mentioned. For $200 you can get a Nook HD 9+ with an HDMI adapter.
-I like my women like I like my tea: green-
My library has a pile of DVDs even music CDs to loan.
This technology changes so quick that a smart player, even X-box can prove better than a smart TV.
Truth is stranger than fiction, but it is because Fiction is obliged to stick to possibilities; Truth isn't. Mark Twain.
I have an Apple TV and a DVD player with streaming, and I have hit 25gig cap easily each month. My iPad streams nonATV streams via AirPlay so I don't miss anything.
There was an unknown error in the submission.
I use a Wii to watch netflix. It connects to the TV just fine. The controller is a litte bouncy, though, when you're too far from the TV. My wife has Parkinson's, so this is a bit of an issue, but she can still manage to use it from the opposite corner of the room, where she likes to sit.
And an added benefit is that she uses WiiFit and similar games. Some of them are excellent balance exercises. Others involve the large body movements that seem to be good as slowing the progression of the disease.
I've used an Asus Transformer with an HDMI cable to play anime from Crunchyroll on the TV. Works fine, but I have to get close to the TV to use the Transformer's touch screen.
I don't know whether the Wii does closed-captioning or subtitling.
Crunchyroll always does English subtitles -- the audio is all Japanese.
-- hendrik
Are you picking a single technology to allow your parents to watch movies? Or are you selecting a control point for your parents as they age in place? If you are selecting one technology, I would go for the Xbox. The gesture control will be manageable for them. Learning to use a game controller is going to be very difficult, and frustrating. The push downloads will be acceptable, they expect magic technology to demand some compliance. The capacity for audio and gesture interaction will generally be useful -- obviously I am advocated for Kinect. If you look at the work at Georgia Tech, IU and U Washington on this you will find that alternative modes of interaction, like audio, tend to be preferred by elders. In part because it makes sense as an interaction, and in part because they end to dislike handheld devices. Ok, this is snark but remote changes and handheld devices can be overly complex: http://gizmodo.com/357331/how-grandma-sees-the-remote A general purpose computer is a bad idea unless you want to engage in some serious security management and tech education. Another driver is what you, as apparently the family technologist, use. If you can provide remote support, that is nice. What is really good is when the technological interactions enhance the interpersonal interactions. One very common fear of elders is that the technology can be a substitute, not a complement, to f2f interaction. So if the technology becomes a source of interaction now, then later adoption of technology (for your peace of mind and their health) will be easier. SO, for example if you want a monitor to text you when the door opens if granddad gets a little early dementia, their experience with this technology has a very high degree of probability of influencing later technology adoptions. Ideally, have them over at your house to interact and if you do not have an Xbox, then take them to Best Buy Work with them. Judge their comfort level with various interactions. Do not tell them it is simple. Please do not tell them that because it being simple will shut down their responses. Show them physical and audio interactions. Talk about this "fit" not better/worse. Now, I am basing this on academic studies in design for elders. Some of those studies can be found in the open access journal Gerontechnology http://gerontechnology.info/index.php/journal/issue/archive and some of the Aging in Place and design for elders. While I love the construct of Aging In Place, I have only very strong disappointment for most of the books that use those terms. Also, many of them are wildly overpriced. You might like "Design and the Digital Divide: Computer Support for Older and Disabled People" by Newell. Remember this is a first tech choice. As they become more vulnerable, their acceptance of tech you choose will be informed by this experience. Patience with them now will pay off later.
It really depends on exactly what the people in question are looking to do and what they are comfortable with. For instance, do they pretty much want to watch "Something", or do they have particular tastes and will request access to different media from multiple sources.
The first major decision basically comes down to form-factor - will they best enjoy a tablet that they can carry around with them (possibly usable for other things like acting as an e-reader), and generally keep close by? Or do they have a TV/Monitor that they'd prefer to use, thereby necessitating some sort of streamer box? Perhaps both? Also, make sure you take into account if they need any additional networking hardware or ISP services. You say they have the Internet, but if you're going to be looking into streaming media, they at least need some decent broadband lest they feel the thing is always "on the fritz" because of insufficient bandwidth. Thankfully, Cable/Fiber or even DSL (though, I'd go cable/FIOS if available) would be able to provide a sufficient package for relatively cheap, easily under $50 a month, that will ensure they will have the bandwidth for everything they could want. Likewise, you may need to provide them some networking hardware, like a sufficient wireless router and/or run some ethernet cables depending on what you decide.
If a tablet is the best option (or a part of the plan), then I suggest something like a Nexus 7 or 10 depending on the size/form factor that would be best for them. They're inexpensive, high quality, easy for you to support/configure, and have lots of options while also allowing you to hide any complexity under the hood. Using an Android tablet, they can bring it as close to their eyes as necessary for optimal enjoyment. There are plenty of media options for Android that you can configure for them, from Netflix/Roku clients to being able to watch local media (perhaps they have converted home media on their PCs?) and more. You could even us XBMC for Android and configure it for them, to download captions/subtitles for everything. There's also the additional bonus of being able to use the tablet as an e-reader or to play little games, communicate via email, or manage their schedules, if they are interested in these features. I've found that older people who are reasonably open to new technology (as long as it isn't too confusing and there is someone to set it up/give them a tutorial on average) generally don't have much trouble with today's tablets. While I suggest Android for a number of reasons including ease of maintenance, cost and options, if you or they are completely enamored with Apple and are comfortable staying in the Apple ecosystem nearly entirely (ie Getting everything from iTunes etc..), that path is open as well - though I really think it can be limiting and expensive.
If they want some sort of device that is going to basically operate as a television, hooked up to a monitor/TV, that is another path worthwhile. Here, you can decide on "all in one" boxes such as the WDTV lineup and Roku, but this will depend on how much your grandparents will be interested in? That is to say, most of these boxes have a limited featureset - Netflix etc... apps are all pre-installed on these "SmartTV-like" devices and you aren't going to deviate too much from them without hitting a wall. A Roku 3 could be a great option if they like the "channels" present on one of those, but will they also have local media they want to view as well? The WDTV doesn't have quite as many channels as the Roku, but has better codec support for local media. If they want more than just Netflix and Hulu, it may be worth looking for a more "custom" option such as one of the "Android sticks", building them a HTPC or the like which can be configured with XBMC and all sorts of things that could interest them.
No matter what, it is important to consider the long-term prices they (or you) will be willing to pay for these streaming channels if you plan to go that route. Its one thing to provide th
This is pretty exactly our target demographic. We have a goal of zero user interface for the senior. At the moment the system plays a gallery of pictures of family events and runs youtubes, as well as a "phone your hard-of-hearing grannie" . We are aiming to be able to set up channels and have the son choose for his father / grandfather what he would like to watch. A new TED lecture at 3:00pm eery day for example. Not for everyone, but for people whose elders do not want to learn a new complicated computer system it's just the thing. The goal is to offer significant functionality without ANY user interface. Runs on Android Dongles ($50) attached to an LCD screen or modern tv. Of course if the elder is willing to learn to use a mouse it's more fun to control your own entertainement, but at the extreme end it's aimed at keeping him in hi own home longer. check out www.stay-in-touch.ca contribute your ideas!
My samsung blue ray/dvd player netflix support lasted only 2.5 years. It's been over a year since the last updade. And that updade removed subtitles support.
I'll never buy a samsung product again. The forums seem to indicate that they do not single source the manufacturing of their products but outsource batches of 10.000-20,000 at a time to fab shops. Not all sub-models of the popular models can be programmed to act the same way. Coverage (support) becomes spotty.
Roku is great. Subtitle support plus really easy to use. My parents are in their late 70's and they can easily manage it....and they are the farthest thing from tech-savvy. I have the Apple TV 2 but have never used it for Netflix. I would think it would deliver virtually equivalent functionality. The benefit of the Roku 3 is that the remote has a headphone jack, so one person could watch movies without disturbing the other who was sleeping, reading the newspaper, or yelling at kids to get off his lawn.
A simile is like a metaphor. A metaphor is a simile.
My grandparents are able to use the Wii at my house to stream netflix, without problems. My grandpa with parkinsons disease has a little trouble with the remote, but otherwise, a wii is a cost effective and intuitive netflix device, plus, everyone loves wii sports tennis.
"most old people will ..."
/. commenter audience, right?
You understand the description following that was one that applies to the general
My kid loved MythTV when he was 3 years old. The young are not the users you have to worry about. Even the old aren't necessarily a problem.
It's the lazy/helpless types that are a problem and these come in all age groups. You may find an 80 year old that's much more adaptable to modern computing tech than some 60 year old.
The assumption that Granny can't handle tech is a stupid incorrect stereotype.
A Pirate and a Puritan look the same on a balance sheet.
Sony Releases New Stupid Piece Of Shit That Doesn't Fucking Work
One of the reasons video stores closed was the cable companies were able to offer 'video on demand.'
Here in Canada, you just push the 'On Demand' button on your cable company's remote and presto there's a video store, with both free and rental content, available for you. I assume it must be the same in the USA? Why don't you start them with that?
There's even free telephone technical support.
I use the WD TV Live, and it has a nice netflix etc interface built in. I have not used the other options such as youtube or facebook, but it has a usb port for external media and it plays _everything_. The remote is intuitive. It is easy to set up (easy for most /. readers), has NFS and SMB support that simply works, and many bells and whistles for those who expect such features. :P
Frankly I am surprised that not many people recommend this product. The only complaint I have is that it only sports a 100mbit ethernet port. 100mbit is no problem if your media server is on the network, but if you attach an external storage to the WD TV Live and do alot of copying/syncing to your NAS from said external storage it will remind you of the good old days of loading Fahrenheit 451 on your C64.
Works for my. I just put up with crap ads, though...(Zoomies, Life-Style Lift, etc). I'm 62. It isn't that I'm not tech savy, but I'm tech lazy. And, all you whipersnapper 20-30 year coders: one day, you too will lose visual and audio acuity! Your welcome.
I would not go as far as saying old people hate computers.
But I will say old people have had enough people pull fast ones on them that they see it coming and try their level best to avoid it. Never sign contracts you have not read.
And a lot of us are very apprehensive about installing software in our machine when the EULA is full of "hold harmless" clauses and the software has a reputation of not being very trustworthy. It is almost like going to a quack doctor or religions that for all intents and purposes seem little more than tithe collectors selling fire insurance.
Younger, less experienced folk are apt to do whatever some "leader" tells them to do. Old people are very apt to see through it and not do as they are told.
Old people can be very crotchety. Experience will do this to you. I know. I am one of them.
"Prove all things; hold fast that which is good." [KJV: I Thessalonians 5:21]
Yep, I'm one too and I absolutely agree. As long as there are people willing to put up with the ads, they'll continue to be pumped out. If you're somebody who detests all this utter shite, then here's something you might like:
1. Get rid of your telly altogether.
2. Spend a few minutes every day emailing companies to tell them how much you enjoy not having to watch their advertisers' drivel, and that you never use their products because of it.
3. Recommend throwing the telly away to everyone you know. Point out to them that it is wasting their lives and that they are fools to bother with it.
4. Write comments like this.
5. Go for a walk--yes, including when it's raining--smile, breathe, look at this wonderful world, and go slowly.
I hope you have a long life - you're already assuring yourself of a happy one. :)
The OP talks about getting a system that he can easily get his "old" grandparents up and using, because they are too "old" to grasp systems that are relatively cutting edge.
/. so I expect the answer to be an embarrassingly small number.
Just how old is "old" in everybody's mind? I know this is
I am 70, and I am the technical guru for my family and friends, who are mostly younger.
I set a Roku up for my grandparents, neither of which know how to use a computer (and one of which regularly gets frustrated to the point of tears whenever they attempt to use any modern technology). I gave them 10 minutes of explanation on how to navigate, search and select movies/shows (as well as how netflix suggests things and how to rate things). I went through a few common processes once, then had each of them go through those processes once while I was there, explaining what to do, then having them do it again on their own so that I knew that they could figure it out together. All together, setup, introduction, demonstration, and instruction took all of 30 minutes before they were happily watching Downton Abbey.
Months later, they said that it has changed how they watch TV. They're cancelling their cable and just watching netflix now. They LOVE the thing.
The remote for the Roku is dead simple, which is really helpful for them.
These are just my experiences, though.
And this is the one that I settled on for ease of use and connectivity over a network... https://shop.seagate.com/store?Action=DisplayPage&Locale=en_US&SiteID=sgateus&id=ShoppingCartPage
I've even modified one to replace the dvd in the minivan. Plus they are now on sale.
It warms my heart to learn your interest in making your Grandparent's lives better.
with the economy going down the shitters we definitely need to shove more money down robot companies throats: ... anyone see this as a problem that money flows from neglected older generations bank account ... you just sit back on the beach with a drink and watch the digits of your bank account
like apple and netflixs.
i will visit your elderlies home and sit patiently beside the TV and VHS recorder and will change the channel
or VHS tape for the price of a netflix rent...
now seriously people
into accounts of companies that don't actually DO anything? i mean once you have the network setup and the movie database
stacked you have no more expenses
climb (on your iPhone)?
as a last note: computers and networks and robots DON'T need money. people need money!
Besides Internet-only devices and Internet-enabled televisions, many DVD players are now Internet-enabled and include such things as Netflix access with a single button -- often a physical button on the device. This has the advantage of starting with a device and mode already familiar to older folk, although of course there are still some steps to learn. My 94-year-old father is not facile with his, but he gets it to work. d/
Dave Crocker bbiw.net
The best device for elderly relatives to use is a younger relative. Admittedly they are plagued by unreliability issues, tend to borrow the car without asking, and expect a large inheritance. Still, it was an accepted mode of living not too long ago.
I agree with all this. I am well past 60 and Roku was drop dead easy, helped me kill cable too.
I got an Apple TV for my parents. The remote was so small that my dad could not hold it (fine motor skills problems). And neither of them had much luck in understanding how to use it. They use a Roku now and it works much better for them.