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Ask Slashdot: Video Streaming For the Elderly?

Posted by timothy on from the remember-that's-for-not-of dept.

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?"

11 of 165 comments (clear)

  1. Apple TV by iamwhoiamtoday · · Score: 5, Interesting

    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.

    1. Re:Apple TV by gyrf · · Score: 5, Informative

      As far as I can tell, my Apple TV 2 doesn't do subtitles on Netflix. My Roku 2 XS does. That may make your decision for you. That aside, the Apple TV has a more consistent interface that is less likely to confuse non-tech-savvy users like your grandparents.

    2. Re:Apple TV by Dzimas · · Score: 5, Informative

      The Apple TV 2 supports closed captioning in Netflix. Simply hold down the select button on the remote for several seconds and a captioning menu pops up. I second Apple TV. I introduced it to a retired neighbor who was growing increasingly irate at the endless bombardment of repeating commercials on cable. They absolutely love it.

    3. Re:Apple TV by jedidiah · · Score: 4, Insightful

      Sounds like the kind of "secret handshake" that no senior citizen would be able to cope with.

      This sort of nonsense is why a "simple" interface really isn't.

      This should be a global option in any video interface. If you find yourself fumbling to control this on a per video basis then the interface design is crap.

      It doesn't matter how much you want to add to the mindless hype.

      --
      A Pirate and a Puritan look the same on a balance sheet.
  2. Perhaps Hulu Plus instead? by Oysterville · · Score: 5, Informative

    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.

    1. Re:Perhaps Hulu Plus instead? by foniksonik · · Score: 4, Informative

      I'm watching The Andy Griffith Show on Netflix right now. Eight seasons with 30+ episodes per. I saw Leave it to Beaver too. Netflix library is getting bigger all the time. They just added Antiques Roadshow and lots of other PBS content.

      --
      A fool throws a stone into a well and a thousand sages can not remove it.
  3. Ask slashdot by stormpunk · · Score: 5, Funny

    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".

  4. Something built into the TV? Samsung? by vinn · · Score: 5, Insightful

    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
  5. Consider WD TV Play by fuego451 · · Score: 4, Informative

    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?

  6. Myth TV by Hognoxious · · Score: 4, Funny

    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."
  7. Re:what my parents use by wisnoskij · · Score: 4, Funny

    Married for 40 years and he sill has an opinion on what he wants to watch?

    --
    Troll is not a replacement for I disagree.