Keyboardless HTPC OS and frontend

[Random_guy]

I've been toying with the idea of building my parents an htpc, as there is a real chance they might get buried in a sea of boxes, as they have plans for a set-top box and a DVR to add to their dvd player and VCR. However, it would have to be keyboardless, operated entirely by remote, because that's what they're comfortable with, and my mother in particular has a bit of a computer phobia.

So is there an easy os + fronted option that can be completely keyboardless, support full dual tuner dvr functionality, as well as dvd, and possibly blu-ray functionality? (And ofcourse, has to let them watch tv!)

I'd like to go with a *nix solution if possible to keep costs down, but if that's not possible then windows solutions are fine too.

Any ideas?

[s_kinton]

Most of the solutions out there support all of the above functions with a bit of tinkering (Win 7, MediaPortal etc). I personally use Win 7 on all my HTPCs with Arcsoft TotalMedia integrated into Media Centre to provide Blu-Ray and HD-DVD playback.

You can set Media Cetnre to startup when windows starts, so once its setup there should be no need for a keyboard, just a remote. You can use S3 suspend to ensure that it turns on and off by the remote and comes on for recordings.

Do you live with your parents? In my experience, HTPCs need a knowledgable user on-hand to fix any issues. Theres no way I would build one for my parents and just leave it with them.

[Random_guy]

I don't live with them no, but my work is close enough to them that I'm always popping over to fix the latest technology crisis. My 2 younger siblings also live with them so I can also phone through tech support to one of them if its urgent.

Cheers for the info. It certainly sounds possible anyway. I don't suppose you have any experience with solutions like Mythbuntu or other Linux htpc solutions?

[jim]

If you want unix, you'll probably end up with Myth afaik.

With Windows, I'd go for Mediaportal.

[Skinleech]

I've just done the exact same thing with my Dad's old PC. I spent ages messing about with MediaPortal and XBMC for them, but they just didn't work as well as I'd hoped.

I ended up using 7MC as well, and it's working well for them so far. TMT3 integrated for Blu-ray playback also. I've had no queries from them as yet, which is surprising!

I can't comment on any Linux solutions I'm afraid.