Hello all,
I’d like to set up a couple of ONN boxes to send to my older sisters, one of whom is in her mid 70s and the other of whom is in her 80s. I’ve been spending a lot of time researching options which would be easy to use and would require less maintenance and trouble shooting (knowing that to get something with zero maintenance and/or trouble shooting is probably unlikely).
I’d love to crowd source my research, if possible. Please share any advice / suggestions / cautions:
For VOD, I think I’ve settled on Debrid Stream, because, once it is set up, it is super easy to use and with an interface that reminds me of streaming services such as Netflix or Hulu. I should be able to explain how to use the wish list feature and even how to use the sources option (although I rarely need that).
For Live content, I’m a little less settled, possibly because I almost never use it, other than for the occasional sporting event and even less frequent news programming. I’m using Tivimate and for services I’ve used Strong and Trex. That said, when I showed my older sister the Live option, she was intimidated by the EPG and the options - I think I probably needed to set it up to be friendlier for her (and this was before I had learned about Debrid Stream, so I didn’t have a VOD option I thought she’d be comfortable with at the time).
Through Troy’s guidance, I’ve taken other steps, such as setting up a launcher, anonymous email, VPN. That said, I think a lot of that would just blow their minds and they would just ignore it. I set up Kodi before I knew much of anything and I am sure they would have no clue what to do with that (and since I don’t ever use it, they won’t benefit from my experience).
So that’s kind of it in a nutshell. If anyone has suggestions which can help me to set up their ONN boxes to be as simple as possible (and easy for me to teach), I’d love to read them. Thanks all!
Probably the best/easiest solution is Stremio with the Torrentio addon for VOD and the USATV addon for live TV. Set it up on your PC and then install and log in on your Onn box.
I would suggest starting here if you didn’t already - https://youtu.be/MV0UVpuVP38?si=9WUDoflVkDW1DDj5
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I’ve set up ONN boxes for older family members and keeping things simple is the key.
Debrid Stream is a great choice for VOD — Netflix-style layout, big artwork, and very little maintenance. I’d turn on auto-play best source and hide advanced options so it’s truly click-and-play. For Live TV, Tivimate works well if you simplify it:
- Use Favorites only
- Hide extra menus and EPG clutter
- Increase font size and use channel logos
I’d skip Kodi for this setup, too many menus and upkeep. A custom launcher with just 2–3 big icons (Movies, Live TV, YouTube) plus the stock ONN remote makes a huge difference. A simple 1-page cheat sheet for them also helps reduce support calls a lot.
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You’ve answered your own question.
Maintenance free doesn’t exist. Your best bet is to subscribe to a service that tivimate uses and set up their favorites for them.
You can then hide all the categories they wouldn’t use.
A good tivimate playlist should offer adequate vod, along with some Netflix type apps for an expanded VOD setup.
The guy that helps me gives me way more than I could watch.
I’d also install quick support or anydesk on the devices to allow you to login remotely.
Thanks, I do have Stremio set up on my personal box, I’m not sure they can handle it, but I will take a second look.
Thanks! I do have it saved in my YT list, but have not watched that one yet. I will make a point of that, thanks again.
Really good advice, thanks! It is good to know I’m on the right track with Debrid Stream for VOD. I don’t think I realized I could slim Tivimate down so much, that would probably be really great for them.
I was thinking the same re: Kodi, it just looked to me like they would be scared off, LOL.