Video Device Software/Readability

[flebber]

A really off topic question, but since there is such a wide range of people here I was hoping someone might know.

Is it possible to be able to create simple user interfaces for dvd players, vcr's etc and load them to be used in place of the standard shipped software.

I was thinking about a few older people I know who are bedazzled and confused by symbols and unclear instructions when using TV's etc and thought if it wasn't too out of the ball park they would like an easier instruction on what they need to do to get their desired result.

By possible I mean able to be done in a plausible time-frame not months and years.

[kypec]

If it was possible then I bet that whole internet would be flooded with modded versions of UI for any device you might think of.
Short answer = no, it's not possible to alter firmware (embedded software in hardware devices) without knowing every HW details of given device and having access to developer tools used for specific chips etc.

[flebber]

That's a shame really, over the last couple of weeks have had to help out a few people(not a business or anything just felt like helping) with TV's setups/DVD players etc and explain to them how to use them.

It makes little to no sense to them and it's hardly surprising why when you look at it from there angle. You know press this button and then a strange symbol pops up, then press right over to the thing that looks like I don't know what etc.

Any-way's looks like the old ducks will have to suffer until pc Skinning technology is available on LED's and associated devices.

[pirej]

Actually you CAN change/modify the firmware, at least on a standalone dvd player...
I have an old dvd player (philips lx 3900), and while searching for a newer firmware i found some modded versions of the original factory firmware, and it was modded using some free "software" that's far from "original developer tool".
So.. i downloaded one modded version (http://videopeli.szm.com/subory/elektronika/fw11en.htm) and i have changed some extra fonts that i needed, using one of those modding tools(without any previous knowledge of such things) in about 30 minutes.
I burnt the firmware on a blank CD, inserted it in the player, and it automatically started "upgrading"...
In meter of 5 minutes i have new interface, new and old-improved options and functions, plus the font i wanted.
So.. it doable.

[setarip_old]

@pirej

Hi!Actually you CAN change/modify the firmware, at least on a standalone dvd player...You've made a universal statement regarding standalone players - and it is incorrect.

Certainly there are SOME standalone DVD players for which the firmware can (and has been successfully) modified. On the other hand, there are some (like some models by our good friends at SONY) that can only have firmware modified in conjunction with a hardware modification.

Getting back to the original question posted by "flebber" - Several years ago, there was a flurry of advertising for a "truly universal" remote that would "replace all of your individual remotes". Unfortunately, in addition to a price in excess of $100US, setup and usage proved to be far from user friendly - just the opposite of what "flebber" is contemplating...

[pirej]

:) First of all.. I've never tried to change/modify any other dvd-player's firmware besides for the one that i own.
I have succeeded to do it my self, after just 1/2 hour searching on Google... what else should/could i say about "is it possible.." ??
And, if SOME of the dvd-player's firmware CAN be modified, and SOME of them CAN'T... then your statement about my statement is incorrect :)
Anyway... some web searching for the specific dvd player is welcomed.. isn't it?
I've found this link (http://personal.inet.fi/cool/mediatek/programs/index.html) on my HDD, its for some tools needed for modifying the(mine) firmware.
I have some other tools, but i don't have direct link for them.
Maybe there could be some info on this (http://board.softpedia.com/lofiversion/index.php/f24.html) webpage.
Good luck flebber.

[flebber]

:) First of all.. I've never tried to change/modify any other dvd-player's firmware besides for the one that i own.
I have succeeded to do it my self, after just 1/2 hour searching on Google... what else should/could i say about "is it possible.." ??
And, if SOME of the dvd-player's firmware CAN be modified, and SOME of them CAN'T... then your statement about my statement is incorrect :)
Anyway... some web searching for the specific dvd player is welcomed.. isn't it?
I've found this link (http://personal.inet.fi/cool/mediatek/programs/index.html) on my HDD, its for some tools needed for modifying the(mine) firmware.
I have some other tools, but i don't have direct link for them.
Maybe there could be some info on this (http://board.softpedia.com/lofiversion/index.php/f24.html) webpage.
Good luck flebber.

Definitely worth a look thanks, it may help a few people I know :)

[kypec]

Not that I want to spoil your expectations about modded DVD player firmwares (I use one myself in Pioneer DV2850) but those modifications in general add to complexity of UI and enhance some features.
They were designed for quite opposite effect -> make the UI more advanced and enable various features (originally hidden in factory firmware) for expert users.
If a grandma is not able to control simple built-in UI already there is only slim chance she would be able to control the same device via more menus and more complex key combinations on her remote.

[flebber]

Its tricky isn't it. All the the family and kids give gran a dvd player and a digital set top box, you know because she needs it(actually became law in Australia).

Gran wants to change from Foxtel(Pay TV) accidentally hits a button and it changes to the DVD channel and then she gets lost like all hell broke loose, and all the poor duck was doing was trying to was catch an episode of antiques roadshow :).

[Ghitulescu]

The easiest thing would be to call an expert to do all the settings and stuff, "set and forget".

I think some TVs and even very few players have a so called "hotel mode" (no access to settings, only V+/V-, P+/P-, ON/OFF etc.).