Normal
Here are my impressions from recently completing the Setup Wizard (0.2.1):I would prefer to have the Wizard run immediately after the installation finishes. This way, after the wizard has completed, the user can run the setup application if they need to, before MP launches, or choose to immediately start MP.Wizard in GeneralAll screens could do with a more detailed description in the white space at the top, clearly explaining for first-time users what this particular step is going to configure.[2/8] - General InformationThere are a lot of settings here. Perhaps put them under category titles/tabs? Some descriptions could be more 'descriptive' e.g. 'Start with basic home screen', 'Autosize window mode to skin' - someone installing MP for the first time will have no idea what this means, and under what circumstances they might want to change this.[3/8] - Skin SettingsFrom what I have read, the devs are aiming for one default skin for MediaPortal. So, at this screen, why not just ask "what aspect ratio is your display?" (4:3 or 16:9), and display the corresponding version of BlueTwo? There could also be a note letting users know that more skins can be obtained at xyz.com...[4/8] - MediaI don't like this step. It assumes that ALL media found on the PC is intended for viewing with MediaPortal. As a first-time user, I would prefer seeing these options:Select the folder(s) containing your moviesSelect the folder(s) containing your musicSelect the folder(s) containing your photosThe current scan system takes a long time, and indexes a lot of unwanted media.[5/8] - Television Program GuideAs I don't use the TV features at the moment, I won't go into detail here. However, this screen looks horribly complicated, particularly for a user who hasn't set up a HTPC before.[6/8] - Remote ControlThe 'use MS MCE remote' is ticked by default. Is this intended? Perhaps conditional options here would be easier for users to configure i.e. first, choose remote type (or no remote at all), then present them with a list of options for that remote type.[7/8] - WeatherThis screen is pretty straight forward[8/8] - CongratulationsPerhaps at this stage users could be again reminded that many more, detailed settings are available by running the MediaPortal Setup application.There is a lot of setup required to get a HTPC configured and working properly, so congratulations to the devs for getting things to this stage of 'user-friendliness' I look forward to further improvements in the installation/setup in the future.
Here are my impressions from recently completing the Setup Wizard (0.2.1):
I would prefer to have the Wizard run immediately after the installation finishes. This way, after the wizard has completed, the user can run the setup application if they need to, before MP launches, or choose to immediately start MP.
Wizard in General
All screens could do with a more detailed description in the white space at the top, clearly explaining for first-time users what this particular step is going to configure.
[2/8] - General Information
There are a lot of settings here. Perhaps put them under category titles/tabs? Some descriptions could be more 'descriptive' e.g. 'Start with basic home screen', 'Autosize window mode to skin' - someone installing MP for the first time will have no idea what this means, and under what circumstances they might want to change this.
[3/8] - Skin Settings
From what I have read, the devs are aiming for one default skin for MediaPortal. So, at this screen, why not just ask "what aspect ratio is your display?" (4:3 or 16:9), and display the corresponding version of BlueTwo? There could also be a note letting users know that more skins can be obtained at xyz.com...
[4/8] - Media
I don't like this step. It assumes that ALL media found on the PC is intended for viewing with MediaPortal. As a first-time user, I would prefer seeing these options:
Select the folder(s) containing your movies
Select the folder(s) containing your music
Select the folder(s) containing your photos
The current scan system takes a long time, and indexes a lot of unwanted media.
[5/8] - Television Program Guide
As I don't use the TV features at the moment, I won't go into detail here. However, this screen looks horribly complicated, particularly for a user who hasn't set up a HTPC before.
[6/8] - Remote Control
The 'use MS MCE remote' is ticked by default. Is this intended? Perhaps conditional options here would be easier for users to configure i.e. first, choose remote type (or no remote at all), then present them with a list of options for that remote type.
[7/8] - Weather
This screen is pretty straight forward
[8/8] - Congratulations
Perhaps at this stage users could be again reminded that many more, detailed settings are available by running the MediaPortal Setup application.
There is a lot of setup required to get a HTPC configured and working properly, so congratulations to the devs for getting things to this stage of 'user-friendliness' I look forward to further improvements in the installation/setup in the future.