2011-01-20, 08:54
jmarshall Wrote:It would be good to point out what XBMC is intended for - i.e. it's intended to completely replace your normal "computer" interface (windows, linux, osx, bsd, foo, doesn't matter) with it's own dedicated to your media. Thus, using a remote control is really the primary point of interaction rather than a keyboard. I'd certainly discourage mouse use (though Confluence works fine with the mouse) and instead indicate that a remote control is best.
Sounds like something that I could put in the "Prologue"...
About the "SELECT" function. I've even accidentally written "SELECT" a few times instead of "ENTER". I changed it back to "ENTER" because I think that most users will initially try XBMC on their regular pc's without a remote...
If XBMC really is going to be shipped on settop boxes with a remote, the manual shouldn't contain keyboard command but "remote" commands indeed. It's not too much work to replace those words with a simple "search and replace" option. Might even be an idea to make a manual for use with a remote, so users can download the beginners manual for windows (keyboard version) or windows (remote version) or Windows Live, or advanced, or whatever?
Nah... as I am writing this I think it's actually not a good idea to make more manuals. There's so much info on the forum already. If we make the manuals complex now too then we're back where we started....
I think "SELECT" will do. We can explain in the prologue that the functions used refer to a remote control, or we can add a foldout image of a keyboard with the functions written on it?
I can also include footnotes. If I use the term "CONTEXT MENU" for the first time i can place a small asterix behind it, referring to a footnote explaining that the "CONTEXT MENU" can be access by pressing the M on the keyboard?
Mr Marshall... Maybe you could do the honors to write a prologue? Write something about XBMC's origin, target audience and functionality?