child-proofing the presets/settings

[wlai]

Hi:

I ordered a Squeezebox radio for my parents, who are not techno savvy at all. They enjoyed the radio and the streams from around the world, but it seems that they fumbling with the control always messes up the settings, particularly the preset stations. I then have to go fix it in person, which does require a road trip. I've tried many times in vain to teach them how to re-establish the preset, to no avail.

Is there a way to "lock down" the presets and settings (e.g. wifi, etc.), so that they can't really mess it up? I don't see such a "password" or "lock" setting within the radio menu last time I check.

It'd be a great addition, particularly since this is sold as a radio-like appliance, it should be pretty simple to setup and use and child proof, just like an analog radio!

Thanks.

[Goodsounds]

Sorry that I can't help you, but I wanted to say that I think your comment about analog radios is not valid.

Even simple analog or car radios with presets can get screwed up if someone uses the wrong button presses or sequences. If you've set it up for them and explained what to do and don't do, their difficulty may have little to do with a lack of tech savvy and more to do with simply not following instructions. If this is a recurring problem, it may be right to conclude that the radio is too difficult for them to use.

I don't know if this highlights a product shortcoming. I'd guess that people like many of our parents are not part of the target market, and for good reason.

[Mnyb]

Most car radios work the same way hold a "number" button for a long time and you store the preset.

Copy the server.prefs file it holds the presets .

Maybe you can remotely copy back the old one if they get in trouble ?

Hmm are they using mysb.com exclusively it's known to drop the presets for some people

If they change between mysb.com and local sbs I can imagine mysb.com integration mess it up or more common user error when you have different sets of presets on each server.

[NikolajC]

I have the same problem with my parents. For now the hold to set time for the presets could just be extended a bit.

Sent from my HTC Desire using Tapatalk

[bigbossman]

Hmmm, interesting isn't it? My parents are in their mid-late '70's and I had wondered how they would fare with something like a Squeezebox Duet.
One glance at the blinking display on their VCR however, and it's a foregone conclusion.

It's just not a suitable product for the vast, vast majority of elderly people.


They would have a nice new pretty blue light though...

[peterw]

Is there a way to "lock down" the presets and settings (e.g. wifi, etc.), so that they can't really mess it up? I don't see such a "password" or "lock" setting within the radio menu last time I check.

Good idea for a patch. If you're using Squeezebox Server, you may be able to use KidsPlay to solve your problem, as it intercepts both playing and setting preset buttons.

[Tom Wadzinski]

Hi:

Is there a way to "lock down" the presets and settings (e.g. wifi, etc.), so that they can't really mess it up? I don't see such a "password" or "lock" setting within the radio menu last time I check.

This can be done using the shortcuts feature. Key operations such as preset long hold can be disabled. Go under Settings->Advanced->Beta->Shortcuts
Then select "Preset Key Hold #" and select "disabled"
Of course, first you'll want to set the preset.