What Button Changes the Channel?
Ring ring.
Ring ring.
Ring ring.
“Hello”
“Hello, is that Alan?”
“Yes it is! Hi Grandad. How are you?”
“Oh we’re ever so pleased. We got our new television today. The men from the shop set it all up for us. Really, helpful.”
“Oh good. So you’re happy with it.”
“Yes. It’s a wonderful picture. And we got one of those new CD recorders with it.”
“Great!”
“I was wondering if you could come round and explain how to work it. Me and your nan have a bit of trouble grasping all this new technology at our age.”
No Granddad, it’s not your age.
I’ve just spent the entire afternoon round their house trying to figure this thing out.
To be fair, they want to do complicated things. You know, things like recording their favourite shows and changing the channel.
Yep, it took me about half an hour to figure out how to change the channel. Televisions have beautiful picture quality these days, even without high definition. But what’s the point when it’s so difficult to use?
Right now there are gaping holes in the market for products that are simple to use. Not just for Granddad, but for everyone that would prefer not to spend their vacation time reading instruction manuals.
The only hope I can see on the horizon is, yet again, Apple. The Apple TV is not yet good enough to replace my Grandparent’s complete setup, but I believe it will be in good time.
It would just be nice if someone beat them to it. They need some proper competition.
Maybe Sony are working on something in secret?
Ha, ha, ha, ha
I crack myself up sometimes.
August 8th, 2007 at 15:24 UTC
[...] What Button Changes the Channel? [...]
August 8th, 2007 at 17:24 UTC
[...] Blogger Alan Pritt tells of helping his grandparents install a new TV in their house and how complicated it is: Right now there are gaping holes in the market for products that are simple to use. Not just for Granddad, but for everyone that would prefer not to spend their vacation time reading instruction manuals. [...]