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4. PC Butler
Today we'll be focusing specifically on the
TV portion of the UnitedHome product known as the "TV Butler".
The software was installed with the CD that Listman Technologies provided
me and is currently known as Butler UnitedHome version 3.0 The Butler
software can essentially be broken down into 2 sections - Music Jukebox
and Device automation.
4.1 Introductions
After you install the Butler software, you
are presented with a very simple user interface that only includes the
Jukebox button on the left hand side. You'll quickly realize that the
the interface is catered to those who have a 640 x 480 screen or slightly
larger display resolutions. That's important for HTPC users who don't
run their desktops at 1024 x 768. The text are displayed in large print
that make it ideal for the television set. The interface is not cluttered
at all - almost to the point of being sparse. It is definitely not geared
to the power user who wants to see a boat load of icons and options. The
vision here for this software is simplicity. It has to be easy enough
for the average home user to work with. The interface includes a set of
buttons on the left hand side that indicate what subject you wish to control
at this time. Upon clicking the left hand buttons, you will find different
options displayed on the right hand panel. This is essentially an icon
driven explorer style interface though it has some minor annoyances.
4.1 Modes of operations
The TV Butler software has two modes of operations.
The first mode is your normal user mode where you operate with the Jukebox
and the devices you have configured. The other mode is the Administration
mode which lets you as the user install various devices to the software.
The Administration mode is where things get a bit more complicated in
that you need to know the type of devices you will be controlling via
the UnitedHome software. All installation steps are handled via a Wizard
like interface.
4.2 Administration Mode
In administration mode, you are essentially
allowed to configure two main subjects - Devices and Tasks. There's an
option to install a Listman Kit which is essentially a combination of
devices that you can either express install or customize.
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Administration Mode
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