BTV HOW TOs: is their a collection or forum of them?

[reedmikel]

I'm trying to figure out how to use BTV 4.7's built-in streaming server so I can watch any BTV recordings from a remote browser over the Internet.

While I am sure info about streaming is somewhere amongst the many forums/threads, it sure would be nice if there was a forum dedicated to HOW TO articles, describing in detail, how to use/configure BTV features. e.g. Explain to a newbie how BTV's streaming server works, how to configure it, recording file format considerations etc.

I imagine thousands of duplicate messages scattered in these forums could be consolidated into much more accessible information for all BTV users...

Just my 2 cents

Oh, and since I'm on a roll: Snapstream - have you ever thought of expanding your documentation that is built into the Web Admin pages? e.g. I go to Settings->Advanced Settings->Streaming Server. It would have been very helpful to have a hyperlink to: a) overall details as to what it does/how it works/how to configure. b) additional hyperlinks to even more technical details on configuring it... If this was done systemwide, users would be up and running so much sooner! But I know developers detest documentation, as it takes time

[nanook105]

Originally Posted by reedmikel

I'm trying to figure out how to use BTV 4.7's built-in streaming server so I can watch any BTV recordings from a remote browser over the Internet.

While I am sure info about streaming is somewhere amongst the many forums/threads, it sure would be nice if there was a forum dedicated to HOW TO articles, describing in detail, how to use/configure BTV features. e.g. Explain to a newbie how BTV's streaming server works, how to configure it, recording file format considerations etc.

I imagine thousands of duplicate messages scattered in these forums could be consolidated into much more accessible information for all BTV users...

Just my 2 cents

Oh, and since I'm on a roll: Snapstream - have you ever thought of expanding your documentation that is built into the Web Admin pages? e.g. I go to Settings->Advanced Settings->Streaming Server. It would have been very helpful to have a hyperlink to: a) overall details as to what it does/how it works/how to configure. b) additional hyperlinks to even more technical details on configuring it... If this was done systemwide, users would be up and running so much sooner! But I know developers detest documentation, as it takes time

While I agree that the documentation could be better, the knowlegebase has most of this documented:

http://snapstream.helpserve.com/inde...1&pcid=0&nav=0

[reedmikel]

The knowledgebase it a little late in the chain IMO. Users should have access to the information they need right in the product/software itself. Time is valuable, so users should not have to search for all this stuff. But I do appreciate the existence of a knowledgebase - don't get me wrong

That's another oddity with BTV - why aren't ALL the BTV settings accessible from the software? Seems odd that they give users access to all settings thru the web admin, but only a subset of these settings in the BTV executable. Although I guess technically you can get at all the settings by right-clicking BTV in the system tray and choosing Advanced

[Rich A]

Originally Posted by reedmikel

The knowledgebase it a little late in the chain IMO. Users should have access to the information they need right in the product/software itself. Time is valuable, so users should not have to search for all this stuff. But I do appreciate the existence of a knowledgebase - don't get me wrong

That's another oddity with BTV - why aren't ALL the BTV settings accessible from the software? Seems odd that they give users access to all settings thru the web admin, but only a subset of these settings in the BTV executable. Although I guess technically you can get at all the settings by right-clicking BTV in the system tray and choosing Advanced

I can only offer a point of view as to why settings features and such are split and some only accessable via the web admin. Again this is only my unsubstantiated point of view and not that of SS.

I personally like the way it is set up now. I use my BTV as a PVR, that replaced three of those set-top ReplayTV boxes. (like a TIVO) While operating the software as a pvr I really don't want screens that are too busy or have to drill down several levels to do certain things. Most of the stuff that is available in the Web Admin are fine tuning and setup things. By keeping them there (where they really aren't used often) the existing screens for the PVR remain fast, easy to navigate and not full of multi-tiered options.

Now having said that, I know there are some users who actually prefer to use the Web Admin., even over the normal program FSGUI. But I for one prefer to not have my "PVR on Steroids" screens become overly busy. Once things were set up and operational here, I very seldom go to the web admin. There is no KB or Mouse on my BTV box .. just a remote and the program runs 24/7 just like a TIVO. My wife (who is computer-challenged) has no problem navigating the BTV screens, but if she were given a bunch of other options and a busy GUI, I think she would prefer to return to programming a VCR. I long ago moth-balled the ReplayTVs.

So that's one point of view if it helps.

[reedmikel]

If they were to do a sloppy design job of adding access to all settings/menus in BTV executable, then I agree with you that it could quickly become cumbersome. But since BTV already has a SETTINGS option on the main menu, no additions would need to be made at the parent menu. Access to all the settings that are in WEb Admin could easily be added under the Settings menu. Could even be Settings->Advanced Settings to keep it isolated...

My HTPC has a trackball and keyboard, so it's easy for me to use it just like any other PC. But I can see your point if you only have a remote nearby...

This is certainly not a top priority enhancement request - just a wish... Instead I think SS needs to update its Beyond Media product, as they have not done anything to that for many years