I am looking for a solution to a problem. I am setting up an ota antenna at my moms house. I found a some devices to convert the signal and stream over wifi so i don't have to run a wire downstairs.(hdhomerun/simpletv/tablo)
The problem is she is unteachable and cant figure out the simplest problems. example she never uses the guide on our current dish. and if the tv switches input she will never be able to figure it out.
I'm looking for a roku/fire tv like solution simple as possible. preferably where we need only one remote.(ether the remote can turn on off/ change tv volume or it can have a ir blaster to do this.) also something that I can set and forget no maintenance)
Is there a device that dose this, will I have to build a solution, or should i just run the cable.
Sounds like running the cable is the best option, just about anything else is going to require her to learn/be taught which sounds like a issue, I can relate to your problem and it's not all that uncommon, just about every other solution I can think of is going to require two remotes or a new universal remote which is probably just as confusing to her.
Roku would probably be your best bet. It is what I have giving my older family members and they normally can figure out after 5 minutes with them.
Really, the best solution I've found is a Windows 7 box running Microsoft Media Center (since Windows 8.x makes you pay for it). You can add whatever kind of network connection you like (WiFi or direct Ethernet) and then use a TV tuner card (though you might still want some network connectivity to get TV program listings from the internet). Set it all up under Windows which can boot directly into Media Center and it doesn't matter if someone actually turns the PC off or not since powering up will always go directly to Media Center. The best thing is if you have a computer that can actually go to sleep (which, these days, is really just a power setting in Windows), the PC will appear to power down (no HDD activity, monitor off, etc.) but will be able to power up in order to DVR those 3AM shows you can't stay up and watch.
Yes, setting this all up can be a PITA (though mostly with regard to having two or more tuner cards/devices) but once it's up it's nearly fool proof. And best of all, with a compliant "WMC" remote control it' can all be controlled from just one remote! After all, it's a computer (though I would suggest USB powered speakers).
And just to be fair, yes you can do it with Linux and something like MythTV and perhaps even a front end like Kodi (formerly XBMC) too. Though to get the same results you will almost certainly go bald pulling your hair out since the Linux world just loves making things a lot more complicated -- and MythTV (which is pretty much the only option that allows "DVR-ing") is no exception.
Yes, get a Roku. If your mom cannot figure out the Roku interface, then there's no hope with pretty much any other device as it is basically a completely stripped down apps page. However, if there's certain content that she watches on cable that is not available through a Roku app, then you are out of luck.