I'm looking for some help on how to set up a digital media solution for my sister, who is autistic. She's really into the old Sesame Street movies and we're currently stuck using VCRs, which aren't sustainable because they keep breaking down. We've managed to convert about 90 of her favorite videos into digital format with subtitles, but I need a way to make sure she can watch them without accidentally navigating away from the video. We've tried using a USB drive plugged into a smart TV, but she keeps hitting the 'back' or 'home' buttons, which takes her out of the video hub. Ideally, I want to find a setup where if she clicks those buttons, it just takes her back to a menu with her movies rather than the TV's home screen. I'm moderately tech-savvy and willing to explore options like Plex or Kodi, but I could really use some advice on the best way to do this effectively and sustainably for our family.
4 Answers
Streaming options like Amazon Prime or Hulu might also be useful. If you can find what she likes, they offer all seasons and some movies too. Just direct it to her iPad so she can enjoy watching!
You might also consider just placing the video app in a spot on the home screen where it's easy for her to find and show her the icon. It might make it easier for her to navigate without getting lost.
Check out VideoLooper! It can run on a Raspberry Pi (even the really basic model). It has a simple setup and you can configure a 4-button keyboard for controlling playback, such as last, pause, and next buttons. This could be a really user-friendly option.
I’d definitely recommend trying out Plex or Kodi on a streaming device like a Roku or Fire Stick. You can set these up in 'kiosk mode' so she only sees her media library and can't back out to the TV's main interface. This way, all her movies will be in one secure spot, and she can switch between them easily without getting lost.
Jellyfin is another good option to consider!
I used to have a FireTV with Kodi, but I found some extra steps to remap the home button. Now, I use a dedicated Kodi box like the Vero 4K, which is super simple and runs only Kodi without any other distractions.