Reflections on user experience: Remote control usability: Comcast vs. Logitech Harmony
I just had to respond with a comment since this is a real hot-button for me these days (i.e. Comcast's DVR un-usability...):
Saying that the Comcast remote and its accompanying DVR system is "Bad" or "isn't that good" is being kind.
I have never seen a bigger pile of steaming crap usability-wise in my life (save for the Bobrick B-2888 Toilet Tissue Dispenser). The Comcast DVR software is pathetically unresponsive (and it's not just unresponsive for OnDemand programs, despite what the service tech tried to tell me...). The Comcast system actually makes my wife visibly angry to even have to touch the remote and use their horrible product.
Unfortunately, I would have to now fork over a significant amount of cash to purchase a TiVo that will do digita & HD, which unfortunately I don't have at the moment... But if I had the cash in hand, I would go buy one in a second and not think twice to drop-kick the Comcast DVR unit and the controller. We have actually kept our analog TiVo in the other room, and guess what? it gets more use because of the pain the Comcast system causes.
Shame on comcast for even thinking of putting out such a lame product. Comcast desperately needs to read "The Essentials of Interaction Design" and totally rearchitect its hardware and software approach.
No wonder they tried to acquire TiVo. Oh yeah... and failed. LOL.
