If your brother wants something simple and that works then a box running spark would be good. Something like the amiko alien triple tuner or San triple tuner. They come with spark loaded and its easy no need to configure stuff to much. It just works basically and you always have the option of loading enigma onto it. It also has crossEPG( I don't use spark anymore but I used to have it) which he would probably need for making timers.
They aren't expensive either.