Identification of a user for personalized media content presentation

One or more user characteristics are detected using a sensor in order to identify a user currently handling a remote control device 303. A media device setting is associated with the user currently handling the remote control device and the media device setting is implemented. The media device 301 may be a set-top box or smart television. The user characteristics may be a grip or hand placement of the user, or may comprise biometrics such as a fingerprint. The media device settings may include a personalised channel listing, a personalised recorded video listing, personalised media bookmarks and personalised content access. The sensor may be a biometric sensor, a hand placement or grip sensor or may comprise a camera. The sensor may be on the remote control or may be coupled to the media device.