BlueBasic skin update.

[reboot]

Now supports the XSearch (FindFast) plugin.
Now includes visualizations on the Music Library screen as well as the main menu.
Other changes include 100% foreground transparency, and a better selected button.
As always, feedback welcome.
Download from http://members.shaw.ca/dvdeo/

[nightwalker]

This one is a pretty slick looking skin, the orbs are different from the rest of the task images and i like it. I get tired of seeing that little guy in the dress on everything and these are new and have a fresh feel. Doesn't look to bad on the MVP either, depending on the size and resolution.

[reboot]

That's what I need to hear. What is the best (in your opinion) size and res for the MVP? Is that a good thing? How can it be improved for viewing on YOUR tv (everyone/anyone's TV)? How can it be improved for viewing on the MVP?
I tried to compensate for overscan. I know that one TV I have is terrible, so things are maybe more compact (except the FindFast screen, which is a bitch to skin anyhow)

[nightwalker]

That's what I need to hear. What is the best (in your opinion) size and res for the MVP? Is that a good thing? How can it be improved for viewing on YOUR tv (everyone/anyone's TV)? How can it be improved for viewing on the MVP?
I tried to compensate for overscan. I know that one TV I have is terrible, so things are maybe more compact (except the FindFast screen, which is a bitch to skin anyhow)

From the starting point that i only use GBpvr thru the MVP. Overscan isn't really something I deal with since I'm not sending the signal thru a video card and out to a TV.
I'm using a 720x480 screen, more or less standard for regular TV's. I set my MVP's in the config xml file to
<MVPWidth>600</MVPWidth>
<MVPHeight>420</MVPHeight>
<MVPOffsetX>42</MVPOffsetX>
<MVPOffsetY>42</MVPOffsetY>
others of course may find different settings work best for them. I find these give me the best performance over a wide variety of TV sizes, sort of an average best

So far out of all the skins available the Fat Blue Hi Vis skin is the easiest to use on the MVP, out of the box so to speak. The fonts are large, it uses the dark background so colors and text are easier to read. I've modified it over time for my personal use to be even a bit larger than it was. I've done a few skins on my own that have worked out but since i only use a limited number of plugins they don't do much good to anyone else.

Mostly what makes a good skin for the MVP, in my opinion of course is.

Large Fonts
Contrasts in dark and light.
Very bright colors generally do not display well, Red's and yellows for example.
Simple - If it doesn't have a purpose i don't put it there.
Use the screen to advantage. While open space may be nice on the PC, on the MVP it takes up space for larger fonts or useful panel information.

Again these are only my preferences based on the equipment i use and keeping it simple enough that my wife can operate it. For example in My Pictures the only buttons show on the MVP are Slideshow and Main Menu. I use programmable remotes and the colored buttons are not available to her either. Often times guests over will also use the system for selection music, allowing them to move or delete is a big no no. so again i limit what can be done with a remote on the MVP.

I hope this is helpful and I've been clear, if not let me know and I'll try again

[reboot]

Exceptionally clear, thankyou