Community Skin new theme beta!!

[Fatman_do]

I plan on publishing this as the default later today. Hairy provided me a skin task image and some additional tweaks. I just need to test some issues with Xrecord on my main HTPC before release. The logo and frame around buttons are a background mask and can be replaced via the SkinPlugin.

Cheers

[Hairy]

Cheers kaizen

I can't stress enough the fact that this is the first time I've done anything like this and any and all feedback is greatly appreciated. I'm learning as I go, ask fatman_do he was getting a different set of graphics every other day .

I wonder how it will look when you add the menu highlighting which won't be in the same perspective plane.

I thought about this too, but I got comments suggesting that the framing seemed too sparse, something I felt myself. So I wanted to include a panel to fill the space and add to the sense of depth. The trick with the community skin is that although it definitely makes some things easier, some of the formatting can be tricky and this is where fatman_do has been great (very patient). Pointing out that you have got to cater for everyone, large text, long text, different languages (that one never even occurred to me). So some elements might have to be larger than I'd ideally like.

Might be nice to have the option to use it or the original via the Skin Helper. Also, I would like to be able to turn off the GBPVR logo

As far as I know all the other background masks will be available including the transparent one, so you'll be able to remove it altogether (edit: fatman_do bet me to it). I also submitted several different backgrounds so people could choose the one they prefer. Thats one of the hardest parts for me really, just because I like the look of something doesn't mean other people will. For example I was very careful to make the BlueMen task images a direct drop in, so if people liked the background but weren't too keen on the task images they can simple select the BlueMen and all the formatting should look right.

Two things; we need a task image for the Skin Plugin (although with this skin I may never use the thing <G>). Also, is there any way I can get a hold of the template for your task images?

Yep I knocked up a task image for the skin plugin, serious oversight :o. You're more than welcome to the photoshop file for the task images and if I can help in anyway let me know, I'd love to whip up a more collaborative effort type of thing with those graphically minded on here . I'll be honest trying to come up with the task images was the hardest part, what the hell kind of an icon do you use for "internet media" for christ sake

Thanks again kaizen for the feedback I really appreciate it, and if you can think of any suggestions or improvments let me know.

[Fatman_do]

The trick with the community skin is that although it definitely makes some things easier, some of the formatting can be tricky and this is where fatman_do has been great (very patient). Pointing out that you have got to cater for everyone, large text, long text, different languages (that one never even occurred to me). So some elements might have to be larger than I'd ideally like.

Yeah, that has been the developer's of this skin's goal. Designed from "step one" to be the most flexible platform for a skin.

It may not look as good as a ground-up design, but a new "skinnner" doesn't have to download every plugin and recode everything due to the universal nature of its construction.:eek:

This skin's strength is that if you are a "graphics" guy (or gal), you can make a whole new look just by replacing images, without the hassle of editing xml files for dozens of plugins you don't use.

The entire CommunitySkin users group appreciates input and effort into this skin from all users out there.

I don't want to sound like I am stroking you too much Hairy :p, but well done!
The effort with the task images being proportional to the Blue men were above and beyond anything that was expected.

If anyone is interested....I uploaded a newer version (re-click link in first post) so I can transfer it to my HTPC. This may be the official release if Xrecord looks ok on what little I can test. (also Sudoku and Solitaire are updated).

[Fatman_do]

Hairy, I posted this on the wiki as a new skin update. I checked out the files from the last email and they are in there. If I missed something, just send me corrections and I'll fix the installer.

[Hairy]

I think It's only missing the newer background.

e-mail sent

Cheers fatman_do

[Fatman_do]

Ok, tomorrow (for me) I'll try to get an update posted. Will also add screenshots to wiki page. Waiting for one of the skinplugin mirrors to upload so I can post link on wiki and call it a night.

[Fatman_do]

Updated with new background.

[McBainUK]

Hey this looks good. Will have to check with the 'G' (as in GAF) but may keep it as my new theme!

Reckon it's the biggest thing that has happened to the Community Skin since PVRX2 and v3.

[pcostanza]

I love the skin but I'm still having some problems like I did with the earlier versions. When viewing Xrecord/Videos, the rectangular boxes are infringing upon the videos below them and in Reoccurring, you can see the text is still overlapping. I may be able to use the Skin menu to tweak the text but I wondered if this is just a problem for me or for others as well.
Great work and thanks for getting it out quickly.

[Trips]

Tried it out and really like the look. Changing the layout using the newest skinplugin worked well. I do have some corrupt text on the program description of the osd however. Looks similar to pcostanza's xrecord screenshot.