Help make new default skin

Jeff · 2005-09-28, 05:53 PM

Oh, I didn't think about that. I assumed you just read the image once and cached it.

Jeff

Jeff · 2005-09-28, 06:01 PM

I just modifief the weather plug-in to return the current conditions image as the task image. The problem is that the task image is a fixed size, which varies by skin, and may not be the same proportions as the forecast image. For example, on the bluemce2 skin the task image ends up looking stretched. Is there an easy way for me to determine what propotions the skin is looking for and adjust the taskl image to match (or better still, could GBPVR itself not stretch the image to fit but scale it to do a best fit?).

Jeff

***sub*** · 2005-09-28, 06:05 PM

Its obviously not a widely use feature, so we've not really worked through those sorts of things. I dont know what the answer should be.

Quote:Is there an easy way for me to determine what propotions the skin is looking for and adjust the taskl image to match

There is no API for doing this. You'd have to parse the main menu skin.xml

Digiman · 2005-09-28, 08:41 PM

I've been reading this forum for a few days and the response from everyone is quite interesting. Without being disrespectful to others, I think TIPSTER is the only man for this job. His total commitment & sheer dedication to sub's program is outstanding and in my personal opinion, his 'skins' gives GB-PVR that 'commercial' feel which makes using the interface comfortable to use. - So Tipster, go for it man !!

reboot · 2005-09-28, 09:07 PM

I prefer a simpler approach. I don't want, nor need a ton of information on the main screen, just the buttons to get to what I want, when I want it.
The default blue is closest to what I like, except for a couple of others that I've customized.
I don't need task images, nor most of the other imaging posters, art, etc.
Other than the actual background in this shot (simply a WAF), here's the interface I use most.

haripj · 2005-09-28, 11:05 PM

Digiman Wrote:I've been reading this forum for a few days and the response from everyone is quite interesting. Without being disrespectful to others, I think TIPSTER is the only man for this job. His total commitment & sheer dedication to sub's program is outstanding and in my personal opinion, his 'skins' gives GB-PVR that 'commercial' feel which makes using the interface comfortable to use. - So Tipster, go for it man !!

I think sub will be the one to decide. Let others create their best "default" skin, that way we can ensure creative variety. Sub can pick and choose from the available options. If a skin is not selected to be the default by sub, it can still be available to others who can enjoy it.

reven · 2005-09-28, 11:57 PM

Jeff Wrote:I just modifief the weather plug-in to return the current conditions image as the task image. The problem is that the task image is a fixed size, which varies by skin, and may not be the same proportions as the forecast image. For example, on the bluemce2 skin the task image ends up looking stretched. Is there an easy way for me to determine what propotions the skin is looking for and adjust the taskl image to match (or better still, could GBPVR itself not stretch the image to fit but scale it to do a best fit?).

Jeff

theres a major problem here, some skins want and expect the task.png file, like PM3 we are using task image like a new background, it looks cool. if you return the current conditions, it screws it up, looks ugly.

so if you do this, make it an option to turn it off in the skin.

daphatty · 2005-09-29, 01:39 AM

Some of this discussion seems to have turned into a battle between MVP and non-MVP users. I think an important distinction needs to be made here. Specifically, GB-PVR's purpose needs to be clearly defined. Is it a PVR program that is supposed to be directly interfaced to a television? Or is it a backend meant to support the MVP as its primary interface? Correct me if I am wrong but I think it's the former.

Sub's request was that he wants to add some serious pizzaz to his program. I don't think the MVP is up to that task. We already have plenty of options that will suffice for the MVP. Heck, you can even run a separate skin for the darned thing! So let's continue to shoot for the stars with our ideas...

My 0.02 cents...

- Rob

reven · 2005-09-29, 03:54 AM

some key points my HCI leturer tries to drill into us:
- dont worry about tecnology side of things, just worry about the Human Computer Interface, worry about how it will be implemented later.
- Keep it simple, users hate having to do complex actions to perform a simple goal.
- if it doesnt have to be there, dont put it there.

so well first things are first, come up with nice simple design, worry about the mvp,xcard,350 etc later, dont let there limitations effect the design.

Fulir · 2005-09-29, 08:07 AM

Digiman Wrote:I've been reading this forum for a few days and the response from everyone is quite interesting. Without being disrespectful to others, I think TIPSTER is the only man for this job. His total commitment & sheer dedication to sub's program is outstanding and in my personal opinion, his 'skins' gives GB-PVR that 'commercial' feel which makes using the interface comfortable to use. - So Tipster, go for it man !!

Signed here, another vote for Tipstir Smile