Help make new default skin

[Kevl]

Yes I think you are right. I looked at Xlobby some time ago. It is not a GBPVR substitute it seems to me it is more of a menu system for making front ends and running seperate apps under 1 customisable menu system.

The reason I was thinking of having a play with it is that I would learn about the art of skinning etc.

My most successful HTPC app was myHTPC. I nearly got it doing everything I wanted. The only problem I had was that I wanted to get the TV guide integrated. I tried using Digiguide inside it but it was too clunky.

I may yet try and learn the GBPVR skinning art but having looked inside a few skin.xml files it looks quite complicated - hence the question about putting button control inside the GBPVR app - like myHTPC


Kev

[Torque]

I've been using a skin I designed quite a while back, since I've made a few changes to how it looks, I'll try to get a recent screenshot uploaded tonite... but in the mean time, please see my request to aid skin design posted in the Plug-in and Skin support section:

http://forums.nextpvr.com/showthread.php...#post61584

[beauzeau]

... that will give a better first impression

I still remember my first impression (way back when). I saw the screenshots on http://www.gbpvr.com (included in the ones that are there now) and thought: Wow! The one that stuck in my mind was the TV screenshot with the OSD. The current ODS with it's newer features, like the progress bar with the commercials blacked-out, would look even better. To me it's really a question of making the rest of the skin match up with the OSD.

Also, regarding the MVP, support for it is something that makes GBPVR unique over all the other PVRs. So giving it equal consideration in any new skinning exercise is important. It may simply be a question paying close attention to the actual production (as opposed to the design or layout) of the skin graphics. Mostly how the anti-aliasing is implemented, because that's what can make a good design on the PC look horrible on the MVP.

[Old Dog]

The four colored remote buttons on the remote control should always be mapped to the first four buttons of the current display, excluding Back, Return, and Main Menu.

Any one disagree?

[bluesxman]

The four colored remote buttons on the remote control should always be mapped to the first four buttons of the current display, excluding Back, Return, and Main Menu.

Any one disagree?

Yes, I do. That way you've wiped out the use of those buttons for something that you can already do by navigating and and pressing OK/Select.

[sub]

Yeah, I also disagree.

A color doesnt naturally imply a specific function. Also, lots of remotes dont have these coloured buttons.

[Old Dog]

Yes, I do. That way you've wiped out the use of those buttons for something that you can already do by navigating and and pressing OK/Select.

Perhaps those other functions should have buttons on the screen?

A color doesnt naturally imply a specific function. Also, lots of remotes dont have these coloured buttons.

I described them that way so that most would recognize what I was reffering to. I agree, color isn't important. What is important is that there may be some undedicated, unlabeled buttons on the remote, that should be mapped in a usable, consistent manner.

As is, most probably aren't aware what these buttons do on all the numerous GBPVR screens.

Myself, I never use them, my memory isn't that good.

Besides, this thread was getting stale.

[bluesxman]

Perhaps those other functions should have buttons on the screen?

Maybe, but you may end up with alot of buttons cluttering up the screen.

What is important is that there may be some undedicated, unlabeled buttons on the remote, that should be mapped in a usable, consistent manner.

But if the buttons themselves aren't consistent, how can the function of them be?

As is, most probably aren't aware what these buttons do on all the numerous GBPVR screens.

Perhaps the argument then is to have the function of the colour buttons displayed on screen? Some plugins do this and I think it's a good idea.

Besides, this thread was getting stale.

[Pioneer4x4]

But if the buttons themselves aren't consistent, how can the function of them be?
Perhaps the argument then is to have the function of the colour buttons displayed on screen? Some plugins do this and I think it's a good idea.

I like how Jeff's VA plugin uses the Blue/Green, and shows the dots at the bottom and explains the use. I frequently use that. Open Video, hit blue then green, I see each pending show grouped by name. I think all non-obvious commands should be shown on the screen. It would help with the WAF a lot.

[reven]

nah i disagree the button colours dont need to be shown, it just clutters the screen and they're fairly easy to learn (theres only 4 colours) and they are generally the similar actions for every plugin (well they should be) ie blue = onscreendisplay.

and besides you can customize them now.