Creating an MPE1 skin installer using the MediaPortal Extension Maker V2 (1 Viewer)

[Bleazle]

EDIT: Disregard this tutorial and check out the Wiki page here: Create A Skin Installer - Dadeo has added extra notes which make it easier to follow

Hi All

This tutorial is based on my experiences with the MPE1 Extension maker and is open to correction. It will probably be moved to the Wiki once it is "finalised". NOTE: Only post questions with regard to this tutorial here, do not post any bugreports in this thread (i.e. where the MPE1 Maker or Installer does something you don't expect), post them here: https://forum.team-mediaportal.com/skins-plugins-installer-mpei-212/extension-installer-v2-71542/

Some things to consider before making an MPE1 file:

1. Make sure your skin is ready to be released. It can get messy if you decide to change things and then create another MPE1 file (it doesn't always create a problem, but it can, especially if you are altering files which are part of an "option" screen in the install process).

2. Locate ALL of the files to be used in the MPE1 file in one directory, including the XXX.xmp2 file (which is the "project" file) - this helps keep things tidy. The programme "doesn't like it" if you move files, especially the xmp2 file. This includes any font files or plugin dlls that you want to include in the install.

3. If you are going to offer "options" during the install (eg. the choice of 2 BasicHome screens as we do in this tutorial) make sure that the the option that is listed 2nd (i.e. on the right hand side of the "radio button selection screen") was last saved after the option that is listed on the left hand side of the screen - this is VERY IMPORTANT.

Here is a link to the files I used to make this tutorial for anyone that wants to use them as part of the tutorial. RapidShare: 1-CLICK Web hosting - Easy Filehosting Note: These files won't give you a complete version of BleazleWide but you should end up with a skin called "TestSkin" with the fonts and plugins installed and the option of choosing between 2 basic home screens.

A picture says 1,000 words. I've left out the things that (I think) are obvious. Look at each screen because if I cover something in one screen I don't repeat it later - I assume that "you've got it", otherwise putting this together would have taken even longer than it already has!

1. Open the MediaPortal Extension Maker.

OK, let's go:

 

[Dadeo]

Hi Bleazle - Really nice job so far. Thanks!

One thing I noticed, on the Extensions screen, you don't say anything about the Update URL or Online Update options.

The only info I found is in the WIki page MPEMaker > Online Upate Support

When using MPEInstaller I notice some packages seem to be confused about updates, they appear twice, or not at all. That's not a criticism, we are all still learning the best way to use this great new tool.

 

[Bleazle]

Thanks for the link - I didn't know how to do that and asked about it a couple of times in the main MPE1 thread so that I could add the info here but got no reply

All of the above was guesswork on my part when I was working it out so it's there to be added to/improved on. I won't worry about pasting the update info though, the link you've provided should do the trick

 

[Dadeo]

Sorry Bleazle I missed that post.

I hope as we progress our plugn developers will also help improve that MpeMaker Wiki page as I see some plugins have done some very nice MPEI packages that work very well.

 

[Dadeo]

Well it's been over a year and there seem to be no additions or suggestions so I added your tutorial to the Wiki: Skins Installer page. I added a few more notes/explanations. I hope I got it all right

At least now anyone who wishes to add details, or some tips how to accomplish certain things using MPEMaker, can add them directly to the wiki page.

Thanks again for the great guide Bleazle!

 

[Bleazle]

Hi Dadeo

I had forgotten about this thread! I've just checked out the work you did on the Wiki - looks good, it's a lot better with the extra notes you've added. I have added a link to the Wiki at the top of my first post - I was going to delete all of the images too but I figured they weren't doing any harm, your Wiki page is much better though!

Bleazle

 

[Dadeo]

Hi Bleazle, yeah the only problem with the images is it takes forever for me to display the thread!

I have been slowlly trying to add more documentation about MPEI to the Wiki. Poor dukus tried to explain things to me but between the language barrier and the fact that I don't understand 'developer' I did not grasp much! Now Migue has been clarifying things for me - so I added a separate page about Online Updates. I think it is one area that developers still seem confused about - how to get your extension to update in MPEI and Extensions plugin. Where to store the download file or update.xml file, when to generate and publish, and the implications of each choice you make.

I am sure as we progress, I can improve the MPEI wiki pages some more! Thanks to dukus for this great achievement and to Migue for helping to keep up development, Special thanks to you Bleazle, because your work made documenting it so much easier!!!

The only thing I still want to add is more about the Additional Parameters for Package Icon, Online Icon, Screenshots, etc. I think many extensions don't add a online icon yet, and the Extensions plugin sure looks a lot better when they do!

So if you come up with any more tips, like screenshots resolution, storage location, etc, let me know, or feel free to update the Wiki page - it belongs to us all!



Dadeo