mce 1280x720 (updated for MP 0.2.3 RC3) (2 Viewers)

[jawbroken]

Wow, that is looking amazing, Boilermaker. I have just been using MCE on my 16:9 TV, but I those screenshots have convinced me to switch over on your next release.

I don't know what took me so long, truthfully (probably because I had more pressing issues with hardware to worry about the aspect ratio of the skin).

Thanks.

 

[Psycho Reptile]

Quality improvements Boilermaker

 

[Boilermaker]

thanks guys. I've had to work all weekend so i haven't made a lot of progress, and probably won't during the early part of this week. If you want to take a look at what's been done so far, click here. No installer, just a zip file.

A couple of things to keep in mind when using this.

1. I still have work to do....
2. If a plugin isn't working, please check it in blue two before posting it as an error. Seems like about half the plugins do not work with the svn.
3. I had to cheat to get the music/video overlay to show in the bottom left corner of some information screens (example: album info). If you look at the same screen in blue two or previous versions of this skin, there is no overlay. The down side is that the time elapsed does not update if i allow it to display.
4. Speaking of the music/video overlay, i really don't like how i've done it so far, so it may change
5. If anybody sees a menu that looks like the old style mce, please let me know, along with what screen/how you got to the menu. I've skinned the ones i've found, but i usually miss one or two.

I updated the screenshots on the previous page so that they display in the thread. Hopefully that will generate some interest in the updates.

Thanks

 

[Psycho Reptile]

Just as a matter of interest Boilermaker I'm using a skin of my own based on your B2 16x9 (Nonafo Nonafo3 and the original HDeeTV skin from Meedio). I was wondering if you recommend creating/modifying svn compatible skins or the stable release ones? Reason I ask is I don't really want to have to redo everything for the 0.2.1.0 release.

I've just tried your updated MCE 16x9 and it looks good, a much more polished look. Keep up the good work.

 

[Boilermaker]

I would modify svn versions if you are looking for the least amount of work for a upcoming stable release. Especially this time around because so much has changed. A handful of files have been added on top of changes to most of the existing files.

The bluetwo widescreen skin the svn has been changed to 1366x768. I stopped working on the skin entirely once the change was made, and have no plans to continue with it. so if you would rather have the last 1280x720 i did, send me a pm. Its about two weeks old, but its a lot closer to what you will need for mp .2.1.0 than the stable release skin.

 

[Psycho Reptile]

Thanks for the advice Boilermaker. You said you won't be updating B2 1280x720 anymore as this is your skin of choice so I think I'll use these xmls as a starting point - hope you don't mind.

I've had a quick skim through the new version of MCE and nothing is glaringly obvious, functionality wise - good work.

Just noticed there seems to be a mismatch between background.png and backgroundx.png - the resolutions are different leaving a distinctive line around the overlay when viewing album info for example.

 

[Boilermaker]

'll use these xmls as a starting point - hope you don't mind

I don't mind at all if you use the xml. If you find a better way of doing something, let me know. good to have another set of eyes looking the code as well as the skin.

Just noticed there seems to be a mismatch between background.png and backgroundx.png - the resolutions are different

good eye...old background.png got copied back into the skin by mistake. I've corrected it on this end. I'm hoping to have the weekend to take another long look at the skin, i have a few more things i want to do, including doing something about the look of the music overlay. Other than you, there doesn't seem to be much interest, but i'll probably update the zip file on sunday anyway.

 

[Psycho Reptile]

I wouldn't worry about the lack of interest in the updated skin, many people look and download but don't post. I used to be one of them on this board. Anyhoo - I've found a few problems (read - uncertainties/queries) with a couple of xmls. I'm checking the skin on my laptop so I have to navigate with my keyboard (simulating a remote) and I've got lost on a few screens, having to press escape to get out. Anyway I'l let you have copies of the changes I make (with a few notes). Once I'm happy with the layout I'll probably change graphics because I have to say I'm not really a fan of the MCE look (Microsofts fault really)....
Keep up the good work.

Later

Darren

 

[Boilermaker]

Anyway I'l let you have copies of the changes I make (with a few notes).

that would be cool, post or send a pm, whatever you find easiest. I'm still swamped at work, so i won't be doing anything this week. I do all my navigating with a mouse when i get to use mp as just a user. When i skin i try to use the keyboard, but its really not often enough to catch everything.

I'll probably change graphics because I have to say I'm not really a fan of the MCE look (Microsofts fault really)....

no offense taken there, that's why i redid some of the menus. I do like the simplicity of the graphics. I'm not a big fan of bling in my skins. Mce has its advantages in that way, but it is still missing something.

 

[Psycho Reptile]

Hi Boilermaker, here are the changes I've made so far (a lot are for translation purposes as well). I've attached a zip including all the files and a change note. Have a look and let me know what you think? I'm going to start the Plugin xmls next.