A dark skin - best compromise ...

[Chris64]

Hi folks,

get the attached file and put the content (after extraction) to the "Skins" folder.
The layout of the skin is done in english and tested with PVD 1.0.2.6 only.

I do not plan to work on further changes to it - it's a one time work to see what's
currently possible with PVD's skinning abilities. Comments are welcome though.

Have fun
Chris


A word to the developers:
---------------------------------

It took me some time to rewrite existing skins (movies and persons) for my personal
"Best Viewing Experience" of PVD. All skins supplied with the latest distribution are
not to my taste of "real eye candy".
Though I think PVD deserves just this (because it's the best multimedia DB I came
across so far), creating a dark skin is a PITA.

I will bug you now with my experiences of skinning PVD. I wished to create a dark
skin and will tell you, why it's so hard to get something useful in a simple way ...

1)   Link Check Combo Boxes:
   For a dark skin, a combo box background color of black or similar would
   allow light font colors (white on white is simply unreadable...) - such setting
   is missing!

   another solution might be to make the combo box colors (black on white) -
   independant of any color settings of the used font. Then we always get it
   ... black on white.

2)   The filmography (tree view) lacks any useful settings to handle (or overwrite)
   colors, sizes and font outlines. I guess this is related to the link property
   settings which only handle colors (but i.e. no font outlines like "bold" etc.)

3)   The handling of the "rating" controls is also missing valuable properties for
   overwriting it's defaults (from "fieldfont") like font size, outlines, color.

My best compromise (see my attached skins for movies and persons derived from
Zacca/Nostradamus) is having a fieldfont color setting of "7F7F7F" to make it
both visible (better guessable) on black and white (or light and dark) backgrounds.
The skins are IMHO "state of the art" of what's achievable with PVD as of v1.0.2.6,
and ... it's just too complex and insufficient!

One other issue that bugs me alot is with PVD itself:

   On importing a (video) file (or re-reading file information) PVD thinks it's best
   to add a JPG with similar or same file name in the same directory to the cover art.
   For me, it's a PITA (again ... uhhh..(-:) to remove these files one by one manually
   after importing any files - for I don't want to have them in my PVD DB (mostly
   screenshot thumbnails).

   SOLUTION: A switch in config to only import the relevant file and NOTHING else!


BTW, you may publish (or distribute) the attached skins with PVD if you like.
Perhaps someone might find it useful or even like it ;-)

Finally my kudos to the developers - PVD is (otherwise) just great!

[Ivek23]

Welcome, Chris64.

Excellent and nice work. Skin also work on version 0.9.9.21, I checked, it is best to 1280x800 and higher resolution.

Question:
Do you agree that the skin on available via the program's auto-update system?

[Chris64]

Of course! :-)

I attached preview files for all those who need some impression before downloading ...

[Ivek23]

Of course! :-

Thanks, Chris64. Now, skins on available via the program's auto-update system.

[Chris64]

Hi Ivek,

Though I swore not to touch the skins again, I made some minor changes and fixes :-)

... and I guess you'll have to update them now from the attachment, so TIA ... ;-)

Lots of fun
Chris


Changelog v1.0.2.6.101:
-------------------------------
movie skin:
- Buggy entry in "<linkcolor_memo>" [DDDDFFF->DDDDFF] fixed
- some cleanups

persons skin:
- column containing the photo is changed in width [160->190]
  (now the buttons menu is allowed to be seen WITH the DELETE button in edit mode ... hopefully)
- Buggy entry in "<linkcolor_memo>" [DDDDFFF->DDDDFF] fixed
- "Translated name" color changed [FFFFFF->DDDD00]
- "Alternative names" color changed [FFFFFF->DDDDDD]
- "Birthday" color changed [FFFFFF->00FF55]
- "Date of death" color changed [FFFFFF->FFD00BB]
- "<linkcolor_combo>" changed [FFFFFF->DDDDDD]


EDIT:
Ivek, FYI, I added my minor version (-v101) number to the XML files to make testing easier for me with different
versions in the PVD\Skins subdirectories. They should work without this extension, because the "skinname" has not,
and the "version" has changed in the XML files.

If you prefer some other (consistent) naming for the distribution, let me know ...

[Ivek23]

Hi Ivek,

Though I swore not to touch the skins again, I made some minor changes and fixes :-)

... and I guess you'll have to update them now from the attachment, so TIA ... ;-)

Lots of fun
Chris

No problem, Chris64, skin will be tested, then added available via auto-update program.

[Ivek23]

EDIT:
Ivek, FYI, I added my minor version (-v101) number to the XML files to make testing easier for me with different
versions in the PVD\Skins subdirectories. They should work without this extension, because the "skinname" has not,
and the "version" has changed in the XML files.

If you prefer some other (consistent) naming for the distribution, let me know ...

Such naming skins for testing should remain.

EDIT:
If you have any more ideas about changes in the skins, the changes are welcome.

[Chris64]

EDIT:
Ivek, FYI, I added my minor version (-v101) number to the XML files to make testing easier for me with different
versions in the PVD\Skins subdirectories. They should work without this extension, because the "skinname" has not,
and the "version" has changed in the XML files.

If you prefer some other (consistent) naming for the distribution, let me know ...

Such naming skins for testing should remain.

OK.

[Ivek23]

Such naming skins for testing should remain.

OK.

Thanks, I'll fix the name of the xml file. Then the correct name of the available via auto-update program.

[Ivek23]

I changed some colors in the skin, what do you say to these changes.

Changelog v1.0.2.6.102:
-------------------------------
movie skin:
- "<linkcolor_memo>" changed [DDDDFF->FFCC00]

persons skin:

- "Comments" color changed [FFFFFF->00FF55]
- "<linkcolor_memo>" changed [DDDDFF->FFCC00]

[Chris64]

I changed some colors in the skin, what do you say to these changes.

Changelog v1.0.2.6.102:
-------------------------------
movie skin:
- "<linkcolor_memo>" changed [DDDDFF->FFCC00]

persons skin:

- "Comments" color changed [FFFFFF->00FF55]
- "<linkcolor_memo>" changed [DDDDFF->FFCC00]

The download file contains zero bytes, so all i get is nothing at best ;-)

One request i have though is, if you make changes to an existing skin, give it a suffix of "b", "c" or "d" etc. - because
it will not collide with my numbering of versions - since v1.0.2.6.102 is already in development here :-(

But I'm eager to see your improvements! So just name it i.e. v1.0.2.6.101b and reup it here - then i might merge it
with my latest changes ...

Chris

[Ivek23]

The download file contains zero bytes, so all i get is nothing at best ;-)

Sorry, I've adjusted.

One request i have though is, if you make changes to an existing skin, give it a suffix of "b", "c" or "d" etc. - because
it will not collide with my numbering of versions - since v1.0.2.6.102 is already in development here :-(

But I'm eager to see your improvements! So just name it i.e. v1.0.2.6.101b and reup it here - then i might merge it
with my latest changes ...

Chris

Done. Applies for the names for my future added file.

[Chris64]

BTW, Ivek, a question to fields in the XML file:

To me it looks like that each field variable can only be used once in a skin.
Only the last instance becomes visible in a skin.  Is this correct (or really true)?

[Chris64]

Okay, ... and i swore, I know ...

Learning slowly what's possible and what not.

Thus I made a new version (v1.0.2.6.101) available to let you
see my efforts. Be warned though - the layout of the skin has
changed to a more technical view.

Ivek, I have not merged your changes because they are not to my taste.
Let me explain why: my philosophy behind this work is to have some
"eye catchers" for the most relevant information I like to "see" at a glance
(and I know this depends from person to person). So light colors attract my
eye - that's why i.e. the title and (talking about the new skin v1.0.2.6.102)
duration of a movie, or the aggregated stream information got light colors.
"Green" i.e. stands for "done, achieved..." and "red" shows something missing
or a warning.
Simply put - your suggestions were "to light" (concerning the color changes)
for me and otherwise would blast my intention of "less is more".

Your "quantum of solace" might be, that it's all a matter of taste
when it comes to the question "better or not ..."

Anyway, feel free to create your own descendants of the skin, because it's free
software (even if only a XML file) and sharing is fun. Perhaps change the
name to not get in conflict with me ;-)

That said, we now have a

Changelog from v1.0.2.6.101:
--------------------------------------
movie skin:
- Smaller Rating Box (width) [190->135]
- Smaller Seen Box (width) [190-116]
  => Both changes will allow for 1152x864+ screen resolution without
       any loss (full list width on Win XP) ... you might even get it
       working at 1024x768 with a smaller list view ... ;-) [untested]
- Seen/Wish changed [bold->normal]
- Color changes for video/audio display
- Duration/File Size/Resolution placed directly under Poster window now

WARNING:
- Overall the skin is emphasizing more on the technical aspects of
  your rip(s) from now on. So be warned before updating and make ...
  yeah, backups!

I will attach a preview to let you make your decision easier ...

[Ivek23]

BTW, Ivek, a question to fields in the XML file:

To me it looks like that each field variable can only be used once in a skin.
Only the last instance becomes visible in a skin.  Is this correct (or really true)?

Proper thinking, Chris64, yes, it is true, as has already been mentioned.

[Ivek23]

I changed some colors in the skin, what do you say to these changes.

I apologize because I'm asking for opinions without stating the reason why I made some changes in color.
The biggest reason is that I have major problems with your eyesight (I'm short-sighted with higher diopter), so it bothers me a dark background and very dark or very bright (faded) font on it, so I do not see and I can not read the information where it is very dark or very bright (faded) font. These changes, which I have done, allows me to be easier to read written information. It may be helpful to anyone who uses PVD and has similar problems, how to change and adapt to the skin.

By the way:
I use the skin with a light background for easier reading information. I like to help other users who create skins, so to solve problems that may arise in creating skins and the best possible appearance of the skin.
And more to:
Skins are well made and have a nice appearance.

Okay, ... and i swore, I know ...

Learning slowly what's possible and what not..

Yes, it is true slowly but surely to arrive at a certain knowledge for the future.

Thus I made a new version (v1.0.2.6.101) available to let you
see my efforts. Be warned though - the layout of the skin has
changed to a more technical view.

Ivek, I have not merged your changes because they are not to my taste.
Let me explain why: my philosophy behind this work is to have some
"eye catchers" for the most relevant information I like to "see" at a glance
(and I know this depends from person to person). So light colors attract my
eye - that's why i.e. the title and (talking about the new skin v1.0.2.6.102)
duration of a movie, or the aggregated stream information got light colors.
"Green" i.e. stands for "done, achieved..." and "red" shows something missing
or a warning.
Simply put - your suggestions were "to light" (concerning the color changes)
for me and otherwise would blast my intention of "less is more".

Your "quantum of solace" might be, that it's all a matter of taste
when it comes to the question "better or not ..."

Anyway, feel free to create your own descendants of the skin, because it's free
software (even if only a XML file) and sharing is fun. Perhaps change the
name to not get in conflict with me ;-)

Yes, you are the creator of the skin, skins are and will remain yours. I will help
with ideas on how continue to improve the skin.

[Chris64]

I changed some colors in the skin, what do you say to these changes.

I apologize because I'm asking for opinions without stating the reason why I made some changes in color.
The biggest reason is that I have major problems with your eyesight (I'm short-sighted with higher diopter), so it bothers me a dark background and very dark or very bright (faded) font on it, so I do not see and I can not read the information where it is very dark or very bright (faded) font. These changes, which I have done, allows me to be easier to read written information. It may be helpful to anyone who uses PVD and has similar problems, how to change and adapt to the skin.

By the way:
I use the skin with a light background for easier reading information. I like to help other users who create skins, so to solve problems that may arise in creating skins and the best possible appearance of the skin.
And more to:
Skins are well made and have a nice appearance.

Thus I made a new version (v1.0.2.6.101) available to let you
see my efforts. Be warned though - the layout of the skin has
changed to a more technical view.

Ivek, I have not merged your changes because they are not to my taste.
Let me explain why: my philosophy behind this work is to have some
"eye catchers" for the most relevant information I like to "see" at a glance
(and I know this depends from person to person). So light colors attract my
eye - that's why i.e. the title and (talking about the new skin v1.0.2.6.102)
duration of a movie, or the aggregated stream information got light colors.
"Green" i.e. stands for "done, achieved..." and "red" shows something missing
or a warning.
Simply put - your suggestions were "to light" (concerning the color changes)
for me and otherwise would blast my intention of "less is more".

Your "quantum of solace" might be, that it's all a matter of taste
when it comes to the question "better or not ..."

Anyway, feel free to create your own descendants of the skin, because it's free
software (even if only a XML file) and sharing is fun. Perhaps change the
name to not get in conflict with me ;-)

Yes, you are the creator of the skin, skins are and will remain yours. I will help
with ideas on how continue to improve the skin.

First of all, Ivek, you mustn't apologize for anything said or proposed here!!!

After reading your answer I have to admit that I hadn't people in mind, that are
i.e. visually impaired in some way (I myself had an eye cataract op years ago
without using progressive-addition lens glasses since - instead two with differently
fixed dioptric).

May I propose, that you maintain a "compromise of a compromise" of the skin for
the future and even publish that one for further distribution (since i cannot foresee
where all the difficulties might lie for others - and perhaps you can apply a good
measure).
Please take my admission to make any necessary changes to reach for a broader
viewing audience!

All those who are interested in "my" original skin can download it from the forum
anyway.

Awaiting your answer ...

[Ivek23]

First of all, Ivek, you mustn't apologize for anything said or proposed here!!!

Why not here and where is it?

After reading your answer I have to admit that I hadn't people in mind, that are
i.e. visually impaired in some way (I myself had an eye cataract op years ago
without using progressive-addition lens glasses since - instead two with differently
fixed dioptric).

May I propose, that you maintain a "compromise of a compromise" of the skin for
the future and even publish that one for further distribution (since i cannot foresee
where all the difficulties might lie for others - and perhaps you can apply a good
measure).
Please take my admission to make any necessary changes to reach for a broader
viewing audience!

All those who are interested in "my" original skin can download it from the forum
anyway.

Awaiting your answer ...

I agree. Your skin for further distribution.
I have a program to upload skins in the download page.

Original movie skin v1.0.2.6.102 is available via auto-update program.

[Chris64]

First of all, Ivek, you mustn't apologize for anything said or proposed here!!!

Why not here and where is it?

I apologize because I'm asking for opinions without stating the reason why I made some changes in color.
...

I agree. Your skin for further distribution.
I have a program to upload skins in the download page.

Original movie skin v1.0.2.6.102 is available via auto-update program.

OK ;-)
...  and a big thanx for your work!!!

[Ivek23]

First of all, Ivek, you mustn't apologize for anything said or proposed here!!!

Why not here and where is it?

I apologize because I'm asking for opinions without stating the reason why I made some changes in color.
...

I agree. Your skin for further distribution.
I have a program to upload skins in the download page.

Original movie skin v1.0.2.6.102 is available via auto-update program.

OK ;-)
...  and a big thanx for your work!!!

Thank you very much, I will try to help further.