2009-09-10, 04:38
I am hoping to contribute to xbmc with a new skin. There are many gui's that have inspired this project. The most prominent influence on this project is the wii gui. I AM NOT ATTEMPTING TO DUPLICATE THE WII GUI; I am mearly looking to take some elements of that gui and incorperate them into an xbmc skin. I would also like to say that many of the already existing and current skins have clearly influenced this project. Finally I would like to state that these images are just mockup images and by no means final. (for example there are a few elements that are very close reproductions of other works that i am seeking permission to use). I was originally going to code the entire skin before posting in the forum, but have decided to share in my experience creating this skin. The main reason is that I have greatly enjoyed watching other skins develop in this very forum. I will now address some key issues that will undoubtedly be raised.
1080p vs 720p - This project will first focus on 1080p. There are several reasons. First, it is easier to develop high resolution textures and downsize them than increase resolution. Second, 720p consists of several different resolutions, while 1080p is always 1920x1080 (at least thats my understanding). Third, most tvs being manufactured now are native 1080. Lastly, i dropped what is a good amount of cash to me on a 50" Kuro 5020 and dont want to waste any pixels. I am not ruling out a 720 version down the road.
Fanart - This skin will not include any background fanart. Why? Personal preference: I think it clutters the display. I understand that i am in the very small minority on this issue. It will include fanart used in a similar way to thumbs. Finally, i am sure a modder will quickly add fanart upon the projects completion if the skin turns out to be even slightly popular.
Views - One main focus of this skin will be ease of use. A main element of this will be the lack of views. Each piece of media will have only one view - an info list. Each info list however will have many (as many as 10) possible info/art layouts. Again, if the skin is moderately popular, I am guessing modders will add art-based views rather quickly.
Themes - I am considering spending time offering more than the marine blue color that the skin currently features. Please let me know if you think more colors are worth my time.
Lastly, I am looking to include new features such as recently added on the home screen and the new database items for media specs.
Please keep in mind that these mock ups are mostly giving an idea of the direction the project is headed. The final project may look nothing like these (though i like these a lot). There will be more details - for example i am going to include a page up/page down and page x of x. I am trying to keep the skin as openly laid-out as possible.
Please feel free to leave comments as to any features you would like to see included (fanart, 720p, and art-based navigation withstanding). Also, let me know if you think these look terrible - id hate to create a project that only i enjoy. Thanks to everyone who has in anyway contributed to the xbmc project and inspired me to contribute. I will update this topic periodically as the project progresses. There is a VERY SOFT target (beta) release date of 1/1/2010.
1080p vs 720p - This project will first focus on 1080p. There are several reasons. First, it is easier to develop high resolution textures and downsize them than increase resolution. Second, 720p consists of several different resolutions, while 1080p is always 1920x1080 (at least thats my understanding). Third, most tvs being manufactured now are native 1080. Lastly, i dropped what is a good amount of cash to me on a 50" Kuro 5020 and dont want to waste any pixels. I am not ruling out a 720 version down the road.
Fanart - This skin will not include any background fanart. Why? Personal preference: I think it clutters the display. I understand that i am in the very small minority on this issue. It will include fanart used in a similar way to thumbs. Finally, i am sure a modder will quickly add fanart upon the projects completion if the skin turns out to be even slightly popular.
Views - One main focus of this skin will be ease of use. A main element of this will be the lack of views. Each piece of media will have only one view - an info list. Each info list however will have many (as many as 10) possible info/art layouts. Again, if the skin is moderately popular, I am guessing modders will add art-based views rather quickly.
Themes - I am considering spending time offering more than the marine blue color that the skin currently features. Please let me know if you think more colors are worth my time.
Lastly, I am looking to include new features such as recently added on the home screen and the new database items for media specs.
Please keep in mind that these mock ups are mostly giving an idea of the direction the project is headed. The final project may look nothing like these (though i like these a lot). There will be more details - for example i am going to include a page up/page down and page x of x. I am trying to keep the skin as openly laid-out as possible.
Please feel free to leave comments as to any features you would like to see included (fanart, 720p, and art-based navigation withstanding). Also, let me know if you think these look terrible - id hate to create a project that only i enjoy. Thanks to everyone who has in anyway contributed to the xbmc project and inspired me to contribute. I will update this topic periodically as the project progresses. There is a VERY SOFT target (beta) release date of 1/1/2010.
