jsmoovey
I'm trying to create advanced buttons that will "Glow" instead of having hard edges.
I'd Like to:
-set a button hot zone
-Show the down state of that button (But include a larger area outside the mouse click area)
Current Code: (Makes the play Button Blink on beat - But at least has the glow effect)
*****************
CUE BUTTON
*****************
<button action="cue_stop" chan="1" rightclick="auto">
<pos x="94" y="620"/>
<size width="56" height="56"/>
<down x="637" y="1464"/>
<selected x="637" y="1465"/>
</button>
*********************
PLAY / STUTTER BUTTON
*********************
<button action="play_stutter" chan="1" rightclick="auto">
<pos x="93" y="684"/>
<size width="56" height="56"/>
</button>
*********************
GLOW EFFECT - PLAY
<visual Chan="1" >
<size width="111" height="100"/>
<pos x="70" y="666"/>
<down x="70" y="2070" nb="1"/>
<clipmask x="1120" y="1978" width="111" height="192"/>
</visual>
Here's My work in progress:
I'd Like to:
-set a button hot zone
-Show the down state of that button (But include a larger area outside the mouse click area)
Current Code: (Makes the play Button Blink on beat - But at least has the glow effect)
*****************
CUE BUTTON
*****************
<button action="cue_stop" chan="1" rightclick="auto">
<pos x="94" y="620"/>
<size width="56" height="56"/>
<down x="637" y="1464"/>
<selected x="637" y="1465"/>
</button>
*********************
PLAY / STUTTER BUTTON
*********************
<button action="play_stutter" chan="1" rightclick="auto">
<pos x="93" y="684"/>
<size width="56" height="56"/>
</button>
*********************
GLOW EFFECT - PLAY
<visual Chan="1" >
<size width="111" height="100"/>
<pos x="70" y="666"/>
<down x="70" y="2070" nb="1"/>
<clipmask x="1120" y="1978" width="111" height="192"/>
</visual>
Here's My work in progress:
Posted Tue 24 Feb 09 @ 2:26 pm
jsmoovey
It's amazing that no one has the answer for something sooooo simple. I'm starting to wonder how much support the forums REALLY give.
I have to say I'm quite disappointed (Even if I am non-licensed). I was waiting for a club ready version (that fully worked with hs-5500) before I bought. There was NO reason I should have to buy a version (Knowing that it won't work for my needs) until it works the right way.
Kinda over the whole purchase and wait for an upgrade thing.
The answer (Which took a week to find) Is to use a mousemask.
Now the demo is just about to expire... nice.
looks like I won't be developing after all....
until the new pro version comes out anyway.
It's a shame because I got pretty far (Especially with the platter rotation)
Real looking metal and light Reflections.
I believe I was doing some really cool things that haven't been done before...
I just can't believe how many people read the post, but didn't have this simple answer...
hmmm
Knowing the above, I now start to wonder if I should be looking at other products.
I have to say I'm quite disappointed (Even if I am non-licensed). I was waiting for a club ready version (that fully worked with hs-5500) before I bought. There was NO reason I should have to buy a version (Knowing that it won't work for my needs) until it works the right way.
Kinda over the whole purchase and wait for an upgrade thing.
The answer (Which took a week to find) Is to use a mousemask.
Now the demo is just about to expire... nice.
looks like I won't be developing after all....
until the new pro version comes out anyway.
It's a shame because I got pretty far (Especially with the platter rotation)
Real looking metal and light Reflections.
I believe I was doing some really cool things that haven't been done before...
I just can't believe how many people read the post, but didn't have this simple answer...
hmmm
Knowing the above, I now start to wonder if I should be looking at other products.
Posted Sat 14 Mar 09 @ 11:11 am
sischo
If you didn't get an asnwer, it means that no one knew how helping you.
Posted Sat 14 Mar 09 @ 11:30 am
jsmoovey
If that's the case, then that would be fine. But you think 110 people didn't have a simple answer of using a Mousemask?
Posted Sat 14 Mar 09 @ 11:36 am
sischo
I understand where you are getting at!!
In my case, I have never used mousemask hence I couldn't help you. Moreover, I think it's better for you that you found by yourself the solution at your question.
In my case, I have never used mousemask hence I couldn't help you. Moreover, I think it's better for you that you found by yourself the solution at your question.
Posted Sat 14 Mar 09 @ 11:44 am
jsmoovey
I thank you for your response.... At least I know there's someone out there that cares enough to respond.
With no disrespect to you, I think user status is misleading. It says that you are a experienced pro user.
In the back of my mind, I'm thinking you should have all the answers. As it turns out, you are a person who uses the PRO version
and has some experience (Not necessarily a pro skinner) correct?
This is probably why I got upset. I think of all the users with pro status should have the answers.
In reality, the only use the pro version and may or may not be a master at there game.
not to get off topic, but maybe there should be experience points assigned to users based on their knowledge level?
Just a thought
With no disrespect to you, I think user status is misleading. It says that you are a experienced pro user.
In the back of my mind, I'm thinking you should have all the answers. As it turns out, you are a person who uses the PRO version
and has some experience (Not necessarily a pro skinner) correct?
This is probably why I got upset. I think of all the users with pro status should have the answers.
In reality, the only use the pro version and may or may not be a master at there game.
not to get off topic, but maybe there should be experience points assigned to users based on their knowledge level?
Just a thought
Posted Sat 14 Mar 09 @ 11:55 am
tayla
if your going to buy the software buy it now, no point holding back as all upgrades are free to registered users and you get to play with the goodies right now....
by the way skin is looking nice.
by the way skin is looking nice.
Posted Sat 14 Mar 09 @ 11:57 am
jsmoovey
The reason I'm holding back is because I spent THOUSANDS on DJ products that promised to have the product work as designed. Some got there after a year, Some still not. My point is, in these troubling economic times, it would behoove me to buy something now, just to wait for it to work. In the past, that would have been fine. Not now.
Posted Sat 14 Mar 09 @ 12:02 pm
sischo
I understand your climate about this day and age and it's understandable your fears.
As far as I know, VDJ is the only DJ software which allows to the user to change its skin.
Coming back to your words, VDJ is a complex software that needs a lot of knowledge, I mean it encompass software, skins, effects, tool, hardware, Operationg system knowledge (both MAC and Windows); I think only Teamers know all of them. For this reason, there are several users who specialize own knowledge in a particular field of this software.
As for skin field, the best user is DJ Format that at the moment is a bit busy with his work in Numark; if he had been here, he certainly would have helped you.
As far as I know, VDJ is the only DJ software which allows to the user to change its skin.
Coming back to your words, VDJ is a complex software that needs a lot of knowledge, I mean it encompass software, skins, effects, tool, hardware, Operationg system knowledge (both MAC and Windows); I think only Teamers know all of them. For this reason, there are several users who specialize own knowledge in a particular field of this software.
As for skin field, the best user is DJ Format that at the moment is a bit busy with his work in Numark; if he had been here, he certainly would have helped you.
Posted Sat 14 Mar 09 @ 12:19 pm
tayla
you may have spent thousands like the rest of us and i respect your point you would like to see everything to your satisfaction before purchasing another software, but i don't think there is another forum though where you will have access to as many ready made custom skins covering a multitude of controllers as there is here until your own is completed... but i wish you well in your quest, and at the end of it i'll see you back here hopefully.
as to your point about status, people here who give up there own free time to assist others, will help and advise as much as there experience allows, taking into account what you are attempting to realise this takes more than what the average dj on these forums have knowledge for and quite rightly leave it to those that can offer assistance. if help is not forthcoming it is not because you haven't purchased the software more likely those that can help have not been about on the forums, as sischo has already informed you. hope that has cleared that up for you and hopefully someone will shortly help you in your endeavour to complete this skin.
as to your point about status, people here who give up there own free time to assist others, will help and advise as much as there experience allows, taking into account what you are attempting to realise this takes more than what the average dj on these forums have knowledge for and quite rightly leave it to those that can offer assistance. if help is not forthcoming it is not because you haven't purchased the software more likely those that can help have not been about on the forums, as sischo has already informed you. hope that has cleared that up for you and hopefully someone will shortly help you in your endeavour to complete this skin.
Posted Sat 14 Mar 09 @ 1:10 pm
Tear Em 'Up
Those are some very nice graffix.....looks outstanding! Tayla is absolutely correct in his statements. Remember a very large portion of our most active users also DJ professionally. Weekends are any working DJs most busy time. So, you might have to wait a few days to get a response from anyone with the knowledge you need.
Tayla is also correct about purchasing now. While I empathize with you on not wanting to spend the money. (especially in this economy) Waiting, in my humble opinion, is not something I would do. The software is not going to get any less expensive, and there has been no price increase for a long time now. That situation could change, often during turbulent economic times inflation kicks in real hard. I put off buying the software, and suffered a price increase on many a product. Also, like Tayla mentioned, VDJ has never charged for upgrades. So, why not take advantage as soon as you can afford to?
It would be a real shame to deprive the community of your talents and skills in graphics design......I genuinely hope to see you as a Pro. licensed, user soon.....
Tayla is also correct about purchasing now. While I empathize with you on not wanting to spend the money. (especially in this economy) Waiting, in my humble opinion, is not something I would do. The software is not going to get any less expensive, and there has been no price increase for a long time now. That situation could change, often during turbulent economic times inflation kicks in real hard. I put off buying the software, and suffered a price increase on many a product. Also, like Tayla mentioned, VDJ has never charged for upgrades. So, why not take advantage as soon as you can afford to?
It would be a real shame to deprive the community of your talents and skills in graphics design......I genuinely hope to see you as a Pro. licensed, user soon.....
Posted Sat 14 Mar 09 @ 2:24 pm
Dan (djtouchdan)
@jsmoovey
I will look into the possibility of what your asking over the next few days.
nice graphics too!! ;)
I will look into the possibility of what your asking over the next few days.
nice graphics too!! ;)
Posted Sat 14 Mar 09 @ 3:30 pm
jsmoovey
DJ Touch Dan,
I was able to figure this out (to an extent). A problem I'm trying to overcome is having two button lights on at the same time.... Not exactly sure how to do this because the glow will overlap with the glow of a different button. I'll post a video of what I currently have soon. Also stuck on panel creation.
Does anyone know of a way to map buttons or Knobs from the HS-5500 in NATIVE mode? OR is this not possible?
I was able to figure this out (to an extent). A problem I'm trying to overcome is having two button lights on at the same time.... Not exactly sure how to do this because the glow will overlap with the glow of a different button. I'll post a video of what I currently have soon. Also stuck on panel creation.
Does anyone know of a way to map buttons or Knobs from the HS-5500 in NATIVE mode? OR is this not possible?
Posted Sun 15 Mar 09 @ 2:36 pm
sischo
jsmoovey wrote :
Does anyone know of a way to map buttons or Knobs from the HS-5500 in NATIVE mode? OR is this not possible?
Does anyone know of a way to map buttons or Knobs from the HS-5500 in NATIVE mode? OR is this not possible?
This is the Forum VirtualDJ skins.
Try to post it here:
http://www.virtualdj.com/forums/31/Hardware_Technical_Support.html
Posted Sun 15 Mar 09 @ 2:44 pm
Dan (djtouchdan)
Pannel creation can be quite tricky but i might be able to help if you explain the problems your having.
NATIVE coding is considerably more difficult - hence the reason it isnt a standard option - i cant help with that but maybe someone that does custom mappings may chime in with some advice.
NATIVE coding is considerably more difficult - hence the reason it isnt a standard option - i cant help with that but maybe someone that does custom mappings may chime in with some advice.
Posted Sun 15 Mar 09 @ 2:45 pm
jsmoovey
General Help with Panel. I just don't understand the correct way to set it up. I've been looking at other's code. But it doesn't make sense. Like, what does the id numbers relate to.
The two vertical rectangles (Blue Layer Lights) on the side of the LCD keep making the text in the LCD screen flicker (Due to a little overlap).
Same thing with the red Horizontal area above the player.
When the deck is SELECTED, The vertical Lights should turn blue and the Horizontal Deeper red.
This currently works, but causes text to flicker.
Also, the text in the red area cuts off part of the deeper red.
I believe I need to set up a Panel to put the text into.... but not sure if I need to or how to do it
i39.tinypic.com/35i3yfd.jpg
The two vertical rectangles (Blue Layer Lights) on the side of the LCD keep making the text in the LCD screen flicker (Due to a little overlap).
Same thing with the red Horizontal area above the player.
When the deck is SELECTED, The vertical Lights should turn blue and the Horizontal Deeper red.
This currently works, but causes text to flicker.
Also, the text in the red area cuts off part of the deeper red.
I believe I need to set up a Panel to put the text into.... but not sure if I need to or how to do it
i39.tinypic.com/35i3yfd.jpg
Posted Sun 15 Mar 09 @ 3:06 pm
Dan (djtouchdan)
Ok the flickering is usually casued as you said by elements overlapping. Having looked at your design i wouldnt have thought you would need to pannel it But if you wanted to i will show you how (below).
To fix the overlapping - one thing to be careful of. When you set the size of a textzone bare in mind its start and finish points:
e.g
<textzone chan="1">
<size width="187" height="14"/>
<pos x="56" y="280"/>
<text font="Arial" size="12" color="#FF8000" align="left" format="%author" scroll="yes"/>
</textzone>
Say you wanted to have the title next to the author on the right hand side but on the same level. You will need to take into account the following:
Author starts at "56" it has a width of "187" therefore you wouldnt want the next element to begin unitl "244" (total plus 1 pixel). Likewise below.
It doesnt mater what your font size is as the element will not go any bigger that the size you set.
Panneling: In this example i have 2 mixers - (1 audio only and 1 video)
ID = the number you assign the pannel each section will need a different one
GROUP = the different pannels to make up the same part of the skin.
Video Pannel
<pannel id="14" group="3" visible="No">
<size width="323" height="277"/>
<pos x="477" y="91"/>
<down x="345" y="1682"/>
</pannel>
Audio Pannel
<pannel id="13" group="3" visible="Yes">
<size width="323" height="277"/>
<pos x="477" y="91"/>
<down x="12" y="1682"/>
</pannel>
The pos is the postion on the actual skin and the down is where the graphic is within the BMP.
Then you will need to have activation buttons for each pannel:
Active Video Mixer
<button action="show_pannel" value="14" rightclick="1">
<size width="73" height="14"/>
<pos x="564" y="375"/>
<down x="564" y="1174"/>
<selected x="564" y="1174"/>
</button>
Active Audio Mixer
<button action="show_pannel" value="13" rightclick="1">
<size width="72" height="14"/>
<pos x="641" y="375"/>
<down x="641" y="1174"/>
<selected x="641" y="1174"/>
</button>
Then you need to make sure that every element for the Video mixer has [pannel="14"] in the header and likewise [pannel="13"] for anything in the audio mixer.
I hope that makes sense. If not let me know.
To fix the overlapping - one thing to be careful of. When you set the size of a textzone bare in mind its start and finish points:
e.g
<textzone chan="1">
<size width="187" height="14"/>
<pos x="56" y="280"/>
<text font="Arial" size="12" color="#FF8000" align="left" format="%author" scroll="yes"/>
</textzone>
Say you wanted to have the title next to the author on the right hand side but on the same level. You will need to take into account the following:
Author starts at "56" it has a width of "187" therefore you wouldnt want the next element to begin unitl "244" (total plus 1 pixel). Likewise below.
It doesnt mater what your font size is as the element will not go any bigger that the size you set.
Panneling: In this example i have 2 mixers - (1 audio only and 1 video)
ID = the number you assign the pannel each section will need a different one
GROUP = the different pannels to make up the same part of the skin.
Video Pannel
<pannel id="14" group="3" visible="No">
<size width="323" height="277"/>
<pos x="477" y="91"/>
<down x="345" y="1682"/>
</pannel>
Audio Pannel
<pannel id="13" group="3" visible="Yes">
<size width="323" height="277"/>
<pos x="477" y="91"/>
<down x="12" y="1682"/>
</pannel>
The pos is the postion on the actual skin and the down is where the graphic is within the BMP.
Then you will need to have activation buttons for each pannel:
Active Video Mixer
<button action="show_pannel" value="14" rightclick="1">
<size width="73" height="14"/>
<pos x="564" y="375"/>
<down x="564" y="1174"/>
<selected x="564" y="1174"/>
</button>
Active Audio Mixer
<button action="show_pannel" value="13" rightclick="1">
<size width="72" height="14"/>
<pos x="641" y="375"/>
<down x="641" y="1174"/>
<selected x="641" y="1174"/>
</button>
Then you need to make sure that every element for the Video mixer has [pannel="14"] in the header and likewise [pannel="13"] for anything in the audio mixer.
I hope that makes sense. If not let me know.
Posted Sun 15 Mar 09 @ 3:29 pm
jsmoovey
This makes sense so far. I'll give it a try. Are there any panel IDs already used or taken by virtual DJ? or are all number available?
Posted Sun 15 Mar 09 @ 3:33 pm
SBDJ
jsmoovey wrote :
Does anyone know of a way to map buttons or Knobs from the HS-5500 in NATIVE mode? OR is this not possible?
djtouchdan wrote :
NATIVE coding is considerably more difficult - hence the reason it isnt a standard option - i cant help with that but maybe someone that does custom mappings may chime in with some advice.
The method for mapping in native mode is to use the VirtualDJ SDK to create a plugin (in DLL format) usually written in C++. This is a lot more involved than using the General MIDI mapping, but for a competent coder it wouldn't be a problem.
Questions along this line are better off asked in the plugins section of the forum; I don't tend to monitor the skin forum since I don't tinker with skins much ;)
To address some of your other points:
jsmoovey wrote :
This is probably why I got upset. I think of all the users with pro status should have the answers.
In reality, the only use the pro version and may or may not be a master at there game.
In reality, the only use the pro version and may or may not be a master at there game.
Pro users are people who have purchased Professional edition. It says nothing about their experience or knowledge. They don't even have to use VirtualDJ ever - just bought it. You can't say that people are not master of their game because they don't know how to skin.
jsmoovey wrote :
not to get off topic, but maybe there should be experience points assigned to users based on their knowledge level?
These already exist, you'll have no doubt seen Experienced, VIP, Ultra-VIP, Moderator and Teamers. A lot of these people have had their level raised based on the their contribution to the community, through from simply helping users, to skin development and plugin development.
jsmoovey wrote :
Knowing the above, I now start to wonder if I should be looking at other products.
Unfortunately you'll find other products nowhere near as extensible if thats something that interests you. Most DJ apps are relatively young when it comes to skinning (which seems something you have skills in) and the main thing about VDJ that I like is that if a feature is missing, or I fancy a new effect or transition, I can simply add it. At present none of the other DJ applications allow that level of flexibility - especially when dealing with video.
If anyone can prove me wrong on that point I'm more than happy to be corrected - I'm always looking for alternatives.
The number of people with experience in various "specialist" areas is relatively low - there are comparitively low numbers of skin and plugin developers compared to the size of the community. That means if you're doing something in these areas you are already limiting your support base. I myself am a plugin developer. I'm useless with graphics, so I stay away from skinning. I have a couple of skins I made for myself - they are extremely simplistic but thats what I like in my skins.
If another product fits your needs better then use it. It's a bit blunt of me I know, but I've always said that if something works better for you then get on and use it :)
Regards,
Scott
Posted Sun 15 Mar 09 @ 10:21 pm
jsmoovey
Hi Scott,
Thanks, but users have already pointed me in the right direction. I wasn't at all slamming the product. I was simply trying to find out where the support is and how people support one another. I found myself doing this more recently before buying a product. Why you ask? Because it happens all the time with other product from all sorts of manufactures. None of the programmers talk to the people in the forums or wait months later to respond. And once they have your money, they cease to listen to your requests....stating (It's not in our best interest).
No, I think I got a clear answer from the people who were happy enough just to respond.
I'm not trying to tick anyone off. I respectfully request any conversation not dealing specifically with skinning to cease.
If you have any comments you think I should hear that doesn't deal with skinning, we should talk off this thread. Thank You.
Believe it or not, I have NO previous skinning projects. I have an extreme appetite for stunning graphics... I'm just pretty decent with photoshop and am motivated to do so when others are supportive (I understand now).
Getting back to the skinning,
I read the SDK. It's very funny. the sdk page says "You don't have to be a genius to make a skin." It's been two weeks now and the graphics have already been done within the first three days. The code is very difficult to understand being my first project ever undertaken.
There's really no GOOD tutorial to go by, the sdk is not complete, and I'm finding code in other skinner's work that should be in the sdk page (but is missing). I'm spending days just backward engineering work. In reality, it should take minutes to understand (with clearer instructions and examples).
I'm not giving up. I'm just doing my homework :)
Perhaps after I skin this, I'll write a tutorial (No promises)
Thanks, but users have already pointed me in the right direction. I wasn't at all slamming the product. I was simply trying to find out where the support is and how people support one another. I found myself doing this more recently before buying a product. Why you ask? Because it happens all the time with other product from all sorts of manufactures. None of the programmers talk to the people in the forums or wait months later to respond. And once they have your money, they cease to listen to your requests....stating (It's not in our best interest).
No, I think I got a clear answer from the people who were happy enough just to respond.
I'm not trying to tick anyone off. I respectfully request any conversation not dealing specifically with skinning to cease.
If you have any comments you think I should hear that doesn't deal with skinning, we should talk off this thread. Thank You.
Believe it or not, I have NO previous skinning projects. I have an extreme appetite for stunning graphics... I'm just pretty decent with photoshop and am motivated to do so when others are supportive (I understand now).
Getting back to the skinning,
I read the SDK. It's very funny. the sdk page says "You don't have to be a genius to make a skin." It's been two weeks now and the graphics have already been done within the first three days. The code is very difficult to understand being my first project ever undertaken.
There's really no GOOD tutorial to go by, the sdk is not complete, and I'm finding code in other skinner's work that should be in the sdk page (but is missing). I'm spending days just backward engineering work. In reality, it should take minutes to understand (with clearer instructions and examples).
I'm not giving up. I'm just doing my homework :)
Perhaps after I skin this, I'll write a tutorial (No promises)
Posted Mon 16 Mar 09 @ 1:34 am
