View Full Version : [CLOSED] Aeon [ALPHA]: Discussion Thread (no bug reports or support enquiries)
This thread is for GENERAL DISCUSSION only.
Support thread:
http://xbmc.org/forum/showthread.php?t=35028
Bug report thread:
http://xbmc.org/forum/showthread.php?t=35029
http://www.aeonproject.com/images/aeon_home14.jpg
http://www.aeonproject.com/dropbin/aeon_showcasead.jpg
http://www.aeonproject.com/images/aeon_alpha14-1.jpg
http://www.aeonproject.com/dropbin/aeon_imdbad.jpg
DOWNLOAD: Aeon ALPHA14 (July 29th 2008) (http://www.aeonproject.com/downloads/builds/Aeon_ALPHA14.zip)
SITE: www.aeonproject.com (http://www.aeonproject.com)
That last backdrop pack that everyone keeps asking about: http://www.mediafire.com/?fmlzzmuy0yx
The Alpha13b update has introduced the ability to choose icon sets on a globally-applied basis. To begin with, two icon sets are available. It's important to note that this is not a feature wholly supported by XBMC, and there are certain "hard-coded" icons that can't be changed. For that reason, you'll notice certain inconsistencies in which icons are used when browsing windows such as the Music Library (though not files) and system screens like the file browser. The icons also only cover the basic media types like Movies, Music and TV. This is very early and experimental feature - please be patient.
Notes for ALPHA13a:
- transitions to and from the Home page have been tweaked considerably
- dodgy "I" in Acens font has been corrected
- Settings menus rearranged following the removal of View Types. All View Type customisation is now handled via the menu option (either the media pane menu or the shutdown menu) in each window
- Cast info added to Movie Info screen (however, you can't cross-reference actors by clicking on them yet)
- Wall info defaults to off
- tweaks to Showcase views (episode view is a little cramped at the moment - will correct for next version)
- yet another new font and various associated tweaks
Things to note:
- the Core panels for Aeon System and XBMC System, together with the Viewing Habits tab, are entirely placeholder. I don't want bug reports.
- Wall view info is very temperamental at the moment. The options to turn it off (which I'd recommend, tbh) are on the menus for Pictures and Videos. I'll soon be culling lots of Aeon Settings menu options as they're moved out to the relevant screens. View types will be first.
- there's a new compatibility mode for Asus eeePCs
- Xbox mode has been extended to a much wider range of textures
- stuff got fixed
You need to reset your Aeon settings for this one. Don't come crying if you keep them and end up with memory problems.
This Alpha12 version of Aeon has changed radically, throwing away the old sliding panels for the sake of a more traditional system of context menus and dialogs. Many dialogs have been completely redesigned, while the new button menu means you can access many settings and customisation options from anywhere in the Aeon environment. Furthermore, the streamlining of textures means the skin's footprint has shrunk, removing the previous need for MacOSX compatibility mode. Glitches and bugs, however, are inevitable given the circumstances. See below for some known issues.
Xbox users must ensure they're running the latest T3CH build to enjoy this latest version, and should then ensure the new Xbox mode (available via the Aeon->Features menu) is enabled; 1080p textures and seven year old consoles don't play well together. For that reason, any backdrops from the Aeon website should be resized to 720p or lower to avoid out-of-memory issues.
Here are some known issues with this build:
- Button menu (aka Shutdown menu) may refuse to open after a while.
The cause of this is unknown: it could be skin or XBMC-related
- Several animation/timing glitches in Showcase and Episode views
- Music/Music Video info needs attention
- Some dialogs remain unskinned (but are usable)
- File Manager is unusable
- Music OSD is a bit messed up
- Music Visualisation settings are unusable
- Plenty of minor glitches scattered here and there
- View types option does nothing on windows to which it
doesn't apply
zeuss-axis
2008-07-20, 01:33
The new context menus friggin' rock! Overall usability of the skin just increased significantly...
I know the Music section is still on the to-do list somewhere, but I'm curious if you have any breadcrumbs to drop us regarding your plans for this section?
I've added the update to the XBMC-favorites Installer plugin.
You are a true artist. Your skin is shaking the HTPC world (not only for XBMC, as you probably know).
I could replace the standard version with a version that has backdrops preconfigured and installed on the google code page. I doubt that google will complain about bandwidth usage :)
is there a mirror its all hosed down!! =(
The download link is working fine for me! But you could also install the XBMC Favorites installer plugin (XBOX or Linux).
joncgde2
2008-07-20, 03:23
if there's a need for a mirror, there's one here :)
http://www.mediafire.com/?3zulc0fhcg3
hope this doesn't ruffle any feathers
One little thing that's missing and you may not know this (I didn't until recently) but when setting content for 'Movies' and 'TV Shows' both imdb and tvdb have their own 'Settings' menu accessed by an extra 'Settings' button which is not on AEON's menu.
urbanshogun
2008-07-20, 03:40
looks nice, cant wait to get the frozen VGA box and an official MS remote.
I hear RAM is an issue, which systems tend to have more, earlier or later ones?
One little thing that's missing and you may not know this (I didn't until recently) but when setting content for 'Movies' and 'TV Shows' both imdb and tvdb have their own 'Settings' menu accessed by an extra 'Settings' button which is not on AEON's menu.
Ohhh, rly? I'd better put that in then.
pobhockle
2008-07-20, 03:47
How can I make the filemanager work? Can I just throw over a few files from an older build?
Posting your support enquiry in a thread that isn't titled: "...no bugs reports or support enquiries" would be a good start.
("With difficulty" is the answer, btw. Without the necessary textures, the code you dropped in from elsewhere would display little more than scattered text on a black background. The file manager is coming very soon, though.)
Great Update DJH... new context menus are beautiful and I'm sure the new file manager will look very similar, which will be great... totally loving it duncan...
any backdrop updates expected this week? i've already got the tombraider and gears of war 2 ones (i couldn't wait... LOL!)... keep the updates coming... good to see ur finishing the basic stuff so AEON can become super usable like it used to be... then, bring on the BLING!!!! although... i think the simple context menus and list views look suberbly brilliant...
KEEP IT UP... it's almost there!
chrislee149
2008-07-20, 06:19
Really a fantastic update to an already incredible skin. Just testing it out on OS X (not really to use as a media center, but rather just to test out the skin), I dig the new default backdrop. And the new context menus are beautiful. Thanks for the hard work.
hombrefeo
2008-07-20, 08:40
awesome work, love the update. thank you!!
Backpack returns. Tonight.
http://www.aeonproject.com/dropbin/aeon_backpackad.jpg
Oh lord... that is amazing... batman returns as well! LOL!! Can't wait!!!
Feature suggestion: Common backdrop folder
I find I prefer all my backdrops coming from one folder. i.e. I have a collection of general artwork that I like to see, rather than menu-dependent movie-themed, music-themed, games-themed, etc.
So of course I go through the settings and set each category's backdrop folder to the same location. No big deal.
Sometimes my mood changes. I might want to change all my backdrops to load from the folder "familypics" or "flowers" or "landscapes". Since I'm lazy, it's a pain to change every setting individually...poor me...
It would be cool to have an option "use this folder for all backdrops: xxxxx".
It would be even cooler (or easier to code?) to have a setting that would just use the same folder set up in the "screensaver-show slideshow" settings. I've found I love that setup now - it gives a neat effect, beacause then screensaver mode turns your wall-mounted flat panel into a nice piece of scrolling artwork, and when you grab the remote Aeon becomes a sleek menu over that same artwork.
Anyway, just a suggestion to add to the pile. Keep up the great work, and thanks.
-Geoff
hombrefeo
2008-07-20, 17:51
It would be cool to have an option "use this folder for all backdrops: xxxxx".
-Geoff
I was wondering if a feature like that exists... I'd like to have it so that a random image is displayed for 'music', 'movies', 'games', etc...
would be cool if when in the "backgrounds settings" to have a "Set Moves: Background image from this folder" and be able to set a path f:/bckdrps/movs
so that the movies tab would randomly load a backdrop.. :)
just a humble suggestion, huge fan of this skin ... thanks again :grin:
...have I missed something?
rudeboyx
2008-07-20, 18:55
would be cool if when in the "backgrounds settings" to have a "Set Moves: Background image from this folder" and be able to set a path f:/bckdrps/movs
so that the movies tab would randomly load a backdrop.. :)
just a humble suggestion, huge fan of this skin ... thanks again :grin:
I think i must have missed something aswell DJH
isnt that the, and always been the main feature of xephyr/aeon skin
Competes2win
2008-07-20, 19:58
I was wondering if a feature like that exists... I'd like to have it so that a random image is displayed for 'music', 'movies', 'games', etc...
would be cool if when in the "backgrounds settings" to have a "Set Moves: Background image from this folder" and be able to set a path f:/bckdrps/movs
so that the movies tab would randomly load a backdrop..
just a humble suggestion, huge fan of this skin ... thanks again
this is supported, if you go into the Aeon skin settings and look around you should be able to find where it is possible to set the folders for the backdrops yourself.
Feature suggestion: Common backdrop folder
I find I prefer all my backdrops coming from one folder. i.e. I have a collection of general artwork that I like to see, rather than menu-dependent movie-themed, music-themed, games-themed, etc.
So of course I go through the settings and set each category's backdrop folder to the same location. No big deal.
Sometimes my mood changes. I might want to change all my backdrops to load from the folder "familypics" or "flowers" or "landscapes". Since I'm lazy, it's a pain to change every setting individually...poor me...
It would be cool to have an option "use this folder for all backdrops: xxxxx".
It would be even cooler (or easier to code?) to have a setting that would just use the same folder set up in the "screensaver-show slideshow" settings. I've found I love that setup now - it gives a neat effect, beacause then screensaver mode turns your wall-mounted flat panel into a nice piece of scrolling artwork, and when you grab the remote Aeon becomes a sleek menu over that same artwork.
Anyway, just a suggestion to add to the pile. Keep up the great work, and thanks.
-Geoff
However this might be worth a second look djh? I wouldn't use it, but I'm sure if it's easy enough to implement, many people would find it useful.
http://www.aeonproject.com/dropbin/aeon_musicinfo.jpg
The global wallpaper idea sounds good. I'll do it.
That looks awesome Duncan... You going to include Review/Synopsis tab on the new Context menus later on???
Looking forward to the backpack!!!! Keep the good work up!
http://www.aeonproject.com/dropbin/aeon_musicinfo1.jpg
http://www.aeonproject.com/dropbin/aeon_musicinfo2.jpg
Blimey Duncan - that's fantastic stuff. Glad to see the music side of Aeon getting a good tarting up too. Nice taste in music too. Curve are bloody excellent (and garbage are just an average tribute band to them!)
I'm currently having a chat in the Requests subforum about introducing blurring into the skinning engine. A problem is that the Xbox graphics card can't do it, however, which would make it an HTPC-only feature. I'd appreciate it if anyone interested could chip in (in that thread, ideally) and say whether they like the idea. Just to give you an idea of the effect in action, here are some five second mockups.
http://www.aeonproject.com/dropbin/aeon_alphablur1.jpg
http://www.aeonproject.com/dropbin/aeon_alphablur3.jpg
http://www.aeonproject.com/dropbin/aeon_alphablur6.jpg
looks good on the all but the submenu, then i would prefer a dimmed (blackened) blur.. darker, if you understand what i mean.
I'm sure there'd be all kinds of possibilities - turning it off being one of them. :;):
blur with a darker tone (real quick mockup). think it doesn't draw the attention away from the focused item as with no darken.
http://xbmc.org/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=37&stc=1&d=1216593032
chrislee149
2008-07-21, 01:31
I'm personally not a fan of the blur, but as long as it's optional, it's definitely a good idea to implement.
ewequeone
2008-07-21, 03:38
thought I'd post my backdrops in here so they don't get lost in the ether of the old locked thread :)
images are ..
beez neez (taken by yours truly)
kylie minogue
bumblebee
the joker (heath ledger)
elizabeth: the golden age (cate blanchett) (this one was at the request of my wife, honestly!)
men in black (tommy lee jones and will smith)
wall-e
gollum
jango fett (and a heap of clone troopers)
britney spears (another request from the wife, really!!!!)
goodfellas
young anakin skywalker
http://rapidshare.com/files/131102839/backgrounds20072008.rar.html
http://img247.imageshack.us/img247/6638/whatweneedisamontagejc3.jpg
one small feature request for sometime way down your line .. can we get a Videos section , i don't do the whole movie / tv show separation thing .. alot people i know don't. thanx.
woot , just puttin on the update right now ..
this skin rules!! :]
just rename Movies Section to Videos in Aeon/720p/homescrollers.xml
<label>MOVIES</label> to <label>VIDEOS</label>
and link it in Aeon settings to the dir u want
Did someone say backdrops?
http://www.aeonproject.com/dropbin/aeon_backpack5.jpg
x25
http://www.mediafire.com/?fmlzzmuy0yx
Oh! And there's a new version up. Just a few fixes and additions. The music info dialogs aren't quite done but they're more or less there.
www.aeonproject.com
ewequeone
2008-07-21, 03:54
thanks duncan, you deliver awesomeness as always :)
I know I saw it somewhere. But now I can't find it. The soundpack for Aeon. Anyone know where to find it?
I also wonder what kind of image you use as a startupscreen when starting XBMC. Is there a Aeon-specific image?
Since the included font cannot show international characters, and thus is a problem for all non english users, I would like to suggest to include an alternative font. Or at least put up instructions of how to switch font. Just a friendly suggestion :-)
ewequeone
2008-07-21, 12:09
Sound pack for Aeon: http://xbmc.org/forum/showthread.php?t=34803
DjOktave
2008-07-21, 12:16
oh man... thats just... this is... wow. great work dude. In my opinion though, the file manager should be the main focus right now (unless fatal bugs are found)... but anyways
@ eqequeone: thanks for getting that link up before I got to it
Duncan, thanks for the Backpack... It's a marvel... also love that u've managed to do a music info window... looks great... actually... the new context menus all look great... and DjOKtave... I think it'll be done soon enough... he's doing all the context menu work now, and i believe the file manager might be one... so, fingers crossed...
Thanks again DJH!!!!
DjOktave
2008-07-21, 14:38
fingers crossed indeed :nod:
the update is great! thank you so much for the shutdown bar back!! .. small question about that tho , how do you set sleep ? .. i see custom shutdown timer but no way to just use the default values .. in PM3 you push up or down on the shutdown button itself , could you make it left and right on the current button ?
awesome as usually tho , thanx for the backpack to!
The Sleep stuff is something I need to look into, tbh. The focus was more on getting the stuff in place before tweaking every option. I'll look into it, though.
MikeBeecham
2008-07-22, 00:48
As mentioned a couple of posts ago, any chance of seeing the filemanager skinned any time soon? This is the one last area that I use, that i cannot use at present. I would in no way tell you how to go about your process Dunc, but would ask you to consider skinning this vital aspect before redesigning areas that currently work ok?
Chars
Sorry, Mike, I was too busy to read your last post. Too busy with THIS.
http://www.aeonproject.com/dropbin/aeon_fileman1.jpg
http://www.aeonproject.com/dropbin/aeon_fileman2.jpg
http://www.aeonproject.com/dropbin/aeon_fileman3.jpg
http://www.aeonproject.com/dropbin/aeon_fileman4.jpg
I should explain a few things, I guess. Firstly, this section isn't called Files in the Aeon menu, it's called Core (I'd have called it System but there's already one of those in the settings menu). If someone has a better name, I'm all ears. So you have some diagnostic screens, a test card, some stats and, of course, the file manager.
Secondly, I'd say about two thirds of it actually works. At present, there's no way of pulling viewing habit stats from a database or anywhere else, so that tab does nothing. I'm hoping it one day might, though.
The Aeon screen might seem a little pointless at the moment, but the information it displays is little more than placeholder. It's genuine information, for the most part, but there are other things I'd like it to do eventually. And I'm hoping someone will make me a lovely logo at some point, then that go in this tab instead of the XBMC one.
Then we have the XBMC info, which isn't displaying quite what I'd like at the XBMC end. The formatting of system info labels generally seems a little shambolic, so I might post a feature request to that effect.
Time for UFC and beer now. Be seeing you.
UND3R ACHI3V3R
2008-07-22, 05:10
Is alpha13 up om the site then?
Archigos
2008-07-22, 05:14
No, just 12a is on the site. But it's working great especially with the new backdrops added to the collection.
UND3R ACHI3V3R
2008-07-22, 05:21
Yes it's a beautiful skin. My default on the Big screen :)
DJH, on the aeoncentral website, are the newest backdrops at the end of the list, or is it mixed in with the old pictures?
Reason I ask is because I don't remember which files I got, so instead of downloading everything, can I just pick up the last few backdrops at the end of the list?
UND3R ACHI3V3R
2008-07-22, 08:47
Some of his newer ones: http://xbmc.org/forum/showpost.php?p=201224&postcount=36
joncgde2
2008-07-22, 12:17
hey DJH why don't you host your skin on mediafire? it would definitely help cut down on a LOT of bandwidth your site generates... and on mediafire you can track the number of downloads as well
just a thought, might save you some hard-earned $$$
Duncan... I saw a FileManager... didn't I... dammit... at final last... that's all I've always wanted... now I'm a happy chappy... super stuff!!!
One thing Duncs, where's the Mummy: Tomb Of The Dragon King backdrop??? It's not in the new backpack! hehehehe... Being paying close attention... lol!
Anyways... looking good... looking really good!
Gamester17
2008-07-22, 14:38
hey DJH why don't you host your skin on mediafire? it would definitely help cut down on a LOT of bandwidth your site generates... and on mediafire you can track the number of downloads as wellI just like to remind djh_ (and everyone) that as soon as djh_ makes AEON open source and upload it to the official XBMC Skinning Project on SourceForge (http://sourceforge.net/projects/xboxmediacenter) then djh_ can host the skin downloads on that SourceForge project (http://sourceforge.net/projects/xboxmediacenter), (it will just be the majority of the backdrops and any non-free fonts that I do not think can be hosted on SourceForge since they are questionable if they can be redistributed via SourceForge if they are not open source (http://www.opensource.org), creative commons (http://creativecommons.org), or free). Of course open source (http://www.opensource.org) and/or creative commons (http://creativecommons.org) backdrops would also be free to host on that SourceForge project (http://sourceforge.net/projects/xboxmediacenter) as well.
joncgde2
2008-07-22, 15:46
oh yeh of course... i just figured since he wants to retain control of the skin in its alpha stage, perhaps hosting it there and linking to it on his own site would give him the control he wants while cutting down on hosting costs
btw nice progress - the whole skin is starting to how a more complete 'feel' to it with every screenshot you post... coming along very nicely :)
I'm having to be quite careful with the choice of labels for these - the really ungainly ones like MPAA rating and running time look fugly when they're cut off. On which note, is it possible to display just the actual duration of a video rather than the horrendously verbose drivel that the scraper provides?
http://www.aeonproject.com/dropbin/aeon_wallinfo1.jpg
http://www.aeonproject.com/dropbin/aeon_wallinfo2.jpg
I got som questions I need som answers to:
1. How do you do with seasons pack, with no s01 in the filename or dir?
Earth.The.Power.Of.The.Planet.720p.HDTV.x264-SFM-GOTHiC
earth-the.power.of.the.planet.part.1.720p.hdtv.x264-sfm.mkv
H:\series\Planet Earth\Planet.Earth.2006.720p.HDDVD.x264-ESiR
Planet.Earth.EP01.From.Pole.to.Pole.2006.720p.HDDV D.x264-ESiR.mkv
2. Is it possible to get the library to add a new serie and fan art without having any files in the dir? i.e. a LOST dir in /SERIES with no file, and when in library mode I can se LOST and clicking it I see the fan art but just no episodes?
/Söder
This isn't an Aeon question. Please post it in the XBMC general help forum.
2. Is it possible to get the library to add a new serie and fan art without having any files in the dir? i.e. a LOST dir in /SERIES with no file, and when in library mode I can se LOST and clicking it and I see the fan art but just no episodes?
/Söder
some of it was Aeon only?
/Söder
some of it was Aeon only?
It's still not an Aeon question. As djh stated, post in the general help area. Aeon isn't the only skin that does fan art, which is the big key in deciding if it's Aeon related or XBMC related.
i hope this is the right place but a question ro DJH what about the Bannerview in TV Shows? i miss it.
zeuss-axis
2008-07-23, 00:32
i hope this is the right place but a question ro DJH what about the Bannerview in TV Shows? i miss it.
Banners are gone for good in Aeon...they don't fit with the theme. There was an optional view in Version 11 or so, and it really didn't work...
Banners are gone for good in Aeon...they don't fit with the theme. There was an optional view in Version 11 or so, and it really didn't work...
Banners are actually still in there but you have to enable them in AEON's settings.
What I want to know is where can I find the latest backpacks? Is it on the website but at the end of the list, or is it intermixed with the old backdrop pictures?
Let's do this again, shall we?
http://www.aeonproject.com/downloads/builds/Aeon_ALPHA13.zip
Things to note:
- the Core panels for Aeon System and XBMC System, together with the Viewing Habits tab, are entirely placeholder. I don't want bug reports.
- Wall view info is very temperamental at the moment. The options to turn it off (which I'd recommend, tbh) are on the menus for Pictures and Videos. I'll soon be culling lots of Aeon Settings menu options as they're moved out to the relevant screens. View types will be first.
- there's a new compatibility mode for Asus eeePCs
- Xbox mode has been extended to a much wider range of textures
- stuff got fixed
You need to reset your Aeon settings for this one. Don't come crying if you keep them and end up with memory problems.
ibejaminben
2008-07-23, 05:05
First off thanks a million I'm like a little kid waiting for the next release to be posted. You would think is was Christmass or something. Anyway what do you mean xbox mode is there something I'm not turrning on? I just ftp it over and go.
Ps. Will adding more ram to the xbox improve Aeons proformance. I'm afraid that sooner than later your great work will have advanced beyond what the xbox can do. I love the fact that I can have it all in one mobile box.
digitalhigh
2008-07-23, 05:22
Hey gang...I've been working on some fanart images for TV shows and such, wanted to see what everybody thought of them. I think a few may be from the backpack, so please don't accuse me of stealing...I've just been trying to get this all assembled, and haven't quite gotten to clean EVERYTHING up yet. :D
Basically, these are for the shows I have. I've also got posters that match most of the fanart, but until I get a chance to scale them all properly and clean them up, they won't see daylight. But feel free to play with the images I've got here. I'll be uploading a full pack in a few days when I get everything done.
Here's two of the images I did...
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e56/digitalhigh/fanart-1.jpg
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e56/digitalhigh/fanart.jpg
The rest are here:
http://www.mediafire.com/?zlj94cxwlww
Current fanart is for the following shows:
Aqua Teen Hunger Force
Derren Brown
Family Guy
FIrefly
Ghost in The Shell: Stand Alone Complex
Harvey Birdman
House
In Living Color
Invader Zim
Lil' Bush
Lucy, the Daughter of the Devil
My Name is Earl
Mythbusters
Night Court
Psych
Reaper
The Taken
The Future is Wild
The Maxx
The Office
Tim and Eric Awesome Show, Great Job.
More to come...
midgetspy
2008-07-23, 06:45
Hey all,
I haven't kept up with this skin but it's looking fantastic! I installed it tonight and had 2 questions:
1) There is no view that shows the IMDB rating?? This makes "sort by rating" totally useless and really confusing. Are there any mods or options or anything that enable imdb rating?
2) "Wall" view is un-usably slow. It's so slow that I thought XBMC crashed. I'd say 1 frame every 2 seconds... and this is on my HTPC that plays 1080p video no problems. Is this a bug with this release or have I messed up the configuration or something?
Anyway thanks for the fantastic skin!
midgetspy
2008-07-23, 07:20
Also, is there any way to view the cast info scraped from imdb for movies and TV shows?
2) "Wall" view is un-usably slow. It's so slow that I thought XBMC crashed. I'd say 1 frame every 2 seconds... and this is on my HTPC that plays 1080p video no problems. Is this a bug with this release or have I messed up the configuration or something?
- Wall view info is very temperamental at the moment. The options to turn it off (which I'd recommend, tbh) are on the menus for Pictures and Videos. I'll soon be culling lots of Aeon Settings menu options as they're moved out to the relevant screens. View types will be first.
The new cast images aren't handled by XBMC yet. That's something you should post in the XBMC feature request forum.
midgetspy
2008-07-23, 07:54
Um... I'm not sure what you mean? In Project Mayhem III there is a cast view that works fine. Do you mean that Aeon somehow has a cast view completed that isn't supported by XBMC yet?
Ahh, no. I'm referring to the new cast images handled on our end. It's possible for djh to implement a simple list of actors, but it'd probably be best to wait a couple weeks to see if the XBMC devs use the new cast images from the site. If they do, it's possible cast might use a completely different window.
i´m a bit sad about missing banner view because the iMDB-TV gives only Banner graphics for shows.
2) "Wall" view is un-usably slow. It's so slow that I thought XBMC crashed.
Unless you have your thumbnails set at too high a resolution, or are running on a low-spec PC like the eee, there's no reason why it should be. It is the most demanding feature, though, so you might just have to live without.
zeuss-axis
2008-07-23, 16:55
i´m a bit sad about missing banner view because the iMDB-TV gives only Banner graphics for shows.
You can download posters from www.theTVdb.com. Srapers still don't work with them, but you're able to "Get Thumb" from the context menu and set them manually. I missed the banners too until I got all my shows poster'd...the effect is awesome.
I'll upload all the posters to MediaFire later this evening. Then you can download them, upload them, whatever.
i´m a bit sad about missing banner view because the iMDB-TV gives only Banner graphics for shows.
I already answered this for you -
i hope this is the right place but a question ro DJH what about the Bannerview in TV Shows? i miss it.
Banners are actually still in there but you have to enable them in AEON's settings.
I already answered this for you -
Now you know my english. But my driving is worst.
Sorry for misunderstood you.
kakamenuvelet
2008-07-23, 22:19
Ahh, no. I'm referring to the new cast images handled on our end. It's possible for djh to implement a simple list of actors, but it'd probably be best to wait a couple weeks to see if the XBMC devs use the new cast images from the site. If they do, it's possible cast might use a completely different window.
about cast anyway... there is no possibility in Aeon to see the cast of a certain show or a movie, right? I wish there was, I love this feature in the project mayhem skin :/
That would be incredible. I'm just getting going with XBMC on my htpc because of this theme. I've had my eye on it for a few months now. The blurring is awesome. Great job so far.
Scratch that, I have a better one.
SmokeySlim
2008-07-24, 03:00
*drool*
harryzimm
2008-07-24, 03:22
Thats the last feature im waiting on. Not sure how its going to done, nfo, scraper or something else but we need this feature in xbmc. Anyway great job djh_ the skin is amazing.
onesojourner
2008-07-24, 06:09
alpha 13 seems to have broke my ability to use backgrounds. Everything comes up blank after I select my folder.
onesojourner
2008-07-24, 06:18
I have been running the svn builds. I am going to try to revert back to the ppas and see if that fixes my problem.
cameron122000
2008-07-24, 06:33
Just installed XBMC today to use this skin for my HTPC. It's really a great skin, and djh you have done a great job on this.
I was just wondering, what tools do you use to create the backdrops? I'm assuming something along the lines of Photoshop, but I'm really interested in creating a few backdrops myself.
onesojourner
2008-07-24, 07:01
That was the problem. back to the ppa build and all seems to be good.
kakamenuvelet
2008-07-24, 09:52
Thats the last feature im waiting on. Not sure how its going to done, nfo, scraper or something else but we need this feature in xbmc. Anyway great job djh_ the skin is amazing.
What did you reply to? what feature?
I hate these kind of forums!!!!!! I thought they belonged in the nineties.
I try one more time...
Ever since the first 720p versions of the backdrops I've saved them all to my computer. Later they came in 1080p BPM, and then JPG.
I've sorted them out last week, and found out that there's still some backdrops in 720p you hav'nt released in 1080p. Is that possible.
I want them all, becaus some of the 720p's was really nice. Also some of the versions you got in 1080p BMP I still can't find at your site...
Here are some thumbs of the picture I've cant find anymore..
http://biphome.spray.se/soder15/movies720p.JPG
http://biphome.spray.se/soder15/pictures720p.JPG
http://biphome.spray.se/soder15/tvshows720p.JPG
http://biphome.spray.se/soder15/music720p.JPG
http://biphome.spray.se/soder15/movies1080pbmp.JPG
http://biphome.spray.se/soder15/pictures1080pbmp.JPG
http://biphome.spray.se/soder15/tvshows1080pbmp.JPG
http://biphome.spray.se/soder15/music1080pbmp.JPG
Will they be released again?
/Söder
Some will, some won't. All depends on the availability of artwork at high enough resolutions.
shanedoyle
2008-07-24, 13:58
DJH,
Juts got release 13 its brilliant.. really well done
Shane
http://www.aeonproject.com/dropbin/aeon_imdbad.jpg
Will there be a "View Trailer" option on this screen too?
please...
kakamenuvelet
2008-07-24, 18:52
Will there be a "View Trailer" option on this screen too?
please...
and cast?
(sorry to bug)
I'll have a look at the situation with cast listings in PMIII and see what can be done.
kakamenuvelet
2008-07-24, 20:33
I'll have a look at the situation with cast listings in PMIII and see what can be done.
Thanks, Im sure you'll figure it out and make something great out of it.
That Cast list/search thing is really rather cool, isn't it?
...but what is with those actor thumbnails? Is there any way of upping the resolution on those, or choosing a different one from the source? Sorry, I'm going off-topic in my own thread here.
cast incorporation will be awesome duncs... hoping for a button on the Video Info section that will change info displayed to "synopsis" or "summary" like in PM3... similar to the Music Info section where u can bounce between "biography" and "track listing"... also, in the Music Info screen... anyway u can get the "review" to scroll or create a seperate section for it??? these are just ideas... not requests... i know u have a list of things ur busy with already...
also, just an idea... a weather panel similar to the core panel would be awesome, instead of the old weather screen... again, this is just an idea...
AEON is coming along great... can't wait for future advancements!!!
Shazam!
http://www.aeonproject.com/dropbin/aeon_cast.jpg
a weather panel similar to the core panel would be awesome, instead of the old weather screen... again, this is just an idea...
A damn good one, too. I'll do it.
I registered just so I could tell you how impressed I am with your work on Aeon. It's the best thing to ever happen to my Mac. Keep up the amazing work!
May I ask where I can get the backdrops such as the one with the girl in the water with the shark you have on the first page of this topic? I've also seen a cool Gears of War one on the main site that I haven't seen in the bg packs. Thanks!
I love this skin, now I finally have a reason to use my old xbox and get all my damn movies off of my computer!!! looks great on my 42"Plasma! Thanks man!
I still want to learn how to make awesome 720P backdrops. Any one got tips?
A damn good one, too. I'll do it.
nice one... that's something to look forward to... and think duncan... then pretty much every aspect of AEON will be up and running... besides the unlucky bug here and there... guess that BETA or even FINAL is closer than we thought... ain't that a thought!!!!
Meat_PoPsiclez
2008-07-25, 03:39
It would be great if the fanart would work in other views than Showcase, hint hint :) Not that the Showcase mode isn't great, but some of us are artisticly talentless and have a lack of poster thumbs for some tv shows
Being able to adjust fanart settings per-view per-panel would be great.
As in, under the aeon/view types screen add extra buttons for enabling/disabling fanart for each view.
You lot are full of good ideas this evening, aren't you?
ibejaminben
2008-07-25, 04:47
I was wondering i anyone could write a quick tutorial on fan art as I have read much about it but don't know where to get it and how to install it so that it works I had to ask for me and many others who might not want to ask.
P.S. I have search through many threads and posts but nothing is concise and simple
Thanks
P.S. I have search through many threads and posts but nothing is concise and simple
You wait 'til you see the Aeon Assistant. :;):
I was wondering i anyone could write a quick tutorial on fan art as I have read much about it but don't know where to get it and how to install it so that it works I had to ask for me and many others who might not want to ask.
P.S. I have search through many threads and posts but nothing is concise and simple
Thanks
Honestly its really not that hard
1) for tv shows you set the content scraper to TheTVDB.com scan your TV show it gets them automatically
2) Option 2 for TV shows put a fanart.jpg file in the same folder as your TV show and when xbmc scans it to the library it will use that eg:
TVSHOW_Folder\Heroes\fanart.jpg
TVSHOW_Folder\Heroes\season 1
TVSHOW_Folder\Heroes\season 1\heroes.1x01.avi
3) for movies put a file name moviename-fanart.jpg next to your movie file eg:
Movies\Stargate.Continuim.avi
Movies\Stargate.Continuim-fanart.jpg
then scan it to the library
4) Fanart is only avialable in the library !!! so don't use file mode
Version ALPHA13a is up.
Notes:
- transitions to and from the Home page have been tweaked considerably
- dodgy "I" in Acens font has been corrected
- Settings menus rearranged following the removal of View Types. All View Type customisation is now handled via the menu option (either the media pane menu or the shutdown menu) in each window
- Cast info added to Movie Info screen (however, you can't cross-reference actors by clicking on them yet)
- Wall info defaults to off
- tweaks to Showcase views (episode view is a little cramped at the moment - will correct for next version)
- yet another new font and various associated tweaks
Version ALPHA13a is up.
Link on frontpage of aeonproject.com still points to ALPHA13.zip.
Spent 10 mins looking for cast info before I found this ;)
ibejaminben
2008-07-25, 06:30
Thanks for all of your help. Where do I get Movie fanart?
zeuss-axis
2008-07-25, 06:40
Something that's bothered me about showcase since the focus issue was fixed: when you enter the view, the first show in the list slides to details, rather than the list remaining in view until an item is actively 'selected'. Seems like leaving it this way OR changing it so the first item doesn't switch views are both compromises...waddayathink?
Might want to remove this from the features section of your website now
Inline (i.e. no popup or dialog box) context menu for media views
Link on frontpage of aeonproject.com still points to ALPHA13.zip.
Spent 10 mins looking for cast info before I found this ;)
hey your right I got the wrong one lol
ibejaminben
2008-07-25, 06:49
Can't find aeon 13a :sad:
ibejaminben
2008-07-25, 06:55
:grin: Your killing me smalls, but I like it
Tension113
2008-07-25, 07:05
It's there.. Just had to type it manually..
http://www.aeonproject.com/downloads/builds/Aeon_ALPHA13a.zip
All the recent little updates are great.. Thanks for working so hard on this..
Hello DJH.
I'm beginning to create a mod for your XBMC Aeon skin, for MEDIAPORTAL user to be used in CRT 4:3 TV.
It would be the first Aeon skin for CRT 4:3 TV.
I have your permission to make the skin and if there is a possibility you can give me Photoshop PSD files pack to be able to start with the graphical skin.
Since already thank you very much and excuse me for my bad bad english.
UND3R ACHI3V3R
2008-07-25, 10:47
3) for movies put a file name moviename-fanart.jpg next to your movie file eg:
Movies\Stargate.Continuim.avi
Movies\Stargate.Continuim-fanart.jpg
then scan it to the library
4) Fanart is only avialable in the library !!! so don't use file mode
Does this work on the xbox?
Does this work on the xbox?
Sharpe seems to think so
http://xbmc.org/forum/showthread.php?p=202648#post202648
UND3R ACHI3V3R
2008-07-25, 11:06
Hmmmm too bad I have to wait for a new t3ch build to find out ...
Here a few more backdrops since I haven't seen any for 'comic' or 'arcade'. The arcade images are a bit boring but the 'lighting effects' help with that (Thanx djh!)
Arcade
Preview Image (http://i35.tinypic.com/2n24nzo.jpg)
Download Link (http://lite.myfabrik.com/get/000100086F3wPE/bg_arcade.zip) (10mb)
Comic
Preview Image (http://i34.tinypic.com/15s9ekp.jpg)
Download Link (http://lite.myfabrik.com/get/00010008rw52lG/bg_comic.zip) (39mb)
(720p, Sorry)
hombrefeo
2008-07-25, 11:51
wow another release 13a! ...thanks!
kakamenuvelet
2008-07-25, 15:07
That Cast list/search thing is really rather cool, isn't it?
...but what is with those actor thumbnails? Is there any way of upping the resolution on those, or choosing a different one from the source? Sorry, I'm going off-topic in my own thread here.
well, if you take your information from imdb the quality of the pictures is bound to be crappy. I guess the really small thumbs are taken from each movie page there. I think there is a better quality when you go into an actor page and hit the picture although I don't believe this information will be any help.
I personally love most of the actor pictures in the TVdb, because they are taken while playing the character.
djh,
Small suggestion but I think it would be pretty cool.
I'm not sure what you call the 'glare' on the poster frames that moves left->right. That would be a cool effect to place on the main menu item currently selected, yes?
That's what I thought when I tried it out a while ago. Trust me, it isn't.
Dont missunderstood me, i love this skin i think it is the best of all htpc skins worldwide, but DJH what about the "your icon here" picture if i´m on the ".." backdir i think i could be better to leave it blank. Can i change it bymyself in one of the xml files?
http://www.applemania.de/xxx.jpg
cameron122000
2008-07-25, 19:30
Decreasing the resolution XBMC displays movies would help increase performance correct? Because for some reason some movies when played at 1080i will say Buffering for about 10 minutes before I just stop it. Would lowering the resolution down to say 720p help at all with the buffering issues?
onesojourner
2008-07-25, 19:47
Is there any way to make the poster/gallery view scroll slower when using the mouse?
Sharpe seems to think so
http://xbmc.org/forum/showthread.php?p=202648#post202648
It does run fine on the xbox. Even though transition are a bit choppy when backdrops in the background are being switched. It's noticeably smoother on a PC.
What withholds me from using Aeon is the small fonts. It's really hard to read the smallest fonts (in list view i.a.) on my 82 cm 16:9 100hz tv. If they would be two pixels bigger this would be fixed! Is there any way I can do this myself in a xml file?
Decreasing the resolution XBMC displays movies would help increase performance correct? Because for some reason some movies when played at 1080i will say Buffering for about 10 minutes before I just stop it. Would lowering the resolution down to say 720p help at all with the buffering issues?
Yes, and it's easy enough to try it for yourself.
Is there any way to make the poster/gallery view scroll slower when using the mouse?
AEON isn't built with the mouse in mind.
but DJH what about the "your icon here" picture if i´m on the ".." backdir i think i could be better to leave it blank. Can i change it bymyself in one of the xml files?[/IMG]
Don't worry. They've already been consigned to the drawer marked: "It only seemed like half a good idea at the time." I'll have to find other avenues of recruitment.
http://tortillamonster.com/aeon/icon_aeon.gif
love the skin, it's probably the best skin ever. made some icons to replace the 'default' icon... made these for myself, wanted to share. http://tortillamonster.com/aeon - (download them here) - i plan on adding more icons, adding this url so updates can be accessed
djh - how do i assign my icon to 'add source'?
You wait right there, sir. I'm going to do something with those.
You wait right there, sir. I'm going to do something with those.
np... removing site ...
Heh - that's not what I meant. I meant that your icons are so nice I'm going to do something with them... like put them in! I might tweak slightly if you don't mind, but let's see how they look.
Heh - that's not what I meant. I meant that your icons are so nice I'm going to do something with them... like put them in! I might tweak slightly if you don't mind, but let's see how they look.
i worship you man, i thought i offended you... love that you take the time to provide all us xbmc users with such a dope skin
just trying to help ... if you need any custom icons, don't hesitate to ask ... site is live again now :)
would you prefer to have the icons in a lossless format such as PNG or BMP so you can work with them how you please? lemme know... i'll do whatever i can do to help out
Meat_PoPsiclez
2008-07-26, 01:45
13b is up... oh god I can hardly wait to see what's happened now :)
http://www.aeonproject.com/dropbin/aeon_newicons.jpg
Cool stuff, colaboration always leads to great results, see xbmc :)
13b is up... oh god I can hardly wait to see what's happened now :)
Is it? Where?
It was, only "it" was a half-uploaded version that didn't have icons in it. It's coming real soon, though.
I'll go to bed then. :;):
http://tortillamonster.com/aeon/aeon_icons_screen_01.jpg
http://tortillamonster.com/aeon/aeon_icons_screen_02.jpg
can't figure out how to add my icon to 'add source' ... i DO have the home navigation mapped to these directories... but just wanted to have an icon associated with the folder ... :)
I'll be adding your icon set (as in, the original one) as one of two sets in the next version. So I wouldn't worry too much about modding it yourself.
need any other icons? just let me know ... i'm ready and willing to help... can't wait for the next release... also i just noticed... that the icons i created don't really follow the color scheme on the navigation... what hex value are you using for the fonts? we can work together to really deliver a nice set of icons... PM me if you'd rather communicate via email :)
http://tortillamonster.com/aeon/aeon_color_icon.jpg
check it out ... changed the icon color scheme to match the navigation bar colors.. share your thoughts...
Well, I'm always changing that focus highlight on the home page so I doubt precise colour coordination is vital just yet.
Care to give your icon set a name? You'll see why soon enough. Oh, and gimme your name while you're at it, or a nick you'd like to recognised by.
Well, I'm always changing that focus highlight on the home page so I doubt precise colour coordination is vital just yet.
Care to give your icon set a name? You'll see why soon enough. Oh, and gimme your name while you're at it, or a nick you'd like to recognised by.
let's name it 'dejah' ... my name is tony :)
http://www.aeonproject.com/dropbin/aeon_iconsets.jpg
chrisdaniels
2008-07-26, 06:27
Any chance we can have the option to show or hide the "back"/"..." icon?
Also, have you had chance to look at the startup playlist option?
jmarshall
2008-07-26, 06:37
Settings->Appearance->View Options.
Competes2win
2008-07-26, 06:42
Looking good with those icons DJH...and good work xbmc.01
I wish I was half as good as DJH at making graphics and such...
joncgde2
2008-07-26, 06:56
Those icons look lovely, but is it just me, or do they seem slightly too cartoony/rounded for this skin?
Perhaps if the curves were reduced a tad, it might 'fit' better with the skin?
E.g. for DJH's preview of the icon set on the skin (where DEJAH by Tony is listed), the curves on that preview box with the grey border only have a *slight* roundness... maybe the icons could better complement the skin by having their curves reduced to a level similar to the corners of this preview box.
Or maybe it's just me thinking this :/
djh,
when the movie/video/show does not have an icon or poster and uses the text, often it will not fit horizontally. Can you have the text rotate on a 45 degree? This would allow more text to fit in the rectangle.
thx
ChoccyHobNob
2008-07-26, 13:57
Any chance of a braille option for blind users? Bumps on the screen would be ok but should really appear on the remote control for user comfort. Could we get that in wide and poster modes too please for people who would rather rotate the remote by 90' to read more braille on one line...
I'm still working on the gas-powered holographic shutdown button at the moment.
LOL!!! Just an idea for later... someone with video editing skills should rig up an INTRO VIDEO for this superb skin...
That would great, innit?
http://www.aeonproject.com/dropbin/aeon_iconsets.jpg I think it's great that i was able to contribute... but srsly you don't need to put 'by tony' ... i'm greatful that you let me name the icon set... how about just leaving the icon set name and dropping 'by tony' ... this skin is too good for that :)
Up to you, mate. Without wanting to sound like too big a ponce, I'm keen for Aeon to act as a canvas for other people's work, and part of that involves giving credit where it's due. But if you'd rather I took it off, it's off.
wie miilion wishes i think what xbmc.01 made was good bring it in one line with the rest of the skin and it would be great. Thx for the great worm.
digitalhigh
2008-07-26, 16:56
Did anybody even notice that I put up a whole pack of f'ing backdrops? You know...that big rar file of images that I spent hours working on? Every time I post here it's like it never even happened. I just wanted to point that out...again.
AND I CAN'T SEE ANYTHING IN THE PLAYLIST. FOR THE THIRD TIME...IS THERE A REASON WHY???
I was about to leap in with the hammer of justice and smite you for your upper-case whinging. Then I realised that you do have a point - I thought I'd answered that thing about the playlist showing up but I guess not.
It sounds like a problem that should be easy to fix, though I can't for the life of me find the window you're talking about. How do you even access it?
And thanks, on behalf of the folks here, for the backdrops. :nod:
Something for the weekend, sir?
http://www.aeonproject.com/downloads/builds/Aeon_ALPHA13b.zip
Changes:
- ability to choose icon sets via the Shutdown menu introduced (very early - see below)
- fanart now displays wherever there's a backdrop
- music OSD works/sized correctly (though Visualisation Settings still crashes XBMC)
- visualisation album art/info restyled, now displays with each song
- cleaned up more of the Home transitions
- video info button display issues fixed, settings button removed
- issue with order of Library items seems to have fixed itself. Must've been an XBMC issue
- selecting Stack (now a radiobutton) no longer brings up the on-screen keyboard
- Watched/Unwatched toggle added to Video library (though the label's too big atm)
Important note from the readme.txt:
The Alpha13b update has introduced the ability to choose icon sets on
a globally-applied basis. To begin with, two icon sets are available.
It's important to note that this is not a feature wholly supported by
XBMC, and there are certain "hard-coded" icons that can't be changed. For
that reason, you'll notice certain inconsistencies in which icons are
used when browsing windows such as the Music Library (though not files)
and system screens like the file browser. The icons also only cover the
basic media types like Movies, Music and TV. This is very early and
experimental feature - please be patient.
awesome. thanks!
don't know if this is a stupid question, but how do you access the newly implemented shutdown menu on an xbox?
I think you click the right thumbstick.
I think you click the right thumbstick.
great, it works!
zeuss-axis
2008-07-26, 18:15
Did anybody even notice that I put up a whole pack of f'ing backdrops?
I read this and said to myself "When?? How did I miss them?" and promptly went searching all the way back to page 7. Man, this thread moves fast...
Turns out I had seem them, and even downloaded them, and then got caught up responding to posts and whatnot. I definitely appreciate the humor in the first House shot in your post :-)
- visualisation album art/info restyled, now displays with each song
this is great!!! been hoping you would do this ... LOVE IT ... thanks!!
Rand Al Thor
2008-07-26, 18:45
AND I CAN'T SEE ANYTHING IN THE PLAYLIST. FOR THE THIRD TIME...IS THERE A REASON WHY???
It sounds like a problem that should be easy to fix, though I can't for the life of me find the window you're talking about. How do you even access it?
@djh
I *think* what he is referring to is the now playing window. You hit space bar to bring it up and he is right there is nothing visible there due to 2 minor issues. First for the mymusicplaylist.xml you just need to add valid view type includes. The ones listed are from the old version of Aeon. Then for myvideoplaylist.xml you need to add proper viewtype includes AND edit commomcontent.xml and add Window.IsVisible(28) as part of the the <visible></visible> tag for whatever view types you want in the playlist window. It is a quick and easy fix. Hope this helps and thanks again for all your hard work.
I say this with great respect and humility...
Aeon is about the pursuit of simplicity and it's that approach that has drawn so many followers
I do not feel that your decision to have the 'rushed/corroded' icons set as the default set follows the established design theme, the overuse of graphical elements (photoshop filters, etc) kills the 'clean' feel that aeon introduced to xbmc
I modified the icon set to match the color scheme on the main navigation bar, don't hesitate to ask if you need any custom icons created... i'm a huge fan of this project and want to contribute
http://tortillamonster.com/aeon/aeon_default.jpg
Well, there was never really a decision made as to which icons should be the default. In fact, there's a bug in this release, in that there is no default. If you start using it without selecting one icon set or the other, chances are you'll get nothing.
I wouldn't worry over it, tbh. Like I said, the whole icon selection thing is very early and the default selection isn't really of foremost concern. With the utmost respect, when the time comes for there to be a default set, I doubt it'll come from you or I. More on that later.
I just downloaded the new update and i cant see the posters in the showcase view. Why is that? I can see them in the reflection the posters make but not the poster itself. I would like to use that view because you can use fanart with it (YAY!) but it would be nicer with the posters/covers shown.
Oh... and im using windows.
As said elsewhere, you need to select an icon set before you see any icons. It's a bug which I guess I'd better fix sooner rather than later.
As said elsewhere, you need to select an icon set before you see any icons. It's a bug which I guess I'd better fix sooner rather than later.
I just couldnt find where you did it. Just found out. Pressing the S key
http://tortillamonster.com/aeon/video_options.jpg
fixing the video options menu is probably on your to-do list... just wanted to share this design comp with you anyhow :) ... used the elements from 'movie information' box
I wouldn't worry over it, tbh. Like I said, the whole icon selection thing is very early and the default selection isn't really of foremost concern. ok cool :)
You know when browsing movies with fanart the fanart changes for a bit to the backdrop. Wouldn't it be nicer if it were just showing the next fanart immediateley or still showing the one before till the next one loads?
just wanted to share this design comp with you
I like it. One question, though: where would the options go?
I like it. One question, though: where would the options go? this is while the video is playing... where the 'stretch to 16x9' and brightness, contrast' options are... i can definitely design another comp.. what options are you thinking of? enlighten me :)
digitalhigh
2008-07-26, 19:54
Thanks for finally acknowledging my question. :D
I realize you've got a lot going on, what with having one of the best skins out there (and it's not even done yet). I apologize for "yelling". I was a bit frustrated, and it's a bit frustrating trying to watch movies b/c I can't queue more than one file at a time, ultimately resulting in me having to switch skins. :(
And I'm glad somebody looked at the backdrops. If I have a bit more time today, I'll do the rest of the shows in my collection. Then it'll be on to movie fanart. I also do requests, so if you've got a show or movie you want art for, lemme know, and I can whip something up. I've got a nice collection of dirty little toys for high-rez scaling and editing. ;)
Okay, I've uploaded an ALPHA13c version which should address the following:
- no icons displaying by default (you might still have to do a settings reset to resolve it but you should be doing that anyway)
- no viewtype visible in Video Playlist window (I still can't summon the window to test it, but it should work)
And I've added a rocking motion to the Music Roller. Which is to say that it rocks... and it rocks.
UPDATE: Actually, it doesn't rock because it glitches when cycling at speeds it doesn't like. I'll revert to the old one when I get a chance. Aeon goes SVN soon so all this nonsense with new versions won't happen much more.
why svn? What have to exepct? What Kind of changes has it to your work. To much coockers destroy the meal.
A sneak peek at the new "backdrop-proof" Showcase view, still with space for those elusive media flags.
http://www.aeonproject.com/dropbin/aeon_newshowcase1.jpg
http://www.aeonproject.com/dropbin/aeon_newshowcase2.jpg
http://www.aeonproject.com/dropbin/aeon_newshowcase5.jpg
http://www.aeonproject.com/dropbin/aeon_newshowcase8.jpg
While I love the showcase view and its new styling I still can't help thinking that the poster needs to be about 50% larger when it transitions to the left hand side of the screen and shows the movie info. Personally I think there is enough space there to do it without hiding the background etc, especially if the center of the cover stays where it is currently... .
I'm inclined to agree. Gimme a few minutes and we'll see what happens.
This new Showcase View looks totaly awesome!
And I also like the size (because the posters from Imdb actually dont`have such great quality and they don`t look that great on a big LCD-TV.)
Keep up the good work :nod::cool:
http://www.aeonproject.com/dropbin/aeon_newshowcase9.jpg
I like it. It's staying.
harryzimm
2008-07-27, 02:17
Yep. I think it looks a lot better.
Rand Al Thor
2008-07-27, 02:26
@djh
First off. Apologies for the video. When running xbmc and the screen capture software my comp lags. So all the transitions and animations look like crap but in reality they are all just as beautiful as the original. In the video I am bringing up the videoinfo screen in movies and tv to show the changes, except in the very last section with the video wall. That is done automatically.
http://rapidshare.com/files/132709466/AEON.avi.html
So here is a list of things that I fixed. I assume most of this stuff is just because you are so busy with other things and these are all very minor issues so you can't really be bothered with them right now:
Weather now displays temp in proper spot
Video and Music playlists work
Trailer button only shows if movie has trailer, blank button appears in all other cases so there is not a blank spot in the info window
Comics now actually shows comics / Pictures show pictures
Pictures path can now be set in settings (this is part of the above fix)
On my test build episode showcase view was broken (didn't show thumbs)
in 13c, you might want to look at that. Could just be my build.
List of Changes:
Video info window now shows plot info for Movies, Tv series, and episodes
List view now has the slide in info panel from poster view
List view now shows proper aspect thumbs when browsing episodes
Added more music views, basically the same as my last mod (except no coverflow as I know how you feel about that ;) )
When in "wall" view in movies, hovering on an item for 3 seconds brings up the video info for that movie ( this can be turned on and off in settings menu)
Basically, the list view stuff is just because I think it is easier to scroll through a lot of movies really fast with that view. I use it quite a bit and thought it might look nice with the slide in effect. I actually really like it.
All of the info views have just had more information added to them. I figure there was space so why not add all the pertinent information. I'm not sure if this was something you had left out on purpose or if you had just not gotten around to it.
Music views are self explanatory. I know you have talked about overhauling the entire music section at some point but I figured it could use a few more options until then. I am anxious to see what you come up with.
Wall info: I know you had been toying around with trying to find an elegant way to add info to the wall views. The way I see it, when you are browsing with the wall view you probably know what movie you are looking for just by its poster otherwise you would be using one of the other views. The in keeping with the "on hover" theme I thought that if you want information in wall view why get just the basics. there is plenty of screen realestate so why not provide everything. It is just something I thought might look nice.
Anyway, I think that is everything. There might be more that I am just forgetting :o If you feel like any of this is worth a damn you are more than welcome to have it. I can pm it to you or something. If not, like I said before "no harm, no foul." These are just things I was tinkering with when I got frustrated with my own skin. Thanks again for all of your hard work. Cheers.
EDIT: The new showcase looks amazing. I definitely agree that the larger image is nice. Is the whole control larger or does the image increase in size as it slides?
Wow, can't get fanart to work for me (I know this question has been asked many times)... really hoping it's a simple explanation
a) using SMB on xbox have the June 15 build and aeon skin 13c
b) Yes, i am in library mode (Showcase mode)
c) Yes, have fanart enabled
d) Yes, rescanned the directory from imdb
is it true? is fanart NOT working on xbox right now? any help would be greatly appreciated ,
Movies/American Gangster (2007).jpg
Movies/American Gangster (2007).avi
my apologies, posted in the wrong place ... admins delete my post :( ^
EDIT: The new showcase looks amazing. I definitely agree that the larger image is nice. Is the whole control larger or does the image increase in size as it slides?
I'll have a proper read/look when I get the chance - just started doing some work. The showcase icon grows in size as it slides along. Looks very nice.
joncgde2
2008-07-27, 03:17
DJH, what do you think about icons like these?
http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/jj227/joncgde2/aeon_icons.jpg
I thought these might be just that little bit more complementary to the skin since they're not so rounded
UND3R ACHI3V3R
2008-07-27, 04:54
Can confirm working movie fanart on xbox, even over SMB. Alpha13c, plus a new compile of XBMC from the SVN
cameron122000
2008-07-27, 05:21
How do you all stay up to date? Just keep checking back and downloading the new ZIP, or do you have a program or something that automatically checks and downloads new versions?
Knowing how pants the plot synopses are on IMDb, I'm going through my movie library and creating proper nfos for everything. Furthermore, I'm making sure that every synopsis is the correct length for Aeon. Would anyone be interested in me setting up a repository for these? It's always possible that I could, with the aid of some strict quality and formatting rules, make it a communal thing we could all add to.
Some examples:
http://www.aeonproject.com/dropbin/aeon_nfo1.jpg
http://www.aeonproject.com/dropbin/aeon_nfo2.jpg
http://www.aeonproject.com/dropbin/aeon_nfo3.jpg
http://www.aeonproject.com/dropbin/aeon_nfo4.jpg
jmarshall
2008-07-27, 06:55
I believe there's a community driven site movie-xml: http://movie-xml.com/
Not sure if that'd be applicable or not, but it uses a similar system to thetvdb, so scraper-fu for it should be not too bad.
Cheers,
Jonathan
That would be fantastic if you could. It is a big job to do on my own, but if everyone pulled together on this, then it would be much easier.
Although... could the same be acheived by everyone putting their energy into updating the descriptions already on movie-xml? At least then you could just copy and paste the descriptions into your own nfo if you prefer to continue using imdb rather than the movie-xml scrapper??
And DJH, what is the character length to get it all to display without scrolling?
my 2c worth
@djh
Weather now displays temp in proper spot
Video and Music playlists work
Trailer button only shows if movie has trailer, blank button appears in all other cases so there is not a blank spot in the info window
Comics now actually shows comics / Pictures show pictures
Pictures path can now be set in settings (this is part of the above fix)
On my test build episode showcase view was broken (didn't show thumbs)
in 13c, you might want to look at that. Could just be my build.
List of Changes:
Video info window now shows plot info for Movies, Tv series, and episodes
List view now has the slide in info panel from poster view
List view now shows proper aspect thumbs when browsing episodes
Added more music views, basically the same as my last mod (except no coverflow as I know how you feel about that ;) )
When in "wall" view in movies, hovering on an item for 3 seconds brings up the video info for that movie ( this can be turned on and off in settings menu)
Hey Rand Al Thor, downloaded the video and loved everything I saw. Especially, the sliding info in the list views and expanded plot information in the info screens.
DJH, hope you get a chance to look through and see if there is anything you would want to put into the base build. And could the rest be the first "Aeon" mod that have been talked about for a while?
This new Showcase View looks totaly awesome!
And I also like the size (because the posters from Imdb actually dont`have such great quality and they don`t look that great on a big LCD-TV.)
Keep up the good work :nod::cool:
When you set the content for Movies IMDB has it's own settings one of which is for higher def images.
dteirney
2008-07-27, 11:48
For those that want some more abstract backdrops for the main menu items in AEON, a bigger, better, brighter version 1.1 of the Photeon backgrounds is now available (http://www.teirney.net/blog/2008/07/27/version-11-photeon-backgrounds-for-xbmc-aeon-skin-released/).
Several hundred people have downloaded version 1.0 so hopefully some of them are still hanging around here.
Some sample backgrounds below:
Movies
http://www.teirney.net/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2008/07/Movies.jpg
TV Shows
http://www.teirney.net/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2008/07/TV Shows.jpg
Clips
http://www.teirney.net/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2008/07/Clips.jpg
Pictures
http://www.teirney.net/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2008/07/Pictures.jpg
Music
http://www.teirney.net/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2008/07/Music.jpg
Settings
http://www.teirney.net/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2008/07/Settings.jpg
Theres also backgrounds for:
Games
Arcade
Apps
Weather
and a couple of Extras
The backgrounds are all 720p BMP images so will work with both original XBox hardware and Linux/Windows HTPC solutions without any rescaling.
Version 1.1 Photeon backgrounds for XBMC AEON skin released. (http://www.teirney.net/blog/2008/07/27/version-11-photeon-backgrounds-for-xbmc-aeon-skin-released/)
Can confirm working movie fanart on xbox, even over SMB. Alpha13c, plus a new compile of XBMC from the SVN
what format are you using for the graphic file? BMP? JPG? dying to know.. can't get it to work for me:no:
zeuss-axis
2008-07-27, 18:26
For those that want some more abstract backdrops for the main menu items in AEON, a bigger, better, brighter version 1.1 of the Photeon backgrounds is now available (http://www.teirney.net/blog/2008/07/27/version-11-photeon-backgrounds-for-xbmc-aeon-skin-released/).
The Settings and Arcade drops are especially brilliant! Good work!
kakamenuvelet
2008-07-27, 18:26
Some backdrops makers said they accept requests, so here's mine. a 1080p of:
The Fifth Element
Independence Day
Men In Black
Fight Club
A Clockwork Orange
Short Circuit
The Matrix (for the first original one)
yeah... Thanks.
digitalhigh
2008-07-27, 18:46
Some backdrops makers said they accept requests, so here's mine. a 1080p of:
The Fifth Element
Independence Day
Men In Black
Fight Club
A Clockwork Orange
Short Circuit
The Matrix (for the first original one)
yeah... Thanks.
The GF is out of town for a while today, so I'll see what I can do. I know I've got a Clockwork Orange wallpaper I did a long time ago that I can upscale...
Not to sound totally retarded...but I still can't get movie fanart to work either. I've got both the most recent build of Aeon and XBMC, and I've got the files named using the moviename.avi and moviename-fanart.jpg convention, but they just don't wanna work...The fanart should switch when I hover on a movie in library mode, right??
I also think that Rand Al Thor's fixes are awesome. :D
Rand Al Thor
2008-07-27, 18:54
Here you go,
Fight Club
MIB
ID4
Matrix
A Clock Work Orange
http://rapidshare.com/files/132863343/Backdrops.rar.html
I also have a ridiculous amount of fanart/backdrops for anime. I might put a package together of those when I get around to it. Most are topnotch high res beauties. Some are just prettied up screen caps, but it still looks better than having nothing at all.
digitalhigh
2008-07-27, 20:04
Grrr...
Here. <href="http://www.quickfilepost.com/download.do?get=b51fbec2a75220fa19189e5b36f7acd7">My File</a>
The Fifth Element
Independence Day
Men In Black
Fight Club
A Clockwork Orange
Short Circuit
The Matrix (for the first original one)
Most of mine are scaled to 1080 and filtered to remove any artifacts from upscaling. Hope they work for ya. :D
The GF is out of town for a while today, so I'll see what I can do. I know I've got a Clockwork Orange wallpaper I did a long time ago that I can upscale...
Not to sound totally retarded...but I still can't get movie fanart to work either. I've got both the most recent build of Aeon and XBMC, and I've got the files named using the moviename.avi and moviename-fanart.jpg convention, but they just don't wanna work...The fanart should switch when I hover on a movie in library mode, right??
I also think that Rand Al Thor's fixes are awesome. :D same thing happening with me... any explanations for why it's not working :(
UND3R ACHI3V3R
2008-07-27, 21:58
The latest build from the SVN works for fanart on movies. It's not working on any official release by T3ch which is where I usually get my duilds, but I can now compile my own and build 14512 works just fine.
digitalhigh
2008-07-27, 22:06
More custom images...just starting with "A" and working my way through my movies...I know that back to the future and batteries not included are kinda crappy right now...gonna get some screencaps a bit later and work with them.
Enjoy:
http://www.mediafire.com/?memzbpstyng
kakamenuvelet
2008-07-27, 22:58
Here you go,
Fight Club
MIB
ID4
Matrix
A Clock Work Orange
http://rapidshare.com/files/132863343/Backdrops.rar.html
I also have a ridiculous amount of fanart/backdrops for anime. I might put a package together of those when I get around to it. Most are topnotch high res beauties. Some are just prettied up screen caps, but it still looks better than having nothing at all.
Grrr...
Here. <href="http://www.quickfilepost.com/download.do?get=b51fbec2a75220fa19189e5b36f7acd7">My File</a>
The Fifth Element
Independence Day
Men In Black
Fight Club
A Clockwork Orange
Short Circuit
The Matrix (for the first original one)
Most of mine are scaled to 1080 and filtered to remove any artifacts from upscaling. Hope they work for ya. :D
Thank you. Much appreciated.
kakamenuvelet
2008-07-28, 00:26
Some music backdrops I made, hopefully someone will find a use for them.
I found that most of the bands I listen to have no good images, and why should they have? but it pissed me off anyway.
so here are some pictures, I guess my favorite back is the Mr.Bungle one.
http://img.skitch.com/20080727-gup8g4rgrw893f66tpaatgmkds.jpg
download from here: http://www.mediafire.com/?nw2nxgxmngs but do it fast before I regret it!
I am somewhat confused. I used Aeon on MediaPortal before and even if there were several tweaks to the TV Shows screen, regular banners were always used like http://forum.team-mediaportal.com/attachments/aeon-274/23291d1216811999-tv-series-layout-do-you-use-roopert1.jpg
I thought this was coming from the original Aeon, but it isn't? How is the TV Shows part supposed to be used in the original version, when the scraper download banners?
Thanks.
DjOktave
2008-07-28, 02:06
man, this new version is great... I love the file manage, now i don't have to keep switching back to pm3... and I like the new movie informat.... wait a sec, OH GOD WHAT HAPPENED TO MY MOVIE LIST?:shocked:
picture.
http://www.maunic.com/personaldir/GOWHYpreview.jpg (http://www.maunic.com/personaldir/GODWHY.jpg)
yah, I know the movie list is empty, i reset the settings. but seriously, why is that menu so full screen?
What I mean is that there seems to be no view in TV Shows that can accomodate the banners (just poster views).
What I mean is that there seems to be no view in TV Shows that can accomodate the banners (just poster views).
Scroll across to View Types (or press 'S' and access it from the shutdown menu) and you'll Banners.
Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh, excellent.
Thank you, I really felt like I was missing something. Clearly :p
digitalhigh
2008-07-28, 03:24
I've been a busy boy...
68 or so images, all in 720p. 90% are from high-rez sources, the rest are upscaled to the best of my ability. Check it out, lemme know how they look. :D
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e56/digitalhigh/CS4.jpg
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e56/digitalhigh/CS5.jpg
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e56/digitalhigh/CS1.jpg
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e56/digitalhigh/CS2.jpg
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e56/digitalhigh/CS3.jpg
Download here:http://www.mediafire.com/?1nemzwtgmdj
Applauds previous post.
This is how I'm hoping Showcase will look if/when we get media flags. I'm thinking a trio of picture resolution, audio format and subtitles should do it, though maybe I'm missing something.
(Hacked up a poster in PS for the backdrop. Came out rather well, I think.)
http://www.aeonproject.com/dropbin/aeon_newshowcase10.jpg
digitalhigh
2008-07-28, 04:31
Applauds previous post.
This is how I'm hoping Showcase will look if/when we get media flags. I'm thinking a trio of picture resolution, audio format and subtitles should do it, though maybe I'm missing something.
(Hacked up a poster in PS for the backdrop. Came out rather well, I think.)
http://www.aeonproject.com/dropbin/aeon_newshowcase10.jpg
Thanx. I'll start on G-Z tomorrow. I've gotta say tho...I'd like a copy of your blade runner bg. I've got the same poster, and I like to have a bg that's different from the poster.
I'm still not getting movie fanart to work for me. Is there something wrong with the FTP? I'm thinking I need a newer SVN build as opposed to T3CH...I read something about that being the problem...
I've been a busy boy...
68 or so images, all in 720p. 90% are from high-rez sources, the rest are upscaled to the best of my ability.
this is great! thanks for sharing
http://www.aeonproject.com/dropbin/aeon_newshowcase11.jpg
Kprojekt
2008-07-28, 06:34
http://www.aeonproject.com/dropbin/aeon_newshowcase11.jpg
It would be absolutely awesome if XBMC could support frosty glass effects. Your skin would benefit from it!:nod:
onesojourner
2008-07-28, 06:36
http://www.aeonproject.com/dropbin/aeon_newshowcase11.jpg
That is great. This skin is not alpha software any more.
pletopia
2008-07-28, 06:43
Applauds previous post.
This is how I'm hoping Showcase will look if/when we get media flags. I'm thinking a trio of picture resolution, audio format and subtitles should do it, though maybe I'm missing something.
(Hacked up a poster in PS for the backdrop. Came out rather well, I think.)
http://www.aeonproject.com/dropbin/aeon_newshowcase10.jpg
just registered .. wanted to say great job djh .. love the work your doing .. this is the only skin i have installed on my box (other then pm3 .. hehe .. but who uses that ?)
anyway .. i love those media tags .. is that gonna be dependent on xbmc integrating it into future builds ?
those media tags is something ive been awaiting for now it look slike thre could be some light at the end of the tunnel for thier possible future :)
djh,
That will be fantastic. One thing... I think the bg image on the day/time is really not matching the theme anymore. does not "blend" ... just my $0.02
joncgde2
2008-07-28, 08:09
does anyone else other than me think the tags are slightly word-intensive? especially writing out the whole "high definition"... would it be simpler (and easier when glancing at movie info) to have small tags, or small icons to show these attributes? to me, too many words everywhere doesn't make it easy for the eye to pick up details at a quick glance.
Competes2win
2008-07-28, 08:32
@djh, concerning those media flags, my opinion would actually to be to make them much more subtle somehow, only because they kind of look like pressable buttons rather than the informative tags that they are. just a thought.
looking great man.
pletopia
2008-07-28, 09:00
Is it just me .. or does anyone else feel like there should be a standalone library manager for all this extra stuff .. especially if tags get involved .. hehe
there's the standard info from imdb, posters, fanart, trailers, tags hopefully
I agree with the last few posts. I think the media flags would look better as more subtle flags on the main content, rather than really "out there" text based tags.
And I agree that as designed they look like buttons that should be clicked.
joncgde2
2008-07-28, 11:11
What about something like this? Obviously I have no design skills lol, but sometimes logos make things easier to pick up at a mere glance.
P.S. The "CC" stands for closed captioning, aka subtitles.
http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/jj227/joncgde2/jon.jpg
UND3R ACHI3V3R
2008-07-28, 11:25
I love that look joncgde2. Very cool maybe a little too gold though? :P
kakamenuvelet
2008-07-28, 11:47
gold doesn't fit. but I agree that icons catch the eye better.
I think that there should be a difference between 720p to 1080p though.
Sonofthor
2008-07-28, 11:59
The icons do look good. But perhaps black instead of gold. More functional than eye-catching.
Love the skin though. Using it on a Mac, so I think we're a few versions behind with features such as fan-art for movies. I'm looking forward to catching up.
yeah those icons arent too bad t all. jsut a tad gold liek otehrs say
i dovery much like the idea though to have the difference set between 720p and 1080p
would be nice
It would be absolutely awesome if XBMC could support frosty glass effects. Your skin would benefit from it!:nod:
Benefit from it? It was built for it.
I have a whole load of concept stuff for depth of field and glass blur effects in more or less every window. It's Aeon's secret weapon!
joncgde2: I see what you're getting at with those icons, but I'm pretty set on the original ones, tbh. Also, the position of your icons leaves the bottom of the screen bare (where it was deliberately left for the media flags) and restricts the lengths of those title and info labels.
johnny utah
2008-07-28, 14:32
What about something like this? Obviously I have no design skills lol, but sometimes logos make things easier to pick up at a mere glance.
P.S. The "CC" stands for closed captioning, aka subtitles.
http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/jj227/joncgde2/jon.jpg
I like the idea with the "industry standard" icons too. more clean and subtle.
perhaps smaller in size and in the same color as the movie title (while) or dark grey to match the screen.
one thing I wish would be added (underneath or next to the movie title) is the film length/duration in minutes. I know it shows up if you click "i" for more info, but movie length is next more important thing after title and rating...would be cooler even if the minutes showed up in the initial showcase under the cover art view like this:
adventure / sci-fi
2001: A Space Oyssey
210 minutes
just a thought.
just a thought.
It's a good point. I'll think about that.
As for the icons, I did try the industry standard ones before - they kinda worked and kinda didn't. It's safe to say we all have plenty of time to dwell on the pros and cons, given that media flag support is, at best, probably quite far off. Purely out of personal preference, I've put the icons into the latest Aeon as an option (off by default). I encode all my movies in 720p, usually choosing the DD track over DTS if I can, so that info is actually correct most of the time. Purely placeholder, though, of course.
Just a thought but as a stop-gap solution maybe people could bake those icons into their movie fanart, and djh could designate a particular part of the screen where it'd be appropriate to do that. It's a hack but in the short term it'd be better than nothing?
then again it may be best not to, since it'd mean a load of work to undo it again if/when mediaflagging is ever implemented for "real"
johnny utah
2008-07-28, 14:48
djh:
This is by far the most elegant, beautiful, functional UI I have seen for a media center.
I've spent countless hours literally looking at all the options trying to figure out which one is best...and had pretty much decided to go with Vista Media Center recently for it's combination of compatibility, stability, looks.
BUT Aeon blows this totally out of the water! If I were Microsoft I would be worried. Aeon has set the new standard. I am now thinking of switching to XBMC only for Aeon.
My only concern is stability. I only installed XBMC last week with Aeon (both latest builds) running on Vista, but it crashes quite often. Not sure if it's XBMC or the skin.
My point:
Amazing work...simply stunning! Please keep up the great work and uncompromising pursuit of perfection...the result says it all and we all thank you for it. :)
johnny utah
2008-07-28, 14:56
Oh...one last comment/suggestion:
for music:
any chance we will see a showcase type navigation with CD covers? or a "coverflow" type navigation?
would be great to have a bigger view of the music cover art both while browsing or in the "now playing".
again...just a thought since the whole skin is HD would be great to see the cover artwork in all it's glory.
smcnally75
2008-07-28, 15:05
djh:
My only concern is stability. I only installed XBMC last week with Aeon (both latest builds) running on Vista, but it crashes quite often. Not sure if it's XBMC or the skin.
I updated both this weekend as well and found that the latest T3CH build has video playback issues and the latest Aeon build had a few minor bugs that weren't in the previous version. If you go back one revision on each you'll be happier. I don't know if you can download the last revision of Aeon, Duncan would be the one to answer that. Duncan, I'll search the bug thread to see if what I found has been reported (and report them if not).
I updated both this weekend as well and found that the latest T3CH build has video playback issues and the latest Aeon build had a few minor bugs that weren't in the previous version. If you go back one revision on each you'll be happier. I don't know if you can download the last revision of Aeon, Duncan would be the one to answer that. Duncan, I'll search the bug thread to see if what I found has been reported (and report them if not).
T3CH builds are for the Xbox only.
smcnally75
2008-07-28, 15:16
T3CH builds are for the Xbox only.
Ahhh...I didn't notice he said he was running it on Vista until now.
I don't know if you can download the last revision of Aeon...
They're all still on the server. You'll just have to perform some URL alchemy to suss out the filenames. Last build before this one was ALPHA13b (I think :eek:).
djh:
This is by far the most elegant, beautiful, functional UI I have seen for a media center.
I've spent countless hours literally looking at all the options trying to figure out which one is best...and had pretty much decided to go with Vista Media Center recently for it's combination of compatibility, stability, looks.
BUT Aeon blows this totally out of the water! If I were Microsoft I would be worried. Aeon has set the new standard. I am now thinking of switching to XBMC only for Aeon.
My only concern is stability. I only installed XBMC last week with Aeon (both latest builds) running on Vista, but it crashes quite often. Not sure if it's XBMC or the skin.
My point:
Amazing work...simply stunning! Please keep up the great work and uncompromising pursuit of perfection...the result says it all and we all thank you for it. :)
You should buy an Xbox for the experience. The Xbox version of XBMC is less likely to crash as it has been worked on for a long time now.
I would recommend buying a cheap Xbox somewhere and installing XBMC on it.
Remember to have nice TV too.
Its worth it, trust me...