ONGOING DEFAULT THEME CONTEST!!!

[Llorean]

Hey guys, we're always looking to pick a better default theme for Rockbox. I'm sure you've all seen the default by now. What you may not know is that it was user created, from this very thread, and there's always the possibility to improve or even replace it.

A few basic rules:

1) It must work on all targets. This doesn't mean it needs to look identical on all targets, or even have exactly the same information (for example, if the screen is small, you could leave off next track information if you chose to include it). It just needs to have a similar visual "feel" between versions. It can even use different fonts on each target. Note: To be considered working on targets with LCD remotes, it MUST include a RWPS.

2) It must be wholly original. All art must either be your own work, or must come from sources that would allow redistribution under the GPL. This means that you can't use images from other firmwares, and you should not try to make it look like Windows Media Player, Winamp, or any other of your favorit things.

3) The idea is for Rockbox to have an intuitive interface that shows it off. Try to keep it mostly simple, but 'pretty' (as you see fit). That being said, if you feel some complexity helps show it off, go ahead, but the overall feel is that if it's too cluttered to be easily readable, that's frustrating.

4) It should load quickly. Try to use as FEW individual images as possible to get your point across. Each extra file adds to load time. We want this to put forth the best foot possible. Increasing the boot time doesn't do this.

The theme does not have to say "Rockbox" or use the Rockbox colors or anything like that, but please remember, it is trying to be the Rockbox default theme so don't put anything in there to suggest anything not-Rockbox, like a favorit band or what not.

Remember that if you are chosen your real name will be included in the credits, and your work will be released under the GPL or a creative commons license that is compatible (the exact licensing isn't guaranteed yet). Because of this, please don't submit your work if it's not acceptable.

We haven't chosen an ending date for this. Yet. It may also be ongoing, as there's no reason not to change defaults if one that seems more suitable arrives.

Prebuilt win32 simulators for testing on different targets can be found here: http://rasher.dk/rockbox/simulator/

To submit a theme, post the completed theme to the patch tracker as a single .zip containing all versions of the WPS. It should also meet any additional guidelines here: http://www.rockbox.org/twiki/bin/view/Main/SubmitWPS You should also include an image showing screenshots of each of the versions (single image please with all screens in it).

There is no "prize" for this contest, beyond perhaps having your theme chosen as the new default. As well, any themes submitted may be chosen to be included as part of the standard build, or an "Extras" package, like the fonts, with the "official" themes.

Themes should use one of the official fonts, or a font from Rasher's set. If you must use another font, make sure to choose one with a compatible license.

Iconsets are not necessary, but are allowed, following the same license conditions.

Feel free to link to that image from this forum thread as well once you have submitted.

[Llorean]

Additional information, not to clutter the first post:

WPS resolutions and depths that must be supported:
112x64x1 (Note: These screens feature rectangular pixels that are 4:5 width:height ratio)
128x128x16
138x110x2
160x128x2
160x128x16
176x132x16
176x220x16
220x176x16
240x320x16
320x240x16

Remember, some players of the same resolution have different WPS features, specifically Real Time Clock, so be aware if you want to make use of this

RWPS resolutions:
128x64x1
128x96x2

For 16-bit WPSes, you may use 24-bit images, but be aware they will display at 16 and may not appear as expected, so check that. The bitmap loading functions will adapt them to the screen (even converting 24-bit for grayscale targets) but you should attempt to test them on target, or find someone to do so, as they might not look how you expect.

Attached is a comparison image to show the differences in pixel ratio between the more common screens and the Archos screens.

[attachment deleted by admin for age]

[lights0ut]

I nominate Rockboxed. It's a very simple, clean easy to read, but stylish theme. Plus it's got a good name, and the right colors (for the color targets of course). When I think of a default theme I think of this one.

[Llorean]

The reason we're holding this is because the included themes were all not well liked enough by various groups. Rockboxed is one of the few that covers all targets, but some of us felt it's a bit garish, some of us felt it doesn't really "show off" Rockbox (it's still pretty much a basic text theme), and others liked it just fine. But there wasn't really a solid agreement.

[PHK Brasil]

♪
Cool!
♪

[lights0ut]

The reason we're holding this is because the included themes were all not well liked enough by various groups. Rockboxed is one of the few that covers all targets, but some of us felt it's a bit garish, some of us felt it doesn't really "show off" Rockbox (it's still pretty much a basic text theme), and others liked it just fine. But there wasn't really a solid agreement.

I get your point, there is definitely a need for a WPS that does what you said rockboxed is lacking in.

[Llorean]

It'd be nice to hear if anyone is interested in working on this, just so we know if nobody is working on it and we should get back to arguing about the ones we currently have.

[ruster]

I'm doing it. And i'm sure there are a bunch of other people who are just too busy with their themes to reply  .

[betamaxman]

The only complaint I can voice about the default theme is the font. Why so small. You can barely read the text. I am sure the first thing most do is install the font package and pick a larger one. there must be a reason for the teeny tiny default size so, why?  8-). Other than that, love it.

[psycho_maniac]

What player do you have betamaxman? The reason for the small fot is because that is the default wps for the archos players.  So it seems very tiny on the archos players. This is supposed to be fixed on the next rockbox release (3.1). I think I am correct.

[betamaxman]

Ipod 60gb, no biggy I figured it was was easily fixable and it was. Some might find a pain. Look forward to the next build. Thanks for the reply.  8-)

[JdGordon]

What player do you have betamaxman? The reason for the small fot is because that is the default wps for the archos players.  So it seems very tiny on the archos players. This is supposed to be fixed on the next rockbox release (3.1). I think I am correct.

3.0 was supposed to be the next release... not 3.1 (neither of which has/will happen any time soon....)

and the font issue is one reason for this thread.

the aim for the default theme is that the look of rockbox is roughly the same across alll targets with minor adjustments where its necessary..

remember.. a theme is more than a WPS.. it can include all/some of the following..
(r)wps
font
icons
background for non-wps screens
background colour
foreground colour.

[joey1]

Hi everyone
I would be interested to attempt a new default theme but i am currently still working on a theme and am about to start another for the h10 5g so i will probably not have a theme for all of the devices any time soon.
Am looking forward to seeing some nice new themes made!

PS. this is my first post!

[Flid]

If and when I have the time, I would love to work on this as well. I had a great idea a while back that would include a faded backdrop (WPS and menus) tailored to each players button-set with basic guidance to the player's button functions (if that makes sense). Could be complex for some targets, and impossible for Archos units... but I may still try.

Also, slightly off-topic... but what is the situation with using non-rockbox fontpack fonts (created using the font converter utility)? I've noticed a few themes on the wiki recently that use fonts that I'm guessing shouldn't be made available for public distribution?

[Llorean]

People should not be uploading fonts that are not publically distributable, and any themes submitted to us containing those will not be accepted.

As is said, all content that is included in the theme has to be clearly legally redistributable. If there are ones in the wiki that shouldn't be there, please remove them.