Attract-Mode Support Forum

Attract-Mode Support => Themes => Topic started by: jclampy69 on December 25, 2020, 12:27:46 AM

Title: DynamicArcade layout beta-v9 released 26 Jan 2021
Post by: jclampy69 on December 25, 2020, 12:27:46 AM
I initially created this layout as a request of Damonxxx http://forum.attractmode.org/index.php?topic=3778.0
I've placed it in it's own thread because I will probably expand on this further in the future.
Please see Damonxxx thread if you need artwork files.

///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
// DynamicArcade theme for AttractMode
// Version beta-v9
// Dynamic Arcade layout - 16:9 display ratio (written in 1080p, but tested in 1440p, should work in any 16:9 fine?)
// Layout completely written from scratch by JClampy69
// http://forum.attractmode.org/index.php?topic=3849.0
//
// 1] Cabinet screen effects can be toggled between a 'CRT Shader' or 'Scanlines'. See the note in the README.md troubleshooting section.
// 2] Game searching under layout options can be toggled between 'show search results' or 'jump to next found match'.
// 3] Performing a 'game search' by default is set to custom1 key/button. This can be changed under layout options.
// 4] If 'show search results' is selected then a quick clear key/button is set to custom2 by default. Changeable under layout options.
// 5] 'Cabinet slide-in speed' can be altered under layout options.
// 6] Game Title appearance in metadata area can be toggled between 'wrappable two line' or 'single line only'
// 7] Display of a System Logo can be toggled on/off under layout options.
// 8] The Vertical Game Logo List can be toggled between 'staying on screen' or 'fading to hide' in the layout options.
// 9] Layout options for setting the 'default marquee' as an stylised image or to have it 'empty black' in appearance.
//   Included styles at the moment are Mame/Arcade, Mame, or Final Burn Neo.
//
// *** IMPORTANT ***
// Artwork Prerequisites - Naming Convention used in your cfg file in the (AttractMode)\emulators\ folder:
// ```````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
// wheel = game logos (preferably of resolution smaller than 1000 width / 400 height so not to overload AttractModes image cache).
// cabinets = game cabinets (this layout uses cabinet images of resolution 1300x1080).
// marquee = game marquees (preferably of resolution smaller than 1500 width / 400 height so not to overload AttractModes image cache).
// snap = game videos (preferably 640x480 or 320x240 for correct 4:3 aspect ratio for shader effect settings. The screens of the cabinet graphics are also 4:3).
// tscreens = game title screens (preferably 640x480 or 320x240 for correct 4:3 aspect ratio for shader effect settings. The screens of the cabinet graphics are also 4:3).
//
// if enabled, system logos displayed in top right corner come from your (AttractMode)\menu-art\wheel\ folder. You would need to have some there.
// flyer = *NOT* used by this layout at this time, but can enhance the AttractMode screensaver feature if that is your preference.
//
// "game videos performance of different formats under Windows OS in order of fastest to slowest = fastest wmv, then avi, then mp4."
// I have not tested this myself, the quote is from here http://forum.attractmode.org/index.php?topic=3261.msg22951#msg22951
// If you use mp4 then preferably encoded in yuv420 and not in yuv444 chroma subsampling.
//
// dxva2 video decoding in AttractMode is broken and is causing a 200% to 300% performance loss
// In AttractMode attract.cfg file under the 'general' section, make sure the video_decoder line looks like one of the following:
//    video_decoder        software
// or empty
//    video_decoder
//
// Included Shaders:
// `````````````````
// I have not created these shaders. I only modified them to work with the components of my layout.
// The original Shader Package by Keil Miller Jr = https://github.com/keilmillerjr/shader-module
// Ripple shader converted by Liquid8d to AttractMode = http://forum.attractmode.org/index.php?topic=7.msg12#msg12
// Blur shader I found in ArcadeBliss Cab Edition Reloaded = https://github.com/ArcadeBliss/AttractMode-Themes
//
// Included Plugins:
// `````````````````
// I improved on the aesthetics and functionality of the game search module to work in my layout.
// The original game search module by liquid8d = https://github.com/liquid8d/attract-extra/tree/master/modules/objects/keyboard-search
//
// I modified the aesthetics of the game scrolling progress bar to work in my layout.
// Original implementation code by rand0m(creator of Retrodiction layout) and Keil Miller Jr = http://forum.attractmode.org/index.php?topic=2864.0
//
// Special thanks to the developers and contributors of AttractMode and the community.
// Special thanks to Oomek for his helpful advice.
// Special thanks to Damonxxx for ongoing communication and his own theme efforts.
// Special acknowledgement to the original arcade cabinet artist -gjsmsmith- of the CoinOps Project that inspired this layout.
///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

Known Issues:
``````````````
- initially designed for 16:9, should be ok in 16:10, there will be significant stretching in 4:3 and 5:4. The biggest issue might be if the 'scanlines' or 'CRT Shader' effects are being stretched. I will test 4:3 myself at some point in the future. But 16:10 and 5:4 or anything not mentioned will need somebody to be a test guinea pig. Let me know if you are interested to test this.

Coming in future:
````````````````
- game list scroll bar (yoyo) to cater to different sorting methods of user preference as set in attract.cfg file
- adapting to other resolution ratios? may require a separated download version, especialy if vertical orientation
- already I have a few ideas on what I would like to implement next, but I am eager to hear your suggestions and feedback

Changelog:
```````````
26.1.2021 beta-v9
- the unused outer edges of the 'scanlines' overlay file (if you are not using 'CRT Shader') are now no longer visible.
- improved the appearance of the 'scanlines' overlay.
- Damonxxx request: layout option to toggle the game metadata 'game title' appearance from 'wrappable two line' or 'single line only'.

25.1.2021 beta-v8
- finalised the artwork naming convention so to not conflict with AttractMode screensaver functionality.
- expanded on the layout options for selectable default marquee. This is all done inside layout options now.
- created a new layout option for choosing CRT-Shader or Scanlines for the cabinet screen.

18.1.2021 beta-v7
- the 'previous cabinet leaving' animation is removed due to my creation of a better suited multi-cabinet layout instead.
- completed modulation of the layout components.
- Damonxxx request: fade out animation on game title screens.
- more tweaks to shader usage.
- minor code tweaks throughout.

11.1.2021 beta-v6
- Bug Fix: changed incorrect artwork identifiers from "snap" to "tscreen"
- improved efficiency of shader usage

11.1.2021 beta-v5
- Bug Fix: First game in list was shown as 00 on the game counter. Now it will show as 01.
- game counter automatically adapting digit syntax to your romlist. For example; 00240 of 10100, 0431 of 5379, 087 of 423, 020 of 187, 03 of 15 etc.
- Trbomoble request: cabinet 'leaving' animation.
- Incorporation of new artwork type 'Title Screens'. Increases game list scrolling performance and works well with the 'leaving' cabinet animation.
- Further modulation of layout components.
- Arrange cabinet slide time 'layout setting' options in numerical order.
- minor code tweaks throughout.

5.1.2021 beta-v4
- Game Room neon sign re-attached with blur matching the background video.
- Damonxxx request: game counter shown as a four digit number. For example; 0033 of 0333.
- Scrolling progress bar (aka the yoyo) modified to fit with the recent modifications of metadata expansion and the new game counter.
- System logo modified to line up with the new game counter and scrolling progress bar.
- Alpha channel modification to metadata area and game counter so they should be readable on light or dark backgrounds now.

2.1.2021 beta-v3
- Damonxxx request: layout option to set a default marqueedef.png or just have an 'empty' plain black appearance.
- extra fields of game info data will now be displayed if you have it in your romlist.txt
- lessened the gap between logos in the vertical game list so it fits with the extended game info section.
- lessened the blur effect on the background video. I felt it was too strong and lost too much detail in the back half of the room.
- tick sound effect added to game list navigation.
- more minor code tweaks throughout.

30.12.2020 beta-v2
- major rewrite fixing memory leak and greatly improving performance.
- Damonxxx request: increased number of logos in the game list to an optimal 7.
- Damonxxx request: vertical game logo list now has 'show' or 'fade & hide' setting under layout options.
- Damonxxx request: setting under layout options to enable or disable system logo.
- new selected game logo effect.
- improved search engine.
- improved and increased the 'cabinet slide time' setting under layout options.

25.12.2020  beta-v1
- Initial release

Installation:
````````````
**DELETE** any old 'DynamicArcade' versions folder from inside your AttractMode/Layouts/ folder FIRST. With my major rewrites you don't want any left over from previous versions interfering.
Download zip and extract the `DynamicArcade` folder into the layouts folder of AttractMode
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1QJ602bRMAS7IYOXpUA-eVlOERraaq3UM/view?usp=sharing (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1QJ602bRMAS7IYOXpUA-eVlOERraaq3UM/view?usp=sharing)

Troubleshooting:
````````````````
When upgrading to a new version of 'DynamicArcade' it can be a good idea to reset any 'DynamicArcade' saved settings back to DEFAULTS by making these changes in your AttractMode attract.cfg file:
1) Open attract.cfg file
3) Find this 'sub heading':
layout_config   DynamicArcade
4) Delete this 'sub heading' and it's related settings. Your 'DynamicArcade' will now reset to default settings.
5) Run AttractMode and set the 'DynamicArcade' layout options to your liking.
6) Here is an example of what 'DynamicArcade' default settings look like:
layout_config   DynamicArcade
   param                cabslide 750
   param                defmarquee arcade
   param                dsl yes
   param                mdgta single_line
   param                quick_clear custom2
   param                screenfx scanlines
   param                search_control custom1
   param                search_method only_results
   param                ucd1 OPTIONS BELOW
   param                ucd2 OPTIONS BELOW
   param                vertshow fade_hide

If, when under layout options 'crt_shader' is selected and you are getting a black video screen in the cabinet instead of video-snaps playing. In other words, you can *hear* the video playing, but you can't *see* any video playing on the cabinet screen. Then change the layout option to 'scanlines' instead. Initially a work around for non Nvidia users, can also be for users that prefer that style of cabinet screen appearance.


I'm hoping that others will find it easy to follow my layout. I've learnt a lot over the last six months and know how hard it can be when you are starting off. I feel that the easier it is for others to learn then they too can create and release layouts. Thereby teaching me new tricks or ideas in return. If I learned something everyday then it would be a win-win. So, here's hoping for more releases in 2021! ;D
Title: Re: DynamicArcade layout theme
Post by: jclampy69 on December 25, 2020, 12:28:06 AM
Screenshots: beta-v4
<options screen is from beta-v9>
Title: Re: DynamicArcade layout theme
Post by: jclampy69 on December 25, 2020, 12:28:16 AM
Teaser for what is coming in Beta-v3... <not a requirement, you will only miss category and some extra player info (simultaneous play or alternative turns)>

To have full game metadata info display, I suggest you make your romlists here.. (This way you will have more *info* show up in the game metadata info section).
http://adb.arcadeitalia.net/lista_mame.php (http://adb.arcadeitalia.net/lista_mame.php)
If you haven't used this before.. What you do is;
1) Click "Additional Filters".
2) Tick 'Arcade' in lower 'Filter' section.
3) Click 'Search' button.
4) At bottom of screen you should see total number of games.. at moment full arcade set will be 10,274 games.
5) Click 'Options' button and 'Export the results'.
6) You want 'AttractMode (txt)', for emulator you would type the name of your attractmode/emulator/ .cfg file, you can specify a version number if you want, then hit the 'export' button.
7) Copy the txt file to your attractmode/romlists/ folder. Rename the txt file as needed, make a backup of old ones, etc.. If you use a new name then you have to add it to your attractmode/attract.cfg file as usual.

Interesting things when making a list.. You can choose certain mame drivers to make things like CPS1,2,3 NEOGEO, SNK, etc... Can make genres, can make years, per manufacturers, etc.. Just parents, or clones and parents, or all kinds of different options.
Or, just keep one full list as in the process I explained above.

To easily edit the gamelist txt file yourself, just open the txt file up in a Spreadsheet program, importing it in csv type with a 'Semicolon Separator'. Then just save it back as a txt.

An example of the game metadata info displayed is below.
Top = With the extra data (adb.arcadeitalia) beta-v3 style
Bottom = Without the extra data (mame listxml) beta-v2 style
Title: Re: DynamicArcade layout theme
Post by: jclampy69 on December 25, 2020, 01:46:10 PM
If you already have CoinOPs cabinet graphics then I have made some templates and a procedure so you can convert them over yourself.
http://forum.attractmode.org/index.php?topic=3778.msg26708#msg26708
Title: Re: DynamicArcade layout theme
Post by: jclampy69 on December 25, 2020, 04:58:15 PM
Does anyone have a suggestion for a static image background that would be suitable?

Ideally:
1) at least 1080p resolution.
2) probably nothing interesting on the left hand side since that is where cabinet will go.
3) maybe an arcade that is not bright (so that room lighting effects pop). Scaling/angle so it looks like you are standing in the room.
4) maybe with some cult or classic arcade machines, but not necessarily.
Title: Re: DynamicArcade layout theme
Post by: Damon-HP on December 26, 2020, 03:54:53 AM
Does anyone have a suggestion for a static image background that would be suitable?

Ideally:
1) at least 1080p resolution.
2) probably nothing interesting on the left hand side since that is where cabinet will go.
3) maybe an arcade that is not bright (so that room lighting effects pop). Scaling/angle so it looks like you are standing in the room.
4) maybe with some cult or classic arcade machines, but not necessarily.
Hi clampy, thanks for your great work. Imho a good solution was put on background the specific fanart of game, if there isn't it's replaced with a generic image (for example some producer logos).
This is an idea to develop and improve. COINOPS does like I described. You could take inspiration

Title: Re: DynamicArcade layout theme
Post by: jclampy69 on December 26, 2020, 01:57:43 PM
That looks quite nice, but I'm not trying to replicate CoinOPs, hence why I don't put CoinOPs in the name.
I'm also not intending to use 'fanart' because I want to have an authentic representation of the games from their actual time period.
If I was to add the original 'flyers' it would probably be attached to a wall or side of a cabinet as part of the background for example.
The cabinet images initially have come from CoinOPS but with the changes I am making to them, many will not look the same in the end.
Also, I will remove their image defects/artifacts (disable the alpha channel on their cabinet images to see what I am talking about).
Title: Re: DynamicArcade layout beta-v2 released
Post by: jclampy69 on December 30, 2020, 01:12:42 AM
Beta-v2 released.
- major rewrite fixing memory leak and greatly improving performance.
- Damonxxx request: increased number of logos in the gamelist to an optimal 7.
- Damonxxx request: vertical game logo list now has 'show' or 'fade & hide' setting under layout options.
- Damonxxx request: setting under layout options to enable or disable system logo.
- new selected game logo effect.
- improved search engine.
- improved and increased the 'cabinet slide time' setting under layout options.

Link in first post.
Title: Re: DynamicArcade layout beta-v2 released
Post by: jclampy69 on December 31, 2020, 04:10:39 AM
Teaser of what is coming in Beta-v3...
http://forum.attractmode.org/index.php?topic=3849.msg26787#msg26787

Edit:
Even more information/improvement
Still a work in progress.. Haven't decided on whether 3 line title & right aligned manufacturer or 2 line title & left aligned manufacturer.
Will go with image e for now.. image f shows the tweaked vertical game logo list to fit the new metadata box.
Title: Re: DynamicArcade layout beta-v2 released
Post by: jclampy69 on December 31, 2020, 04:19:48 AM
Following on from the post here.. http://forum.attractmode.org/index.php?topic=3849.msg26792#msg26792

Some tests of static image backgrounds..
Does anyone think any of these might look nice?
Please post your comments, votes.. Or feel free to post a link to an image you think would make a great background.  8)
https://drive.google.com/file/d/13X4fWnA2ovQ_97K8psFiUG4x14o-8MgN/view?usp=sharing (https://drive.google.com/file/d/13X4fWnA2ovQ_97K8psFiUG4x14o-8MgN/view?usp=sharing)

I have received a vote for 5a+b and 6a+b so far.

My thoughts would be to include a variety of backgrounds so people have more chance of finding something they like, instead of just one.
I'm also looking at the possibility of an arcade background themed on a set of machine types or genre of games.
Title: Re: DynamicArcade layout beta-v2 released
Post by: Damon-HP on January 01, 2021, 12:04:44 PM
Following on from the post here.. http://forum.attractmode.org/index.php?topic=3849.msg26792#msg26792

Some tests of static image backgrounds..
Does anyone think any of these might look nice?
Please post your comments, votes.. Or feel free to post a link to an image you think would make a great background.  8)
https://drive.google.com/file/d/13X4fWnA2ovQ_97K8psFiUG4x14o-8MgN/view?usp=sharing (https://drive.google.com/file/d/13X4fWnA2ovQ_97K8psFiUG4x14o-8MgN/view?usp=sharing)

I have received a vote for 5a+b and 6a+b so far.

My thoughts would be to include a variety of backgrounds so people have more chance of finding something they like, instead of just one.
I'm also looking at the possibility of an arcade background themed on a set of machine types or genre of games.

Imho 5a+b and 6a+b are best solutions
Title: Re: DynamicArcade layout beta-v3 released 2 Jan 2021
Post by: jclampy69 on January 01, 2021, 07:04:28 PM
Beta-v3 released.
- Damonxxx request: layout option to set a default marqueedef.png or just have an 'empty' plain black appearance.
- extra fields of game info data will now be displayed if you have it in your romlist.txt
- lessened the gap between logos in the vertical game list so it fits with the extended game info section.
- lessened the blur effect on the background video. I felt it was too strong and lost too much detail in the back half of the room.
- tick sound effect added to game list navigation.
- more minor code tweaks throughout.

Link in first post.

Edit:
I just noticed the Gameroom Neon sign was taken down.. I will modify it's blur to match the background video and add it back to beta-v4. Sorry for any inconvenience.
Title: Re: DynamicArcade layout beta-v4 released 5 Jan 2021
Post by: jclampy69 on January 04, 2021, 04:01:47 PM
Beta-v4 released.
- Game Room neon sign re-attached with blur matching the background video.
- Damonxxx request: game counter shown as a four digit number. For example; 0033 of 0333.
- Scrolling progress bar (aka the yoyo) modified to fit with the recent modifications of metadata expansion and the new game counter.
- System logo modified to line up with the new game counter and scrolling progress bar.
- Alpha channel modification to metadata area and game counter so they should be readable on light or dark backgrounds now.

Link in first post.
Title: Re: DynamicArcade layout beta-v4 released 5 Jan 2021
Post by: Damon-HP on January 06, 2021, 04:28:57 AM
Beta-v4 released.
- Game Room neon sign re-attached with blur matching the background video.
- Damonxxx request: game counter shown as a four digit number. For example; 0033 of 0333.
- Scrolling progress bar (aka the yoyo) modified to fit with the recent modifications of metadata expansion and the new game counter.
- System logo modified to line up with the new game counter and scrolling progress bar.
- Alpha channel modification to metadata area and game counter so they should be readable on light or dark backgrounds now.

Link in first post.
Bravo, very nice job.
Title: Re: DynamicArcade layout beta-v5 released 11 Jan 2021
Post by: jclampy69 on January 10, 2021, 03:58:53 AM
Beta-v5 released.
- Bug Fix: First game in list was shown as 00 on the game counter. Now it will show as 01.
- game counter automatically adapting digit syntax to your romlist. For example; 00240 of 10100, 0431 of 5379, 087 of 423, 020 of 187, 03 of 15 etc.
- Trbomoble request: cabinet 'leaving' animation.
- Incorporation of new artwork type 'Title Screens'. Increases game list scrolling performance and works well with the 'leaving' cabinet animation.
- Further modulation of layout components.
- Arange cabinet slide time 'layout setting' options in numerical order.
- minor code tweaks throughout.

Link in first post.

Please pay attention to the new **Artwork Naming Convention**
// wheel = game logos (preferably resolution smaller than 1000 wide so not to overload AttractModes image cache).
// cabinet = game cabinets (this layout uses cabinet images of resolution 1300x1080).
// marquee = game marquees (preferably resolution smaller than 1500 wide so not to overload AttractModes image cache).
// video = game videos (preferably 640x480 or 320x240 for correct ratio for shader effect settings).
// tscreen = game title screens (preferably 640x480 or 320x240 for correct ratio for shader effect settings).

below is screenshot of the animation of the 'previous' cabinet leaving to the right while a 'new' cabinet is arriving into view from the left.
Title: Re: DynamicArcade layout beta-v5 released 11 Jan 2021
Post by: jclampy69 on January 10, 2021, 08:52:22 PM
- Urgent bug: I forgot to change lines #151 & #351 "snap" to "tscreen" *I'll put out beta-v6 within 6 hours from now*

Thanks to Damonxxx reporting bug to me.
Title: Re: DynamicArcade layout beta-v6 released 11 Jan 2021
Post by: jclampy69 on January 11, 2021, 02:12:05 AM
Beta-v6 released.
- Bug Fix: changed incorrect artwork identifiers from "snap" to "tscreen"
- improved efficiency of shader usage

Link in first post.

Please pay attention to the recent **Artwork Naming Convention** used in your cfg file in the (AttractMode)\emulators\ folder.
// wheel = game logos (preferably resolution smaller than 1000 wide so not to overload AttractModes image cache).
// cabinet = game cabinets (this layout uses cabinet images of resolution 1300x1080).
// marquee = game marquees (preferably resolution smaller than 1500 wide so not to overload AttractModes image cache).
// video = game videos (preferably 640x480 or 320x240 for correct ratio for shader effect settings).
// tscreen = game title screens (preferably 640x480 or 320x240 for correct ratio for shader effect settings).
Title: Re: DynamicArcade layout beta-v6 released 11 Jan 2021
Post by: mahuti on January 13, 2021, 05:42:03 PM
Are you aware of the blinking that happens when the arcade cabinets begin to slide away? As my selection changes on both my windows pc and raspberry pi, the same thing happens, the leaving cabinet disappears and reappears half way through the slide. I didn't dive into the code yet to figure it out, but it doesn't look intentional.
Title: Re: DynamicArcade layout beta-v6 released 11 Jan 2021
Post by: jclampy69 on January 14, 2021, 04:25:52 PM
Hi mahuti, I know what you are referring to.

What is happening is there are 'two' separate cabinets. Currently selected which slides in from left of screen. Previously selected which slides off to right of screen. This is what causes the 'blink', the fact that it is not 'one' cabinet. One way around this might be to force navigation to per single game only, but I doubt that would be very popular.

As far as I know there is no way around this with current AttractMode. Possibly AttractMode+ or a future module from Oomek might offer an alternative solution. Only time will tell.

By all means if you do find a solution, then please let me know.

PS: Would you have a template for default cabinets with a selection of different control panels? I might be able to get the layout to automatically change default cabinet to one with matching control panel based on games number of buttons, etc.. Please let me know if you have something like that in your tool shed. ;)
Title: Re: DynamicArcade layout beta-v6 released 11 Jan 2021
Post by: mahuti on January 15, 2021, 12:12:46 AM
 Personally I'm not much of a dev, so I'm not much help on the nuts and bolts. I think, were I to start this layout, I'd try starting with just 2 static pics of cabinets. Work on the animation so that there's no blink during the transition.  Work in additional elements, one at a time. Once the entire cabinet is in there working, then worry about the rest of the background.

Or, were I to start this and I had that blink problem, I'd just do a wholesale cabinet swap without worrying about the animation. There would still be a flash, but it wouldn't be as distracting.

Anyway, if you can nail that problem it'll be solid.
Title: Re: DynamicArcade layout beta-v6 released 11 Jan 2021
Post by: jclampy69 on January 15, 2021, 02:03:22 AM
Each cabinet is a 'combined surface', so they work in same way as a static image. We just have to wait to see what the future brings.

I'm working on some new features at the moment that will complement this dual cabinet setup with animation. Hopefully they will shift the balance to outweigh the 'downside'.

I can probably also set the 2nd cabinet as an selectable user option.
Title: Re: DynamicArcade layout beta-v6 released 11 Jan 2021
Post by: jclampy69 on January 15, 2021, 07:44:19 AM
Personally I'm not much of a dev, so I'm not much help on the nuts and bolts. I think, were I to start this layout, I'd try starting with just 2 static pics of cabinets. Work on the animation so that there's no blink during the transition.  Work in additional elements, one at a time. Once the entire cabinet is in there working, then worry about the rest of the background.

Or, were I to start this and I had that blink problem, I'd just do a wholesale cabinet swap without worrying about the animation. There would still be a flash, but it wouldn't be as distracting.

Anyway, if you can nail that problem it'll be solid.
Mahuti, can you make these changes to the layout.nut and tell me if it is an improvement?

Line #340 put // at start of line so it looks like this
//   arcsurfl.set_pos( -1300, 0);

Line #342 change start = 0 to read start = -650

Hopefully that is an improvement? You could play around with the 'start' number to see if you find something that feels better? If so, let me know if you change it to something else.
Title: Re: DynamicArcade layout beta-v6 released 11 Jan 2021
Post by: jedione on January 15, 2021, 08:04:18 AM
just tryed this theme,  i like it but my onley beef is that when u go left and right it allways
moves in from the right...just seems wierd when you go back to the last game that moved off the screen . hope that makes sence..
Title: Re: DynamicArcade layout beta-v6 released 11 Jan 2021
Post by: mahuti on January 15, 2021, 11:00:51 AM
Quote
when u go left and right it allways
moves in from the right..   

Yeah. That felt strange to me as well.

As for the change you want me to try, I can check it out in a handful of hours.
Title: Re: DynamicArcade layout beta-v6 released 11 Jan 2021
Post by: jclampy69 on January 15, 2021, 04:23:16 PM
It sounds like you two are only just seeing this theme for the first time now, having not followed it through the version variations. The cabinet coming in from the left is just a layout styling from the beginning of time.. Cabinet on left and a game list or wheel on the right. The idea of animating the cabinet sliding in from the left is just an extension of that. That styling has been seen before in other layouts like the well known 'at the arcade' layout in the 'great theme collection'.

Here it is most probably a necessity with current AttractMode because each 'dynamic cabinet' is made up of four to five components. When this is drawn in view on-screen (possibly either with or without 'free navigation') there is a likely chance you will for an instance see-through one of the components. So, to avoid that the 'dynamic cabinet' is drawn off-screen first before sliding in as one unit into view.

The 'cabinet leaving' animation was a recent addition to add another piece of uniqueness to this theme and also to show off more of the 'dynamic cabinets' which is the purpose of this theme. I think seeing two 'dynamic cabinets' adds to the atmosphere.

The right side of the screen is already quite populated due to the cabinet taking up the left half of the screen. Normally, from an artistic preference I wouldn't have various assets layering over each other (as in cabinet moving under game list wheel and scroll bar, etc). I don't think it would look as appealing to have cabinets sliding in from the right underneath those assets. For example I've already added a blur to the background video to make it easier to see those assets. I don't feel the leaving animation is as intrusive though, especially when you consider that you won't see it until you end navigation.

Visually, I can't perceive how you could get three of these cabinets on screen while still having an image based list/wheel with any/many other assets (scroll bar, system logo, game count, game meta data, etc) in view at same time... And still having an atmospheric background at all. Having a three cabinet setup, and scrolling through them left and right is a nice idea but really would need a different overall look, everything in different dimensions and placements, smaller cabinets, etc.

From a technical stand-point I wouldn't even attempt that at the moment. Possibly AttractMode Plus or some future released modules might make that more feasible.
I'm sorry if what I've typed above doesn't explain it well.. I've tried to give you my thoughts and reasoning of my experience thus far. But the only way to understand is to try it first hand. I'm in the process of modulating the cabinets so in probably beta-v8 you will be able to start playing around with layout coding yourself and seeing what animation you can come up with.
Title: Re: DynamicArcade layout beta-v6 released 11 Jan 2021
Post by: mahuti on January 15, 2021, 08:31:54 PM
Justifications are unnecessary for any part of a passion project. If you like what you're doing, cool. I'm here to offer constructive criticism where I can, take it or leave it... that's up to you. :-)

Quote
The cabinet coming in from the left is just a layout styling from the beginning of time.

Yes. The next thing sliding in is a common pattern. Both the next and previous selections coming from the same direction is an uncommon design pattern, and that's what we were commenting on.

Anyway, I'm going to try the change you mentioned and I'll report back to you here in a bit.
Title: Re: DynamicArcade layout beta-v6 released 11 Jan 2021
Post by: jedione on January 15, 2021, 08:42:29 PM
pretty shure, it can be done.. ::)

here is what i got...  dont have the grafix, all sized to all sized 100% just a quick mock up
but u can get the idea...

sample = https://youtu.be/b10zO2-U840 (https://youtu.be/b10zO2-U840)
Title: Re: DynamicArcade layout beta-v6 released 11 Jan 2021
Post by: jclampy69 on January 15, 2021, 09:16:11 PM
Anyway, I'm going to try the change you mentioned and I'll report back to you here in a bit.
Yes, please do.. Also the 'blinking' is directly tied to the use of 'EndNavigation' with the Animation Module on line #342.
Title: Re: DynamicArcade layout beta-v6 released 11 Jan 2021
Post by: jclampy69 on January 15, 2021, 09:22:09 PM
pretty shure, it can be done.. ::)

here is what i got...  dont have the grafix, all sized to all sized 100% just a quick mock up
but u can get the idea...

sample = https://youtu.be/b10zO2-U840 (https://youtu.be/b10zO2-U840)
Interesting idea, care to share what code you are using there? Will like to see it showing the next and previous cabinet at the same time. Hopefully not using the conveyor module? I'm not using that due to performance issues.
Title: Re: DynamicArcade layout beta-v6 released 11 Jan 2021
Post by: jedione on January 16, 2021, 06:45:42 AM
its, just modified, carrier, module

if you cant figure out after messing around with it, ill pass this off to you..bro

just figuring a bit more out with it...

its getting their though..latest   https://youtu.be/aYmtoANEHXk (https://youtu.be/aYmtoANEHXk)

just trying to add the shader to the carrier..
Title: Re: DynamicArcade layout beta-v6 released 11 Jan 2021
Post by: mahuti on January 16, 2021, 08:23:38 AM
 Looks good.
Title: Re: DynamicArcade layout beta-v6 released 11 Jan 2021
Post by: jclampy69 on January 16, 2021, 03:16:00 PM
its, just modified, carrier, module

I think the purpose of Conveyor or Carrier modules are for displaying multiple assets at the same time. Just using it for one asset is overkill. This could be done just using the built-in Animate module. I'll consider setting this up in animation after I finish beta-v7 which I'm currently busy with at moment.
Title: Re: DynamicArcade layout beta-v6 released 11 Jan 2021
Post by: Damon-HP on January 17, 2021, 10:51:49 AM
its, just modified, carrier, module

if you cant figure out after messing around with it, ill pass this off to you..bro

just figuring a bit more out with it...

its getting their though..latest   https://youtu.be/aYmtoANEHXk (https://youtu.be/aYmtoANEHXk)

just trying to add the shader to the carrier..

Very nice
Title: Re: DynamicArcade layout beta-v6 released 11 Jan 2021
Post by: jclampy69 on January 17, 2021, 03:08:32 PM
This is not using Carrier or Conveyor.. I really think this is better left for AttractMode+ or if Oomek releases his 'inertia' module.
Title: Re: DynamicArcade layout beta-v7 released 18 Jan 2021
Post by: jclampy69 on January 17, 2021, 06:39:24 PM
Beta-v7 released.
- the 'previous cabinet leaving' animation is removed due to my creation of a better suited multi-cabinet layout instead.
- completed modulation of the layout components.
- Damonxxx request: fade out animation on game title screens.
- more tweaks to shader usage.
- minor code tweaks throughout.

Link in first post.

Please pay attention to the recent **Artwork Naming Convention** used in your cfg file in the (AttractMode)\emulators\ folder.
glogos = game logos (preferably of resolution smaller than 1000 width / 400 height so not to overload AttractModes image cache).
cabinets = game cabinets (this layout uses cabinet images of resolution 1300x1080).
marquees = game marquees (preferably of resolution smaller than 1500 width / 400 height so not to overload AttractModes image cache).
gvideos = game videos (preferably 640x480 or 320x240 for correct 4:3 aspect ratio for shader effect settings. included cabinet graphic screens are also 4:3).
tscreens = game title screens (preferably 640x480 or 320x240 for correct 4:3 aspect ratio for shader effect settings. included cabinet graphic screens are also 4:3).
Title: Re: DynamicArcade layout beta-v7 released 18 Jan 2021
Post by: jedione on January 18, 2021, 04:04:22 AM
the multi cab vs looks promising...cant wait to see..good work..
Title: Re: DynamicArcade layout beta-v7 released 18 Jan 2021
Post by: jedione on January 18, 2021, 04:06:10 AM
here is the vs ..from before,  up and running..

mabey you would want as an option,  down the road..

Demo = https://youtu.be/2gZ-Cfk2ZSE (https://youtu.be/2gZ-Cfk2ZSE)
Title: Re: DynamicArcade layout beta-v7 released 18 Jan 2021
Post by: jclampy69 on January 19, 2021, 01:28:52 PM
A long time ago, but I used a modified Carrier to create this back in early December last year.
So, I know what I'm doing thanks.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B6ok2KSEAzg (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B6ok2KSEAzg)
Thank you for your interest.
Title: Re: DynamicArcade layout beta-v7 released 18 Jan 2021
Post by: jclampy69 on January 20, 2021, 01:39:58 AM
Please ignore my recommendation to use dxva2.. I have done some testing and I've found it causing a massive performance loss and have contacted an Attractmode developer about it. You will get a 2-3 times performance increase in Attractmode if you do not use dxva2.

Also, make sure you are using the latest daily build of Attractmode. It is so much faster than the year old 2.6.1 standard release version.
Title: Re: DynamicArcade layout beta-v7 released 18 Jan 2021
Post by: tsaylor on January 22, 2021, 12:13:55 AM
Nice work, thanks for this!

One question, in case you have any guesses what is wrong: For some reason my game videos don't show. I can hear the audio, so it must be finding the files. And videos work for me in other layouts. I'm running 1600x1200 resolution, in case that is relevant. I've got "gvideos" pointing to my snap directory which contains both .png and .mp4 files.
Title: Re: DynamicArcade layout beta-v7 released 18 Jan 2021
Post by: tsaylor on January 24, 2021, 03:24:23 PM
I've poked around in the code a bit, regarding my issue of video not appearing, and I learned that it has something to do with the CrtLottes shader (named as shaderLOTTES2). If I disable that bit of code the video will show. Any idea what the issue could be with that shader?
Title: Re: DynamicArcade layout beta-v7 released 18 Jan 2021
Post by: jclampy69 on January 24, 2021, 03:51:26 PM
I've poked around in the code a bit, regarding my issue of video not appearing, and I learned that it has something to do with the CrtLottes shader (named as shaderLOTTES2). If I disable that bit of code the video will show. Any idea what the issue could be with that shader?
Hi, sorry I've been away from here a few days as I'm feeling under the weather.
Another user has had similar issues recently. At the moment we have tracked it down to 'not using' Nvidia graphics card. Specifically using video hardware that does not have glsl shader v1.2 support. Could this be the same as your case?

Can you do the following for me please:
1) Download the latest 'daily build' of AttractMode from here http://forum.attractmode.org/index.php?topic=2324.0 (http://forum.attractmode.org/index.php?topic=2324.0)
(In the daily builds you see the four .exe files. Two are 64bit, two are 32bit.. The ones with console in name open up a second window in background called console which display info or error messages).
2) Can you supply a screenshot of the Attractmode console showing any errors that might be displayed when you are only getting the black screen?
3) What brand and model of graphics hardware are you using please?
4) Plus, maybe let me know are you on Windows or MAC or Linux, etc, 32bit or 64bit, and I'll see what I can do.

PS: The 'daily build' is so much faster than the year old standard 2.6.1 release.

Cheers.

Edit:
Also, is it all shaders that you can't visibly see functioning or just certain ones.
Here is a list of all shaders in the layout so far:
A) Title Screen CRT-Lottes shader = fishbowl effect, rounding corners, crt effects
B) Video Snap CRT-Lottes shader = fishbowl effect, rounding corners, crt effects
C) Video Snap Bloom shader = colour exciter effect
D) Marquee Bloom shader = lit up marquee effect
E) Default Marquee image Bloom shader = lit up marquee effect
F) Game Count text Bloom shader = colour exciter effect
G) All Meta Data text Bloom shader = colour exciter effect
H) Selected Game wheel logo Ripple Shader = selected logo ripple wave effect
I) Faux multi-texture/pass blur shader setup on the Arcade Background Video

So, will be interesting to know which ones are working or not working.
Title: Re: DynamicArcade layout beta-v7 released 18 Jan 2021
Post by: tsaylor on January 24, 2021, 06:06:40 PM
Thanks jclampy69, hope you feel better soon! And yes, I'm using an AMD Radeon 7850, so not Nvidia. I'm on Windows 10, 64-bit.

I'm running the daily build, but the console window seems to go away as soon as the main window appears (maybe I'm just not sure how to use that). But I can run with --loglevel debug and look at the last_run.log. Not sure if there's anything useful below.

It's not clear to me exactly which shaders are working but I assume most of them are. I can see the logo ripple, the marquee is "lit", and I think the background video is blurred. If you make those options in some future version it would be easier to check, but it seems like most shaders work fine.

Code: [Select]
Attract-Mode v2.6.1 (Windows, SFML 2.5.1 +SWF +7z +Curl)
avcodec 58.54.100 / avformat 58.29.100 / swscale 5.5.100 / avutil 56.31.100 / swresample 3.5.100

NvAPI: nvapi64.dll loaded
NvAPI: Initialize: NVAPI_NVIDIA_DEVICE_NOT_FOUND
[skipped some loading...]

Loaded layout: C:\Emulators\AttractMode\layouts/DynamicArcade/ (layout.nut)
[Transition] type=StartLayout, var=2
Caching contents of artwork path: C:\Emulators\AttractMode/menu-art/mame/marquee/ (68 entries).
Caching contents of artwork path: C:\Emulators\AttractMode/menu-art/mame/snap/ (135 entries).
FFmpeg: Reinit context to 256x224, pix_fmt: yuv444p
Caching contents of artwork path: C:\Emulators\AttractMode/menu-art/mame/cabinet/ (61 entries).
[Transition] type=ToNewList, var=0
FFmpeg: Reinit context to 1920x1088, pix_fmt: yuv420p
FFmpeg: Reinit context to 256x224, pix_fmt: yuv444p
Initializing resampler: in_sample_fmt=fltp, in_sample_rate=48000, out_sample_fmt=s16, out_sample_rate=48000
Handling command: exit
FFmpeg: Discarding ID3 tags because more suitable tags were found.
FFmpeg: parser not found for codec pcm_s16le, packets or times may be invalid.
End Video Thread - C:\Emulators\AttractMode\layouts/DynamicArcade/bkgd_anim.mp4
 - bit_rate=946449, width=1920, height=1080
 - displayed=132
 - average qscore=15
End Video Thread - C:\Emulators\AttractMode\menu-art\mame\snap\punchout.mp4
 - bit_rate=272029, width=256, height=224
 - displayed=114
 - average qscore=15
[Transition] type=EndLayout, var=2
Attract-Mode ended normally

Title: Re: DynamicArcade layout beta-v7 released 18 Jan 2021
Post by: jclampy69 on January 24, 2021, 07:13:45 PM
You should be able to [alt]+[tab] to switch between Attractmode and the Console window?

I've nearly got a couple of test files ready that I'll get you to run and see if they work. Might be an acceptable 'work around' for the CRT-Lottes shader.
See sneak preview below of image on the cabinet screen.
Title: Re: DynamicArcade layout beta-v7 released 18 Jan 2021
Post by: jclampy69 on January 24, 2021, 07:45:09 PM
...I'm using an AMD Radeon 7850, so not Nvidia. I'm on Windows 10, 64-bit.
Ok, here are two separate test patches I will get you try. This is only for the Title Screens at moment, will put it to Video Snaps if one of them works.
Do you have a Title Screen image that is of 640x480 resolution to test with? If not just make one that size, doesn't matter about quality for testing these purposes.

1) backup your DynamicArcade folder.. (make it easier to get back to where you are now)
2) extract test1.zip into DynamicArcade folder (overwriting files)
3) run Attractmode and take a screenshot of what the Title Screen looks like on the cabinet. I need to see what it looks like so upload or link the image here.

4) exit Attractmode if you still have it running.
5) extract test2.zip into DynamicArcade folder (overwriting files)
6) run Attractmode and take a screenshot of what the Title Screen looks like on the cabinet. I need to see what it looks like so upload or link the image here.

Hopefully one or both of these tests works.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1JMbuMzyrwGNUawWW34Z4jexJhq4Gn7a6/view?usp=sharing (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1JMbuMzyrwGNUawWW34Z4jexJhq4Gn7a6/view?usp=sharing)
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1OfMced0qo50hqo9d9gC-bK51H4gxpaG3/view?usp=sharing (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1OfMced0qo50hqo9d9gC-bK51H4gxpaG3/view?usp=sharing)

Because I'm in process of working on beta-v8 you also need to change the naming conventions in your Attractmode/emulators/ folder mame.cfg file:
artwork    wheel
artwork    cabinets
artwork    marquee 
artwork    tscreens
artwork    snap

wheel is the game logos
snap is the game videosnaps
marquee has no s on end now

What I'm primarily looking for is the rounding of the corners.. So you will need to test with a Title Screen that has a background colour as I did in my example in the above post.
The scanlines I will modify the look of (not so dark) if we decide to move forward with it.
Title: Re: DynamicArcade layout beta-v7 released 18 Jan 2021
Post by: tsaylor on January 24, 2021, 10:08:44 PM
Thanks, that was fast. Yeah, I thought alt+tab would work too, but when I do so I see no other windows (other than whatever else is running). But anyway...

With test1 I believe I see scanlines but not rounded corners. In test2 I see both. But for some reason the videos are also working in both cases (was that even expected?). And the title screens immediately go away (whether there is a video to show or not), so it's difficult to catch a screenshot. Is there an easy way to make the title screen remain? I can modify the .nut files if you like.
Title: Re: DynamicArcade layout beta-v7 released 18 Jan 2021
Post by: jclampy69 on January 24, 2021, 10:22:08 PM
No, that is fine. Another user has sent me some screenshots.

With your confirmation of test2 working I will use that approach. I'll implement it, organise a beta-v8 and release it after dinner tonight.
Thanks.
Title: Re: DynamicArcade layout beta-v7 released 18 Jan 2021
Post by: tsaylor on January 24, 2021, 10:24:28 PM
Actually it looks like both methods worked. Sorry, it flashes pretty fast and wasn't obvious to me. But I see rounded corners on both tests.
Title: Re: DynamicArcade layout beta-v8 released 25 Jan 2021
Post by: jclampy69 on January 25, 2021, 12:40:33 AM
Beta-v8 released.
- finalised the artwork naming convention so to not conflict with AttractMode screensaver functionality.
- expanded on the layout options for selectable default marquee. This is all done inside layout options now.
- created a new layout option for choosing CRT-Shader or Scanlines for the cabinet screen.

Link in first post.

Please pay attention to the FINAL **Artwork Naming Convention** used in your cfg file in the (AttractMode)\emulators\ folder.
wheel = game logos (preferably of resolution smaller than 1000 width / 400 height so not to overload AttractModes image cache).
cabinets = game cabinets (this layout uses cabinet images of resolution 1300x1080).
marquee = game marquees (preferably of resolution smaller than 1500 width / 400 height so not to overload AttractModes image cache).
snap = game videos (preferably 640x480 or 320x240 for correct 4:3 aspect ratio for shader effect settings. The screens of the cabinet graphics are also 4:3).
tscreens = game title screens (preferably 640x480 or 320x240 for correct 4:3 aspect ratio for shader effect settings. The screens of the cabinet graphics are also 4:3).
Title: Re: DynamicArcade layout beta-v8 released 25 Jan 2021
Post by: tsaylor on January 25, 2021, 05:53:14 PM
Here's an example of the layout running at 1600x1200. I think it works great even though it wasn't really designed for that resolution. As for the game titles /videos, you are correct that those do not show up with the default crt_shader on my AMD graphics card. With the scanlines option, the images are working. For some reason the curved corners are only working on some of my files (depending on the resolution I suppose), as in this attachment. Let me know if you need me to track down more details about resolutions and such.
Title: Re: DynamicArcade layout beta-v8 released 25 Jan 2021
Post by: jclampy69 on January 25, 2021, 06:15:28 PM
Thanks for the screenshot. Ok, so everything is showing in 4:3 which is good.  ;D

Everything seems stretched taller to fill the screen. I doubt there is a better way to do it without a complete redesign for 4:3.

At least it's not broken that is the main thing. I'll assume 16:10 should be almost indistinguishable to 16:9.

Edit:
In regards to the curved corners..
On non-black / coloured backgrounds you will see the curved corners. On black backgrounds as above the curved corners are there but you can't see them.
The square edges you are seeing are from the 'scanlines' overlay file. On a coloured background the 'scanlines' square edges are there but less visible since your eyes see the coloured 'rounded corners'.
I've made an amendment so you won't see the 'scanlines' square edges of the overlay file and it will be in beta-v9 (see attached image).

Also, I'll PM you about how the 'scanlines' look. If they are not uniform across the cabinet screen in 4:3 for you then I might be able to sort that out for you.
Title: Re: DynamicArcade layout beta-v9 released 26 Jan 2021
Post by: jclampy69 on January 26, 2021, 01:47:40 AM
Beta-v9 released.
- the unused outer edges of the 'scanlines' overlay file (if you are not using 'CRT Shader') are now no longer visible.
- improved the appearance of the 'scanlines' overlay.
- Damonxxx request: layout option to toggle the game metadata 'game title' appearance from 'wrappable two line' or 'single line only'.

Link in first post.
Title: Re: DynamicArcade layout beta-v9 released 26 Jan 2021
Post by: jclampy69 on January 30, 2021, 02:42:32 AM
tsaylor, as per what you were asking for in the other thread. I've made a quick mock-up of what I think you were wanting.
This is probably the easiest/quickest way to do it, if no hurdles come up along the way.
The main caveat though is that you will lose a small part of the sides of the game videos (might be problematic to squish those in as well)

Although, I could possibly remove that 'inner black border' from 'around' the videosnap, then you wouldn't lose much of the video snap.
The bezels would probably have round corners to match the screen shape.

Anyway, tell me your thoughts. If it was to be implemented as this, then it would be a toggled 'layout option'.
Title: Re: DynamicArcade layout beta-v9 released 26 Jan 2021
Post by: tsaylor on January 30, 2021, 09:34:04 AM
Thanks jclampy69! I really like seeing those bezels but agree that it hurts to narrow the snap image, and makes the bezels seem comparatively too large. I looked at what the original cabinet looked like (https://www.tripletsandus.com/80s/80s_games/1943.jpg (https://www.tripletsandus.com/80s/80s_games/1943.jpg)). I found it interesting that there was no black border around the screen, but I tried a photoshop mockup that way and it just doesn't look right. Your black border seems necessary.

I tried a mockup keeping the original snap image, adding the black border, and then squishing the width of the bezel sections. I like the result but admit it would be more effort, as I think the squished left/right sides of the bezel would need to be rendered separately. Not sure how much effort you want to put into it, but here's my mockup just to see what it could look like.
Title: Re: DynamicArcade layout beta-v9 released 26 Jan 2021
Post by: jclampy69 on January 30, 2021, 02:07:49 PM
Thanks jclampy69! I really like seeing those bezels but agree that it hurts to narrow the snap image, and makes the bezels seem comparatively too large. I looked at what the original cabinet looked like (https://www.tripletsandus.com/80s/80s_games/1943.jpg (https://www.tripletsandus.com/80s/80s_games/1943.jpg)). I found it interesting that there was no black border around the screen, but I tried a photoshop mockup that way and it just doesn't look right. Your black border seems necessary.
Wait.. That bezel is different to the ones posted by Yaron. I'll send you a PM?

I tried a mockup keeping the original snap image, adding the black border, and then squishing the width of the bezel sections. I like the result but admit it would be more effort, as I think the squished left/right sides of the bezel would need to be rendered separately. Not sure how much effort you want to put into it, but here's my mockup just to see what it could look like.
It sounds like what you were doing is a more complex process.. I would create an automated process to do everything. As long as it can be done in automation then no problem.  ;)
Title: Re: DynamicArcade layout beta-v9 released 26 Jan 2021
Post by: tsaylor on January 31, 2021, 10:09:11 AM
I did some test mods in the layout.nut, but I used Yaron's theme for that since it had the side bezel support already (so I don't even know which post is more relevant for this discussion). I "squished" the bezels at run time so they are displayed narrower, and placed the left/right sides of that separately. I actually think it looks pretty nice, as it keeps the full screen snapshot while also showing the full bezel (albeit squished). The main issue I ran into is that the snaps have varying aspect ratios, and similarly the visible bezel widths differ from game to game. Nothing about the bezel files tell us the inner width, so I had to take a guess on a percentage that looks good on most games.

Then as an experiment I tried enabling it for horizontal games as well, and it actually didn't look too bad. Mainly because the bezels for those games are already much thinner than the vertical game bezels. Could be enabled as a separate option perhaps. But to handle it better, we'd probably need to compute the aspect ratio for those horizontal snaps, and if it is too wide (basically consuming the entire available area, as some of them do, we could shrink the snap size a little).

Here's an example of a vertical game (1943) and a horizontal game (Defender), with the bezels squished to 65% of their full size. I can share the code I used, but it was based on the "At-The-Arcade Multi-Cab" layout so not directly applicable for this layout.
Title: Re: DynamicArcade layout beta-v9 released 26 Jan 2021
Post by: Yaron2019 on January 31, 2021, 11:43:52 AM
As we are having this discussion here, I will also post a suggestions, what do you think of this?
It's without the inner black part of the bezels as one of the discord friends suggested. I placed the bezels under the snap so we don't have to cut it and have double bezel folders.
First screen without Lottes shader, second with.
Title: Re: DynamicArcade layout beta-v9 released 26 Jan 2021
Post by: tsaylor on January 31, 2021, 12:05:08 PM
That looks very nice! Personally I prefer a bit of separation but the shader accomplishes that. And it's definitely an advantage to use the same image files. How were you able to find room for the entire bezel? [edit - actually I see you didn't fit the entire image, but most of it]

Now that bezels are in play, in hindsight, it probably would have been better if the cabinet images didn't contain a black bezel/border. More space to work with.
Title: Re: DynamicArcade layout beta-v9 released 26 Jan 2021
Post by: jclampy69 on February 01, 2021, 04:32:55 PM
tsaylor,

Here is an example of using your 'fuller size' bezel. Obviously due to this cabinet image dimensions/ratio the bezels need to be cropped from either top or bottom. Probably a manually done decision based on each individual bezel artwork.

I still need to fine tune dimensions, etc.. Looking at it now I would probably have the bezel the same width as the control deck so they line up.

Video is still maintaining aspect ratio and full resolution showing.

This method could probably be used to add these style of bezels for horizontal games as well.
Probably requires someone or a group of people that would be keen to put some effort into each bezel. Anyone interested?
Title: Re: DynamicArcade layout beta-v9 released 26 Jan 2021
Post by: tsaylor on February 01, 2021, 04:53:55 PM
Well that looks very nice! Definitely loses some available space for the video (unavoidably), but it's a really great option. But is there any good library out there of full-sized bezels (or at least as large as the side-bezel library that Yaron found)? If needed I'd be ok with doing some image editing for the games I use, but I only play a few dozen games so it's a very small subset of what others would want for a proper MAME library.

Seems like the ultimate group project would be a full set of cabinet images (control panel, marquee, bezel, snap, side art,...), with standard sizing but available as separate parts or combinable. But I doubt that anything like that exists.
Title: Re: DynamicArcade layout beta-v9 released 26 Jan 2021
Post by: jclampy69 on February 01, 2021, 11:29:08 PM
Well that looks very nice! Definitely loses some available space for the video (unavoidably),
I have double checked, the video-snap *is* the same width and height as it was before. What you are noticing is the difference in cabinet appearance because of the different style of bezel.

but it's a really great option. But is there any good library out there of full-sized bezels (or at least as large as the side-bezel library that Yaron found)? If needed I'd be ok with doing some image editing for the games I use, but I only play a few dozen games so it's a very small subset of what others would want for a proper MAME library.
The Mame Artwork set currently covers over 1,500 (remember that clones will use the parents art files).

Seems like the ultimate group project would be a full set of cabinet images (control panel, marquee, bezel, snap, side art,...), with standard sizing but available as separate parts or combinable. But I doubt that anything like that exists.
Exactly, it is a combination of all items that give the overall end result.
I thought the same myself a couple of weeks ago, but was shot down by people not wanting to work together as a team, they thought it best to have half a dozen independant similar layouts floating around instead.
Title: Re: DynamicArcade layout beta-v9 released 26 Jan 2021
Post by: tsaylor on February 02, 2021, 08:45:54 AM
That's great, I didn't realize the snap size was still the same. Nice effect! It's tempting to do for every game regardless of orientation, but a complete solution would require a lot more logic, and knowledge of the bezel dimensions as well.

But yeah, just from looking around briefly it does seem like these efforts tend to be a bit ... fragmented. Each one for a specific purpose.
Title: Re: DynamicArcade layout beta-v9 released 26 Jan 2021
Post by: jclampy69 on February 02, 2021, 12:26:40 PM
Well, it's understandable that everything is fragmented.. All bezels were initially intended to be used in a full-screen application. So it's uncharted territory.
If I find what I think is a nice 4:3 or 16:9 set then I could just make a layout option to toggle them off or on.

But, thinking outside the square it is possible to go much further.. cabinet images could be broken into further components; control deck, the part underneath that, leaving just the frame. Then, you could easily modify the look of these separate components and come up with further cabinets for various purposes, etc. Having some kind of full bezel artwork that ties in with the marquee, control deck, the part under that, etc could take things to the next level? Differentiating them further from the CoinOPs look.

It would be a big project though, would require a team. I'm not that worried either way. I'm already involved in two large projects in two other online communities which are 100% teamwork orientated. So, I don't have the time to get involved in another large artwork project at the moment, even if I wanted to.
Title: Re: DynamicArcade layout beta-v9 released 26 Jan 2021
Post by: mahuti on February 03, 2021, 10:01:41 AM
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That's great, I didn't realize the snap size was still the same. Nice effect! It's tempting to do for every game regardless of orientation, but a complete solution would require a lot more logic, and knowledge of the bezel dimensions as well.

I have some code I wrote that looks at the .cfg files of Retroarch overlays and repositions and scales the snap image to the correct positioning relative to the bezel. 

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The Mame Artwork set currently covers over 1,500 (remember that clones will use the parents art files).

I'm working right now on using mame artwork .zips to do the same thing. I have a script that looks in the .lay files xml for the positioning values. Basically, in a small way, I'm trying to recreate the mame artwork system for showing bezels relative to the snaps properly. The basic premise is straightforward, get the x,y,width,height of the open space in the bezel and move the snap there. The more complicated part is getting at those values using the existing assets rather than creating new ones. It's a work in progress, but once done I'll make it a module for any layout to use.
Title: Re: DynamicArcade layout beta-v9 released 26 Jan 2021
Post by: tsaylor on February 03, 2021, 10:17:49 AM
That sounds like an excellent module! Thanks mahuti!
Title: Re: DynamicArcade layout beta-v9 released 26 Jan 2021
Post by: mahuti on February 03, 2021, 08:41:10 PM
We'll see ;)