Hi

The SPLCD from Xantech is really cool but, the graphics buttons, backgrounds ect leave a lot to be desired!! I've tried making my own backgrounds but, a lot of the time they will not work. Does anyone out there know of better graphics that I can use?

Thanks

What type of graphics are you looking for? If buttons are what you need, this site has a ton of buttons that you could import into the xantech files. For backgrounds, do you want pictures of things, mosaics, or something more particular?

Hi Sorry I was a bit vague! The Xantech SPLCD's are varying sizes ranging from 3.9 to 6.4". The 3.9 and 5.7 use 8 bit graphics. The backgrounds are 320 x 240, 72dpi 8 bit graphics. However if I make a photo these exact dimensions it will not accept Xantech's buttons! Similarly, if I try to put a non Xantech button on a background (either theirs or mine) it will not accept it! A message that keeps coming up is, The Colour Table in This Graphic Does Not Match The Current Table For The Project.

What are you savving as? Bitmap or Jpeg? Jpeg will save as a 16 bit even if you use a 8 bit palet with some programs.

Open the file up in Paint as save it as a 256 color bitmap.

You have to save them as bitmaps. What I have found as being easy is opening up the buttons in a graphics program, alter them and then save them as a different name. This keeps the colors, size, etc, the same. Remember to save the new buttons/graphics in the correct folder so you can find it.

Mike

I have been opening graphic files from my digital camera in photoshop, saving them is cropped 640 X 480 and they paste right into the SPLCD backgrounds. They look great, but what website are you refering to ErickS? Since the backgrounds can change with each source selection I was hoping to find some generic 640 X 480 backgrounds with "tuner", "DVD" themes, ect., ect. I just taught my SPLCD's to briefly light up when receiving bank tracking information from MX700's, really cool effect! Has anybody been using the new "undocumented" MRC88 emulation modes in the latest firmware/app upgrade?

This message was edited by jazzman on 10/01/04 15:22 ET.

I have been opening graphic files from my digital camera in photoshop, saving them is cropped 640 X 480 and they paste right into the SPLCD backgrounds.

I've tried this also but, when I then put Xantech's buttons on it, it comes up with the message reguarding the colour pallet being different!! Grrrr!!

They look great, but what website are you refering to ErickS?

There's a few sites that you can down load 8 bit grahics from BUT none of these seem to work either!!!

Since the backgrounds can change with each source selection (HOW DO YOU DO THIS!!! :-) )

I was hoping to find some generic 640 X 480 backgrounds with "tuner", "DVD" themes, ect., ect.

I just taught my SPLCD's to briefly light up when receiving bank tracking
information from MX700's, really cool effect! Can you explain this one to me please also?

Has anybody been using the new "undocumented" MRC88 emulation modes in the latest firmware/app upgrade? I hate to say it but most question's
I raise with tech support at X has them stumped.

There are glitches in this software!! X are aware of them (from me!!) and are working on them. Are you aware that in order to operate your MRC amp functions you also need to up-load the MRC programme with corresponding RC68 commands?

Seems they need the keen interest that only a pro/hobbiest like myself has.

Tell me about it!!!

Having gone back and re-read the responses to this forum, first of all I'd like to thank you for your input so far. As you can see from my responses I still have a lot of questions that I would like to ask!! I have also read over and over again the manual for this product and it certainly doesn't mention things like having a different background for each source selection as well as the other things you have kindly told me about. I'm not a computer programmer but would very much like to learn about the things you guys are doing. I also know that there are a lot of other people out there who would appreciate this kind of help. So, if you are doing some of the great things that are mentioned above, can you e-mail me with how exactly to do them please? I will then re-write the manual and send it to Xantech Technical for their evaluation. Once again thank you for your response so far.

If the MRC88 emulation feature is just an RC68 codes software module I have long since used them all up, and have got all excited over nothing. Since the SPLCD group code setting is for both send and receive it really put limits on what you can do with your hand helds also (and the client still has to hold steady during macros) What we really need is the rs232 router that is embedded in the latest firmware, annouced available in November which probably means next November if history has any say in the matter. If the SPLCD and/or MRC88 could dynamically switch group codes according to source selection (it seems to do everything else) it would be a temporary solution while waiting for the router. I am using one serial port (on a dual cabinet MRC88 system) for the master SPLCD console, and the other for a KDS 8 X 3 hdtv switcher. Don't get me wrong I think both of these products are fabulous! It can only get better. Combine an SPLCD, the MRC88, and a remote like the MX3000 or MX800 and you have about ten ways to do the same thing! If you only have one SPLCD by all means get the 422/232 module and have fun! I spent a week writing translator codes between the two units only to see it appear in the latest SPLCD firmware. I still like my code better as the 232 code string digits describe what is happening rather then dragging down these long pallet menus. Anyway I am rambling again.....

Rambling is good!! I do it all the time or so the wife says!! I can tell you that the RS232 router is NOT far away. However I'm not to sure it will be the answer to things for you.Is it me though or am I still not getting the right answers to my original questions regarding the graphics and ESPECIALLY your background changes on source selection?!! I need to learn to walk before I run!! :-)

Man, I keep forgeting to hit the "post reply" button. The "properties" box for each source button has a blank window that you can drag the new graphic into. The bank track codes can be flashed out of the Dragon 450 using a URC2 remote (see they're good for something) and taught to your hand helds. As far as "lighting up" I just had the SPLCD light up (using splcd internal commands) when it sees the MRC88 source input command. It is independent of the MRC88 so it will respond to those codes with it's own routine. I'm pretty sure that the router is what I need, I have a Litetouch system and 5 more SPLCD's waiting in the wings for direct connect. I also want to try the MX3000 into a IR to RS232 converter via it's RF base. Even though the RC68+ appears to have a lot of buttons, the MRC88 uses a large portion of them for housekeeping, I would like more global "one touch" macros from the main theater remote. There, now go ahead and rewrite the manual for Xantech.

This message was edited by jazzman on 09/30/04 03:07 ET.

Remember that the SPLCD Panels havea macronizer in them. Send a RC68 command to the panel, then the panel will send the IR codes to the equipment. This eliminates the need to keep aiming the remote at the touchpanel.

Mike

You have just joined an elite bunch of people I call Superstars!! If your going to CES then a beer I owe you. Now in the bunch we've never had a MEGASTAR. Do you accept the challenge of becoming one by getting some decent buttons on these things?? If so, and it works, then many a falling down water you will be bought!!! Oh and I'll ge tthe T-shirt made up and sent to you!! :-)

This will all be academic once the router is available.

This message was edited by jazzman on 10/01/04 15:26 ET.

Missed the fact it was hooked up to the MRC88. My bad.

Mike