Logo to indicate list change ?

[mike boss]

I don't know if I'm getting this out in the correct way.
I'm sorry if I confuse you.

I'm looking to create another custom MaLa menu that will be featured in a custom cabinet.
The layout will be universal and used for different consoles. In the past (my Shooter project)
I had created an image for each console. I added the console logo to the image, saved it, and re-did the entire .mll file.

I'd like to simplify this process. I know you can navigate lists and emulators easily in Mala.
Does a way exist that would allow a person to use an image in connection with a list ?
IE I'm in Mame, I move my joystick left/right and now I'm on Nintendo. I want to add the Nintendo logo to the layout.

Any help would be great.

thanks all

[BadMouth]

Given that Mala bases the defineables off rom names, I doubt it's possible with the current build. 
Would be a feature worth adding IMO though.
The same thing could be done for gamelists. (different logo for each gamelist, but same background)

For my driving cab, I've thought it would be cool to show logos based on manufacturer.
There aren't a huge number of driving games though, so it wouldn't be too bad to make a bunch of copies of the same logos and name them after the roms.

[Vigo]

Does a way exist that would allow a person to use an image in connection with a list ?
IE I'm in Mame, I move my joystick left/right and now I'm on Nintendo. I want to add the Nintendo logo to the layout.

I did it, but it was a long time ago. I think rather than associating a picture with each emulator, I had to switch to a different layout with each emulator instead. Then what I did was make multiple copies of the same layout, 1 for each emulator, then made the logo change on each layout for it's background picture to match the emulator.

[thatgammon]

The only way I could figure this was to add a definable image over the control panel of my layout.
Next (which is the downside) was to create a folder in each non mame emulator called control panel with the same logo copied for each game.

Luckily I have only a few games on each emu so wasn't so bad.

Mala shows correct control panel for mame then the pic of the console (or logo in your case) when their is no c/panel present.

Hope that made sense and helps ya.

[mike boss]

I've done it prior.
Video is here :
When I did it I created one layout, then added a logo to the layout and named it "nintendo" for nintendo, etc, etc.
It takes long and was not easy to set up.
I'm creating a custom layout and the option was requested to display (in some form) the logos.
However I think no easy way exists. I would have liked to associate an image with the emulator, so as your scroll the lists/emulators the logo can pop up as a definable.

[thatgammon]

Are you saying that you created a layout for each emu?

My way I have only one layout...

If not no there is not an easier way and should be a feature me thinks.

I'll explain less confusingly if you need it..

[mike boss]

I used the same layout but changed the background image every time.
The background change was simply the addition of the console logo, nintendo, sega, etc.
I believe in Mala you have to name the menu the same as the emulator, so nintendo is nintendo, etc.
I would just open the mll file switch the background and save as.
It's work and not that easy to set up.
I'd like a more simple was as the amount of work to do what I did was I'd say about 3 x more work.

[thatgammon]

The only difference to yours and mine is there is no transition between emus. (I noticed a second or so)

If you have an area on your layout where a logo for each emu would be...

Upside : logo changes immediatly
Downside : you will have to create a folder and copy that logo for each game of that emu.

Swings and roundabouts.. but is how I got around it..

[BadMouth]

The only difference to yours and mine is there is no transition between emus. (I noticed a second or so)

If you have an area on your layout where a logo for each emu would be...

Upside : logo changes immediatly
Downside : you will have to create a folder and copy that logo for each game of that emu.

Swings and roundabouts.. but is how I got around it..

Someone could probably write a utility to repeatedly copy an image and rename it after each zip file in a folder (roms).
If you want to go that route, post in the software forum and maybe someone will write it up for you.
 
I don't like the idea of needing to have folders full of hundreds (or thousands) of copies of the same image, but I do like the lack of a transition.

[Vigo]

When I used the method of putting different logos on layout background image, there was no transition time. I had to remove the fade transition between emulator change, but it worked very smoothly. This was on a pretty old computer as well.

[mike boss]

The transition could be from one of  two things possibly.
(a) that is an OLD pc running Mala. I would not be surprised in the PC speed was what caused the delay
(b) perhaps a setting in Mala that I did not change ?

I know in Mala I can simply create a text line to indicate which emulator is selected, which I like.
A logo would be cool, but can it be done easily ?
That is the big question !

[thatgammon]

To everyone involved..

Yeah I got the round the problem but I only have a few games on each emu. This will solve your problem but if you have thousands of games on each then is probably not worth it.

But for me is instant logo change with one layout..

As I said Mike, let me know if you need it. Ups and downs on it but for me sorted it. Only way I can help. A feature as I said should be considered..

peace

[mike boss]

It would be a really cool feature, add a nice POP to layouts.