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Author Topic: HTML5 FrontEnd  (Read 42706 times)

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arximidis

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HTML5 FrontEnd
« on: August 05, 2013, 04:41:49 pm »
As you may know I 've been working on a custom arcade machine (http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,114816.0.html) and I am creating my own controller/interface and FrontEnd

FrontEnd
My first attempt was something like this






There result was a... "crap"
It's difficult to customize and the code is a total mess and buggy
Too much work for nothing


An then I had my "eureka" moment

Create a html5 FrontEnd. Customization on the maximum and with the power of jquery you can do wonders

Now, if you are wondering how this would possibly work... the answer is quite simple. Don't think your browser. The html - javascript code runs within an app
This app is a simple exe program, that loads on windows boot and works like a browser (internet explorer to be exact)

The app also gives you functions to load the emulators, reboot the computer etc (that normal javascript can't do)

The trick is something like this:
You write the code as you normally would do to run inside the browser, but if you want to acces the extra functions you write for example
<a id="CloseFrontEnd" href="FrontEnd::Close"></a> 

The highlighted code is all the trick behind this app. This will close the frontEnd (like closing a normal windows app)
Another function e.g. FrontEnd::Reboot will reboot the pc and so on


I have already wrote a first version of this and for now (my theme) look like this


P.S. I don't know if a html5 frontEnd is an original thought, so I will avoid calling it the first html5 frontEnd for arcade machines :)



« Last Edit: August 05, 2013, 04:45:33 pm by arximidis »

arximidis

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #1 on: August 07, 2013, 04:08:30 pm »
It wokrs

Minor things are missing now and I will be ready to upload it

Remember It's HTML -> and that means you get the code too... You can customize it or completely change it.
A FrontEnd made with html - javascript and css

Some pictiures:




« Last Edit: August 07, 2013, 04:10:52 pm by arximidis »

Fursphere

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #2 on: August 07, 2013, 05:15:28 pm »
I would be concerned with:

1) Browser compatibility
2) Future support as browers get updated

keilmillerjr

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #3 on: August 07, 2013, 10:39:13 pm »
I would be concerned with:

1) Browser compatibility
2) Future support as browers get updated

Don't use internet exploder. Use a w3c compliant browser. Problem solved. You could make your own browser for this purpose using the open source webkit. On a mac, I have seen videos where you can implement a webview using Xcode in minutes. Not sure about windows or linux.

Fursphere

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #4 on: August 07, 2013, 10:47:37 pm »
I would be concerned with:

1) Browser compatibility
2) Future support as browers get updated

Don't use internet exploder. Use a w3c compliant browser. Problem solved. You could make your own browser for this purpose using the open source webkit. On a mac, I have seen videos where you can implement a webview using Xcode in minutes. Not sure about windows or linux.

I work in the web world (security mostly).

I was testing some code today and got slightly different results in IE8, IE9, IE10, Safari, Chrome, Firefox, and iOS Safari.  They all did something a little different. 

So while "Don't use Internet Exploder" sounds cute and all, the reality is that they all do things a little different.


keilmillerjr

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #5 on: August 07, 2013, 11:22:33 pm »
I would be concerned with:

1) Browser compatibility
2) Future support as browers get updated

Don't use internet exploder. Use a w3c compliant browser. Problem solved. You could make your own browser for this purpose using the open source webkit. On a mac, I have seen videos where you can implement a webview using Xcode in minutes. Not sure about windows or linux.

I work in the web world (security mostly).

I was testing some code today and got slightly different results in IE8, IE9, IE10, Safari, Chrome, Firefox, and iOS Safari.  They all did something a little different. 

So while "Don't use Internet Exploder" sounds cute and all, the reality is that they all do things a little different.

I am an aspiring ruby web developer. I know a thing or two about cross-platform compatibility. When there is tons of different outdated ie versions that people are still using and are not w3c compliant, "Don't use Internet Exploder" is pretty sound advice.

If you are getting different results, you are probably using unofficial "css3". If you do use css 3, use sass and compass mixins to make your styles more cross browser friendly. A good css base (such as boilerplate or something similar) also helps, and many browsers have different default styles. I can design a website that looks identical in almost every browser. But when it comes to IE, I can only pull so many tricks out of the bag before it becomes counter productive.

Of course, if you implement this as a compiled app with a web view / webkit layer, you wouldn't have to worry about cross browser compatibility. You could them use webkit's css animations without worries. Webkit is quite powerful. The less javascript, the better. I hate that language. Coffeescript makes it better, but it only disguises it.

Player 3

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #6 on: August 08, 2013, 12:15:45 am »
I'm trying to understand what exactly this is besides "a browser frontend." If it's going to launch MAME and perform low-level tasks like rebooting from a browser, this is quite a security concern regardless of intent. Plus there isn't going to be the real benefit of execution speed compared to a native frontend which will seem like a more friendly option for weaker PCs.

As for "Don't use Internet Exploder", this is bollocks. Any version from IE10+ is mostly HTML5 compliant, though the rendering engine will look awful and it being lacking in nature. If you want a browser to avoid, Konqueror is it. It explodes more than IE.
« Last Edit: August 08, 2013, 12:18:25 am by Player 3 »

Fursphere

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #7 on: August 08, 2013, 12:17:03 am »
Sorry, I'm guess I'm just stuck with IE because of all the crappy horrible business applications I have to deal with that won't run on other platforms.    And all the cross compatibility crap that I have to deal with.

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #8 on: August 08, 2013, 12:22:53 am »
Sorry, I'm guess I'm just stuck with IE because of all the crappy horrible business applications I have to deal with that won't run on other platforms.    And all the cross compatibility crap that I have to deal with.

Worries for cross-browser compatibility is close to null once the HTML5 and CSS3 standards are more set in stone and prefix-free except for the occasional browser perk. As for the dealing with IE6, everywhere I heard that business still use it, it's because of a contract. A more recent contract may be using IE9/10 rather than IE6/7. Of course, I can't exactly say anything about IE other than the hour of using it and the OS jump.

arximidis

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #9 on: August 08, 2013, 05:20:05 am »
I would be concerned with:

1) Browser compatibility
2) Future support as browers get updated

You don't need to worry about that. The app uses internet explorer's engine, so you don't need to be browser compatible. You don't run this inside a browser. It doesn't work that way. (note: however you can run it inside a browser to see how it looks, but you can't run the emulators or use the low level functions)


Don't use internet exploder. Use a w3c compliant browser. Problem solved. You could make your own browser for this purpose using the open source webkit. On a mac, I have seen videos where you can implement a webview using Xcode in minutes. Not sure about windows or linux.

I use internet explorer's engine, which is build in to windows (so no Linux, Mac support -> at least for now)
It's not necessary internet explorer to be installed on your system. Only the engine (which I beileive is preinstalled).

For my default theme I don't use html5 to play the intro videos. I am using media player instead

I'm trying to understand what exactly this is besides "a browser frontend." If it's going to launch MAME and perform low-level tasks like rebooting from a browser, this is quite a security concern regardless of intent...

The low level code doesn't run inside the browser, so you will be safe. Also you don't use the app to surf the internet.
Moreover you get the html and javascript code and you can see how it works

The only way to have problems, is someone accessing the html files to the directory your theme lies, change the html code (on the background) and run the app. But if he is in the position to do all that, I believe you are already in deep problem (and in fact he doesn't need my app to do damage)

...Plus there isn't going to be the real benefit of execution speed compared to a native frontend which will seem like a more friendly option for weaker PCs.

I installed hyperspin to a "weaker" PC and CPU usage was about 90% on idle

In my case (and for the same PC) CPU usage is close to zero. When the pictures are smoothly rotating, or the media player loads, I get some CPU usage, but even then is nothing.
That depends on how "heavy" your code will be.




The  difference with this frontEnd is that when you run it, you get NOTHING. How will work, how will look, which emulators will support, depends on YOUR code (html/css - javascript).
Now, when I release the first version, I will include a custom theme (the one you see in the pictures), to see how it works, to get the code, modify it and do what ever you want.
In my custom theme I am supporting only MAME (and for now is not a full support as more code must be written)

I understand that this frontend is more suitable for people that know how to program using html/css and javascript




..........
 The less javascript, the better. I hate that language. Coffeescript makes it better, but it only disguises it.

Hmm, First time I hear that. Jquery is a very powerful tool.
I hate java and not javascript. I have write code with java for android (in fact I wrote an app to control the machine and play games using my android smartphone as controls. I will demonstrate this in a video).
I could understand someone hating java, but javascript it's nice :)
« Last Edit: August 08, 2013, 08:51:21 am by arximidis »

AllisterFiend2

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #10 on: August 08, 2013, 12:01:43 pm »
I'm interested in this concept.

I look forward to hearing and seeing more about it.

Allister Fiend

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #11 on: August 08, 2013, 12:27:58 pm »
Sorry but I'm on the negative side of this.  You'll need to run some sort of programming language outside of the browser.  How can jquery/javascript launch an executable(mame or other emulators)?  ActiveX controls? 
Or how about parsing game lists?

If doing this just for jquery animations, then I don't see it being worth all the trouble.  Hyperspin is a flash app, but relies on autohotkey scripts.  Note: you can turn a lot of the settings down to run on older pc's

arximidis

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #12 on: August 08, 2013, 02:57:07 pm »
I'm interested in this concept.

I look forward to hearing and seeing more about it.

Allister Fiend

Thanks. I will also need people to know how to program in html/css and javascript, in order to improve the UI feeling, support more emulators or even tell me what more I could do

Sorry but I'm on the negative side of this.  You'll need to run some sort of programming language outside of the browser.  How can jquery/javascript launch an executable(mame or other emulators)?  ActiveX controls? 
Or how about parsing game lists?

If doing this just for jquery animations, then I don't see it being worth all the trouble.  Hyperspin is a flash app, but relies on autohotkey scripts.  Note: you can turn a lot of the settings down to run on older pc's

As I said before, It doesn't run inside your browser (ok, if you run it, you will see the UI and all the things but you will not be able to load the emulators or use the low level functions)
You run it inside my application, but it's all html and javascript. I am not using ActiveX controls.. In fact the application is portable (no installation is required)

I am only capturing the navigation links and if one is in a specific form, then a low level function is called by the app. I gave an example in the first post

...
Or how about parsing game lists?
...

I don't know what you mean. I used this call
mame -listxml >gamelist.xml
to get all the supported games saved in a xml file. I use javascript to read this file and fill the list with all the games

You can run this command manually or using html/javascript (within my app). For now I have not included this command in my custom theme (I run the command manually), but in the future maybe I will include it (or someone else could do it)
« Last Edit: August 08, 2013, 02:59:04 pm by arximidis »

lordnacho

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #13 on: August 08, 2013, 03:08:38 pm »
So what is the app actually written in?

arximidis

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #14 on: August 08, 2013, 05:27:30 pm »
The app is written in Delphi (but I am thinking to convert it to Lazarus, using another engine to avoid internet explorer)

Think of the application as a browser like the very well known ones. The difference is that it doesn't have an address bar and all the other cool stuff you want in order to surf the net.
It is rendering html/css documents with javascript by using internet explorer's engine (but not the most updated. I beleive it uses older versions, which are embended in windows. So you don't need to install anything else)
However, I don't think that it supports html5, but the previous version. This is not a big problem because jquery runs smoothly and I have tested it on Windows XP, Windows 7 and 8
I also tested it to my game machine and everything worked ok (I will demonstrate it with a video)

The mazor difference with all other browsers is the trick behind this idea. If you write this url to your browser FrontEnd::Reboot, nothing will happen
But if you direct with javascript to this url within my app, then the computer will reboot (And it will force to close all running programs)

So you do all the stuff with html/css and javascript. And you can do whatever you want

« Last Edit: August 08, 2013, 05:37:26 pm by arximidis »

Fursphere

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #15 on: August 08, 2013, 08:12:40 pm »
Sorry but I'm on the negative side of this.  You'll need to run some sort of programming language outside of the browser.  How can jquery/javascript launch an executable(mame or other emulators)?  ActiveX controls? 
Or how about parsing game lists?

If doing this just for jquery animations, then I don't see it being worth all the trouble.  Hyperspin is a flash app, but relies on autohotkey scripts.  Note: you can turn a lot of the settings down to run on older pc's

Ever played Battlefield 3 on the PC?  The "Launcher" is an online web page, that installs a plugin to launch the game locally.  (its complete crap too)

arximidis

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #16 on: August 09, 2013, 04:04:12 am »
I don't know about this launcher

In my case I am building a browser, but it has very limited functions compared with the well known browsers.
It doesn't have all of their features and it only loads html files that are saved to your computer locally, for security reasons (meaning you can't surf the net with it)
It's a stand alone application and no other software needs to be installed (no AvtiveX, no nothing)
It's portable and you can even run it from a flash drive (if you provide to the html code, the directories where your emulators, roms etc are)

P.S. I am now working on converting the application to use qt libraries (with Lazarus/free pascal) and thus making the application/browser compatible with other platforms (Linux/Mac). But this will be on version 2. I will release the first version as it is (meaning only for windows)
« Last Edit: August 21, 2013, 09:34:48 am by arximidis »

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #17 on: August 09, 2013, 01:00:53 pm »
very nice. I was thinking of the same thing months ago when i saw sandheaver's *sp html UI implementation.

There are quite a few browser forks that do not contain interfaces including prizm/moz chromeless.

arximidis

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #18 on: August 09, 2013, 02:18:11 pm »
very nice. I was thinking of the same thing months ago when i saw sandheaver's *sp html UI implementation.

There are quite a few browser forks that do not contain interfaces including prizm/moz chromeless.

Thanks!!

And I have great news. I have just tested my FrontEnd to my game machine and it works!!!

So I am ready now to upload the first version. For now it is not fully supporting mame, but you can load the roms and play. In the future I will support more emulators (except if someone writes a more complete html code).
I will upload my html theme in order to see how it works or modify it.

For now I will not include a very good tutorial (and I hope to understand how it works by reading the code). Soon I will write a more complete tutorial

Tomorrow or the day after I will upload the code. I will inform you when this happens
See you :)

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #19 on: August 09, 2013, 03:15:12 pm »
Sounds interesting... Looking forward to some beta testing with my new cab when its ready!

:))

arximidis

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #20 on: August 09, 2013, 03:36:55 pm »
Sounds interesting... Looking forward to some beta testing with my new cab when its ready!

:))

Thanks! I will need beta testing. After all this is the first version

I have not included some features yet.
For example you can not fast select roms by changing the letters (from A to B etc). I will include it in the next version.
However, it's html/css and javascript. Someone can include it for me. If someone does, I will need the feedback (I will publish his/her name too)

Also my custom theme works for a resolution 640x480 (due to the fact that I am using a television in my game machine).
If you have bigger resolution, then it will not cover the whole screen

Thank you
« Last Edit: August 09, 2013, 03:40:42 pm by arximidis »

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #21 on: August 09, 2013, 03:46:12 pm »
Sounds interesting... Looking forward to some beta testing with my new cab when its ready!

:))

Thanks! I will need beta testing. After all this is the first version

I have not included some features yet.
For example you can not fast select roms by changing the letters (from A to B etc). I will include it in the next version.
However, it's html/css and javascript. Someone can include it for me. If someone does, I will need the feedback (I will publish his/her name too)

Also my custom theme works for a resolution 640x480 (due to the fact that I am using a television in my game machine).
If you have bigger resolution, then it will not cover the whole screen

Thank you

I wouldn't be expecting a completed package arximidis, but it sounds like you've put a lot of work in so far.

I would be glad to offer help and constructive criticism - should you require any.

I have a background in design and a keen eye for detail.

By all means let me know if you need some help ...  :cheers:

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #22 on: August 09, 2013, 07:37:13 pm »
This is an excellent idea! There are numerous HTML/CSS/JavaScript fluent folks out there and there are many frameworks to leverage. Their numbers would help ensure the project could be maintained. It looks like there was some discussion of an IE/Windows-centric program, but you could easily create a very nice cross-platform (Win/Mac/Linux) front-end with these technologies.

There is currently a lot of work being put into performance improvements in JavaScript. In fact it very well may approach native speeds soon, as was done with Java and just in time (JIT) compilation. The Google V8 engine is rather prominent for Node.js work on the server-side (http://code.google.com/p/v8/)
   
There is also App.js being developed to work better with desktop applications. It might be as relevant to your project as V8.

From: https://github.com/appjs/appjs
---------------------------------------------
AppJS
AppJS is an SDK to develop desktop applications using Node.js melded with Chromium. With AppJS you can develop desktop tools and applications using the same libraries and knowledge used to build websites. You get all the following in one package:

JS, HTML5, CSS, SVG, WebGL provided by Chromium
mature http/https servers and client APIs - Node
filesystem, dns, cryptography, subprocesses, OS APIs - Node
sandboxed code execution environements virtual machines - Node
tools for exposing native C++ bindings to JavaScript- Node
---------------------------------------------

There is even a V8-GL project integrating OpenGL with V8 for desktop apps.

http://drawlogic.com/2009/06/21/v8-gl-hardware-accelerated-desktop-apps-with-opengl-in-javascript/

Again, very interesting.

EDIT: Forgot to mention the most compelling -- node-webkit -- at https://github.com/rogerwang/node-webkit
« Last Edit: August 09, 2013, 08:14:49 pm by OxACE »

arximidis

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #23 on: August 10, 2013, 03:20:19 pm »
This is an excellent idea! There are numerous HTML/CSS/JavaScript fluent folks out there and there are many frameworks to leverage. Their numbers would help ensure the project could be maintained. It looks like there was some discussion of an IE/Windows-centric program, but you could easily create a very nice cross-platform (Win/Mac/Linux) front-end with these technologies.

There is currently a lot of work being put into performance improvements in JavaScript. In fact it very well may approach native speeds soon, as was done with Java and just in time (JIT) compilation. The Google V8 engine is rather prominent for Node.js work on the server-side (http://code.google.com/p/v8/)
   
There is also App.js being developed to work better with desktop applications. It might be as relevant to your project as V8.

From: https://github.com/appjs/appjs
---------------------------------------------
AppJS
AppJS is an SDK to develop desktop applications using Node.js melded with Chromium. With AppJS you can develop desktop tools and applications using the same libraries and knowledge used to build websites. You get all the following in one package:

JS, HTML5, CSS, SVG, WebGL provided by Chromium
mature http/https servers and client APIs - Node
filesystem, dns, cryptography, subprocesses, OS APIs - Node
sandboxed code execution environements virtual machines - Node
tools for exposing native C++ bindings to JavaScript- Node
---------------------------------------------

There is even a V8-GL project integrating OpenGL with V8 for desktop apps.

http://drawlogic.com/2009/06/21/v8-gl-hardware-accelerated-desktop-apps-with-opengl-in-javascript/

Again, very interesting.

EDIT: Forgot to mention the most compelling -- node-webkit -- at https://github.com/rogerwang/node-webkit


Thanks for all the info and your nice words. That is the whole idea. I am counting on the HTML/CSS/JavaScript fluent folks out there :)

I am working on creating a multiplatform app, for the next version
However, the first version will only run on windows


P.S. Now I know why I wasn not able to render html5 files.  To do so you must include the meta command
<meta http-equiv="X-UA-Compatible" content="IE=9" /> inside your head section. That will tell to the system to render html files with IE9 standards -> and that means html5. I have test it and it works!!!

However for the first version I comment out this line, because I must do some changes to the css file. I will do them some other time (or maybe some does it for me :)


Tomorrow I will upload the first vewrsion. No funcy tutorials though (at least for now)




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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #24 on: August 10, 2013, 05:20:26 pm »
Cool ... looking forward to seeing it!  :applaud: :applaud: :applaud:

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HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #25 on: August 10, 2013, 06:04:26 pm »
I'm looking forward to seeing more of your work on this. I'd love to see your code and might be able to help with cross platform work.

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #26 on: August 11, 2013, 05:41:13 am »
Ok, I have finally uploaded the official first version of HTMLFrontEnd
I haven't write a tutorial yet.
However, I am posting some basic stuff and notes


Download the zip file from this link (http://users.ntua.gr/dpiperid/MyWebPage/Catalog/games/HTMLFrontEndEN.htm) and unpack it somewhere. No installation is required

Quote
Inside you will found two exe programs, a settings.ini file and a directory with the name "default" (this is where all the html/css/javascript code lies).
You run the app HTMLFrontEnd.exe (which is the browser). This application is embedding internet explorer and gives you access to the low level functions. For security reasons it blocks navigation to the internet (however it is possible to run javascript code downloaded from the internet, so be carefull. It's better to run javascript only locally, to have access to the code)

Note: Ignore the file kbrdController.exe (at least for now). This is a program that communicates with the buildin keyboard controller/interface of my arcade machine. If you use a keyboard or a third party interface (e.g. like ipac) you don't need kbrdController.exe (however you don't need to delete it)

Open settings.ini file and read the comments. They will quide you for the supported settings. Don't forget to change the path to MAME in the ALLOWED PROGRAMS section
Don't forget to change the variable MAME_ROMS in the file main.html (= under the default directory), to the path of your mame roms. It's about line 45 of the code (use the format you see it in the code, using \\ instead of \)

Inside the directory default\emulators\MAME\snaps you can copy all your game snaps
Inside the directory default\emulators\MAME\videos you can copy all your game videos


Usage:
LEFT/RIGHT arrow keys navigate to emulators. ENTER shows the rom list of the selected emulator
UP/DOWN arrrow keys navigate to roms. ENTER starts the selected rom
BACKSPACE closes rom list
ESC terminates the program



Notes
  • You will notice that when you run the app the mouse moves to the upper left corner. This is not a bug. It is made on purpose to ensure your html code will have keyboard focus. This will change in the future
  • You can run the code inside internet explorer but you will not have access to the low level functions (run the emulators, reboot, shutdown etc)
  • I have included a small gamelist (default\emulators\MAME\gamelist.xml) for the tests. Replace it with the gamelist_full.xml (in the same directory) for a more complete list
    (Attention: The first time you load the full list it will take some time because is "enormous". After the first load, then it will load fast)
    If you want a more updated list, extract from mame.exe with the following command:
    mame -listxml >gamelist.xml
    and overwrite the old list

My default html theme is made for a resolution 640x480, because I am using a televison in my arcade machine. If you have greater resolution, the main window will be smaller


Here is a video showing HTMLFrontEnd in action on my arcade machine





P.S. Please report any suggestions or bugs you find in the program. If someone updates the code, if you like, you can send it back to me. I will add it to the next version, publishing his/her name too
The best way to edit the files is by using programmers notepad (http://www.pnotepad.org/) or notepad++ (http://notepad-plus-plus.org/)


Thank you!


« Last Edit: August 11, 2013, 06:18:26 am by arximidis »

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #27 on: August 11, 2013, 06:05:36 am »
Well, that's my Sunday sorted!

Downloaded -- I'll let you know arximidis, but from the video, it looks fantastic in its simplicity...

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #28 on: August 11, 2013, 06:18:59 am »
Well, that's my Sunday sorted!

Downloaded -- I'll let you know arximidis, but from the video, it looks fantastic in its simplicity...

Thanks! I will wait for your feedback

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #29 on: August 11, 2013, 11:35:11 am »
I'm packed with work for the next few days but i will test it out before this upcoming week is over. video looks very promising.  :)

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #30 on: August 11, 2013, 12:54:58 pm »
Great so far... even works over my network running it on my laptop with my roms on the MAME-PC.

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #31 on: August 12, 2013, 05:44:25 pm »
I'm packed with work for the next few days but i will test it out before this upcoming week is over. video looks very promising.  :)

Thank you!

Great so far... even works over my network running it on my laptop with my roms on the MAME-PC.

Cool!



UPDATE  (version 1.1)
Quote
DOSBox support added


Settings:
Same thing with MAME.
   1) Go to settings.ini and Change the path to the directory where DOSBox is installed
   2) Then open main.html and go to line about 59. Change the path to the directory where your DOS games ar installed

The way it works is the following:
You install all your DOS games under subdirectories inside the previous directory. The importand thing to remember is is that the name of each subdirectory must have the same name with the main executable file of each game (without the extension .exe)
Don't change the single quote of the variable in line 59 with double quotes


Video: (Playing extreme pinball)




PS: all the artwork needs to be replaced. A background picture would be nice. The startup video needs to be more general and not only for MAME

« Last Edit: August 12, 2013, 06:08:13 pm by arximidis »

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #32 on: August 13, 2013, 11:20:08 am »
UPDATE  (version 1.3)   (link: http://users.ntua.gr/dpiperid/MyWebPage/Catalog/games/HTMLFrontEndEN.htm)

Quote
Nestopia support added



Settings:
   1) Go to settings.ini and Change the path to the directory where Nestopia is installed
   2) Then open main.html and go to line about 63. Change the path to the directory where your roms are installed


For now I don't pass command line parameters to nestopia. I don't know them. I setup nestopia through the preferences window (it saves the settings).
However you can pass any parameter you want (about at line 308. You can pass them the same way the parameters are past to DOSBox -> about at line 293)
« Last Edit: August 13, 2013, 11:25:22 am by arximidis »

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #33 on: August 13, 2013, 07:13:44 pm »
This is really interesting! I have seen neat things done in encapsulated html apps, but this one look gorgeous! Will check it out for sure.

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #34 on: August 14, 2013, 01:16:35 am »
Great effort so far! For some reason, it crashes on me when I select a game in MAME. I did change and verify the location of the .exe and the rom folders. I get "Unspecified error at line 335"

Looking in default.html, line 335 is "document.embeds[0].stop();" with the comment saying "Stop Background music". I tried commenting out the lines that stop and play the document, but still get an error.

FWIW, I do not have any background music playing. Is it supposed to play a wav file related to the game?

I would love to use this on my current project, but I would need to be able to rotate the screen 90 degrees. Is this something that can be accomplished?

Also, down the line, it would be great if it can be modified to allow mouse clicks to select emulators/games. It could be used for touchscreens as well. If it can respond to mouse movements, we could use a spinner/trackball to scroll through the emulators and then through the games!

Thanks for sharing!


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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #35 on: August 14, 2013, 03:25:04 am »
This is really interesting! I have seen neat things done in encapsulated html apps, but this one look gorgeous! Will check it out for sure.

Sent from my XT925 using Tapatalk 4

thank you :)


Great effort so far! For some reason, it crashes on me when I select a game in MAME. I did change and verify the location of the .exe and the rom folders. I get "Unspecified error at line 335"

Looking in default.html, line 335 is "document.embeds[0].stop();" with the comment saying "Stop Background music". I tried commenting out the lines that stop and play the document, but still get an error.

FWIW, I do not have any background music playing. Is it supposed to play a wav file related to the game?

I would love to use this on my current project, but I would need to be able to rotate the screen 90 degrees. Is this something that can be accomplished?

Also, down the line, it would be great if it can be modified to allow mouse clicks to select emulators/games. It could be used for touchscreens as well. If it can respond to mouse movements, we could use a spinner/trackball to scroll through the emulators and then through the games!

Thanks for sharing!


I got the same error with an another friend

The problem is that you don't hear the background music. Maybe something with the embed tag. I will replace it with the object tag
After the intro video (did you see the intro video?) when the carousel loads you must hear a mp3 background music

Try this one.
Delete the line 335: document.embeds[0].stop();
Delete the line 347: document.embeds[0].play();

Also delete the line 563: <div id="backmusic"><embed src="img/music.mp3" showcontrols="0" LOOP=TRUE></embed></div>

Restart the app, after that


If you get an error please notify me (post the error picture if it is possible)



PS. Yes it is possible to add mouse clicks to the code. You can also add swipe evens for touch screens (left or right, up or down) . Remember this is javascript. You can do pretty much whatever you want :)
To rotate 90 degrees is not so easy (not impossible though). But I beleive that there are some videocards (like mine :) ) which can rotate 90 degrees the whole screen




edit
Yes I saw the error myself. The problem is with the embed tag. Deleting the previous lines inside main.html will solve the problem
« Last Edit: August 14, 2013, 04:06:04 am by arximidis »

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #36 on: August 14, 2013, 08:19:33 am »
No luck,
I'll attach the screenshot.

I am assuming that software rotation would need to be implemented in the frontend engine. What code is it written in? Are you going to distribute that? I wouldn't mind taking a look at that problem. It might be beyond my skills, but it might not.

The first error (before deleting the lines), was a java error window with the error being "Unspecified Error). After deleting the lines, I get the picture below.
« Last Edit: August 14, 2013, 08:21:12 am by GoYouSalukis »

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #37 on: August 14, 2013, 09:40:53 am »
No luck,
I'll attach the screenshot.

I am assuming that software rotation would need to be implemented in the frontend engine. What code is it written in? Are you going to distribute that? I wouldn't mind taking a look at that problem. It might be beyond my skills, but it might not.

The first error (before deleting the lines), was a java error window with the error being "Unspecified Error). After deleting the lines, I get the picture below.


This is a settings error. You are not providing the correct path to mame. Remember that if you are running a different version of mame, the main executable file is not mame.exe, but it could be mame32.exe or something else (depending on the version you use)
Also make sure you use \\ instead of \, only in main.html file (and don't forget to put \\ at the end. Example: var MAME_ROMS = "C:\\Emulators\\MAME\\roms\\"; )

In "settings.ini" use the \
example:MAME = C:\Emulators\MAME\mame.exe
I use the standard version, so a select mame.exe... For another version use the appropriate executable file

Also make sure you didn't change accidentally other commands inside the code


Yes, you are right. The previous error was a javascript error


This is HTML based FrontEnd. The entire FrontEnd is written in html/css/javascript. You already got the code (under default directory). In fact you did look at the code when you deleted those lines
The executable you are running HTMLFrontEnd.exe, is simply the browser and not the actual FrontEnd.
So, to answer your question, you need to change the code to rotate the screen, but it will not be so easy
« Last Edit: August 14, 2013, 09:44:09 am by arximidis »

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #38 on: August 14, 2013, 02:54:17 pm »
New Version (1.4)

bug fixes
WinUAE support

I have changed the way background music is played, to fix the error encountered in some cases

link:http://users.ntua.gr/dpiperid/MyWebPage/Catalog/games/HTMLFrontEndEN.htm

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #39 on: August 14, 2013, 06:28:47 pm »
Thanks, I had an extra \ in the .ini file.

The music plays for me now and I can play Mame games. Here are some comments.

1. After selecting Mame, and playing a game, when I hit escape, it goes back to Mame (expected). When I hit escape again, the front end disappears both on the screen and on the taskbar(unexpected). If I then try to edit the index.html, it says it is open by a program. If I open the Task Manager, it does not appear in the list of running programs. If I open the FE again and then hit escape (without running Mame), the index.html file is unlocked for edits.

2. It would be good to have a "skip video" flag, especially for debugging purposes. I played around a bit in the index.html, but haven't been able to skip it.


Regards,
Justin

edit: I forgot these:
3. When you load mame, it takes a long time to load the list. Is there any way to start loading the lists as soon as the program starts?

4. After I select Mame, the program seems to "Spawn" another version of itself. In my taskbar (windows 7), I get an additional "HTML Frontend". In the taskbar preview, they both look the same.

Edit 2:
I figured out how to skip video. I just commented out lines 44-46 in index.html and copied line 54 (window.location.href = 'main.html';) after line 46.
« Last Edit: August 14, 2013, 07:17:22 pm by GoYouSalukis »

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #40 on: August 15, 2013, 03:13:16 am »
Thanks, I had an extra \ in the .ini file.

The music plays for me now and I can play Mame games. Here are some comments.

1. After selecting Mame, and playing a game, when I hit escape, it goes back to Mame (expected). When I hit escape again, the front end disappears both on the screen and on the taskbar(unexpected). If I then try to edit the index.html, it says it is open by a program. If I open the Task Manager, it does not appear in the list of running programs. If I open the FE again and then hit escape (without running Mame), the index.html file is unlocked for edits.

2. It would be good to have a "skip video" flag, especially for debugging purposes. I played around a bit in the index.html, but haven't been able to skip it.


Regards,
Justin

edit: I forgot these:
3. When you load mame, it takes a long time to load the list. Is there any way to start loading the lists as soon as the program starts?

4. After I select Mame, the program seems to "Spawn" another version of itself. In my taskbar (windows 7), I get an additional "HTML Frontend". In the taskbar preview, they both look the same.

Edit 2:
I figured out how to skip video. I just commented out lines 44-46 in index.html and copied line 54 (window.location.href = 'main.html';) after line 46.

Hello
I am glad everything is working for you now

Thank you for your comments. They help to improve the program

1) The default configuration is when hitting ESC (and whereever you are) terminates the program. To go back hit BACKSPACE. However it's more logical to hit ESC to go back and something else to terminate the program, so I will change it in the next version
Remember that you already got the code. So it is possible to change it by yourself. In this forntend everything is defined inside the html/css/javascript code, even keystrokes

For version 1.4: Open main.html and
                         Go to line 387: You will find the command if (e.keyCode == 8) {   Change 8 with the number 27
                        Then go to line 402: You will find the command if (e.keyCode == 27) {   Cange the 27 with the number 8. Change nothing else, especially the ==

save the file. After that when you are hitting ESC will go back, and BASCSPACE will terminate the program


2) This is an excellent idea. I will add it in the next version. You will hit ESC and cancel the intro video. You can add this feature by your own, but it will take a lot of commands, so that is why I am not posting them. If you look how main.html captures keystrokes, it is not so difficult to understand what to do (allthough you need to now how to program in javascript)


3) This is only for the first time. If it loads and you don't close the FrontEnd, the list will load fast next times. Gamelist.xml is huge and javascript needs some time to load it. However I am sure that some optimizations can be done to imporve the code and make it faster

4) This is a harmless bug. I see that on Windows 8 too and I have seen it in other programs too. It's not actually a second version. Both are pointing to the same. If you close one, will close both. Ignore that.
Close the Front End by hitting "Exit to Windows" inside the menu (or hit ESC)
« Last Edit: August 18, 2013, 06:46:38 pm by arximidis »

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #41 on: August 15, 2013, 11:58:48 am »
News

Quote
One step before the multiplatform application

I have great news!

I have almost converted the app in order to use webkit and QT libraries. This is the first step of the transistion to a multiplatform app

   1) No internet explorer is required
   2) No media player is required. Instead I use the VLC plugin
   3)  HTML5 support. It means that the canvas tag is supported and you can do wanders

First I will publish the windows version and the the Linux version will follow

This will be version 2

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #42 on: August 20, 2013, 04:08:13 pm »
Update

I have released the version 2.0 (beta) of HTMLFrontEnd

HTMLFrontEnd version 2.0 is now multiplatform. It is based on webkit and QT4 libraries

Notes
  1) No internet explorer is required
  2) No Windows media player is required. HTMLFrontEnd v2.0 supports HTML5 (meaning you can use canvas tag) but it doesn't support video tag. So, in order to play music and videos VLC plugin is used. Download and install VLC from the official site (For Linux users most distributions have VLC already installed).
  3) Supported platforms Windows and Linux (Mac support will be ready soon... I hope :) )


Download from here: http://users.ntua.gr/dpiperid/MyWebPage/Catalog/games/HTMLFrontEndEN.htmm

I wrote a tutorial on how to setup here: http://users.ntua.gr/dpiperid/MyWebPage/Catalog/games/FE_tutor/htmlFEtutorEN.htm

Let me know about any bugs or suggestions
« Last Edit: August 20, 2013, 04:31:33 pm by arximidis »

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #43 on: August 20, 2013, 11:24:21 pm »
Thanks,
I was able to follow your instructions no problems.

Here is a bug (on my machine):

When I run the program, I get the video like before, but when the video is done, it just goes to a black screen. The only way to exit is to kill in in the task manager.

If I hit ESC while the video is playing, the video stops and the program goes to the carousel as expected. Once there MAME works fine (I don't have the other emulators).

Also, if I skip the video, it goes to the carousel, but if I now hit BKSPC, it starts the video again.

On the rotation issue, it seems I can rotate a canvas 90 degrees no problem. Is it perhaps possible to put the carousel in a canvas and then rotate it? Or is that too easy?

Thanks

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #44 on: August 21, 2013, 12:24:10 am »
I really like the idea behind this. Really interested to see where it goes. arximidis, is there any reason why you can't use the html video tag in version 2? Looking forward to having some time to play around with this.

When I run the program, I get the video like before, but when the video is done, it just goes to a black screen. The only way to exit is to kill in in the task manager.

I had this issue too. To fix the issue I changed line 63 in index.html to:
Code: [Select]
if ((x == 0 || x == 6)&&(videoisplaying)) {
Also, by default backspace on webkit goes back to the previous page which is why you are seeing the video being played again.

Regarding the rotation you can always set the -webkit-transform style on the body element to rotate(-90deg) but the carousel in the default theme does not play nicely with this setting.

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #45 on: August 21, 2013, 05:28:14 am »
......
Here is a bug (on my machine):

When I run the program, I get the video like before, but when the video is done, it just goes to a black screen. The only way to exit is to kill in in the task manager.

If I hit ESC while the video is playing, the video stops and the program goes to the carousel as expected. Once there MAME works fine (I don't have the other emulators).

Also, if I skip the video, it goes to the carousel, but if I now hit BKSPC, it starts the video again.

On the rotation issue, it seems I can rotate a canvas 90 degrees no problem. Is it perhaps possible to put the carousel in a canvas and then rotate it? Or is that too easy?
-----

Hmm, This is happening because VLC is not responding with the code 0 when playback has finished (response code 3 is when VLC is playing). This is weird because I never got a different response code both in Windows and Linux (For the tests I use Windows XP, Windows 8 and Linux Mint 14)
At first I was using events (link in the page: https://wiki.videolan.org/Documentation:WebPlugin) but it worked only in Windows


Quote
georgeb suggested a nice walk trough for this problem. Thanks for sharing georgeb

To fix the issue I changed line 63 in index.html to:
Code: [Select]
if ((x == 0 || x == 6)&&(videoisplaying)) {

Backspace is not working any more... I have remove it form code (actually I followed your suggestion). What you see is the default behavior of webkit (it loads the previous page when you hit backspace).
Maybe I will try to block this behavior in a next release to avoid confusion

In this version I have included a nice animation when you are in carousel and you hit ESC when not viewing the system menu. It will automatically rotate the carousel to the system menu and will select "Exit to Windows/Linux" option waiting to hit enter.

On the rotation issue: You can use css
Code: [Select]
-webkit-transform: rotate(90deg); to rotate, but the carousel in not working quite well (it is rotating but you can not view the whole part of the pictures)


I really like the idea behind this. Really interested to see where it goes. arximidis, is there any reason why you can't use the html video tag in version 2? Looking forward to having some time to play around with this.
...

I don't know why, but when I write the example code found here: http://www.w3schools.com/tags/tag_video.asp I always get the message "Your browser does not support the video tag.", in Windows. However video tag is supported in Linux

The canvas tag is working very well (in both operating systems).
Actually I have included an example code to demonstrate: Go to main.html line 653 and uncomment the <!-- sign. Also at line 657 uncomment the --> sign. Save the file and see what happens :)
I removed it because I didn't like the background picture and it consumes a lot of CPU power (Some optimizations to the code must be done)

Here is a link explain why it's not supported http://stackoverflow.com/questions/8653323/why-qtwebkit-4-8-0-webkit-2-2-dont-support-audio-video

Quote
Notice that the video tag in not supported only in Windows (in Linux works fine!)
« Last Edit: August 21, 2013, 06:35:16 am by arximidis »

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #46 on: August 21, 2013, 06:00:28 am »
I actually had a look around to see what version of webkit is included and saw those issues with the 4.8 libraries with regards to video support.

I was thinking about it today and thought that maybe a chrome extension could be useful for developing a frontend. Obviously you need a way to launch the emulators which could be achieved through a plugin. I might have a play around with it over the next couple of days and see what I can come up with. I have no experience with qt and it looked like a steep learning curve whereas I have experience with javascript and extensions. Chrome also has a "kiosk" command line switch allowing to open a page or extension in full screen and no way for the user to exit.

I checked out the canvas cloud background this afternoon. Looks great.

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #47 on: August 21, 2013, 06:50:46 am »
Yes, it may be possible to use chrome ( I think the html code is running well in chrome too, but I haven't tested it yet)
However you will need to write some sort of extention for the low level functions.

The way I am doing it is by trapping the urls. If they are in a specific form, I run a low level function. Some of them require parameters (eg run the emulators), which are also included in the url.
I don't allow running any executable file but only the ones included in the [ALLOWED PROGRAMS] section inside settings.ini by the user

I like the idea using chrome.  I am looking forward for your results
« Last Edit: August 21, 2013, 09:13:21 am by arximidis »

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #48 on: August 22, 2013, 04:36:07 am »
New version 2.1


1) Fixed some bugs (especially in linux version where the main window was losing keyboard focus)
2) Added the fixed code when the video reaches at the end (thanks to georgeb. Included a comment in that line of code)
3) Added window mode setting
4) Added root password setting (linux version)  Attention This setting is not safe. Use it only in stand alone machines without internet access ( eg Linux based arcade machines). In this way you are not going to be prompt for the password

Note: Linux version uses sudo command to reboot/shutdown the computer


Edit Version 2.2
1) Fixed some bugs
2) Removed history feature. Now backspace is not redirecting to previous page
« Last Edit: August 22, 2013, 08:24:56 am by arximidis »

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #49 on: August 23, 2013, 06:06:43 am »
I am taking advantage the vacation time to update the html theme

I have updated the html theme by adding new features

1) I have included the ability to load the xml file list for MAME (like the old version 1.4). It takes some time to load in the first time of use. Then it will load fast (as long as you don't close the main window)
Note: If you prefer to list only your existing roms, simple comment the line 361 and uncomment the line 363 in "main.html"

2) Added Page down and Page up search by the first letter (or number) inside the game list
« Last Edit: August 29, 2013, 01:51:05 pm by arximidis »

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #50 on: August 25, 2013, 04:51:23 am »
[message deleted by me]





« Last Edit: August 29, 2013, 01:51:33 pm by arximidis »

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #51 on: August 26, 2013, 03:08:56 pm »
News

I have now added full mouse support. Even using the mouse wheel.
However because you must do too many changes to the code, I will upload the complete code soon

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #52 on: August 27, 2013, 05:38:14 am »
New Version 2.3

I have uploaded the new version of HTML FrontEnd

Added full mouse support.

Usage: All carousel pics are clickable. Click to load the game lists.
Scroll the carousel with the mouse wheel.
Clicking with the middle mouse button (sometimes this button is when you click the mouse wheel) enables search by the letter (same as Page down/page up). Roll the wheel to change letter.


link:http://users.ntua.gr/dpiperid/MyWebPage/Catalog/games/HTMLFrontEndEN.htm
Setup directions: http://users.ntua.gr/dpiperid/MyWebPage/Catalog/games/FE_tutor/htmlFEtutorEN.htm
« Last Edit: August 29, 2013, 01:50:47 pm by arximidis »

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #53 on: August 28, 2013, 02:31:58 pm »
New version 2.4

Added cookies support
Some bug fixes

In the FrontEnd I created a simple (for now) settings page based on cookies. You can set the paths of the roms, without interfering with the code. Also some other settings are added

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[edit]
Version 2.4.1
1) Improved settings page
2) Now you can set up the emulators without interferring with the code.
3) Improvements to the main html code

« Last Edit: August 29, 2013, 01:54:39 pm by arximidis »

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #54 on: August 31, 2013, 08:56:12 am »
....
On the rotation issue, it seems I can rotate a canvas 90 degrees no problem. Is it perhaps possible to put the carousel in a canvas and then rotate it? Or is that too easy?

Thanks

OK

The new version is comming... and you can rotate the whole thing 90 degress (CW or CCW). You can even rotate 180degrees, without even interfering with the code!

Comming soon...

Also I modified the code to add or remove emulators dynamically...
« Last Edit: August 31, 2013, 08:58:18 am by arximidis »

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #55 on: August 31, 2013, 12:16:09 pm »
Great news for the vertically oriented! The next hurdle would be the ability to rotate on the fly to support users with rotating monitors.

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #56 on: August 31, 2013, 12:55:38 pm »
I have already included a dropdown list on the settings page to change the rotation on the fly. There is also a preview in the same page

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #57 on: September 01, 2013, 09:41:21 am »
Major update (version 2.6)

Major update to settings page. You have the ability to setup the emulators, pass parameters to the carousel and even change some settings of "setting.ini".
You can rotate the canvas 90 or 180 degrees. Also you can zoom the entire document to fit your needs.
You can add/remove emulators, without modifying the code (I tutorial will follow soon)
A preview of the main carousel was added

link:http://users.ntua.gr/dpiperid/MyWebPage/Catalog/games/HTMLFrontEndEN.htm

Thank you

P.S. Please notify my for bugs or suggestions

Vacations are officially over :(
The updates will not be so frequent from now on



« Last Edit: September 01, 2013, 11:35:23 am by arximidis »

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #58 on: September 02, 2013, 06:52:59 am »
How to setup the emulators with explanation
http://users.ntua.gr/dpiperid/MyWebPage/Catalog/games/FE_tutor/setupemututorEN.htm

I am covering only the emulators which have something new to tell (in order to understand how this works)
Then it will be easy to understand how to setup other emulators

For example:
For VisualBoyAdvace

Write the full path of the roms:
Select "Files inside in rom/games path" and write *.zip next to it
In "Emulator command line" write: {rom}

For JPCSP I wrote the settings in this article: http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,134256.0.html

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #59 on: September 02, 2013, 01:10:32 pm »
BUG

I found a small bug in the previous version of the html theme (default640x480), where a javascript event didn't fire when you copied-pasted the data
I fixed it in version 2.6.3
« Last Edit: September 02, 2013, 02:51:46 pm by arximidis »

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #60 on: September 05, 2013, 06:53:31 am »
Version 2.7 and theme version 2.7.1

A new update for using command line arguments

Quote
In the new version you can pass any parameter to the current loaded page (or any page of your choice, defined in settings.ini)

I have included (for the theme) two parameters: rotation and zoom

Usage: If you start the program with this command line HTMLFrontEnd rotation=270 zoom=1.4   then the program will start with a 90CCW degrees rotation and a zoom factor 1.4
If the program is already running, then the orientation and the zoom factor will change, if current loaded page is main.html
(in this case the command will not start a new instance)

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #61 on: September 05, 2013, 12:20:40 pm »
Finally got around to test it! I likes it a lot!
Three things though:
1. I would like to set the roms selected by .ini also. (I have all my faves in my custom.ini in MAME and would like to be able to choose from that)
2. Add a way to specify the path from snaps and video
3. WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY down the road, parental control.

I might try and import the AtomicFE layout I am working on now. This FE looks really promising! :applaud:
Doing arcades, the cheap@ss way!
First Project : ttp://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,151071.0.html
Next one : The Token Muncher [urlhttp://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,135417.0.html[/url]

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #62 on: September 06, 2013, 05:03:03 am »
Finally got around to test it! I likes it a lot!
Three things though:
1. I would like to set the roms selected by .ini also. (I have all my faves in my custom.ini in MAME and would like to be able to choose from that)
2. Add a way to specify the path from snaps and video
3. WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY down the road, parental control.
......

Thanks for trying the software and for your nice words ppv

1. It can be done. Just send me a sample of your .ini file to see how the games are listed and I will add support in the next version (it will be faster to load too)

2. This is already there. If you watch the first video you will notice it (see bellow).
However when I was updating the html code, one small bug got through. I have corrected the problem in the new version of the html theme version 2.7.2 (I hope... ;D because I haven't tested the changes yet).
If you want to see your snaps and videos, here what you have to do. First download the version 2.7.2 of the theme.
Go to the directory HTMLtheme/default640x480/MAME and create a directory with the name snaps (if it does not exist). Copy all your .png snaps there. They must have the same name with the actual rom of the game (meaning the zip file and not the description) Example: if you have the rom 1942.zip the snap must have the name 1942.png
For the videos, go to the directory HTMLtheme/default640x480/MAME and create a directory videos (if it doesn't exist). Copy all your video previews (.avi) there. Again they must have the same name with the roms

3. I have added some sort of parental control to my homemade machine, with a key button. Without the key the machine will not start.
It's a good idea to add parental control to the software too


....
I might try and import the AtomicFE layout I am working on now. This FE looks really promising! :applaud:

I would love to see that!!!  :)





« Last Edit: September 06, 2013, 05:06:51 am by arximidis »

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #63 on: September 06, 2013, 12:11:44 pm »


2. This is already there. [snip



What I meant was choosing you own paths! But I know the option is there! ;)

The parental control is to block my autistic  kid from playing the more violent games (i.e. MK and their ilk)

Th ini file goes in the FOLDERS folder of the mame dir... This is my custom game list and categories
« Last Edit: September 06, 2013, 12:14:15 pm by ppv »
Doing arcades, the cheap@ss way!
First Project : ttp://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,151071.0.html
Next one : The Token Muncher [urlhttp://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,135417.0.html[/url]

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #64 on: September 06, 2013, 05:03:39 pm »

What I meant was choosing you own paths! But I know the option is there! ;)

The parental control is to block my autistic  kid from playing the more violent games (i.e. MK and their ilk)

Th ini file goes in the FOLDERS folder of the mame dir... This is my custom game list and categories

It is possible to add the ability of choosing the snaps/videos directories. For pictures adding the prefix file:/// in front of the path of an image is all you need to do
For example <img src="file:///<full path of image>" />  where <full path of image> could be C:/emulators/mame/snaps/1942.png etc
I will try to add this feature in the next version

For the parental control we may be able to do something in the future

But first I want to add the support for the .ini files, because it will give the ability to create favorite lists etc

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Edit
Especially for the images issue, you can easily modify the code
Go to line 850 of main.html (version 2.7.3) and replace the line
Code: [Select]
var tsrc = 'emulators/'+emuArray[iGame-1][0]+'/snaps/' + irom.substr(0, irom.lastIndexOf('.')) + '.png';
with something like this
Code: [Select]
var tsrc = 'file:///<path of snaps directory> + irom.substr(0, irom.lastIndexOf('.')) + '.png';

where <path of snaps directory> the full path of the directory where your images are stored. E.g. C:/emulators/mame/snaps/ (Note: Don't forget the / at the end)
« Last Edit: September 06, 2013, 05:16:47 pm by arximidis »

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #65 on: September 11, 2013, 12:53:32 pm »
Note
I am searching for intro videos/musics and better artworks for the upcoming version 3.0

Because HTMLFrontEnd is free (and open source) all videos and artworks must be free of charge.
I will include the names of the people which are willing to contribute

Thank you
« Last Edit: September 11, 2013, 12:56:36 pm by arximidis »

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #66 on: September 18, 2013, 11:16:31 am »
« Last Edit: September 18, 2013, 11:19:14 am by arximidis »

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #67 on: February 23, 2014, 10:02:00 pm »
Just now seeing this, thanks for posting it up.  I'm going to dig into this and see how it goes  :cheers:

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #68 on: March 12, 2014, 12:24:06 pm »
Just now seeing this, thanks for posting it up.  I'm going to dig into this and see how it goes  :cheers:

Hello Le Chuck
Thanks for trying the frontend
I am waiting for your reply

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #69 on: March 12, 2014, 01:45:14 pm »
Just now seeing this, thanks for posting it up.  I'm going to dig into this and see how it goes  :cheers:

Hello Le Chuck
Thanks for trying the frontend
I am waiting for your reply

So far I've been unable to get it going due to a number of dll's not being present.  I went through and downloaded all but then ran into qt issues even after installation of the qt and lazarus stuff so I'm not exactly sure where I'm going wrong with this but can't seem to get it going.  W7-64 fyi.

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #70 on: March 12, 2014, 03:21:27 pm »
Sorry, I'm guess I'm just stuck with IE because of all the crappy horrible business applications I have to deal with that won't run on other platforms.    And all the cross compatibility crap that I have to deal with.

You fall into the 30% category of IE users, where the 70% is geared to noob and idiot Internet users (I read that somewhere) so I know where you are coming from. 

I like the interface and the work is very good.  Kudos to ARXMIDIS for the design and the sharing of code, which I am sure we will use for light weight distributions.  :applaud:

If I was coding a HTML 5 application I would focus on Firefox and Chrome platforms.
If I had only one wish, it would be for three more wishes.

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #71 on: March 14, 2014, 11:13:20 am »
So far I've been unable to get it going due to a number of dll's not being present.  I went through and downloaded all but then ran into qt issues even after installation of the qt and lazarus stuff so I'm not exactly sure where I'm going wrong with this but can't seem to get it going.  W7-64 fyi.

You don't need to download all the qt libraries separately, especially if you are using windows. I have included a zip file with all the necessary libraries for you. Unzip and copy them to the same directory where the exe file is.

Instructions:  http://users.ntua.gr/dpiperid/MyWebPage/Catalog/games/FE_tutor/htmlFEtutorEN.htm
direct link: http://users.ntua.gr/dpiperid/MyWebPage/Catalog/games/QT4libs.zip

Thank you

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #72 on: March 14, 2014, 11:18:51 am »
...

I like the interface and the work is very good.  Kudos to ARXMIDIS for the design and the sharing of code, which I am sure we will use for light weight distributions.  :applaud:

If I was coding a HTML 5 application I would focus on Firefox and Chrome platforms.

Thank you for the nice words
The frontend is based on html (html5) and of course you get the code too. I will also publish the code for the browser (which is based on webkit) and I will post the schematics and firmware (code) of my homemade controller/interface, which I have build for my custom arcade machine
My priority is to fix the damaged television when I found some time

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #73 on: March 14, 2014, 07:59:29 pm »
So far I've been unable to get it going due to a number of dll's not being present.  I went through and downloaded all but then ran into qt issues even after installation of the qt and lazarus stuff so I'm not exactly sure where I'm going wrong with this but can't seem to get it going.  W7-64 fyi.

You don't need to download all the qt libraries separately, especially if you are using windows. I have included a zip file with all the necessary libraries for you. Unzip and copy them to the same directory where the exe file is.

Instructions:  http://users.ntua.gr/dpiperid/MyWebPage/Catalog/games/FE_tutor/htmlFEtutorEN.htm
direct link: http://users.ntua.gr/dpiperid/MyWebPage/Catalog/games/QT4libs.zip

Thank you

Thanks so much!  Major reading comp fail on my part  :D

I've been playing around with this and really think it has great bones - I'm excited to see integration of the shortcuts menu as that's what I would like to run rather than emulators.  I want to try this out as a base for the Star Wars Theme that Rockyrocket, MikeBoss, and I have all been working on for a while.  I think the carousel effect is really great but it would take some work to get it over. I love how much control you have over the size of that carousel, it's a really great effect.

I don't mind learning this stuff but just want to ask a few questions before I dig into this:

How difficult would it be to run a .swf or an animated .gif as the background with the carousel on top?  Any chance of layering multiple .swfs with alpha channels? What about using .png with a transparent alpha channel over the top of that for shortcut selection? 

I hope you have an update planned with shortcuts enabled on the carousel - that would really be awesome! 

Basically I want to make your FE look like the video below, only better  ;D

http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,137291.0.html

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #74 on: March 15, 2014, 05:16:13 pm »

Thanks so much!  Major reading comp fail on my part  :D

I've been playing around with this and really think it has great bones - I'm excited to see integration of the shortcuts menu as that's what I would like to run rather than emulators.  I want to try this out as a base for the Star Wars Theme that Rockyrocket, MikeBoss, and I have all been working on for a while.  I think the carousel effect is really great but it would take some work to get it over. I love how much control you have over the size of that carousel, it's a really great effect.

I don't mind learning this stuff but just want to ask a few questions before I dig into this:

How difficult would it be to run a .swf or an animated .gif as the background with the carousel on top?  Any chance of layering multiple .swfs with alpha channels? What about using .png with a transparent alpha channel over the top of that for shortcut selection? 

I hope you have an update planned with shortcuts enabled on the carousel - that would really be awesome! 

Basically I want to make your FE look like the video below, only better  ;D
.....

Yes some times it happens :)

Now to answer your questions:
If you are meaning that you want to directly run a game by clicking (or by selecting) a carousel item (rather than selecting it from the list which appears), I can tell you that I was indeed planning to implement that feature. Why? I was planning to directly run windows games (for example virtua cop), using a homemade light gun. But due to workload and bad luck (my machine's tv broke down) I have delayed the update

As for the background
I am planning to add a feature to choose a picture for background or something that is moving (for example the stars effect)
In the version you have, I have already included secret moving background (clouds). You can enable it if you uncomment the canvas command in main.html. It's html5
Go to line 1066 (Version 2.8.1) and remove the: <!--
Then go to line 1070 and remove the: -->
I have comment it out because it consumes a lot of cpu power (at least the demo code I use. However I am planning to improve the code)

Thank you

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #75 on: March 15, 2014, 05:38:55 pm »
Awesome, I'll play around with it and look forward to that update for entering games directly from the carousel!  Sorry to hear you're behind in development but I'll be anxiously awaiting updates when you get the chance!

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #76 on: March 19, 2014, 02:06:41 pm »
I got a "missing mingwm10.dll" error when launching. There is a way to get this file (from a secure source) without installing the full "MinGW - Minimalist GNU for Windows" package?

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #77 on: March 19, 2014, 02:29:02 pm »
I got a "missing mingwm10.dll" error when launching. There is a way to get this file (from a secure source) without installing the full "MinGW - Minimalist GNU for Windows" package?

I got that file copied from the Inkscape folder, but now there is a QtCore4.dll missig. I have 2 programs with that dll, but in both cases there is a _Z5qFreePv entry point missing from QtCore4.dll

 :cry:

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #78 on: March 19, 2014, 02:40:13 pm »
Did you install the dependancies linked on 14 March?  That did it for me.

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #79 on: March 19, 2014, 03:42:12 pm »
I got a "missing mingwm10.dll" error when launching. There is a way to get this file (from a secure source) without installing the full "MinGW - Minimalist GNU for Windows" package?

Hello

You don't need to install any external dlls manually in Windows. Just unzip the following zip file to the directory you copied the exe file
direct link: http://users.ntua.gr/dpiperid/MyWebPage/Catalog/games/QT4libs.zip

Instructions are here:  http://users.ntua.gr/dpiperid/MyWebPage/Catalog/games/FE_tutor/htmlFEtutorEN.htm


PS.  I have finally fixed the damaged television on the machine. These are the failed components

It's the switching regulator and the transistor of the flyback transformer
« Last Edit: March 20, 2014, 12:34:23 pm by arximidis »

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #80 on: March 19, 2014, 04:49:55 pm »
PS.  I have finally fixed the damaged television on the machine. These are the failed components

It's the switching regulator and the transistor of the flyback transformer

Good news!  So an update will follow soon?  ;D  ;D  ;D

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #81 on: March 20, 2014, 07:49:56 am »
Hello

You don't need to install any external dlls manually in Windows. Just unzip the following zip file to the directory you copied the exe file
direct link: http://users.ntua.gr/dpiperid/MyWebPage/Catalog/games/QT4libs.zip

Instructions are here:  http://users.ntua.gr/dpiperid/MyWebPage/Catalog/games/FE_tutor/htmlFEtutorEN.htm

Thanks  :applaud: that solve the problem and the program is running now but....is just a black screen with a cube in the middle and a question mark on one of the faces, like what you get when missing a plug-in on some browsers...

Good to know is written in Lazarus, i just recently move from develop in Delphi 7 to Lazarus because that version was too outdated and the newer versions are huge!! (and also because i can use Lazarus at the computer at work, can't install Delphi because of legal issues).

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #82 on: March 20, 2014, 08:03:13 am »

Thanks  :applaud: that solve the problem and the program is running now but....is just a black screen with a cube in the middle and a question mark on one of the faces, like what you get when missing a plug-in on some browsers...

Good to know is written in Lazarus, i just recently move from develop in Delphi 7 to Lazarus because that version was too outdated and the newer versions are huge!! (and also because i can use Lazarus at the computer at work, can't install Delphi because of legal issues).


That means you don't have the mozilla plugin. This plugin is required in order to play videos. I am not using html5 to play videos, because qt4 version doesn't seem to support the video tag on Windows (on Linux works). So, because I didn't want to have two different versions, I decided to use the vlc plugin

Install this program: http://www.videolan.org/vlc/
(remember to select full install)

Yes the browser is written with lazarus qt version. It doesn't do much. It's implementing some low level functions that normal javascript can't do (e.g. startup a process). The way is doing it is by reading the url links. If they have a specific form it runs a function (with parameters if any)

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #83 on: March 20, 2014, 11:19:23 am »
That's it!!! Thank you. I happen to have installed VLC but not a full install (particularly, the mozilla plug-in was not installed). I really like the program, it runs smooth and looks really good.
Nice work!! :cheers:

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #84 on: March 20, 2014, 12:37:43 pm »
Good news!  So an update will follow soon?  ;D  ;D  ;D

Yes... I am planning an update!

That's it!!! Thank you. I happen to have installed VLC but not a full install (particularly, the mozilla plug-in was not installed). I really like the program, it runs smooth and looks really good.
Nice work!! :cheers:

Thank you very much!

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #85 on: March 21, 2014, 11:54:45 am »
New version 2.8.2 of the default theme of HTMLFrontEnd


You now have the ability to run a game by directly selecting a carousel item (with parameters if any)

In settings page select: Directly load an executable file for the selected carousel item (emulator)

If no parameters are required, write {none} to "Roms/Games path" and to "Emulator Command line"
If you want to pass a parameter, for example a specific MAME rom
write the full path of the rom : C:/MAME/roms/1941.zip to "Roms/Games path" entry
and write {rom} to "Emulator Command line" entry

« Last Edit: March 21, 2014, 11:57:46 am by arximidis »

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #86 on: March 21, 2014, 02:22:37 pm »
Bad ass, I'll try it out and let you know how it works!

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #87 on: March 21, 2014, 08:14:49 pm »
Launching directly from carousel works well - I'm liking where this is heading.  If you're taking requests the following features would be great for the next major update:

A layout editor in addition to the carousel controls would be very helpful
Have option to use .png rather than .gif for the icons in carousel (image quality issues)
Be able to choose background from editor or list in cfg (animated gif/swf support would be great)
Be able to set icon size from editor or a cfg
Be able to set sounds, music etc from editor or a cfg
Add sounds for scrolling carousel
Add .lnk and .bat support
Be able to hide the settings icon in carousel (hot key assignable perhaps)

If there's a way to do some of this already I'd really appreciate the help - either way I really like the flexibility of this FE and hope you can accommodate some of these requests.  If not, thanks anyway! 
« Last Edit: March 21, 2014, 08:16:38 pm by Le Chuck »

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #88 on: March 22, 2014, 06:40:07 am »
Launching directly from carousel works well - I'm liking where this is heading.  If you're taking requests the following features would be great for the next major update:

Hello! Of course, I am taking account the requests. It's the only way to make the FE better. This is one of the reasons I did upload it

A layout editor in addition to the carousel controls would be very helpful
Not sure what exactly do you mean there

Have option to use .png rather than .gif for the icons in carousel (image quality issues)

You can modify the code to change this. Go to line 425 at main.html (version 2.8.2) and change the .gif to .png.
Also go to line 1101 and change the .gif to .png
(Of course this means you must also change the pictures to png format)
Then go to settings.html to lines 422 and 423 and do the same

Maybe in a future release I'll change the format

Be able to choose background from editor or list in cfg (animated gif/swf support would be great)

Yes, I will include that. I am also thinking on using html5 for background animations (eg the stars effect)


Be able to set icon size from editor or a cfg

This is a good suggestion. You can modify the code (I think same lines as above), but I will include that feature in the next release


Be able to set sounds, music etc from editor or a cfg
Add sounds for scrolling carousel

I had this effect at the first version of the program, but when I converted it to a multiplatform (using webkit and qt libraries), I removed it

Add .lnk and .bat support

You mean you want to run a bat file? I think you can do that. It may be possible to run it directly. If it's not working try to add an entry for command promt (cmd.exe) in settings.ini and pass the bat file as a parameter (Of cource when you add the entry in settings.ini don't forget to create a directory with the same name inside emulators directory. After all this is the procedure to add new emulators (=items to carousel) without messing with the code)


Be able to hide the settings icon in carousel (hot key assignable perhaps)

I will include that in the next version
« Last Edit: March 22, 2014, 06:45:31 am by arximidis »

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #89 on: March 22, 2014, 12:39:30 pm »
A layout editor in addition to the carousel controls would be very helpful
Not sure what exactly do you mean there


When you go under settings inside the FE the carousel settings are listed under "general" perhaps you could add some layout settings either on the same screen or under a separate tab.  That way to make certain adjustments (ie icon size, background, sounds etc) one wouldn't need to manually modify the code.  The Carousel settings are awesome, having that level of control over other portions of the FE would really be useful. 

Hope that helps explain what I was talking about. 

Edit:  Made the changes, a few notes:

If you delete "marquee" FE shows a missing img icon, would be nice to have selection to disable marquees so I don't have to have a blank marquee file needlessly.

PNGs work well, will know how well once I can edit the background - during transition there is a slight degradation in the image but again, once we can get off that white background we'll be able to see how noticeable it is.  I think it should be okay as is.   

An option - not necessary at all - to set music for each carousel item/emulator would be nice, that way music changes as one spins around

Need option to set carousel rotation speed

For the carousel controls, where does the program "grab" the image?  At the bottom left (0,0) or center?  I put the icon size at 640x480 so the PNGs would fill but they seems to be a bit off size, or I'm not positioning them right.  Here are my carousel settings.  FE is at 640x480 also FYI.

xRadius: 1000
yRadius: 320
xPosition: 320
yPosition: -400
Reflection height: 0

It seems like it would be center but my PNGs are getting zoomed a bit - could be because a big part of my images are transparent.  Will play around with it more.  If FE is ignoring alpha channels for positioning it will be hard to correct for.  Having an absolute center based on img resolution would be better.  If it's already like that then disregard and I'll keep fiddling with my settings. 
« Last Edit: March 22, 2014, 01:32:17 pm by Le Chuck »

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #90 on: March 22, 2014, 01:02:25 pm »

When you go under settings inside the FE the carousel settings are listed under "general" perhaps you could add some layout settings either on the same screen or under a separate tab.  That way to make certain adjustments (ie icon size, background, sounds etc) one wouldn't need to manually modify the code.  The Carousel settings are awesome, having that level of control over other portions of the FE would really be useful. 

Hope that helps explain what I was talking about.  Looking forward to updates!

Ok, Already did that! :)
When I finish the update, I will inform you

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #91 on: March 22, 2014, 02:09:08 pm »

When you go under settings inside the FE the carousel settings are listed under "general" perhaps you could add some layout settings either on the same screen or under a separate tab.  That way to make certain adjustments (ie icon size, background, sounds etc) one wouldn't need to manually modify the code.  The Carousel settings are awesome, having that level of control over other portions of the FE would really be useful. 

Hope that helps explain what I was talking about.  Looking forward to updates!

Ok, Already did that! :)
When I finish the update, I will inform you
Awesome, getting really excited about this one - I've been struggling through so many other FEs to get the look and feel I want.  I really appreciate the quick responses and think that a lot of folks will really find this very useful.   :cheers:

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #92 on: March 22, 2014, 03:11:27 pm »

Edit:  Made the changes, a few notes:

If you delete "marquee" FE shows a missing img icon, would be nice to have selection to disable marquees so I don't have to have a blank marquee file needlessly.

PNGs work well, will know how well once I can edit the background - during transition there is a slight degradation in the image but again, once we can get off that white background we'll be able to see how noticeable it is.  I think it should be okay as is.   

An option - not necessary at all - to set music for each carousel item/emulator would be nice, that way music changes as one spins around

Need option to set carousel rotation speed

For the carousel controls, where does the program "grab" the image?  At the bottom left (0,0) or center?  I put the icon size at 640x480 so the PNGs would fill but they seems to be a bit off size, or I'm not positioning them right.  Here are my carousel settings.  FE is at 640x480 also FYI.

xRadius: 1000
yRadius: 320
xPosition: 320
yPosition: -400
Reflection height: 0

It seems like it would be center but my PNGs are getting zoomed a bit - could be because a big part of my images are transparent.  Will play around with it more.  If FE is ignoring alpha channels for positioning it will be hard to correct for.  Having an absolute center based on img resolution would be better.  If it's already like that then disregard and I'll keep fiddling with my settings.

I am in the process of including more options to the settings page (change the speed of carousel, removing the marquees and loading a background picture. I have tested animated gifs and the do work)

For now
speed: go to line 438 of main.html and change the speed. 1 is fastest (no animation). Speed must be greater than zero, lower than 1
background: open screen.css (in css directory) and remove the background-color:#fff; (line 4) and replace it with:
background:#fff url(../img/background.gif) no-repeat;
Go to img folder and add a background.gif (it can be animated gif too)

P.S. Show my a picture of how FE is setup if possible. It may help me for the settings
« Last Edit: March 22, 2014, 03:13:12 pm by arximidis »

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #93 on: March 22, 2014, 05:21:46 pm »
Alright, making some progress here  ;D

The marquee area seems to cut off some of my images. I played around with the background gif trying to get it to repeat using the parameters "repeat" and just putting no parameter but both gave the same result as if "no-repeat" was there. I'm a retard, the gif was compiled to only loop once rather than forever - fixed.  Now the background works great. 

If you add a feature for a video or screen effect (fast zoom in) to execute when one makes a selection and we're pretty much there. 

« Last Edit: March 22, 2014, 05:40:21 pm by Le Chuck »

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #94 on: March 22, 2014, 05:57:22 pm »
Alright, making some progress here  ;D

The marquee area seems to cut off some of my images. I played around with the background gif trying to get it to repeat using the parameters "repeat" and just putting no parameter but both gave the same result as if "no-repeat" was there. I'm a retard, the gif was compiled to only loop once rather than forever - fixed.  Now the background works great. 

If you add a feature for a video or screen effect (fast zoom in) to execute when one makes a selection and we're pretty much there. 


Very Cool!!!   :D

Yes you are right. The problem is with the div that is still there even if you remove the marquee pictures. In the new version I have included a setting to hide the marquee (including the div section) just by clicking a checkbox

The repeat method in the css is creating a tile effect  ;)

P.S. I was looking for a stars animated gif to include to the next version. You can enable the background picture from the settings page. If it's not so difficult please send it to me to include it
Generally I am looking for pictures, sound effects, background musics etc


EDIT: try this
In screen.css go to #GameTitle  (line 12) and change height to zero. Then go to #GameCarusel (line 13) and change top to zero
« Last Edit: March 22, 2014, 06:15:03 pm by arximidis »

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #95 on: March 22, 2014, 06:31:22 pm »
Here are two sounds and the starfield gif for your use!

I dropped in the select sound to the current theme and couldn't get it to play.  Tried both wav and mp3.  Deleted the old sound and named it "select" - is that function disabled right now or did I mess something up?
« Last Edit: March 22, 2014, 09:53:51 pm by Le Chuck »

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #96 on: March 22, 2014, 11:52:27 pm »
Quote from: arximidis
[b
EDIT[/b]: try this
In screen.css go to #GameTitle  (line 12) and change height to zero. Then go to #GameCarusel (line 13) and change top to zero

That seemed to have worked but I found another issue. 

I added some directions to the background and I think the bounding box for the carousel is messing up the background.  Without the text I noticed that the stars skipped just a bit but with it it is very obvious.  You'll note that when I go to the menu the background is fine.  Also, the bottom of the box cuts off just a bit of the Empire Strikes Back icon.  If there's a simple way to fix this great, if not I can move the text to the bottom and just work around the issue. 

I slowed the scroll down to .03, it is very responsive and the icons are smooth, smoother than the video shows.  Fiddled with the sound some more, I can do a custom background music but I can't get the noise to run when I select a game.  I'm wondering if that's because I'm in the carousel menu and not a rom selection menu?  Also, just noticed that "choose" could really use an extra "o".  I'll have to fix that  ;D  ;D


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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #97 on: March 23, 2014, 08:54:18 am »
Here are two sounds and the starfield gif for your use!

I dropped in the select sound to the current theme and couldn't get it to play.  Tried both wav and mp3.  Deleted the old sound and named it "select" - is that function disabled right now or did I mess something up?

Thanks for the images (I am looking for better images for the emulators and intro videos)

Yes the sound functions are disabled for now, because I have some weird crashes when opening the settings page (or reloading), at least in Windows 8 (I will test it in Windows XP to see what happens) The problem is caused by VLC and I can't figure out what is the reason. Maybe is a bug of the vlc mozilla plugin.
The sounds are there from the first version og HTML FE which was using microsoft media player with no problems. Maybe I will give the option to use microsoft media player for windows users (instead of vlc)
For now, I will re-enable them (buy giving the option to disable them, if things go wrong)


That seemed to have worked but I found another issue. 

I added some directions to the background and I think the bounding box for the carousel is messing up the background.  Without the text I noticed that the stars skipped just a bit but with it it is very obvious.  You'll note that when I go to the menu the background is fine.  Also, the bottom of the box cuts off just a bit of the Empire Strikes Back icon.  If there's a simple way to fix this great, if not I can move the text to the bottom and just work around the issue. 

I slowed the scroll down to .03, it is very responsive and the icons are smooth, smoother than the video shows.  Fiddled with the sound some more, I can do a custom background music but I can't get the noise to run when I select a game.  I'm wondering if that's because I'm in the carousel menu and not a rom selection menu?  Also, just noticed that "choose" could really use an extra "o".  I'll have to fix that  ;D  ;D


It looks very nice!!!  :)
I see the animation is smooth for you. In my case I cause a pause when it restarts (but I have tested it only in windows 8 with a medium machine)
You can not run any sounds, because they are disabled (I will re- enable them in next version)

For the small cut off, try this (not sure if it works)
In screen.css go to #GameCarusel (line 13) and increase the height property

edit:
The problem is in the following line of code
Go to main.html to line 1075 and change the height of #carousel1 from 380px to a greater value


P.S. I have some great news for the cube effect too. It may be possible to include it, if I play around with the code

« Last Edit: March 23, 2014, 09:16:29 am by arximidis »

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #98 on: March 23, 2014, 10:11:35 am »
Quote from: arximidis

The problem is in the following line of code
Go to main.html to line 1075 and change the height of #carousel1 from 380px to a greater value

Line 1095 in mine. 

Changed to 480 - no more issue with icons being cut off.  Still have the break at the top in the the background.  Might be due to the marquee box tho (even though it's set at 0px wide and 0px tall).  Tried several different values and couldn't get that to resolve so it's likely something else.   

There was also an issue with the icons disappearing before the screen edge on the right side during a scroll.  Adjusted Line 13 in screen.css to 640x480 for the  carousel and that cleaned it up. 

The css and html files are well written by the way - I'm starting to be able to hunt through and tweak things on my own and know rather than guess what the outcome will be.  A GUI will always be more user friendly but these give a really great level of control. 

I noticed that the background image doesn't scale - I have 800x600 animation so I had to set the FE size to that and tell everything else to zoom.  It looks great but I'm worried about folks upscaling to maybe 1024x768 - will they need a custom animation or can the backround animation be stretched too?

Uploaded a pic to clarify, also it shows that box that is messing up the background - I'll try and see how many px wide it is in photoshop and track it down that way if I can. 

Also:  went and fixed the background text and left a slightly larger gap between text and border which avoided that trimming issue.  Still something to figure out but this is a fine workout for now.  Really looking great, can't wait to see the new features you have up your sleeve!

« Last Edit: March 23, 2014, 11:16:27 am by Le Chuck »

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #99 on: March 23, 2014, 11:41:45 am »
Yes, the background picture can be zoomed too. In fact, this is exactly what I am doing to the new version. Even if this setting is completed, I haven't released the new version due to the other modifications I am still working on
However, remember that zoom always keeps the original ratio of the main window.

If you want to play with the code the modification is quite simple. Instead of changing the body element (restore to the original settings) do the same thing to the #MainContent element in screen.css


As for the problem to the top, yes it's not the marquee. At first I thought it was the marquee that the capturing software was placing  :-[
Well it's the vlc plugin (the one that plays the videos and music)
To hide it go to main.html at line 1061. You will see an element <embed type="application/x-vlc-plugin" name="VLC" id="mvlc"
Just before this line insert the following
<div id="VLCs" style="top:-20;position: absolute;">

The go to the line where the embed element closes (width="0" height="0">) and after that insert the following
</div>
and you will be ok





I am so jealous  :laugh:
I want my FE to look exactly like yours, but instead of the games, I want the emulators to rotate the same way. That means I need better pictures for the emulators (eg MAME, dosbox, nestopia, visualboy advance etc).
I beleive Maximus arcade and GameEx have nice pictures, but I don't want to include non-free pictures.
Any suggestion?
« Last Edit: March 23, 2014, 11:45:20 am by arximidis »

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #100 on: March 23, 2014, 12:31:48 pm »
Quote
To hide it go to main.html at line 1061. You will see an element <embed type="application/x-vlc-plugin" name="VLC" id="mvlc"
Just before this line insert the following
<div id="VLCs" style="top:-20;position: absolute;">

The go to the line where the embed element closes (width="0" height="0">) and after that insert the following
</div>
and you will be ok

^ Worked perfect  :cheers:

Check Hyperspin - there are pic packs available for that - also, I don't believe that MA owns the rights to any of the images it uses.  It's not exactly licensed by Nintendo or Atari so I would personally have no qualms about using their pic packs.  You're not taking code from the FE so I would feel zero issue with doing so.  If you need a pack send me a list of systems you want and I can see what I have on hand.   

Oh, also, check out this video a new user posted over on the SW Skin thread


Video:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B-9bDWtWmD2DU2pjTFM2d3Ztd2d0TVhRa2lKUlIyYkdDaGFN/edit?usp=sharing

I thought the moving starfield was a nice effect but nothing really to write home about IMO and then the last five seconds I was floored.  That zoom effect for launching the game is awesome.  If we can get something like that I'd be thrilled.  The background starfield doesn't have to zoom but it would be cool if both could.  The icon zooming away is way cool though. 
« Last Edit: March 23, 2014, 12:48:28 pm by Le Chuck »

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #101 on: March 23, 2014, 03:22:41 pm »

^ Worked perfect  :cheers:

Check Hyperspin - there are pic packs available for that - also, I don't believe that MA owns the rights to any of the images it uses.  It's not exactly licensed by Nintendo or Atari so I would personally have no qualms about using their pic packs.  You're not taking code from the FE so I would feel zero issue with doing so.  If you need a pack send me a list of systems you want and I can see what I have on hand.   

If it is not so much of a trouble, I would appreciate a pack. For now I would like the emulators of my theme.


I thought the moving starfield was a nice effect but nothing really to write home about IMO and then the last five seconds I was floored.  That zoom effect for launching the game is awesome.  If we can get something like that I'd be thrilled.  The background starfield doesn't have to zoom but it would be cool if both could.  The icon zooming away is way cool though.

Saw it. I have include such an effect in the code, but it's too soon to release it. Not only you can zoom out, but you can rotate as you are zooming or move up while zooming.
It's transparent, meaning it doesn't affect the background. How ever I saw the starfield he is using and maybe you can use it too. So we could also have the effect of high speed when zooming. But for now I will focus on the other effects and sounds

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #102 on: March 23, 2014, 05:43:51 pm »
Going through the game list trying to set up the FE - I'm having issues getting certain parameters to save.  I can get mame to save and anything with a direct exe (starfighter/wosn) to save but other emulators I'm having trouble with.  Both my zsnes and project64 require full rom addresses rather than just the rom name like in mame so I'm wondering if that is an issue.  When I go to launch after saving it just brings me back to the setup menu and everything I typed is gone. 

Also, can't seem to run batch files directly.  I've tried putting C:/arcade/bats/SF.bat as an emulator for example.  When I got to the menu I put {none} in the rom directory and in the cmd line and ensure I check "directly load executable file" but no dice.  Also, FE won't save those inputs either.  Thoughts?

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #103 on: March 23, 2014, 06:27:27 pm »
Going through the game list trying to set up the FE - I'm having issues getting certain parameters to save.  I can get mame to save and anything with a direct exe (starfighter/wosn) to save but other emulators I'm having trouble with.  Both my zsnes and project64 require full rom addresses rather than just the rom name like in mame so I'm wondering if that is an issue.  When I go to launch after saving it just brings me back to the setup menu and everything I typed is gone. 
I am sorry but I don't understand anything. Remember, English is not my native language

Also, can't seem to run batch files directly.  I've tried putting C:/arcade/bats/SF.bat as an emulator for example.  When I got to the menu I put {none} in the rom directory and in the cmd line and ensure I check "directly load executable file" but no dice.  Also, FE won't save those inputs either.  Thoughts?

You are doing it wrong. You set a directory for a new emulator (with all the required files, like you already have)
The directory name can be anything you want, but you must remember it (lets say the directory name is CCS64)
Then go to settings.ini under the [ALLOWED PROGRAMS] section. Write an entry with the same name as the directory of the emulator. If, instead of an emulator, you want to run a bat file write the following:
CCS64=C:/Users/dimitirs/Desktop/test.bat
You provide the full path of the bat file

Then go to the settings page and select the emulator (the FE will automatically finds the emulator entry).
To run bat files you must write {none} everywhere like the following picture:



EDIT: When modifying settings.ini, remember to restart the program
« Last Edit: March 23, 2014, 06:44:43 pm by arximidis »

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #104 on: March 23, 2014, 07:04:12 pm »
Sorry, I'll try and write more clearly  ;D

I am doing as you say, I just did not explain it well.  I have set directory for the new emulator, I modified settings.ini under [ALLOWED PROGRAMS], with SF=C:/arcade/Bats/SF.bat

In settings page I selected the emulator and put {none} everywhere as pictured and selected "directly load an executable file".  I clicked "save" and closed out the program.  Upon restart the settings are not saved and the game will not execute.   

Can the program generate a log so I can take a look and try and see where it's going wrong?  Thanks!

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/4f4wr3aterv67jl/ciWcIEWiUf <-- Link to the files you were asking about.  You might need to send me your email address so I can grant you access. 

Shot a video to show the steps I'm taking so you can maybe spot what I'm doing wrong.  Thanks!!

« Last Edit: March 23, 2014, 07:44:29 pm by Le Chuck »

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #105 on: March 24, 2014, 04:46:33 am »
hmmm, that means there is something wrong with the cookies. All settings are saved as cookies.
Are all the other settings saved normally?  ???

Try to delete the cookies by clicking the button at the last tab of settings page
When you restart the program all the settings will be with default values, so remember the settings for the carousel (the changes you made to the code will not be affected)

It may be possible that you have accidentally deleted something important, when you were modifying the code  :(


Edit: If you can't do anything send my the program in a rar file (only the default640x480 directory)
« Last Edit: March 24, 2014, 04:54:23 am by arximidis »

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #106 on: March 24, 2014, 01:58:39 pm »
Don't bother with it. It's a bug

I will fix it and I will upload the new version soon

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #107 on: March 24, 2014, 02:43:19 pm »
Don't bother with it. It's a bug

I will fix it and I will upload the new version soon

Cool - sorry it's a bug, glad you're getting it fixed, really glad it wasn't me messing up  :lol


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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #108 on: March 24, 2014, 03:03:31 pm »
Cool - sorry it's a bug, glad you're getting it fixed, really glad it wasn't me messing up  :lol

You get this with all the entries, even after deleting all cookies? I get this bug only for the first entry. I can set all the other normally

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #109 on: March 24, 2014, 03:35:16 pm »
Cool - sorry it's a bug, glad you're getting it fixed, really glad it wasn't me messing up  :lol

You get this with all the entries, even after deleting all cookies? I get this bug only for the first entry. I can set all the other normally

Haven't had a chance to check today.  I'll delete cookies and try again this evening and report back.

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #110 on: March 24, 2014, 05:44:19 pm »
Haven't had a chance to check today.  I'll delete cookies and try again this evening and report back.

It won't help.
I found the bug!!!  :banghead:
« Last Edit: March 24, 2014, 05:53:41 pm by arximidis »

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #111 on: March 24, 2014, 05:49:40 pm »
Haven't had a chance to check today.  I'll delete cookies and try again this evening and report back.

I won't help.
I found the bug!!!  :banghead:

It didn't, you're right.  Hey, look on the bright side, you're implementing tons of new features, really growing the FE, and there are bound to be bugs.  Glad you found it and hope it isn't too much of a hassle to work through.  You're doing great work man!  Keep it up!!

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #112 on: March 25, 2014, 09:53:16 am »
New version 2.9 of HTMLFrontEnd and 2.9.1 of the default theme

  • Bug fixes.
  • Added animation when selecting a carousel item.
  • Change the way the settings for each emulator are saved (currently no gui support)
  • Add the ability to remove the top marquee
  • Add the ability to set background picture (animated gif support)
  • Added more settings for carousel.

Currently working on sound effects and adding more options

Download from here: http://users.ntua.gr/dpiperid/MyWebPage/Catalog/games/HTMLFrontEndEN.htm
Don't forget to download the new version of the browser too (same link)

P.S. Le Chuck. You are the ultimate beta tester  :) ;)

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #113 on: March 25, 2014, 10:40:49 am »
New version 2.9 of HTMLFrontEnd and 2.9.1 of the default theme

  • Bug fixes.
  • Added animation when selecting a carousel item.
  • Change the way the settings for each emulator are saved (currently no gui support)
  • Add the ability to remove the top marquee
  • Add the ability to set background picture (animated gif support)
  • Added more settings for carousel.

Currently working on sound effects and adding more options

Download from here: http://users.ntua.gr/dpiperid/MyWebPage/Catalog/games/HTMLFrontEndEN.htm
Don't forget to download the new version of the browser too (same link)

P.S. Le Chuck. You are the ultimate beta tester  :) ;)

:woot Now I've got homework!!! Can't wait to try it out!

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #114 on: March 25, 2014, 03:34:51 pm »
Please download again. I have accidentally uploaded the wrong version  :cry:

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #115 on: March 25, 2014, 06:39:51 pm »
Okay, downloaded about half an hour ago.  In that time I transferred all my files, replaced all the controls.ini with settings.ini files in the emulator folders.  Updated the FE settings.ini, set up the carousel the way I like it, and started fiddling with how to launch games. 

Okay, so I have been able to do the following:  Load lists of roms for MAME, launching a single MAME rom directly from the carousel, loading lists of batch files, launching a single batch file from the carousel, and launching an executable from the carousel.  Awesome!

For an executable:
In FE settings.ini:  WOSN=C:/arcade/wings/wings.exe

In WOSN EMU settings:
ROM = {EXE}
ROMPATH =
COMMAND =
ROMLIST =
ROMEXT = *.exe
WAIT = yes

For a batch file:
SF=C:/arcade/bats/SF.bat

ROM = {EXE}
ROMPATH =
COMMAND =
ROMLIST =
ROMEXT = *.bat
WAIT = yes

For launching a rom directly from the carousel - tested with MAME, should work with any EMU tho
SW=C:/arcade/mame/mame64.exe

ROM = {EXE}
ROMPATH =
COMMAND = starwars
ROMLIST =
ROMEXT = *.exe
WAIT = yes

(note that to do this we don't use a rom path, or else it will load the rom list and then just pass "starwars" as the command for every rom - we are pointing the program at mame64.exe in this case, not at the roms). 

ERRORS: 

I could not get the background to work.  Checking and unchecking the selection box had no effect.  I am stuck on white background.  I didn't want to fiddle with the css or html files without letting you know about the issue.   

When entering the settings menu from the FE half the time I get a crash with the following message: "Access violation.  Press OK to ignore and risk data corruption.  Press Cancel to kill the program."  I've tried pressing both - both end with the FE hanging. 

When zoom is enabled the carousel icon moves off center, gets a portion trimmed, and then zooms.  After exiting the game the animation plays in reverse but still trimmed and off center.  Once we get the background working I'll shoot video of that so we can track down what's causing it.  The effect will be really cool once we get it ironed out. 

Overall, awesome!  It took longer for me to write this post than it took to setup the FE.  A few little tweaks needed to this update (sound on launch ready yet?) and I think we'll be there.   :applaud:  :cheers:  :applaud:  :cheers:

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #116 on: March 26, 2014, 11:05:50 am »
I have uploaded a new version of the theme (2.9.4). I have added some fine tunning for the zoom in effect. You now can control the speed, the initial poition or even the ending posiiton (you can make the image move up, down, right or left while zooming
download: http://users.ntua.gr/dpiperid/MyWebPage/Catalog/games/HTMLFrontEndEN.htm
Also download the new HTMLFrontEnd browser and replace the older one

First see how my theme is working, before you do any modification


ERRORS: 

I could not get the background to work.  Checking and unchecking the selection box had no effect.  I am stuck on white background.  I didn't want to fiddle with the css or html files without letting you know about the issue.   

When entering the settings menu from the FE half the time I get a crash with the following message: "Access violation.  Press OK to ignore and risk data corruption.  Press Cancel to kill the program."  I've tried pressing both - both end with the FE hanging. 

When zoom is enabled the carousel icon moves off center, gets a portion trimmed, and then zooms.  After exiting the game the animation plays in reverse but still trimmed and off center.  Once we get the background working I'll shoot video of that so we can track down what's causing it.  The effect will be really cool once we get it ironed out. 

Overall, awesome!  It took longer for me to write this post than it took to setup the FE.  A few little tweaks needed to this update (sound on launch ready yet?) and I think we'll be there.   :applaud:  :cheers:  :applaud:  :cheers:


I have noticed the crashes and I am working on them. Maybe it's the mozilla plugin that crashes (event if you disabled the music).
I will test it and see what is wrong

I don't know why the background is not working for you. For me it works perfect.
Make sure you replaced all the files (not just the html).

The proper way to do it, is to use my version of code and then go to emulators directory and delete the entries. Then paste your emulator directories.
Also delete the cookies (Note: Deleting the cookies will not affect your emulator's settings)

As for the problems regurding the zoom animation, it's better to test the new version :) ;)

P.S. I will fix the problems with the sound effects soon (I hope)
I will add
effect while rotating the carousel and while selecting. In the future I will add the ability to use different sound or intro for each emulator
« Last Edit: March 26, 2014, 11:08:57 am by arximidis »

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #117 on: March 26, 2014, 11:15:14 am »
Awesome, I'll have more time tonight to play with it and see if I can get the background sorted out.  Look forward to getting it going. 

Once we get this rolling good it would be cool if you could take a crack at that moving background from raygun.  His most recent video links the movement to the carousel (or whatever he's using) and it looks pretty sharp. 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B-9bDWtWmD2DOHFDMzQ5YnRtbGtYMUV2SjBJWEQtV2RKcjUw/edit?usp=sharing

You can snatch up the source from http://www.chiptune.com/starfield/starfield.html if you haven't already. 

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #118 on: March 26, 2014, 12:37:23 pm »
I did included it and it looks damn good (I told you I would)

How ever I didn't inlude the stars moving around, depending on which key you hit, because it doesn't look good. Only the high speed effect

I will upload the new release soon

However, I don't know if the starfield code is free (meaning open source)

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #119 on: March 26, 2014, 12:57:08 pm »
I did included it and it looks damn good (I told you I would)

How ever I didn't inlude the stars moving around, depending on which key you hit, because it doesn't look good. Only the high speed effect

I will upload the new release soon

However, I don't know if the starfield code is free (meaning open source)

No idea on the starfield code, didn't check it that closely.  To everything else you said:  :applaud:  :applaud:  :applaud:

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #120 on: March 26, 2014, 12:59:31 pm »
It looks free!!

The author is
    Christophe Resigne
    http://www.chiptune.com

I include his name to the javascript code

I will upload the result in few minutes (The high speed effect looks damn good!!!)

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #121 on: March 26, 2014, 02:33:57 pm »
links seem to be dead.
01100001 01101100 01101100 00100000 01101001 01101110 00100000 01100001 01101100 01101100 00100000 01101001 01110011 00100000 01100001 01101100 01101100 00100000 01110111 01100101 00100000 01100001 01101100 01101100 00100000 01100001 01110010 01100101

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #122 on: March 26, 2014, 03:19:32 pm »
links seem to be dead.

I have uploaded the new version. The links should be fine now


I have some crashes  when you load the emulator and then opening the settings page. The problem is with the (vlc) mozilla plugin. Why? Because if I completely remove it, I have no crashes
However, I am close on finding the solution
I will work with it for a while and then I will start implementing the sound effects

For know you can download the version to test it.
By default the zoom effect is moving the picture up (while zooming). Change the default setting "Y ending position (%) to 50 and it will be centered

A nice effect I might add later, is the stars moving down if the picture is zooming up and vice versa. It will give a nice effect

Waiting for responses
« Last Edit: March 26, 2014, 03:32:19 pm by arximidis »

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #123 on: March 26, 2014, 05:36:55 pm »
Fresh downloads - no edits:

Background still doesn't work - could it be a file structure issue?  Maybe background is being searched for at a specific file location rather than just the skin IMG folder.  Have you tried moving your working copy to a different destination and seeing if the background automatically works? 
Starfield works!
Zoom and starfield zoom work awesome!

Okay, I'll go through and "Le Chuck" it and see if anything breaks.   :cheers:

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #124 on: March 26, 2014, 05:56:13 pm »
Fresh downloads - no edits:

Background still doesn't work - could it be a file structure issue?  Maybe background is being searched for at a specific file location rather than just the skin IMG folder.  Have you tried moving your working copy to a different destination and seeing if the background automatically works? 
Starfield works!
Zoom and starfield zoom work awesome!

Okay, I'll go through and "Le Chuck" it and see if anything breaks.   :cheers:

ok, I will wait for the results

The Background must be a picture with the name background.gif inside img directory. You can't have background picture and starfield both.
Use the the same marquee for all the emulators for the top image. I will soon add and a bottom marquee (it's something I want to add for my theme).
Maybe I'll add an option, to use the same marquees for all emulators

You must tweak the zoom effect a little bit to make it run like you want. I provide a lot of settings for that

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #125 on: March 26, 2014, 06:34:57 pm »
Quote from: arximidis
The Background must be a picture with the name background.gif inside img directory. You can't have background picture and starfield both.

It is, I used the one you included.  I didn't click both, only one at a time to see which would work.  Dunno, sorry - not much to go on but as I said I'll start fiddling with it and see if I can get it working. 

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #126 on: March 26, 2014, 06:46:16 pm »
I'll keep updating this as I run into issues:

Games don't launch in this version.  Using the same settings I used yesterday.   Emu zooms then I'm just left with a starfield and music playing. FE does wait and does not return to carousel.
Tried EXEs, BATS, rom lists, and running roms directly.  Rom lists will not populate. 


If emu is not setup you get the same behavior after notification that emu is not setup - hang.  Tried without the starfield on just the white background.  Same behavior. 

If browser size is changed to 1024x768 and zoom is selected everything is good but the star background.  That is off center considerably.  If center to main window is checked there is no change.  Still off center.  Same behavior only less off center at 800x600.  Background only centered at 640x480

Zoom works awesome - controls look good and it was very easy to get everything centered and looking great.  I hope the other issues are easy fixes. 
« Last Edit: March 26, 2014, 07:07:42 pm by Le Chuck »

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #127 on: March 26, 2014, 07:16:37 pm »
did you edit the files?

I don' t understand.
I just tested it on an other machine and it works.

If you don't setup the emulators, will hang (I will put some error trapping in next release).

You must edit the settings.ini of the browser too (allowed programs section).
This is what i do for example to run an sigle exe file

settings.ini
[ALLOWED PROGRAMS]
COMMODORE64=C:/Files/Programmer's Notepad/pn.exe

and to settings.ini inside COMMODORE64 directory
ROM = {EXE}
ROMPATH =
COMMAND =
ROMLIST =
ROMEXT =
WAIT = yes


Note: The directory of the emulator must have the same name with the entry in settings.ini.

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #128 on: March 26, 2014, 07:22:10 pm »
I did exactly that, made sure I edited both setting.ini the one in the emu folder that is named the same as what is listed in "allowed programs".  I'm sure it's frustrating on your end and I'm sorry it's not working but I'm sure I'm following the right protocols. 

Yesterday's version still works.  Was there a syntax change between the versions?

 

I rar'd the whole program and am uploading it to my dropbox so you can take a look at it if you want.  The address is the same as the one I gave you previously.  It's up now. 
« Last Edit: March 26, 2014, 08:01:22 pm by Le Chuck »

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #129 on: March 27, 2014, 02:36:29 am »
If you notice in the video, there is a general problem with gif files (that is way in not loading the background picture).
It doesn't even loading the hourglass.gif, when you select the emulator

This made me suspicious and then when I downloaded the rar file you uploaded, I was confirmed

When you copied the new version, you did copy the qt libraries to the same folder. However you forgot to copy the directory imageformats. Inside there are libraries that allow the program to load pictures (gif etc). You must also copy this directory to the same folder where the exe is

Here is the link of the shared libraries. You will notice that there is a folder imageformats inside. This folder must also be copied to the same directory with HTMLFrontEnd.exe
http://users.ntua.gr/dpiperid/MyWebPage/Catalog/games/QT4libs.zip






EDIT:

Just tested your version on a Windows 7 machine
It works everytime

These are the settings to load for example an exe program (without parameters, like you do when loading bat files)

settings.ini (of browser)

SW=C:/Windows/notepad.exe

settings.ini (of emulator)
ROM = {EXE}
ROMPATH =
COMMAND =
ROMLIST =
ROMEXT =
WAIT = yes


If you want to pass a specific rom as parameter, you must write the following:
ROM = {EXE}
ROMPATH = C:/Users/dpepe/Desktop/scratchemails.txt
COMMAND = {rom}
ROMLIST =
ROMEXT =
WAIT = yes

Change the paths accordingly


However, I noticed some issues, due to the fact you are using too large thumbnails for the carousel.
The program does something weird in order to get keyboard focus and it will be a problem, if you are using too large thumbnails.
Actually the problem is in the upper left corner, where the browser is clicking fast with the mouse to take the keyboard focus. If a link is there (like the edges of the thumbnail), then it will be selected.
I' ll see what I can do for that
I will upload a new version v3.0 of the browser soon, to fix some issues, including that

Also I noticed some issues with the starfield effect whe you enable the zoom to fit or the center to window settings
« Last Edit: March 27, 2014, 06:19:48 am by arximidis »

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #130 on: March 27, 2014, 08:19:11 am »
I'll grab the imageformats - thanks for the help and hopefully that resolves one issue.  As for the launching issue I have no idea why it is giving me trouble.  Maybe the new browser version will fix it. 

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #131 on: March 27, 2014, 09:00:50 am »
I forgot to write that some emulators (on Windows) require to include the rom in double quotes.
For example mame.exe

ROM = {EXE}
ROMPATH = write_the_full_path_of_the_rom.zip
COMMAND = \"{rom}\"
ROMLIST =
ROMEXT =
WAIT = yes

I include the \ because is the escape character for javascript. IF you write "{rom}" it will not work
(Look at my configurations)

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #132 on: March 27, 2014, 07:00:14 pm »
I did a fresh install of what I downloaded yesterday and didn't do anything other than point one of your stock emulators at an executable file that I verified works and it still doesn't launch.  Really bizarre.  Especially since my set worked on your computer.  I'm going to transfer it over to another machine of mine and see if I get the same behavior. 

I'll edit this thread as I work through different avenues of attack.

The browser won't even launch on my netbook - of course it's kind of a dinosaur.  1.6ghz intel atom W7-32.   

Did a fresh download and install - still no dice.  No able to launch games.  Something must have happened because I'm still able to launch whatever I want using the version from the day before yesterday.

When I run one version and then the other all the cookies get reset each time.  Just realized that.  Don't know if having multiple versions installed on one PC messes anything up - took them all off and still couldn't run the most recent update so I put them back on.   
« Last Edit: March 27, 2014, 07:22:51 pm by Le Chuck »

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #133 on: March 28, 2014, 07:00:10 am »
Hello Le chuck

I am working on the new version now (version 3.0) and I have fixed alot of bugs
One big problem was with multiple versions and I did fixed it (or same versions stored in different directories)

However I am intersted if this is the cause to your problem. Go to the directory where the cookies are stored and delete It!! (it's the file cookies.dat)
The directory is:

C:\Users\username\AppData\Local\HTMLFrontEnd   (for Windows 7 and 8)

Replace username with your username to Windows
Appdata is a hidden directory and you may not be able to see it in explorer. You can enable to see hidden files from control panel

In the new version the cookies file (with is the settings file) will be stored inside the theme directory

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #134 on: March 28, 2014, 09:08:36 am »
Hello Le chuck

I am working on the new version now (version 3.0) and I have fixed alot of bugs
One big problem was with multiple versions and I did fixed it (or same versions stored in different directories)

However I am intersted if this is the cause to your problem. Go to the directory where the cookies are stored and delete It!! (it's the file cookies.dat)
The directory is:

C:\Users\username\AppData\Local\HTMLFrontEnd   (for Windows 7 and 8 )

Replace username with your username to Windows
Appdata is a hidden directory and you may not be able to see it in explorer. You can enable to see hidden files from control panel

In the new version the cookies file (with is the settings file) will be stored inside the theme directory

I'll do that and report back with what results I get.  Let's hope it was just a bug with that version and this new one will resolve the issue. 

The intro video is a great option but how about playing an intro sound and showing an intro animated gif or static image set to play the legnth of that sound?  I know it's a lot easier for me to make a custom animated gif that looks pretty decent than it is to make a video and it just adds more options for users.  If/while you're working on sound issues having the background sound repeat automatically would be good.  Combine that with a setting to slowly rotate the carousel after one minute of no user input and you have an instant screen saver. 

Also, if you're setting up the sound to change for each emulator I'd recommend to have an option to leave the background sound on.  Then one could do music for the background and then maybe game sounds or even movie quotes as applicable for the games.  Might be interesting - might sound terrible. 

Last thing is joystick use - I haven't tried using a joystick (windows HID) to control the FE yet, if it's implemented already I'll give it a shot.  I think it is but haven't toyed with it yet.  If not something to think about. 

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #135 on: March 28, 2014, 01:51:42 pm »
I did a sneaky trick and now version 3 includes sound effects, without crashes (at least I don't have the crashes I had before)



The intro video is a great option but how about playing an intro sound and showing an intro animated gif or static image set to play the legnth of that sound?

Things like that is very easy to implement due to the fact that you are dealing with a html/css/javascript FE. I beleive this is the power of HTMLFrontEnd, but it requires programming knowledge. I will leave this for a future release

If/while you're working on sound issues having the background sound repeat automatically would be good.

Why??? It's not playing repeatedly??

Combine that with a setting to slowly rotate the carousel after one minute of no user input and you have an instant screen saver.

That is a nice idea!!! I already have a rolling effect when you press ESC

Also, if you're setting up the sound to change for each emulator I'd recommend to have an option to leave the background sound on.  Then one could do music for the background and then maybe game sounds or even movie quotes as applicable for the games.  Might be interesting - might sound terrible. 

You will be able to play the same sound effect when selecting an emulator or a different. The background music is not stopping

Last thing is joystick use - I haven't tried using a joystick (windows HID) to control the FE yet, if it's implemented already I'll give it a shot.  I think it is but haven't toyed with it yet.  If not something to think about.

I don't think it's working with joystic. It supports mouse and keyboard. Maybe you can do something with joytomouse: http://atzitznet.no-ip.org/Joy2Mouse3/

However I found a javascript library that enables the use of gamepads and joysticks. Maybe it's not working with qt webkit. Never test it because I don't have a joystick or a gamepad
http://www.gamepadjs.com/
« Last Edit: March 28, 2014, 01:55:16 pm by arximidis »

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #136 on: March 28, 2014, 03:27:14 pm »
I did a sneaky trick and now version 3 includes sound effects, without crashes (at least I don't have the crashes I had before)
Ready for download?!!?!! (Now that I have a version I can't get to work for unknown reasons I'm totally itching to try the new version in hopes that I'm back on track)

Quote
If/while you're working on sound issues having the background sound repeat automatically would be good.

Why??? It's not playing repeatedly??

Nope  :dunno  Stops after a single play - all versions have thus far.  Thought you designed it like that since it didn't ever not do it. 

Quote
Last thing is joystick use - I haven't tried using a joystick (windows HID) to control the FE yet, if it's implemented already I'll give it a shot.  I think it is but haven't toyed with it yet.  If not something to think about.

I don't think it's working with joystic. It supports mouse and keyboard. Maybe you can do something with joytomouse: http://atzitznet.no-ip.org/Joy2Mouse3/

However I found a javascript library that enables the use of gamepads and joysticks. Maybe it's not working with qt webkit. Never test it because I don't have a joystick or a gamepad
http://www.gamepadjs.com/
I can test it, I have tons of interfaces I can try it out with.  Joy to mouse will work but if that's the solution then you need to implement the ability to run a program or batch file before and after you run the target emulator.  EG when you launch Zsnes the FE first sends command to kill joytokey then when you exit Zsnes FE sends execute joytokey.  Otherwise users will have to rely on a series of autohotkey scripts to listen for the emulator/program launch and exit to do manage joytokey. 

Go to the directory where the cookies are stored and delete It!! (it's the file cookies.dat)

Done.  This didn't change the behavior.  Current version still doesn't launch.  Tried a few times. 
« Last Edit: March 28, 2014, 04:09:12 pm by Le Chuck »

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #137 on: March 28, 2014, 04:24:14 pm »

Nope  :dunno  Stops after a single play - all versions have thus far.  Thought you designed it like that since it didn't ever not do it. 
Ok, Now it will repeat. When stops, after 5 seconds it will play again


I can test it, I have tons of interfaces I can try it out with.  Joy to mouse will work but if that's the solution then you need to implement the ability to run a program or batch file before and after you run the target emulator.  EG when you launch Zsnes the FE first sends command to kill joytokey then when you exit Zsnes FE sends execute joytokey.  Otherwise users will have to rely on a series of autohotkey scripts to listen for the emulator/program launch and exit to do manage joytokey. 

Ok! Actually I am kinda doing that, but it's complicated  (I mean to long to explain) ;D
I can add a feature to select which bat file to load before and after the emulator

Done.  This didn't change the behavior.  Current version still doesn't launch.  Tried a few times.

I am trying to understand what is causing the problem. From the video you uploaded I can see that the music don't stop and the loading message disappears. From this I can understand where the problem is but not exactly
Try this when you can
Go to line 814 (main.html) of the version you have, and add this command
Code: [Select]
clearTimeout(msgtmr); next to the command 
Code: [Select]
msgtmr = setTimeout(function() {
If it doesn't work, please send me the main.html of the latest working version to see what is going on

Thanks
« Last Edit: March 28, 2014, 04:31:58 pm by arximidis »

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #138 on: March 28, 2014, 04:44:59 pm »
Line 814 didn't have that string (I'm using Notepad++ to edit) so I found the string on 806 I think I went with that one. 

No dice tho, didn't work.  Attached both the one I was editing and the last working version I had. 

I'll be out all evening but I'll try whatever you post when I return late tonight or in the morning.   :cheers:

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #139 on: March 28, 2014, 05:00:56 pm »
OK, think I found it

Go to line 893 and replace
Code: [Select]
if (prcWait) vlc.playlist.pause();
with

Code: [Select]
if (prcWait) document.vlc.playlist.stop();
and at line  909 replace
Code: [Select]
if ((back_music_on)&&(prcWait)) vlc.playlist.play();  with
Code: [Select]
if ((back_music_on)&&(prcWait)) document.vlc.playlist.play();

In the new version you will not have this issue

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #140 on: March 28, 2014, 10:26:56 pm »
OK, think I found it

Winner winner chicken dinner!!! :woot

We're back in business buddy!

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #141 on: March 29, 2014, 06:52:04 pm »
Ok perfect!!!

I will upload the new version very soon. Version 3.0 is a major update
I have fixed most of the issues you reported and included new characteristics

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #142 on: March 31, 2014, 03:21:00 pm »
It was impossible to avoid the crashes. The vlc pluging is very buggie

So, I have almost convert it the app to use internet explorer's engine (like the very first version). Ofcourse this will limit the program to work only under windows, but there are no crashes (and I can use the html5 video and audio tags + windows media player)
Now, as for the webkit version I won't throw it awway. I will use it for the linux version of the program (which has fewer bugs and crashes).

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #143 on: April 01, 2014, 11:36:52 am »
It was impossible to avoid the crashes. The vlc pluging is very buggie

So, I have almost convert it the app to use internet explorer's engine (like the very first version). Ofcourse this will limit the program to work only under windows, but there are no crashes (and I can use the html5 video and audio tags + windows media player)
Now, as for the webkit version I won't throw it awway. I will use it for the linux version of the program (which has fewer bugs and crashes).

Linux user here.
Please keep Linux support. :)
I'm planning on using a minimal live linux distro <80mb (slitaz.org) for my next mame project & looking for a front end that won't put me through dependency hell.

I've been following along and I love it's html 5.
I'm going to put together a PC for linux testing purposes this week & looking forward to trying this out.

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #144 on: April 02, 2014, 06:22:50 am »


Linux user here.
Please keep Linux support. :)
I'm planning on using a minimal live linux distro <80mb (slitaz.org) for my next mame project & looking for a front end that won't put me through dependency hell.

I've been following along and I love it's html 5.
I'm going to put together a PC for linux testing purposes this week & looking forward to trying this out.

Noted!

I am writing the html code in such a way to be compatible with the webkit and the ie version of the browser. Of course The webkit version works under linux too, but remember it depends on qt libraries... so you must install them to your distro
« Last Edit: April 02, 2014, 06:46:18 am by arximidis »

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #145 on: April 02, 2014, 07:01:52 am »


Linux user here.
Please keep Linux support. :)
I'm planning on using a minimal live linux distro <80mb (slitaz.org) for my next mame project & looking for a front end that won't put me through dependency hell.

I've been following along and I love it's html 5.
I'm going to put together a PC for linux testing purposes this week & looking forward to trying this out.

Noted!

I am writing the html code in such a way to be compatible with the webkit and the ie version of the browser. Of course The webkit version works under linux too, but remember it depends on qt libraries... so you must install them to your distro

Followed instructions and installed everything but received a window with cube with a "?" On it in the middle. This is a missing vlc plugin issue on windows correct? I do have vlc installed however you stated Linux doesn't use vlc.
Is it still required?
Is it possible my distro doesn't include the plugin?
« Last Edit: April 02, 2014, 07:03:38 am by nitrogen_widget »

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #146 on: April 02, 2014, 08:11:07 am »
Followed instructions and installed everything but received a window with cube with a "?" On it in the middle. This is a missing vlc plugin issue on windows correct? I do have vlc installed however you stated Linux doesn't use vlc.
Is it still required?
Is it possible my distro doesn't include the plugin?

Did you install the default theme as well?  I know that without the theme you get the question mark.  It's a separate download. 

It was impossible to avoid the crashes. The vlc pluging is very buggie

So, I have almost convert it the app to use internet explorer's engine (like the very first version). Ofcourse this will limit the program to work only under windows, but there are no crashes (and I can use the html5 video and audio tags + windows media player)
Now, as for the webkit version I won't throw it awway. I will use it for the linux version of the program (which has fewer bugs and crashes).

This latest version (2.9 I think) is very stable.  I haven't had any crashes and since you fixed that bit of code causing the launch issue it's been running nothing but smooth; however, if you found a better plugin that will work across the board for win users that's great.  Looking foward to the new update so I can check out all the features! 

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #147 on: April 02, 2014, 09:10:46 am »
I installed the theme.
I will double check everything tonight.

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #148 on: April 02, 2014, 09:47:42 am »
This latest version (2.9 I think) is very stable.  I haven't had any crashes and since you fixed that bit of code causing the launch issue it's been running nothing but smooth; however, if you found a better plugin that will work across the board for win users that's great.  Looking foward to the new update so I can check out all the features!

That's good news.
In my case I still get crashes and vlc plugin is what causing the problem.
For windows I will publish both versions (qt webkit and ie). They work in the same way. Only the engine changes. The qt version uses webkit (just like chrome, safari, opera) and the ie version uses ie version 9+

For Linux only webkit version will be uploaded (there is no ie in Linux :) )

I installed the theme.
I will double check everything tonight.

The new versions of the default theme will not work with the older linux versions of the browser, because I haven't compiled the code yet. You will have to wait version 3.0


In linux I am using the html5 audio tag to play the background music and soundfx (like in windows ie version). However I am using vlc to play the video intros, because the html5 video tag (I think) is not supporting the avi format

In windows (ie version) I use the html5 audio tag and windows media player for the videos
In QT version (windows) I use vlc plugin for audio and video (because qt version in Windows is not supporting the html5 video and audio tags)
« Last Edit: April 02, 2014, 09:51:52 am by arximidis »

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #149 on: April 02, 2014, 01:40:35 pm »
Ok.
Thanks.

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #150 on: April 02, 2014, 02:21:26 pm »

In linux I am using the html5 audio tag to play the background music and soundfx (like in windows ie version). However I am using vlc to play the video intros, because the html5 video tag (I think) is not supporting the avi format

In windows (ie version) I use the html5 audio tag and windows media player for the videos
In QT version (windows) I use vlc plugin for audio and video (because qt version in Windows is not supporting the html5 video and audio tags)

I have just complied the new version for linux and it looks that it doesn't support the html5 audio and video tags too. I was wrong!
So, in linux (just like the qt version for windows) the front End is depending on vlc (to play music, sounds and videos)
Only
the IE version supports the html5 audio and video tags (but this version can not run on Linux)

EDIT: Compiled with 64bit libraries and html5 audio tag is working just fine
« Last Edit: April 04, 2014, 04:01:00 am by arximidis »

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #151 on: April 02, 2014, 02:41:44 pm »

In linux I am using the html5 audio tag to play the background music and soundfx (like in windows ie version). However I am using vlc to play the video intros, because the html5 video tag (I think) is not supporting the avi format

In windows (ie version) I use the html5 audio tag and windows media player for the videos
In QT version (windows) I use vlc plugin for audio and video (because qt version in Windows is not supporting the html5 video and audio tags)

I have just complied the new version for linux and it looks that it doesn't support the html5 audio and video tags too. I was wrong!
So, in linux (just like the qt version for windows) the front End is depending on vlc (to play music, sounds and videos)
Only the IE version supports the html5 audio and video tags (but this version can not run on Linux)

So the new IE version - it doesn't require the QT files and still runs stand alone just using IE dependancies? 

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #152 on: April 02, 2014, 03:09:07 pm »
So the new IE version - it doesn't require the QT files and still runs stand alone just using IE dependancies?


Yes, same as the QT version, but you don't have to copy the QT libraries.
It depends only on IE and Windows media player, which are (in most cases) already pre-installed to Windows.

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #153 on: April 03, 2014, 09:18:47 am »
I have some great news.
I have completed the cube effect and it will be released to the new version

There is only one thing left before the release of version 3.0.
I will change the way the settings are stored, because cookies were causing problems when you changed the directory in where you saved the program

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #154 on: April 03, 2014, 10:47:38 am »
I have some great news.
I have completed the cube effect and it will be released to the new version

There is only one thing left before the release of version 3.0.
I will change the way the settings are stored, because cookies were causing problems when you changed the directory in where you saved the program

I'm on the edge of my seat!  Looking forward to it

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #155 on: April 04, 2014, 04:16:34 am »
This is awkward, but it's good news.

I have just compiled the Linux version under 64bit Linux (Linux Mint) and the html5 tags are working just fine
So the Linux version of HTML5 FE is working exactly like the IE version on Windows

Especially for Linux the news are even greater. The video tag seems to support avi files too. That means there is no need to depend on VLC (however you must provite the appropriate codecs to your distro)
I have tested it to Linux Mint 16 (64bit)
« Last Edit: April 04, 2014, 06:33:51 am by arximidis »

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #156 on: April 05, 2014, 03:57:42 pm »
Getting ready for the update

Everything I wanted to fix, is fixed! Everything I wanted to add, it has been added.
The only thing is left are the final tests
Maybe I'll upload the new version tomorrow or on Monday or Thuesday (but not later)

The code is ugly but for now it will do the job (depending on the feedback I may through away the one version of the browser and fix the code)

Now before the update I will write few things of what you must expect

The html code is one (meaning you get the default640x480 theme). However the browsers are three totally. Two for Windows and one for Linux

QT version for windows (qt webkit)
This is actually the version 2.9 of the browser with minor fixes. It has the same dependencies. Requires the qt libraries (download the posted link:http://users.ntua.gr/dpiperid/MyWebPage/Catalog/games/QT4libs.zip) as normally. The problem is that it also requires the vlc plugin (full install of the vlc player for windows)
This turned to be problematic due to the crashes I am experiencing (tested on windows 8)
If the IE version of the browser turns out to be more stable, I will through away the qt version and thus simplifying the html code

IE version for windows (internet explorer)
This is actually the very first version of the browser (look the first pages of this thread) which with a lot of coding I managed to made it compatible with the newer releases of the html code
The most exiting thing is the it's truely based on pure html5
It has now dependencies except internet explorer 9+ (for now the css animations are not 100% compatible with the version 9 of internet explorer, but I will fix them in a future release)
All videos, music and sounds are based on html5. It's not supporting the avi format, so if you have intro videos for all you roms, you must convert them to mp4.
There are open source software for such a conversion (This is a procedure that I have to do for my cab too. All my videos are in avi format. I will have to convert them)

QT version for Linux (64bit) (qt webkit)
For now I will upload only the 64bit version. It's the same version like Windows. The major difference is that it's not depending on vlc. It's playing videos, music and sound using html5 (qt version supports the video and audio tag only in Linux).
It depends on qt libraries (which for most modern Linux distros are preinstalled) and the free pascal QT4 binding (install procedure: http://users.ntua.gr/dpiperid/MyWebPage/Catalog/games/FE_tutor/htmlFEtutorEN.htm)




New stuff
Ok some bugs were fixed but also new things have been added. Here are some of them:
1) pure html5 (for IE version and Linux)
2) The cube effect. You can position the cude where ever you like and change the size of the pictures
3) Added sound effects
4) Added the ability to change sound effects depending on the selected emulator
5) When rotating carousel (or cube) to a specific emulator, a video or music intro will play after few seconds. You can control the delay and change the intro video (or music) for each emulator (or even disable this feature for some or all the emulators)
6) Added the ability to hide system menu in carousel mode
7) Added the ability to run a program (eg a bat file) just before the game is loaded and just after it terminates
8) All settings are saved in a file and not as cookies
... and some other minor things...





« Last Edit: April 05, 2014, 04:15:24 pm by arximidis »

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #157 on: April 05, 2014, 04:24:31 pm »
You have definetly been busy! Can't wait to try it out!

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #158 on: April 05, 2014, 05:19:45 pm »
Ok, so this won't work on 32 bit linux?
Out of curiosity how much cpu/video card do I need to run this smoothly?

My build is using a single core 1.8ghz P4 with roughly 700mb of ram and a gforce 2 video card.
This will be a classic cab with golden tee as the only newer game so I don't need a lot.

Should I just stick with wahcade for this PC then?

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #159 on: April 06, 2014, 01:59:06 pm »
Ok, so this won't work on 32 bit linux?
Out of curiosity how much cpu/video card do I need to run this smoothly?

My build is using a single core 1.8ghz P4 with roughly 700mb of ram and a gforce 2 video card.

I have compiled the 32bit version too and I will release it, but I have not test it
I have only tested the 64bit which seems to work just fine

In my machine I have 2.6ghz pentium D with 512MB RAM and it works. It consumes about 20mb (depends on how many emulators you will add to the carousel and the sizes of the pictures) of ram and the cpu power is below 3% on idle. It increases when you rotate the carousel (less than 20%), but it drops again.
The settings that consume more power are the starfield effect and the animated background (A static background picture will not affect the cpu power)
With starfield effect the cpu power is about 35%
With an animated gif background it goes to 45%

This will be a classic cab with golden tee as the only newer game so I don't need a lot.

Should I just stick with wahcade for this PC then?

If you are satisfied with wahcade, why change it?



P.S. Getting ready for the upload (maybe today)
« Last Edit: April 06, 2014, 02:03:22 pm by arximidis »

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #160 on: April 06, 2014, 04:44:46 pm »
version 3.0 has been uloaded

download link: http://users.ntua.gr/dpiperid/MyWebPage/Catalog/games/HTMLFrontEndEN.htm

The installation procedure, at least for the qt versions is here : http://users.ntua.gr/dpiperid/MyWebPage/Catalog/games/FE_tutor/htmlFEtutorEN.htm
For the IE version you don't need the qt4 libraries and the freepascal qt4 binding. IE version requires only internet explorer 9+ (currently the css animations will not work properly for version 9)


Don't forget to setup the emulators by editing the settings.ini files in each directory

I am waiting for the feedback!
Have fun!!!

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #161 on: April 06, 2014, 05:56:13 pm »
version 3.0 has been uloaded

download link: http://users.ntua.gr/dpiperid/MyWebPage/Catalog/games/HTMLFrontEndEN.htm

The installation procedure, at least for the qt versions is here : http://users.ntua.gr/dpiperid/MyWebPage/Catalog/games/FE_tutor/htmlFEtutorEN.htm
For the IE version you don't need the qt4 libraries and the freepascal qt4 binding. IE version requires only internet explorer 9+ (currently the css animations will not work properly for version 9)


Don't forget to setup the emulators by editing the settings.ini files in each directory

I am waiting for the feedback!
Have fun!!!

WOW.  Pretty much flawless out of the box.  Sounds, execution, everything working great!!  I've been tweaking settings and playing with rotation and the like looking for bugs but haven't crashed once.  I've found one little bug I think:  In cube the sound effect for changing between emulators seems to be intermittent.  Other than that...WOW.  Like I said.

I've got a few more things to test out (using a joystick, running programs ahead of other programs, etc) but this is a huge leap forward.  I'm using the IE version btw and it worked great right out of the box w/out issue. 

Once I get my layout complete I'll be putting together a short tutorial and linking this over on the SW FE thread.

 :cheers:  :applaud:  :cheers:  :applaud:  :cheers:  :applaud: 

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #162 on: April 07, 2014, 04:45:12 am »
 :woot
Thats great news!!!

I've found one little bug I think:  In cube the sound effect for changing between emulators seems to be intermittent.  Other than that...WOW.  Like I said.

 :banghead:
OMG This stupid bug passed through?
Anyway, I have re-uploaded the fixed code. If you download it, backup your settings.dat file inside default640x480 theme directory. Then overwrite the one that it is inside the new version. In this way you won't loose your settings


EDIT I have also fixed a minor bug on the IE version of the browser (please download again). Tha bug had to do with not being able to hide the mouse cursor
« Last Edit: April 07, 2014, 08:14:13 am by arximidis »

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #163 on: April 07, 2014, 09:37:12 am »
Ok, so this won't work on 32 bit linux?
Out of curiosity how much cpu/video card do I need to run this smoothly?

My build is using a single core 1.8ghz P4 with roughly 700mb of ram and a gforce 2 video card.

I have compiled the 32bit version too and I will release it, but I have not test it
I have only tested the 64bit which seems to work just fine

In my machine I have 2.6ghz pentium D with 512MB RAM and it works. It consumes about 20mb (depends on how many emulators you will add to the carousel and the sizes of the pictures) of ram and the cpu power is below 3% on idle. It increases when you rotate the carousel (less than 20%), but it drops again.
The settings that consume more power are the starfield effect and the animated background (A static background picture will not affect the cpu power)
With starfield effect the cpu power is about 35%
With an animated gif background it goes to 45%

This will be a classic cab with golden tee as the only newer game so I don't need a lot.

Should I just stick with wahcade for this PC then?

If you are satisfied with wahcade, why change it?



P.S. Getting ready for the upload (maybe today)

Actually, this will be my first cab so i'm trying out all the front ends that work on linux to see which one works best for me and your front end will take the least amount of work to install on a micro distro that I can boot off a CF card because there are less dependencies.

and thanks.

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #164 on: April 07, 2014, 11:35:10 am »
I have build and uploaded the 32bit version for linux too. I haven't tested it yet. Only the 64bit on a Linux Mint distro.
If you test it, let me know if you encounter any problems

Thank you

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #165 on: April 07, 2014, 12:00:44 pm »
I have build and uploaded the 32bit version for linux too. I haven't tested it yet. Only the 64bit on a Linux Mint distro.
If you test it, let me know if you encounter any problems

Thank you

I will try to test it tonight after the kids go to bed.
Thanks.

Ok, on two different linux installs the startup lightening animation runs then it either sits there with a grey screen or just closes.
I gotta be missing something.
« Last Edit: April 08, 2014, 08:49:16 am by nitrogen_widget »

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #166 on: April 12, 2014, 11:35:44 am »
Ok, on two different linux installs the startup lightening animation runs then it either sits there with a grey screen or just closes.
I gotta be missing something.

That means it doesn't run the html5 video tag. It's not supporting it. In the Linux versions I have removed vlc plugin. Maybe it's time to bring it back
You can try the 64bit version on Liux Mint 16 for example, which I used for testing

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #167 on: April 13, 2014, 01:48:37 pm »
Great News

I managed to fix the crashes on the QT version.
The reason I am still working on QT version is because it runs normally on windows XP.
The IE version instead requires a version of windows where you can install IE9+ (meaning vista or higher)

The QT version still requires vlc to be installed and it works on Linux too


I will upload the new version 3.1, soon

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #168 on: April 13, 2014, 09:06:57 pm »
That's great news, my cab for this FE is winXP, didn't even realize this would have been an issue. Good deal  :cheers:

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #169 on: April 14, 2014, 04:48:02 pm »
Great News

I managed to fix the crashes on the QT version.
The reason I am still working on QT version is because it runs normally on windows XP.
The IE version instead requires a version of windows where you can install IE9+ (meaning vista or higher)

The QT version still requires vlc to be installed and it works on Linux too


I will upload the new version 3.1, soon

so this will now work on 32 bit linux?
I was going to try it on 64 bit tonight.

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #170 on: April 15, 2014, 04:40:03 am »
Great News

I managed to fix the crashes on the QT version.
The reason I am still working on QT version is because it runs normally on windows XP.
The IE version instead requires a version of windows where you can install IE9+ (meaning vista or higher)

The QT version still requires vlc to be installed and it works on Linux too


I will upload the new version 3.1, soon

so this will now work on 32 bit linux?
I was going to try it on 64 bit tonight.

This is for windows users. The method I am using to fix the crashes it doesn't work well on Linux (until now it crashes all the time)

The 64bit version, on the other hand works just fine. Remember it's depending on qt libraries. In most cases they are preinstalled  but you will need to install the qt4 freepascal binding
You don't need vlc because it's all html5.
Tested on 64bit linux mint 16

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #171 on: April 16, 2014, 06:43:54 am »
Pclinuxos 64bit lxde desktop. It works great.

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #172 on: April 24, 2014, 11:52:39 am »
wow, impressed on the movement on fresh FE development these days.

I wonder if this could serve as a simplified drop-in-replacement for hyperspin, with at least support for flv/mp4, keymappers and databases.
Hyperlaunch support should be possible already in some way...

Thanks for the initiative - i thought myself from a noob-point-of-view that html as technology should allow pretty much THIS.

kind regards
Alex

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #173 on: May 06, 2014, 07:11:33 am »
wow, impressed on the movement on fresh FE development these days.

I wonder if this could serve as a simplified drop-in-replacement for hyperspin, with at least support for flv/mp4, keymappers and databases.
Hyperlaunch support should be possible already in some way...

Thanks for the initiative - i thought myself from a noob-point-of-view that html as technology should allow pretty much THIS.

kind regards
Alex

Hello Alex and thank you for the nice words

This forntEnd already supports databases in the form of xml files (I beleive hyperspin does the same). However, It's not a full support yet
It is also supporting categories but only in the form of ini files (and for now there is no gui to create the categories inside the ForntEnd. You need to create/edit the ini files)
Generally ini files load faster, because they are processed directly by the browser


PS. I already test the ForntEnd and my custom controller/interface and currently I am working on solving some bugs to the Bluetooth communication. I have already complete the android application, with wich you can control the FrontEnd and play games with your android smartphone/tablet


Edit: Here is a picture of the android app
« Last Edit: May 06, 2014, 09:17:03 am by arximidis »

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #174 on: May 06, 2014, 03:52:30 pm »
« Last Edit: May 15, 2014, 11:04:43 am by arximidis »

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #175 on: May 15, 2014, 11:12:46 am »
The new QT version 3.1 has been uploaded

Only the QT windows version has been uploaded.

This version requires a full install of VLC and it doesn't seem to crash any more.
It will work on Windows XP and it doesn't require internet explorer to be installed


Don't forget to download the new version of default640x480 html theme, which is compatible with the new QT version

« Last Edit: May 15, 2014, 11:15:44 am by arximidis »

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #176 on: July 13, 2014, 10:50:50 pm »
Hey man, sorry for the long delay in checking out the latest version.  I've finally gotten around to messing with my Starfighter build again so I'm back in the thick of it. 

So I downloaded the new QT version and have it running on XP64.  It's working well but it seems to be disagreeing with my audio in some way.  The background music stutters (it's a very PC in there too able to run every emulator I throw at it and then some) so I had to disable the audio.  I have VLC installed of course but wonder if there is a codec or driver issue.  If you need more info to debug that one let me know.  The sound effects work fine by the way.  Odd.

Also I'm getting periodic crashes when starting MAME.  I'm launching roms directly from the main menu and not going into a list.  About 25% of the time the FE just hangs.  It brings up a launching window and then freezes.  If I open task manager to close out MAME the FE is still froze and has to be restarted.  Again, let me know what you need and I'll get you better info.

One feature request - any way to make it where Alt+F4 won't exit the FE?  A lot of non MAME emus use ALT+F4 - no issue really but with some programs (SW Racer) when I exit the program it exits the FE at the same time.  Also my exit button sends ALT+F4 all the time (plus ESC) so it gets out of everything, but it would be nice to have the FE not exit on that too (small kids keep tanking the FE).  I'm not even sure how easy it is to implement that.  If it's not - and I doubt it is - I'll work my JoytoKey scripts a bit better and see if I can work around the issue.  I probably can so don't sweat it too much. 


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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #177 on: July 14, 2014, 08:52:03 am »
I`m a web developer myself so props to your work :) will check it out sometime!

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #178 on: July 14, 2014, 12:17:45 pm »
So I downloaded the new QT version and have it running on XP64.  It's working well but it seems to be disagreeing with my audio in some way.  The background music stutters (it's a very PC in there too able to run every emulator I throw at it and then some) so I had to disable the audio.  I have VLC installed of course but wonder if there is a codec or driver issue.  If you need more info to debug that one let me know.  The sound effects work fine by the way.  Odd.

Hello Le chuck

The new qt version is using the browser to play music files (background music and sound effects) and not HTML.
What is the exact problem with background music? Is this happening only when both sound effects and background music are enabled?


Also I'm getting periodic crashes when starting MAME.  I'm launching roms directly from the main menu and not going into a list.  About 25% of the time the FE just hangs.  It brings up a launching window and then freezes.  If I open task manager to close out MAME the FE is still froze and has to be restarted.  Again, let me know what you need and I'll get you better info.

The FE crashes when it loads the emulator or when you terminate it? I mean you load the emulator, play a game, terminate and when returning to the FE then it crashes?
Actually the FE is not crashing. What is going on is this:
The FE creates a process (the emulator) and it waits for ever until it's terminated. If something goes wrong it will not get the terminate signal and it will think the process is still active and it will wait for ever. The qt version is little bit problematic when returning from a process... I will check it out if I can do something (I have some ideas :) )


One feature request - any way to make it where Alt+F4 won't exit the FE?  A lot of non MAME emus use ALT+F4 - no issue really but with some programs (SW Racer) when I exit the program it exits the FE at the same time.  Also my exit button sends ALT+F4 all the time (plus ESC) so it gets out of everything, but it would be nice to have the FE not exit on that too (small kids keep tanking the FE).  I'm not even sure how easy it is to implement that.  If it's not - and I doubt it is - I'll work my JoytoKey scripts a bit better and see if I can work around the issue.  I probably can so don't sweat it too much.

This is the default way to terminate a window. It's not difficult to disable it. I will include the feature in the next version



edit: I don't know for sure but it is very possible to "throw away" the qt version for Windows. I will keep it only for Linux. Turns out VLC is very problematic and I will replace it with Windows media player (for Windows only)

edit: If it's possible to install windows 7 (perhaps a slim version), it will be possible to use the IE version of HTMLFE which is way better and stable!!!


I`m a web developer myself so props to your work :) will check it out sometime!

Hello Scorpie. Thank you for interesting. Every kind of help is appreciated
« Last Edit: July 14, 2014, 03:34:19 pm by arximidis »

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #179 on: July 14, 2014, 07:06:56 pm »
Arximidis, I'll see if I can get W7 over on that cab, shouldn't be an issue, I just had my XP disc handy when I was setting it up so went with that.  All the bugs I encountered were no so figure it's to blame on VLC - which was buggy on previous version IIRC.  The music plays a second then skips a second then plays a second - like it's stuttering, the way CDs would skip but repeatedly.  I didn't disable sound effects so not sure, just new the sound effects were working fine and continued to after I disabled the music. 

The FE was crashing when it loads the emulator before I could play.  Press the button, image zooms back, loading screen comes up, freeze.  Again, issues similar to what happened on the older versions and I think I'll just move away from the QT since it's not behaving as smoothly as the 3.0

I'll do an install and report back but I think the only real fix I'll need will be disabling ALT+F4.  :cheers: 

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #180 on: July 15, 2014, 11:10:59 am »
Arximidis, I'll see if I can get W7 over on that cab, shouldn't be an issue, I just had my XP disc handy when I was setting it up so went with that.  All the bugs I encountered were no so figure it's to blame on VLC - which was buggy on previous version IIRC.  The music plays a second then skips a second then plays a second - like it's stuttering, the way CDs would skip but repeatedly.  I didn't disable sound effects so not sure, just new the sound effects were working fine and continued to after I disabled the music. 

The FE was crashing when it loads the emulator before I could play.  Press the button, image zooms back, loading screen comes up, freeze.  Again, issues similar to what happened on the older versions and I think I'll just move away from the QT since it's not behaving as smoothly as the 3.0

I'll do an install and report back but I think the only real fix I'll need will be disabling ALT+F4.  :cheers:

OK, If installing W7 is not a big deal then go for it.
However, I'll check the code for the QT version if some improvements can be made. The problem with the background music you reporting is weird because I don't have that issue in my XP machine. Do you have the new version of VLC installed?
This will take a while until I fix it!!!

 Disabling ALT+F4 is easy (one line of code :) ) and I will upload the new IE version soon
« Last Edit: July 15, 2014, 11:14:23 am by arximidis »

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #181 on: July 15, 2014, 03:39:30 pm »
Installed W7 last night will let you know if there is improvement.  There should be, just ran out of time to test it out because I had to be at work early this morning. 

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #182 on: July 16, 2014, 08:15:44 am »
What are the requirements for v3.0? 

My machine is W7-32 running IE9 - machine does not have the full SP1, just enough of the upgrade to get IE9 on it.  Also has DX10 installed and full VLC. 

Zoom animation doesnt work for the snapshot, music won't play, games will not launch, FE goes to star zoom animation and freezes. 

Same build on my other computer - W7-64 running IE11 with all available updates runs flawlessly.  I have identical file structure and the QT build transfer between the two without issue.  In fact the QT build ran a lot better on XP64 than it is on W7. 

If I have to upgrade the dedicated non networked computer in the build to the latest and greatest windows to run the FE I'll just go back to XP and run the QT since there are only small issues that I can work around; however, if there is something simple I'm missing, some dependency, that I can update or upload that would be great.  Thanks! 

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #183 on: July 16, 2014, 03:25:47 pm »
What are the requirements for v3.0? 

My machine is W7-32 running IE9 - machine does not have the full SP1, just enough of the upgrade to get IE9 on it.  Also has DX10 installed and full VLC. 

Zoom animation doesnt work for the snapshot, music won't play, games will not launch, FE goes to star zoom animation and freezes. 

Same build on my other computer - W7-64 running IE11 with all available updates runs flawlessly.  I have identical file structure and the QT build transfer between the two without issue.  In fact the QT build ran a lot better on XP64 than it is on W7. 

If I have to upgrade the dedicated non networked computer in the build to the latest and greatest windows to run the FE I'll just go back to XP and run the QT since there are only small issues that I can work around; however, if there is something simple I'm missing, some dependency, that I can update or upload that would be great.  Thanks!

Hello Le chuck

The only requirement for the IE version of the FE, is IE9+ (and with that I mean internet explorer version higher from 9. Version 10 or higher will do). Download from microsoft a higher version of internet explorer from your networked computer and install it to the non networked PC.
You don't need to install VLC for the IE version.

The problem is that IE9 is not supporting the css animations... (but if you play around with the code it is possible to make it work. It's not an easy task and that is why I don't include support for IE9 yet)

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #184 on: July 16, 2014, 03:52:47 pm »
That would explain it, I was trying to make it work with some that wouldn't.  I'll see if I can get IE10 on there without too much pain - Service Packs etc.  Thanks. 

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #185 on: July 16, 2014, 04:12:41 pm »
OK, I will wait for the feedback!

PS. I have already fixed the ALT+F4 issue and I will upload the new version soon (I will notify you)
I have added a new setting to the main "settings.ini" file.
DisableSystemClose = no
Change no to yes and you will be ready to go!
« Last Edit: July 16, 2014, 04:14:58 pm by arximidis »

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #186 on: July 17, 2014, 10:35:56 pm »
Hey, W7 was giving me fits - I decided that I didn't want to dismantle the cab so I could get internet access to it to get IE10 working so I just reformatted back to XP and put the QT version back on.  I'd much rather deal with the little issues of the QT version than deal with the awful issues of W7 32 and how horribly slow it was.  I have a legit copy but I think something is wrong with it - the XP64 I'm using leaves it in the dust.   

I did some more testing with the sound issue, the sound on the QT version is stuttering when I have the background starfield animation turned on.  If I go to the .swf/.gif background (whichever it is) there is no stutter.  That one doesn't look as good so I just have the background music off for right now.  Startup video works fine.  If you're tinkering with the QT might be something to take a look at - of course it might be a system resource issue but I wouldn't think so considering I'm running all the emulators at 60frames with no issues. 

I think the issue with the freezing on launch has to do with the build of MAME I'm using and not your FE - I'll trouble shoot that down some more - I need to upgrade that anway so I'll report back when I do that. 

If you could update the code for Alt+F4 in the QT version too that would be great ;)  Everything else would be super too but the only thing I *need* is the ALT+F4 thing.  Thanks man, this FE is really making my cab and I appreciate all your work on it!

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #187 on: July 18, 2014, 05:26:13 am »
The starfield animation effect uses too much CPU power.
If everything is working well with the animated gif background (check CPU power usage), then we can do a walkaround in a future release

Create an animated gif with stars (without the high speed effect). Then create another gif with only the high speed stars. I will add a setting to change the animated background when you selecting a game and you will have the high speed illusion with less CPU power usage

P.S. Yes the setting for disabling the ALT+F4 will be for both versions

edit: Everytime you make a request we make the FE better!
« Last Edit: July 18, 2014, 05:31:13 am by arximidis »

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #188 on: July 18, 2014, 07:43:50 am »
That fix makes sense, doing the two animations and flipping between them.  I'll get those built once I start doing the art for my build. 

It's a shame that the starfield we're using now is bogging things down.  My desktop is slower/less capable than the build in the machine and runs the animation + sounds just fine but that is not on the QT version.  I can try the QT version and see if I get both without issue or if there is stuttering there as well.  Maybe the vlc plugin is partially to blame?

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #189 on: July 18, 2014, 01:09:55 pm »
I have uploaded the new versions (3.1 and 3.1.1)

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #190 on: July 18, 2014, 11:26:23 pm »
I have uploaded the new versions (3.1 and 3.1.1)

Works great!  Now the only thing stopping this FE from being used by all kinds of folks is native joystick support.  Even if it is text based ID controller and associate buttons in a doc it would be a huge improvement.  Something to think about.  I think the no joystick support might be a sticking point for some people who would otherwise use this FE. 

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #191 on: July 19, 2014, 10:33:33 am »
Yes the joystick support is a nice idea.

The good news are that there is already a javascript library to enable support for joystick (and gamepads)
http://www.gamepadjs.com/
I don't know if it works (at least on the qt version, because IE version is based on internet explorer. QT version is based on webkit and they say they do support webkit)

I don't thing it is hard to implement it to the code, but it needs some coding skills. Maybe someone can help around here.
I don't have a joystick, but it is possible to buy one and do some tests (but I don't know when)
« Last Edit: July 19, 2014, 10:40:51 am by arximidis »

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #192 on: July 19, 2014, 12:01:47 pm »
Yes the joystick support is a nice idea.

The good news are that there is already a javascript library to enable support for joystick (and gamepads)
http://www.gamepadjs.com/
I don't know if it works (at least on the qt version, because IE version is based on internet explorer. QT version is based on webkit and they say they do support webkit)

I don't thing it is hard to implement it to the code, but it needs some coding skills. Maybe someone can help around here.
I don't have a joystick, but it is possible to buy one and do some tests (but I don't know when)

That would be awesome!  I put out the call over in the SW FE thread: http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,137291.msg1451631.html#msg1451631

You should drop by and correct anything I messed up talking about your FE, I'm sure there are some key features you'd want mentioned that I over looked.  Also, hopefully, somebody will see it and get involved on joystick support. 

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #193 on: July 19, 2014, 01:29:28 pm »
I saw the post
Very nice job
You are running the qt version on the machine without the problems, right? I am asking because everything in the video are looking just great!
Also I notticed I don't provide settings for adjusting the colors (the color of the popup windows, the Font color etc). Maybe I'll add settings for that kind of stuff in the future (or maybe someone else will  :) )
I'll be watching the SW thread too!
« Last Edit: July 19, 2014, 01:34:13 pm by arximidis »

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #194 on: July 19, 2014, 02:27:26 pm »
I know I can adjust that stuff directly in the HTML files, I've seen the color codes lurking in there but haven't messed with it.  Menu options would be great.

Important question:  Where do I need to go to alter the default inputs for navigating the FE?

I want to use "G" and "H" rather than left and right to navigate.  I edited the FE settings.ini (main one) down at the bottom to be

G = Left
H = Right

but it didn't work, also tried it without the spaces.  Please advise.  Being able to adjust those values ensures that my analog inputs don't get messed up in other games because if I map my X axis to left and right every game that uses analog will see the left and right input as full value and disregard the analog; however, if I map to unused keys like G and H the games just ignores those inputs and sample the analog data. 

Looks like it might be in main.html but I'm not sure and don't want to go changing tons of values without knowing what I'll affect


Went in and changed all the keycode values for left and right to what I need in main.html.  This worked.  Recommend a menu to set the controls tho, it would be much cleaner. 

Oh yeah, the QT version is running very well now but still has the sound issue with the starfield enabled.  The video was of the QT but on a different computer running W7 64 is all the latest updates - and it doesn't have any issues.  This computer is slower than the one in the build but I think because its running more advanced/recent software it gets by with the audio. 
« Last Edit: July 19, 2014, 02:49:01 pm by Le Chuck »

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #195 on: July 19, 2014, 04:36:58 pm »
As far as I can tell, you really know how to handle with the code even if your are not a programmer. And this is an example for all others who afraid this type of FE

Yes, you can change the codes in the keydown and keyup functions (in main.html and index.html). I  intended to add a graphical way to change the keycode values (the "blank" Shortcuts tab in settings page) but didn't found the chance to do it

The other settings you noticed inside settings.ini are for my custom interface/controller which I built for my cab:
http://users.ntua.gr/dpiperid/MyWebPage/Contructions/others/mame/schematics/controllerEN.htm
 
If you are using something like i-pac then you don't need to mess with these settings and keep the setting LoadKeyboardController to no

PS I will have a look at that sound issue and I will implement the other idea we talked about. Also I will see if something can be done about those crashes you had when loading an emulator. Maybe I have some ideas on how to trap some of them


edit


Oh yeah, the QT version is running very well now but still has the sound issue with the starfield enabled.  The video was of the QT but on a different computer running W7 64 is all the latest updates - and it doesn't have any issues.  This computer is slower than the one in the build but I think because its running more advanced/recent software it gets by with the audio.

Hmm, I just noticed that quote.  I thought that the computer in the actual machine was slower but it's the other way around. Hmm, so it has nothing to do with CPU power. Try to install the same version of vlc with the one on the working machine
« Last Edit: July 19, 2014, 04:56:43 pm by arximidis »

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #196 on: July 19, 2014, 04:47:38 pm »
It is the same vlc. I tried that too. Weird.

The crashes only occur the first time I try and run Mame. And it's consistent. Upon startup the first time I choose a Mame game it freezes. I can use task mngr to kill the process. After that it works perfect every time.

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #197 on: July 19, 2014, 05:02:18 pm »
It is the same vlc. I tried that too. Weird.

The crashes only occur the first time I try and run Mame. And it's consistent. Upon startup the first time I choose a Mame game it freezes. I can use task mngr to kill the process. After that it works perfect every time.

Maybe something is wrong in  XP 64bit and libvlc which is 32bit, that don't appear in W7 64bit
Do you have an older version of the default theme (lower that 3.1. For example version 3.0 or 2.9) to try? Lower versions used the vlc plugin for playback and not libvlc

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #198 on: July 19, 2014, 05:59:47 pm »
I think I deleted them all but I'll check. If I do I'll give one a shot and let you know.

I was having trouble keeping track of which version was up to date :)

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #199 on: July 20, 2014, 04:37:26 pm »
Hmm, looking at the code I think it's not a wise choice to "invest" on the qt version

The only real problem you had with IE version on XP was music/sound and the css animations (this is the reason the emulators are not loading, because javascript is raising an internal error)

All these are actually fixable. For example I can use windows media player for sound and music (because the older versions of internet explorer are not supporting the html5 commands). For the css animations I can use jquerry instead

I will work with the IE version on my vacation time on August.

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #200 on: July 21, 2014, 05:17:37 am »
Turns out it's much easier than I thought (however I have to double check).
I have already fixed the audio/video and I am working on the animations.
It looks like I will release a beta before August.

So, the IE version of HTMLFE will work on Windows XP too (or on W7 without the need to install a new version of Internet explorer)

The only thing it may not work on WinXP is the starfield animation (but it may be bypassed with the use of the two animated gifs)
« Last Edit: July 21, 2014, 05:29:01 am by arximidis »

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #201 on: July 21, 2014, 07:02:49 am »
This is awesome news! Looking forward to the update!

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #202 on: July 23, 2014, 05:04:33 am »
It is very possible to upload the first beta version today (for testing)

I don't include new features for now, because it needs some testing first

There is a new setting where you select the style (Classic HTML or HTML5). In windows XP if you select HTML5 and you don't hear any sound, then you should probably select the option Classic HTML where windows media player is used instead.
In classic view some things will not work (example the starfield effect and the 90 degrees rotation of the entire FE)

I will add new features to bypass this problem, especially for the starfield effect (eg You will be able to change background image when selecting/clicking an emulator)
« Last Edit: July 23, 2014, 06:36:46 am by arximidis »

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #203 on: July 23, 2014, 07:36:53 am »
It is very possible to upload the first beta version today (for testing)

I don't include new features for now, because it needs some testing first

There is a new setting where you select the style (Classic HTML or HTML5). In windows XP if you select HTML5 and you don't hear any sound, then you should probably select the option Classic HTML where windows media player is used instead.
In classic view some things will not work (example the starfield effect and the 90 degrees rotation of the entire FE)

I will add new features to bypass this problem, especially for the starfield effect (eg You will be able to change background image when selecting/clicking an emulator)

Standing by to test :applaud:

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #204 on: July 23, 2014, 02:01:25 pm »
I have uploaded the new beta version of default640x480 theme (version 4.0.0)
This theme will not work with HTMLFrontEndQT (use the ie version instead). However it will work on Linux (please notify me if you encounter problems)

I have added few new features:

Ability to select between HTML5 and HTML4 (Classic HTML). When selecting HTML4 windows media player is used for audio/video playback. With this setting the theme is compatible with older versions of internet explorer (thus it will work on Windows XP). Attention: If you have a newer version of internet explorer (version 9 or greater) prefer the HTML5 setting

Add the ability to change the background picture when selecting an emulator (in game lists)

Add a starfield effect compatible with HTML4 (but for now it's not as good as the HTML5 starfield effect)
« Last Edit: July 23, 2014, 02:10:19 pm by arximidis »

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #205 on: July 23, 2014, 07:05:01 pm »
Why did .png change to .gif for the emulator images?

Went into main.html and just ctrl+H all the .gif but the background.gif into .png.  Man that default starfield is rough in the html 4, I'm going to redo my animation and run that for now. 

Getting it all setup, will let you know how it goes once I transfer it to the WXP64 build. 

Update:

Doesn't work on WXP64.  Shows the HTML5 bootscreen then freezes on white.  I ensured it was set to HTML classic (4) before transferring it. 
« Last Edit: July 23, 2014, 08:39:28 pm by Le Chuck »

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #206 on: July 24, 2014, 03:18:47 am »
Good morning from Greece Le Chuck!  :)

I have tested the FE on Windows XP (32bit) and it does work!
The problem is that the older versions of internet explorer (like the one on Windows XP) do not support transparent png images (only gif)
The frontend will freeze if you don't provide some gif images (if you changed to png, you must edit all the html files and make sure the images are there)

edit: Also make sure windows media player is installed. When using HTML4, windows media player is used for audio/video playback. In some slim/light editions of windows XP, windows media player is removed!

Did you test the setup on Windows XP before making any changes (meaning even if you keep the default emulators) and run it as it is?

PS. The HTML4 starfield effect will change and it will be optimized. This is the first attempt :)


edit: I have uploaded a new beta version (4.1) with few optimizations to the HTML4 starfield effect
« Last Edit: July 24, 2014, 05:36:39 am by arximidis »

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #207 on: July 24, 2014, 08:16:23 am »
Gotcha, I'll reformat the images and give it a run this evening.  Good news on the update, hope it works!!!

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #208 on: July 24, 2014, 09:52:23 am »
As I said before each time and with each request or problem we make the software better

I will add an option to select the image type between png and gif in the settings dialog

Also today I will work on the QT to see if it's possible to fix the sound problem and the crashes

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #209 on: July 24, 2014, 11:09:06 am »
 :woot

I just had an idea!!!

In some things QT version is better and in some other things IE version is better. So, I thought... Why not combine them?
There is no need to have two separate versions. One will do
Recently I did such a combination for a machine at work for which a new FrontEnd was needed. I used a combination of my HTML FrontEnd. It worked fantastic!!!

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #210 on: July 24, 2014, 12:32:34 pm »
Cool, so I'll just wait for that one then ::)

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #211 on: July 24, 2014, 01:15:04 pm »
Ok it works

I will upload today the new qt version for you to try.
I have fixed only the sound and did nothing for the crashes when you load the emulator for the fisrt time
Fisrt check if background music stutters

If everything it's ok with the sound then I will check the code that loads the emulators too
One good thing with this approach is that we will have some sort of anti-crash feature (but I will not implement it right away)

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #212 on: July 24, 2014, 02:07:50 pm »
New version uploaded (version 4.0 of HTMLFrontEndQT and 4.2 of default640x480 theme)

This is the first attempt to combine the two versions for windows. Why? Because the majority of cabs (including mine) use Windows XP as operating system

This version requires... everything

VLC (full install)
Windows media player (pre-installed on Windows XP)
If you use a "weird" codec for your mp3's then k-lite codec pack is a good choice to install
Internet explorer (pre-installed on Windows XP)



EDIT:
I Fixed a minor bug to the theme.   :banghead:
I have re-uploaded
« Last Edit: July 24, 2014, 04:59:40 pm by arximidis »

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #213 on: July 24, 2014, 05:17:49 pm »
It works! Full speed audio and starfield with no hiccups on WXP64. Very nice, now if you can address that crash issue we will be straight. Nicely done.

Crash issue has started to pop up on executables other than just mame as well. Looking forward to not having to worry about that.
« Last Edit: July 24, 2014, 08:22:43 pm by Le Chuck »

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #214 on: July 25, 2014, 05:26:17 am »
Good Day Le Chuck!

It is possible today to upload a new version in order to correct this problem (As always I have an idea for you to try :) It looks like this combination thing actually works )
However I am not sure... I will inform you when this happens

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #215 on: July 25, 2014, 12:05:39 pm »
The new version 4.1 and the new theme 4.4 are uploaded!

The windows versions are now unified in one version.
I have changed the way the FE loads the emulators on windows.
Also corrected few bugs and add one feature

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #216 on: July 25, 2014, 01:23:00 pm »
The new version 4.1 and the new theme 4.4 are uploaded!

The windows versions are now unified in one version.
I have changed the way the FE loads the emulators on windows.
Also corrected few bugs and add one feature

:woot

I'll get it dl'd and play test it over the weekend.  Great stuff!

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #217 on: July 25, 2014, 09:50:28 pm »
Crashes on first execution of MAME.  Crashes if I try and rotate the carousel too quickly.  Occasionally crashes on startup.  This version has a few bugs it seems. 

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #218 on: July 26, 2014, 03:03:40 am »
Crashes if I try and rotate the carousel too quickly.

OK lesson learned: "Don't change things that already work, no matter what!!!"

I have uploaded a bug fix version (theme 4.5 and HTMLFrontEnd browser 4.1.1). Check it out!

However, I got to tell you I am experiencing none of the problems you have.  ???
It NEVER crashes while loading a game (emulator). Ok, I am testing it to my windows 8 machine (but it's a low end desktop pc - pentium 4)
I have tested only mame and dosbox in the actual windows xp (32bit) arcade machine (posted a video), but I can't remember if I had any problem when loading the game

So it's little bit difficult to understand what is really going wrong. In most cases I am guessing  :(


What are the settings for loading mame? (settings.ini)

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #219 on: July 28, 2014, 08:37:08 pm »
Still a bit buggy, I think the straight QT version may have been the best option for me (I've got copies but recommend keeping both posted for those with finicky systems like mine).  Just have to be careful how I call certain games.  The bugs well could have been with my settings rather than the program itself.  I'll play with it more and see if I can pin down the issues.

Over in the SW FE thread I posted some of my files as an example for another user that was having a time getting started in the FE.  If you're going to continue working features on this I'd recommend working on the in-program setup menu for emulators.  Get that working with drop down menus and more folks will feel comfortable with it.  The FE is very easy to manipulate in text but text is off-putting for some folks. 

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #220 on: July 29, 2014, 11:13:28 am »
Hello le chuck

where exactly is the problem? Again while loading the emulator?

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #221 on: July 30, 2014, 04:39:15 am »

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #222 on: July 30, 2014, 08:38:00 pm »
Hello le chuck

where exactly is the problem? Again while loading the emulator?

Hey man, writeup looks good.  I'm still fighting with this new version, I get crashes on startup occasionally and crashes on launching Mame still.  I need to grab a fresh install and go see if I had done something dumb with my settings.  Right now I'm still using the last pure QT version because it's the most stable for my build.  No crashes on startup or exit and only issues with Mame on initial lauch - I still need to try and different MAME version and see if it goes away. 

I'll tell you tho, I've launched dozens of times through MALA and never been able to replicate the crashes so I don't think it has anything to do with MAME itself. 

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #223 on: July 31, 2014, 03:15:58 am »

... I get crashes on startup occasionally and crashes on launching Mame still. 


Right now I'm still using the last pure QT version because it's the most stable for my build.  No crashes on startup or exit and only issues with Mame on initial lauch

I'll tell you tho, I've launched dozens of times through MALA and never been able to replicate the crashes so I don't think it has anything to do with MAME itself.

I expected nothing different when launching MAME, because the last QT build and the new version have NO difference in this part (the code is the same)
However, the occasionally crash on startup (apparently you mean when you startup the FE) is new and it may be fixable.
If you provide me more information, I will be able to fix it!

For example... When it crashes? When it is loading the index.html page or the main.html page (the main.html contains the actual FE code with the carousel and all the stuff. The index page is the startup page and it contains the startup video etc)

Is the UIplayer.exe loading? You will notice an icon on the traybar. If the FE crashes when is loading the UIPlayer, try this:
Start the UIplayer first (double click on it) and then load the HTMLFrontEnd.exe. Check if you have crashes on startup

I will check the software on my game machine (windows XP SP3 32bit)


PS. About the launcing crashes. I haven't implemented the new code yet (the last version and the new version share the same code), because I wanted to make sure everything with the sound was OK
With the new code the UIPlayer will be the program launching the games and for that reason it's important to fix the startup issues
« Last Edit: July 31, 2014, 03:18:19 am by arximidis »

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #224 on: July 31, 2014, 07:45:02 am »
On the current version uiPlayer does load and music does play.  What has been happening a lot is that the intro video will play then when the video is complete the FE will white screen and freeze but the music will come up and continue to play.  When I kill the FE the music will continue to play until I kill uiPlayer.  So based on that I'd said it's crashing on main.html and not on index since it makes it through the vid.  I've been pretty swamped this week but this weekend I'll take another crack at it and let you know. 

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #225 on: July 31, 2014, 10:17:13 am »
On the current version uiPlayer does load and music does play.  What has been happening a lot is that the intro video will play then when the video is complete the FE will white screen and freeze but the music will come up and continue to play.  When I kill the FE the music will continue to play until I kill uiPlayer.  So based on that I'd said it's crashing on main.html and not on index since it makes it through the vid.  I've been pretty swamped this week but this weekend I'll take another crack at it and let you know.

Great info!!!

You say the background music starts playing and then freezes (so, Now I know in which line of the code the problem begins)

Do you have the same behaviour even if you disable the starfield effect? If you do, then I think I know where the problem is

The function is with the name Initialize().

The line where the music starts is at 716 (current version).
Then (you see) it loads the background starfield effect (that is why I asled)
Then it sends the command to load the settings of all the emulators (Maybe the problem is because you have too many directories)

You can check this out... Comment the two last commands of the function Initialiaze and run the program. Add a // before each comand like this:
Code: [Select]
  //getemusettings = true;
  //hyperlink("http://FrontEnd_GETINIENTRIES?param={THEMEPATH}/emulators/"+emuArray[0][0]+'/settings.ini&sector=SETTINGS');

Doing so the FE will not work properly, but you will be able to see if it crashes or not
If it doesn't crash, then we found the problem (and I will change the way how the FrontEnd reads the settings)



« Last Edit: July 31, 2014, 10:20:09 am by arximidis »

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Re: HTML5 FrontEnd
« Reply #226 on: January 02, 2015, 03:43:45 pm »
HTMLFrontEnd -- new version

HAPPY NEW YEAR!


The new version of HTMLFrontEnd has been uploaded (version 5.0)
http://piperidis.smartdev.gr/MyWebPage/Catalog/games/HTMLFrontEndEN.htm

The new version is no long supporting Windows XP (EDIT: at least for now).
You can use a slim/light version of Windows 7 for old machines (at least that is what I am using for my arcade machine)
You can find software on the internet and tutorials on how to slim your Windows 7 version


Pure HTML5 code
You can control the sound volume of background music, sound effects, video playback and system master volume (edit: Changing system volume will allow you to control the sound/music volume of the games you play too)
The new version has also joystick/gamepad support.
Here is how to install: http://piperidis.smartdev.gr/MyWebPage/Catalog/games/FE_tutor/htmlFEtutorEN.htm
Don't forget to install the javascript-joystick plugin for the gamepad/joystick support

EDIT: updated links

« Last Edit: November 23, 2016, 03:25:50 am by arximidis »