Best frontend

[mnm1200]

I'm finally up to the frontend, seftwarewise and I've got a Q. Anyone know what the best frontend is overall?

I'm looking at AdvanceMenu, MAMEWAH, and ArcadeFX.

What I need is something that can play global attract videos, have four buttons on the main screen. three would start another program immediately and one would go into a deeper menu that should have its own attact videos and from there launch another program based on the choice.

If this makes any sense at all...

[biron]

Anyone know what the best frontend is overall?

yes, I know. but it's a secret

[Buddabing]

I'm finally up to the frontend, seftwarewise and I've got a Q. Anyone know what the best frontend is overall?

I'm looking at AdvanceMenu, MAMEWAH, and ArcadeFX.

What I need is something that can play global attract videos, have four buttons on the main screen. three would start another program immediately and one would go into a deeper menu that should have its own attact videos and from there launch another program based on the choice.

If this makes any sense at all...

Attract videos are currently supported by 3d Arcade, Mamewah, Dragon King, Kymaera and Ultrastyle.

Other than that, picking the "best" frontend is like picking the "best" flavor of cake. Try them all and see what you like best.

[Florp]

Other than that, picking the "best" frontend is like picking the "best" flavor of cake.

Wait, there's a "German Chocolate" front-end? Where do I download THAT? 

[mnm1200]

Hmm... I was kind of hoping there would be a concensus on which one is the general favorite but I guess I'll have to setup and try a half dozen or so to see what works...

thx for the replies!

[elvis]

You hit the nail on the head.  Every front-end is different, and built with a different purpose in mind.  No two front-end authors are going to agree 100% on what's absolutely necessary.

Front ends are quite small as far as installation footprint goes.  It really wouldn't hurt to load 5 or so up on your machine, and test them for a month at a time.  You'll quickly work out which ones you like or don't like by the look and feel of it.

Other things to remember are that some front-ends are MAME-only, and others will accommodate other console and arcade emulators too, if that's what you want your cab to do.  Try them all and see!

[RacerX]

There are so many extremely talented folks here who have written front-ends, I don't think you'll find a consensus.  Buddabing gave you a list of some of the more robust ones, which sounds like what you are looking for.