ARCHIVED FORUM -- March 2012 to February 2022READ ONLY FORUM
This is the second Archived Forum which was active between 1st March 2012 and 23rd February 2022
Hi guys,
The recent thread about Beo 5/6 public success revives some fantasies and remind me that if I own a beautiful and functional Gold Beo6 today, it's thanks to the Beoworld community.
Just a side note: I truly and sincerely thank all the people how helped (or will) me, with gifts, knowledge or time. I won't name them again or latter, just to not clutter the topic, but be sure I know you helped me.
So, I jumped again in the Beo6 programming sorcery, just to play and to be honest, not really knowing where I want to go but also believing that if its a fail, that would just remain a dead thread like all my others, but if it work, it may bring some light to anybody looking for the same fun.
The premises:- Beo6 in golden finish, clinicaly dead but brought to life thanks to people here. Last FW.- CT 6.84 running on an old Thinkpad, Win XP. I'm a Mac guy, so there will be some USB key travels for graphics!
To be controlled:- Room A: Ouverture, Samsung TV, Mac mini, Lights (Via an magic box from RevoxBeo)- Room B (Not mandatory but for the love of the game) : BC6, Apple TV1.
Here we go.
My first goal was the display of a full screen picture on the Beo6 screen.The test picture was that 320x160 px sized, cut into 4 107x80px zones and 2 106x80 px zones.
After downloading each pictures and creating a virtual button in the CT, I get that preview with the expected black bars.
But was was unexpected was that when i uploaded the configuration to the remote, here is what i got:
A continuous picture. But, as you may have noticed, the picture is stretched (Not enough tall), and the below buttons have disappeared.
But no XML fiddling so far. So even if there's still work to do to find the good size combination, I find it quite encouraging.
Hope this help.
Looks promising and thank you for sharing details!I'm curious if you can get the picture right without XML fiddling. Please keep posting here! :)
Good Morning guys,
I'm getting closer! After some tests uploaded 12 106x49 pixels pics:
And get that display:
The columns are still offset by a pixel or so. This can be seen at each vertical third of the screen.I superposed the original image and the geometry looks right. The question is to figure out where the anchor point for the picture is in the button.Top left corner? Center?Vertically, that looks ok so I believe the 49 px size can be used. Maybe reduced to a little less to lighten the byte count. Previous attempt was 44 px high and did show black lines between rows.
There is also an half millimeter wide empty black line between the left border of the screen and the start of the pictures, when on the right side the picture extend to the "bezel".
Of course still no XML editing, all in CT. I'm also working on a Photoshop template to generates the buttons easily.
Next step will be cropping each picture pixel by pixel until all lines up perfectly without black lines in-between. But so far I'm happy as to be honest, if you dont look for it, the offset is barely noticeable. But of course that may change depending on the picture displayed.
I'll keep posted the silent mob…
So here it is!
12 buttons, no offset
The solution is a picture size of 105x49 px with one line of pixels overlapping at the bottom meaning each picture should be 105x48 px border to border and add at the bottom the first line of pixels of the button below.
No such thing for the side to side button: 105 px wide makes them just line up fine.
Let's see what we can do with this now!
Now the grid is quite consistent, I've started to play with layout's.
Behind each picture part there is a button, so when you touch the tv screen on the the main picture (see previous shot), the remote takes you to the TV page:
It's just an example and the design must strongly be improved but it works and opens the remote to the world of custom skins and visual selection of sources or function.
I've checked that the remote is not too much laggy with all those pictures and so far it respond well.
Nice work! Did you design the buttons yourself? I like them.
Thank you TWG.
Yes I did.
Dom
2x BeoSystem 3, BeoSystem 5000, BeoSystem 6500, 2x BeoMaster 7000, 2 pair of BeoLab Penta mk2, AV 7000, Beolab 4000, BeoSound 4000, Playmaker, BeoLab 2500, S-45, S-45.2, RL-140, CX-50, C-75, 3x CX-100, 3x MCL2 link rooms, 3x Beolab 2000, M3, P2, Earset, A8 earphones, A3, 2x 4001 relay, H3, H3 ANC, H6, 2014 Audi S5 with B&O sound, and ambio
Some screen designs (fitted to my use) showing some possibilities… Blurred pictures are private interiors I dont' want to expose but you get the idea…)Shots taken before uploading, refer to previous pictures to see what they may look on the remote.
Zone Selection (notice yellow wall left/green wall right)
Room zone home (green wall)
Parlor zone home (yellow wall)
Room is a Beocenter 6 fitted with radio/Airplay/TV by an Atv2 screens versions!
Parlor is a non B&O TV, A Mac mini with kodi on HDMI2, an Ouverture for music, and lights control.
TV & Kodi:
2 versions of Ouverture control:
And light control where pictograms correspond to actual places (like the flamingo floater you can imagine in the blurred pictures!)
In a nutshell, it makes me rethink the use of that remote because, becoming more visual it becomes more convenient.
Hope it may help or inspire someone…
matador43: Some screen designs (fitted to my use) showing some possibilities… Blurred pictures are private interiors I dont' want to expose but you get the idea…)Shots taken before uploading, refer to previous pictures to see what they may look on the remote. Zone Selection (notice yellow wall left/green wall right) Room zone home (green wall) Parlor zone home (yellow wall) Room is a Beocenter 6 fitted with radio/Airplay/TV by an Atv2 screens versions! Parlor is a non B&O TV, A Mac mini with kodi on HDMI2, an Ouverture for music, and lights control. TV & Kodi: 2 versions of Ouverture control: And light control where pictograms correspond to actual places (like the flamingo floater you can imagine in the blurred pictures!) In a nutshell, it makes me rethink the use of that remote because, becoming more visual it becomes more convenient. Hope it may help or inspire someone…
That looks very cool :)
One thing though, do you know that it is possible to assign commands to the hard buttons for each screen ? Commands like volume and channel+/- and so on, are much more easy to use when you use the hardkeys :)
/Weebyx
Hi Weebyx, I'm happy to see you around.
I do know it's possible but I don't know how to set them! The Kodi page is in fact the "AppleTV commands xml with Hard Keys" taken on Beoworld since Kodi is running on a Mac Mini.
The other thing I need to learn is how to do "Macro's" like Press play = turn off he lights+switch on the TV+select hdmi2+set the remote on apple controls, etc…
Before that, I wanted to be sure that the remote remain useable with 4,5 or more fullscreen. So far not heavy testing, but as much as I've tested it I've not experienced lag or freeze.
Hard keys and macros are my next steps and any help will be welcome!
Hope your well.
matador43: Hi Weebyx, I'm happy to see you around. I do know it's possible but I don't know how to set them! The Kodi page is in fact the "AppleTV commands xml with Hard Keys" taken on Beoworld since Kodi is running on a Mac Mini. The other thing I need to learn is how to do "Macro's" like Press play = turn off he lights+switch on the TV+select hdmi2+set the remote on apple controls, etc… Before that, I wanted to be sure that the remote remain useable with 4,5 or more fullscreen. So far not heavy testing, but as much as I've tested it I've not experienced lag or freeze. Hard keys and macros are my next steps and any help will be welcome! Hope your well.
My app can assign hardkeys and create macros ;) But for now, it only supports adding 9 buttons on each screen, but at least it can do the macros and hardkeys, that way you can learn how it is done :)
Unfortunately I'dont have the hardware necessary to run the app. iPads to old or iPhone where the app dont run.i must do it the old way!
matador43: Unfortunately I'dont have the hardware necessary to run the app. iPads to old or iPhone where the app dont run.i must do it the old way!
Ok, I can send you an XML example file with hardkeys per page and macros, that way you dont need to learn everything yourself ;)
Send me an email, then I dont forget :)
Thanks Weebyx. email sent.
In the meantime I've tried something inspired by the programming guide taken on beoworld:Using CT 6.62, its possible to drag buttons on hard keys (like in your App) which feature was removed from CT 6.84.
But is it safe to use again an old CT after serializing the remote with 6.84 or may it corrupt the firmware or any other issue.
I need to explain how i work tough:- Configuration, images upload, tests, etc… Are done on a virtual PC on my Mac (to make picture exchanges easy). This would then be CT 6.62.- Then the config is saved and copied to a real PC along with the custom image folder to be upload to the remote with CT 6.84 (but could be CT6.62 again if better).
Is the mix of CT version or any arm or would you recommend to stick with very last version? Beo6 is 3.40a.
Thanks.
@matador43:That looks very good, especially the Beocenter 6 pages! Where did you find these pictures of the Beocenter 6? Do you have a link or would you mind sharing the pictures?@weebyx:Would you mind posting an example XML file for all of us here in this thread?
The blue background ones come from the 2005 B&O catalog.The other one was a rework from one from an annual report found on the web.
Here they are:
TWG: @matador43:That looks very good, especially the Beocenter 6 pages! Where did you find these pictures of the Beocenter 6? Do you have a link or would you mind sharing the pictures?@weebyx:Would you mind posting an example XML file for all of us here in this thread?
Here is a link to a simple configuration file that has a macro (Watch TV), with a subpage that has Hardkeys and Digits assigned to AppleTV commands.
This should give you an idea on how macros and so on works :)
http://www.rungwald.dk/configurations.zip
matador43: Thanks Weebyx. email sent. In the meantime I've tried something inspired by the programming guide taken on beoworld:Using CT 6.62, its possible to drag buttons on hard keys (like in your App) which feature was removed from CT 6.84. But is it safe to use again an old CT after serializing the remote with 6.84 or may it corrupt the firmware or any other issue. I need to explain how i work tough:- Configuration, images upload, tests, etc… Are done on a virtual PC on my Mac (to make picture exchanges easy). This would then be CT 6.62.- Then the config is saved and copied to a real PC along with the custom image folder to be upload to the remote with CT 6.84 (but could be CT6.62 again if better). Is the mix of CT version or any arm or would you recommend to stick with very last version? Beo6 is 3.40a. Thanks.
I cannot reply to your email (again) ;) Have tried both, they come back every time.
I only use 6.62 for the actual work on my remotes, they all have the latest FW, and I have never had any issues with the older CT and newest FW :)
/Jacob
Sorry Weebyx, I forgot this email issue. I've sent you another email…
Meanwhile, this hard keys topic gave me an idea. I've got a spare beo6 with unresponsive touch screen and a Beocenter 6 used as follow:- Broadcast TV is not used.- ATV1 on DTV.- Airport express on V.MEM (needs P.MUTE) as multiroom music.- FM Radio.
So far it's all controlled with a Beo4 and an Apple remote.Since the only function needed are more or less on/off, volume, source selection and ATV navigation, what if I could lay down all the controls needed to the hard keys?I did it and it worked quite well. The only difficulty in found is that I couldn't map one button multiples times, to go say from Radio to DTV (because DTV is already used on the main page). Luckily when your in anywhere in the menus, the red dot acts like a "home" key.
In the process I tried to do a Macro: (V.MEM + P.MUTE). The screen actually go dark after 1 min but i can't say if it's the macro acting or just a normal behavior when no picture is feed to the TV :-).
They are other hard keys left so I can map other useful function like stand turning.
Only work left now is to embellish the (useless) screen with pictures!
I really start to love that remote!
Weebyx: Here is a link to a simple configuration file that has a macro (Watch TV), with a subpage that has Hardkeys and Digits assigned to AppleTV commands. This should give you an idea on how macros and so on works :) http://www.rungwald.dk/configurations.zip
Thank you Weebyx.Does the file need to be read on an XML editor or is there a way to load it in CT to see how it looks?
matador43: Weebyx: Here is a link to a simple configuration file that has a macro (Watch TV), with a subpage that has Hardkeys and Digits assigned to AppleTV commands. This should give you an idea on how macros and so on works :) http://www.rungwald.dk/configurations.zip Thank you Weebyx.Does the file need to be read on an XML editor or is there a way to load it in CT to see how it looks?
You just add the xml file. to the ThirdParties folder in the config tool installation path. Then under the "Choose Products" tab, select "Others" and then this XML should be available to drag on to Accessories.
Then you should be able to see it :)
Ok, I got it and could see the macro. I think I understand it better now.
I fact, I was confused by the way things are shown in the IR window.I didn't get that the lower part is the available commands and the top part the sequence of selected commands.
Thanks for the help Weebyx, now you have saved my two remotes ;-)
matador43:I've got a spare beo6 with unresponsive touch screen and a Beocenter 6 used as follow: - Broadcast TV is not used.- ATV1 on DTV.- Airport express on V.MEM (needs P.MUTE) as multiroom music.- FM Radio.
- Broadcast TV is not used.- ATV1 on DTV.- Airport express on V.MEM (needs P.MUTE) as multiroom music.- FM Radio.
Here is what it looks! As a remainder the screen is not responsive (I've opened it to see if I could try anything but I can confirm there's nothing to fix inside. I'm lucky I could open and close it again without breaking any part!).Main screen:
From there you can control volume, choose functions with the hard keys and turn off the Beocenter.
Pressing "Stop", start the built-in FM tuner:
Control is volume with the wheel as usual. Pressing the red dot takes you back to the main screen.
On the main screen pressing "Play" starts the V.MEM input where an airport express is connected and mute the picture:
Control is volume with the wheel and a backup "P.MUTE" control in case the macro fail to load correctly. Pressing the red dot takes you back to the main screen.
On the main screen pressing the red part of the wheel starts the DTV input where an ATV1 is connected:
Controls are volume with the wheel, ATV navigation with the center joystick and stand turn with the double arrows keys.
The beo6 replaces two remotes. And I hated to see it dying around. Of course Setting menu is still available to check battery status since it can be controlled by the keyboard.
Hope it will give you ideas if you have faulty Beo5/6!
Hi Jacob,
I've tried some macros based on Beo commands thanks to your file and it's a stfightforfarwd process.
I'm now wondering if there is an easy way to do macros with 3rd party IR commands.
I can see the long raw codes in the IR window but I can't copy/paste them.I've tried to search for corresponding sequence in the XML file but I don't know where starts and where ends the bit to copy.Not even sure if that would work.
Thank you in advance.
matador43: Hi Jacob, I've tried some macros based on Beo commands thanks to your file and it's a stfightforfarwd process. I'm now wondering if there is an easy way to do macros with 3rd party IR commands. I can see the long raw codes in the IR window but I can't copy/paste them.I've tried to search for corresponding sequence in the XML file but I don't know where starts and where ends the bit to copy.Not even sure if that would work. Thank you in advance.
You need to modify the XML manually, that is why I created my App, it makes it much easier :)
Here is an example on a macro that uses 3rd party and B&O commands in a mix.
Weebyx: stIR="UNKNOWN:GlobalManual=1#IRSEQUENCE=BITSTREAM#BITS=110011001101001100101011010101001#ALTBIT=110011001101001100101011010101001#REPEATSIGNAL=1#MARKFLANK=294#SPACEFLANK=323#SPACE2FLANK=0#PRESIGNALHI=292#PRESIGNALLO=637#Pause1=88581#Pause2=88581#Carrier=38#Comment=+Delay: 100ms+NEC:GlobalManual=1#IRSEQUENCE=NEC#BITS=000111110001111101101000100101111#ALTBIT=000111110001111101101000100101111#REPEATSIGNAL=1#MARKFLANK=560#SPACEFLANK=560#SPACE2FLANK=1680#PRESIGNALHI=4500#PRESIGNALLO=4500#Pause1=65000#Pause2=65000#Carrier=38#Comment=+Delay: 100ms+NEC:GlobalManual=1#IRSEQUENCE=NEC#BITS=000111110001111101100110100110011#ALTBIT=000111110001111101100110100110011#REPEATSIGNAL=1#MARKFLANK=560#SPACEFLANK=560#SPACE2FLANK=1680#PRESIGNALHI=4500#PRESIGNALLO=4500#Pause1=65000#Pause2=65000#Carrier=38#Comment=+Delay: 100ms+NEC:GlobalManual=1#IRSEQUENCE=NEC#BITS=000111110001111101100110100110011#ALTBIT=000111110001111101100110100110011#REPEATSIGNAL=1#MARKFLANK=560#SPACEFLANK=560#SPACE2FLANK=1680#PRESIGNALHI=4500#PRESIGNALLO=4500#Pause1=65000#Pause2=65000#Carrier=38#Comment=+Delay: 100ms+F0:RADIO:AUX_A" nPriority="1" nPage="1" nX="0" nY="95" nWidth="213" nHeight="25" nPreferedRow="4" nRowFinal="4" nPreferedColumn="1" nColumnFinal="1" stTextColor="255:255:255"> <source_subItem stName="Channels" stCaption="Channels" stMenuCaption="Channels" nHidden="0" stTextColor="255:255:255" stScreenType="0" stIR="" nPage="1" nX="426" nY="95" nWidth="213" nHeight="25" nPreferedRow="4" nRowFinal="4" nPreferedColumn="2" nColumnFinal="2" stProductType="accessories3Party"> Hi Jacob, Ok, now I can see the different commands and the "+" signs between them. I use your "Watch TV" macro as a basis to create little XMLs files with my custom macros I reintegrate into CT by adding them in the third parties folder. Now my two Beo 6 are programmed and working well. The one with Hard Keys only is surprinsigly as convenient if not more than my Beo4.The other one, fully working, bring some bonuses over the Beo4 (like switching off the Ouverture when starting the TV) but still need some habits changes.She also shows weird behaviors sometimes: switching back and forth between two pages make her sometimes loose her mind and show ghost pages. This brought to me some questions about the pages tree and the hierarchy between them but that would be for later.Now it all works fine and that was fun to setup. Thanks to your help. All the best. M.
Ok, now I can see the different commands and the "+" signs between them. I use your "Watch TV" macro as a basis to create little XMLs files with my custom macros I reintegrate into CT by adding them in the third parties folder.
Now my two Beo 6 are programmed and working well. The one with Hard Keys only is surprinsigly as convenient if not more than my Beo4.The other one, fully working, bring some bonuses over the Beo4 (like switching off the Ouverture when starting the TV) but still need some habits changes.She also shows weird behaviors sometimes: switching back and forth between two pages make her sometimes loose her mind and show ghost pages.
This brought to me some questions about the pages tree and the hierarchy between them but that would be for later.Now it all works fine and that was fun to setup. Thanks to your help.
All the best.
M.