Requesting neutral and decent HDL skins!

[DrGast]

Upon browsing the HDL skins thread, I've discovered that most of the skins there are virtually unusable because they are poppy, overloaded or childish (nude women). There are some exceptions, like the SonyStyle Skin (http://www.ps2-scene.org/forums/showpost.php?p=214488&postcount=201) I'm currently using with my HDLoader.

If you find or can offer other skins that match the following descriptions, please feel free to post them here. We need a thread for decent HDL skins:

- minimalistic (so they also compress well)
- stylish (no fancy game background or bare breasts please!!!)
- neutral (user-friendly and polished of everyday use)
- decent quality (perfect color match, nice graphics)

Also, I was looking to make a skin to match the official PS2 Browser. If someone happens to have a screenshot of the PS2 Browser (the thing that comes up when you boot without a disc) background, please post here!

[darkpoet]

A nice minimalistic skin: http://www.ps2-scene.org/forums/showpost.php?p=244217&postcount=224

Also nice is the Futurama set although I personally don't recommend using the font (difficult to read unless you got a big tv): http://www.ps2-scene.org/forums/showpost.php?p=190360&postcount=165

I also like Zero-X's "rust" theme complete with kick-ass buttons, fonts, and colors... though it doesn't appear in that thread anymore. Why? I don't know. I'll post it in a day or two if no one (Zero-X?) objects.

[DrGast]

I also like Zero-X's "rust" theme complete with kick-ass buttons, fonts, and colors... though it doesn't appear in that thread anymore. Why? I don't know. I'll post it in a day or two if no one (Zero-X?) objects.

That would be awesome. Thanks also for that "minimalistic" skin. I'll put up my "official" PS2 Browser skin once I finish it ...

[Ryuu]

I have to agree with you, most of the skins are really gaudy. Which is why I made my own skin. I made it for the bigger game list and it compresses to a respectable 706 KB.

[DrGast]

I wish people could make JPG-previews for their skins ...

Besides that, your skin looks beautiful, Ryuu! Definitely one of the best HDL skins I've seen so far. Awesome piece of work. I especially like how smoothly the HDL logo blends with the background.

[ps2feen]

heres my awsome homemade title,menu

[ruffnutts]

Upon browsing the HDL skins thread, I've discovered that most of the skins there are virtually unusable because they are poppy, overloaded or childish (nude women). There are some exceptions, like the SonyStyle Skin (http://www.ps2-scene.org/forums/showpost.php?p=214488&postcount=201) I'm currently using with my HDLoader.

If you find or can offer other skins that match the following descriptions, please feel free to post them here. We need a thread for decent HDL skins:

- minimalistic (so they also compress well)
- stylish (no fancy game background or bare breasts please!!!)
- neutral (user-friendly and polished of everyday use)- decent quality (perfect color match, nice graphics)

Also, I was looking to make a skin to match the official PS2 Browser. If someone happens to have a screenshot of the PS2 Browser (the thing that comes up when you boot without a disc) background, please post here!

Funny enough im trying to use that sonystyle skin
but i cant get the blue boxes to match so its all grey i think
thats a nice minimal skin any help would be nice thanks!!! ;)

[dlanor]

heres my awsome homemade title,menu
Just so you know, you misspelled "entertainment".
(Or maybe that was intentional)

Best regards: dlanor

[DrGast]

Funny enough im trying to use that sonystyle skin
but i cant get the blue boxes to match so its all grey i think
thats a nice minimal skin any help would be nice thanks!!! ;)
I guess the skin is intended to be all grey since it comes with its own buttons and colorset. If you still have blue boxes in it, you obviously haven't patched your HDL properly.

[ruffnutts]

I guess the skin is intended to be all grey since it comes with its own buttons and colorset. If you still have blue boxes in it, you obviously haven't patched your HDL properly.

Yep thats whats happend its all patched ok as in it works and stuff
and yes it does have the color txt and what not but thats the only
thing i dont know how to do coz its the first time ive ever try patching
with the buttons and color txt can you help please? ;)

[DrGast]

Yep thats whats happend its all patched ok as in it works and stuff
and yes it does have the color txt and what not but thats the only
thing i dont know how to do coz its the first time ive ever try patching
with the buttons and color txt can you help please? ;)
There should be a .bat-file included with the SonyStyle skin package. Just copy the appropriate command line options from the file (Notepad) and use them with the new HDLpatch 0.6 - with a little understanding of the process you should be just fine. Make sure you have an original (unpatched, unpacked) HDL copy for the patching process.

If you're still having trouble, you should look for help in the HDLpatch thread.

[ps2feen]

Just so you know, you misspelled "entertainment".
(Or maybe that was intentional)


haha i didnt even realize it

[ruffnutts]

Yes as it happends there is a .bat-file i will check it out once i get home
from work i spent ages yesterday trying to do this ive been away from the scene
for a while due to psp scene thanks anyway mate! :)

[walkir]

I made this skin based on the one that Ombra submitted.

http://www.ps2-scene.org/forums/showpost.php?p=247623&postcount=233

The Sony Style skin is also one of my favorites.

[propered]

Can we not have the forum split into sections ie
1)Minimilistic (less than 200??where this takes priority over other sections)
2)Babes
3)Games (including film)
4)Other

[DrGast]

Yep, and this is the minimalistic/stylish/neutral section.

[ruffnutts]

DrGast have you read your pm?

[DrGast]

I just created a modification of the original SonyStyle skin with a background from the PS2 Bios (if you have more of these, please tell me!) and a more crisp splash screen. Kudos to the original author!

Check it out and see if it fits the neutral/stylish description:

http://img248.echo.cx/img248/5978/preview3fo.th.jpg (http://img248.echo.cx/my.php?image=preview3fo.jpg)

[ruffnutts]

@ DrGast i use the GUI version not to good with cammand line BTW thanks for the
replay, also like the new skin :)

Maybe the splash screen could look more like the ps2 browser when you first load
up without a disk in and change the wording to hard drive browser just a thought!

[DrGast]

Maybe the splash screen could look more like the ps2 browser when you first load
up without a disk in and change the wording to hard drive browser just a thought!
I was intending to do just that, but I can't find any screenshots from the original PS2 browser (BIOS) at all, so unless someone can help me out here, I'm stuck with the only screen I could find so far. I'd really love to adjust the skin to perfectly match the PS2 BIOS, but I don't have enough resources to do so ...

[ruffnutts]

Ok heres 1 way it could be done its to use a ps2 emulator for pc then take a screen shot of it or screen grab or what ever you
call it im very sure it can be done i will do some digging around when i get time ;)

[Vegeta]

This skin isn't made by me but its what I am using.

[ruffnutts]

DrGast you are the man ive finally done it and understand it its just the screen positioning cammand to understand cheers again mate great help! :)

EDIT: all done understand now thanks DrGast :dance:

[dlanor]

I was intending to do just that, but I can't find any screenshots from the original PS2 browser (BIOS) at all, so unless someone can help me out here, I'm stuck with the only screen I could find so far. I'd really love to adjust the skin to perfectly match the PS2 BIOS, but I don't have enough resources to do so ...
If your PC graphics card has VIVO features (Video_In+Video_Out), then you can easily capture both stills and animated video from your PS2, regardless of the software/firmware it is currently running, including BIOS.

One good tool to capture video is InLink v1.37, which is really intended as a PS2Link client. It's video capture capability, however, is independent of any program on the PS2. You can capture everything that happens on the PS2 screen from initial power-on.

There are some limitations to this capture ability however, and that's regardless of what tool you use to do it. (There are many such tools unrelated to the PS2.)

1: The capture program may not automatically adjust to changes of video signal timing or modulation (50/60 Hz, PAL/NTSC, etc), and may then lose sync. You'll have to change settings for the capture program and/or video card when this happens.

2: Since the captured signal is the analog CVBS signal (Composite Video, Blanking, and Sync), you will not get the purity of colours, or sharpness of focus, that you would have if the same image was directly generated on your video card. This means you will have to spend more time on editing the captured images, to produce a result of high quality.

3: Again due to the CVBS signal, you will not get ANY colour at all, if you attempt to capture an NTSC signal from a PAL console, or vice versa. This is because the colour modulation of the CVBS signal is generated differently by these two console types. Correct colour modulation is only possible for the region that the console was designed for. When attempting to capture a signal of the wrong type, the colour modulation may even cause disturbing patterns making even B/W captures impractical (too low quality), but in some cases this effect can be minimized by tweaking the settings for modulation type. (There are in fact many different types of NTSC and PAL systems.) However, you will NEVER get fully satisfactory results that way, so images recorded this way will always demand a lot more editing work.

Best regards: dlanor

[ruffnutts]

ive used inlink and ps2link very good but you would not be able to crab the bios screen
with it! because you send elfs through it there for the bois screen is not desplayed to capture infact ps2link is desplayed before you send elfs through it! :)

[dlanor]

ive used inlink and ps2link very good but you would not be able to crab the bios screen
with it! because you send elfs through it there for the bois screen is not desplayed to capture infact ps2link is desplayed before you send elfs through it! :)
No, you are wrong about that.

Like I said in my original post:
It's video capture capability, however, is independent of any program on the PS2. You can capture everything that happens on the PS2 screen from initial power-on.
In fact you don't even have to connect a PS2 to the VIVO inputs, but can instead use any other video equipment with compatible connectors. InLink will then be capable of capturing that signal, even though it's coming from (for example) an ordinary VCR, or some other equipment unrelated to PS2.

Similarily, you may also use any other video capture software which 'understands' VIVO inputs to capture a PS2 signal. I just mentioned InLink because it's available free of charge at many PS2 sites. Most other video capture software is commercial...

But if you already have those, or feel that they're worth the investment, then by all means use them. They probably do this sort of thing better than InLink anyway, since this is their main purpose, as opposed to that of InLink.

Best regards: dlanor

[accadeecee]

Yep, and this is the minimalistic/stylish/neutral section.If you want to make a sonystyle skin why not try from scratch and recreating a similar looking skin modified to suit your HDL. Check font sites for fonts that match the original browser and use a graphics editing program such as Paintsop Pro to recreate a similar look. It's a lot more work than just getting a screenshot... but you may have fun while you're at it

[DrGast]

@dlanor: Thanks for the suggestions, but unfortunately my graphics card does only have TV out features. I'll try to get some BIOS captures from an emulator. Can someone point me to a decent one? I haven't even bothered about PS2 emulation so far.

[ruffnutts]

http://www.pcsx2.net/downloads.php

but remember you need the ps2 bios wich you
will have to fine your self dont ask 4 it here ;)

ruffnutts out

[Zer0-X]

Works ok with the main menus.

[DrGast]

http://www.pcsx2.net/downloads.php

but remember you need the ps2 bios wich you
will have to fine your self dont ask 4 it here ;)

ruffnutts out
Downloaded that and a proper BIOS but it won't let me load the BIOS itself. All it does is open a window that lets you select an ELF or a CD/DVD to run. No PS2 Browser ... -__-

[ruffnutts]

yeh i tried it to there must be a way im @ work so i cant do anything @ the mo!

Try another emulator google search :)

EDIT: http://www.emulator-zone.com/doc.php/ps2/ try this

common people someone must have the proper bios pics!!!

[Zer0-X]

In PCSX2 you need to config the bios-path in the settings and then select which bios to use and then from the emu-menu just select reset (IIRC) and it should initialize just the basic PS2 user interface.

You might also set the graphics settings as windowed with the desired size.

[ruffnutts]

Ok cheers Zer0-X i will try that later or if DrGast can try :)

[DrGast]

In PCSX2 you need to config the bios-path in the settings and then select which bios to use and then from the emu-menu just select reset (IIRC) and it should initialize just the basic PS2 user interface.
The bios file and path is already configured but when I just select reset, nothing happens. I can run a game ISO, but it's slow as hell and sort of crashes after the PS2 logo screen. So far, I haven't found a way to boot into the PS2 Browser with PCSX2.

[Zer0-X]

Try to boot a cd but instead cancel the imagefile and perhaps that's when it boots to the browser.

[DrGast]

Try to boot a cd but instead cancel the imagefile and perhaps that's when it boots to the browser.
Too bad I can't cancel (or even do) anything after booting the Emulator. If there's some trick to it, please tell me.

[Zer0-X]

Ok, it was: From the Run-menu select Execute and cancel the ISO-selection.

[DrGast]

Where can I cancel anything? When I select Execute, the Sony Computer Entertainment Logo shows up and then ... BSOD.

[Zer0-X]

Hm, what version of PCSX2 is that? I'm using 0.7.

After I select Execute it asks me to choose imagefile and after I cancel it I get the SCE-screen and then, depending if I have the EEPROM-data present, it either asks me to choose the language or goes to show the Browser/Config selection.

And everything happens sooooooooooo slow.

[<G>]

Works ok with the main menus.

IM BLIND!!!11

i have a slight reproduction of the ps2 browser MC and disc area if anyone is interested. if someone sets the transparency of the blocks all the way up it wont look too bad.

[dlanor]

Where can I cancel anything? When I select Execute, the Sony Computer Entertainment Logo shows up and then ... BSOD.
The reason you and Zer0-X get different responses could be because you have different plugins and/or plugin settings. In this particular case the culprit could be the 'CDVD' plugin.

However, don't expect too much out of PCSX2. I am a very old hand at using emulators, but have never succeeded in making PCSX2 run stably on WinXP. In some cases it crashes within a minute, and in ALL cases it fails to produce the results boasted about on its homepage. (I've NEVER seen a proper menu, neither BIOS nor in-game, from running PCSX2.)

Hopefully it will improve over time, but at present I don't regard emulation as a practical method to get anything resembling the output of a real PS2.

PS1 emulation is another matter entirely, considering the near perfect results possible there, so for getting good screenshots from PS1 stuff (games or BIOS), emulation is probably the best way to do it.

Best regards: dlanor

[Vegeta]

I can navigate the BIOS fine in PCSX v0.7.

[ruffnutts]

Not Bad Vegeta but how about the system configuration screen aswell dude? ;)

BTW: how did you get those pics from the emulator?

[darkpoet]

Zero-X didn't object and I still can't find this in the other skins thread so here it is. His Rust Theme...

Why was it deleted from the original thread? Or am I blind? Anyways, it's a damn sweet skin... compresses down to a very reasonable 631 KB using ps2-packer-lite. Note that some of the file names were changed from the original.

[darklocust]

using inspiration and color tables from the original sonystyle theme, I came up with these,

darksony_hdl.zip (http://uodclan.onestop.net/darksony_hdl.zip)

it includes 2 batch files for original sonystyle theme, darksony theme, hdl_patch 0.6c, & ps2-packer

instructions:
- unzip
- drop your unpacked HDLOADER.ELF in the same folder
- use the batch files
- compressed file should be 301KB (BOOT.ELF)

many thanks to:
- zero-x
- crazyc
- sonystyle theme creator
- pixel
- <g> for the forums

[wer rambo]

Can you a make good HDL Font?

[rey_naldd]

Hi, I would like share with you my theme.
I used the text from the sonystyle theme (menu picture) for the Thrasher menu picture.
I ve added colors (use HDL_CC_GUI to import) and button.

thanx:
sonystyle theme creator
hdl gui and patch creators
ps2-scene

[nigecube]

This one is based upon a certain other console's media center. I hope it counts as a decent skin.

Contains bitmaps, new buttons, fonts and colors.txt (all must be injected into your HDL image for the skin to work correctly)

Compresses to approx. 461Kb (467Kb with taller skin)

Yet another EDIT: A slight improvement

New menu.bmp (drew a better rounded edge that doesn't clash with the scrollbar)
New colors.txt (all round 'betterness' with the selection buttons)

Another EDIT: Now with added fonty goodness

font.dat and font.bmp now added for your pleasure. Take a look at preview.jpg to see it in action!

What? More? EDIT: Added a taller skin

For those who like the /B option to make their game lists longer. Good for you, long-list fellows!

[OEP]

This one is based upon a certain other console's media center. I hope it counts as a decent skin.

Contains new bitmaps, new buttons and colors.txt
Compresses to approx. 468Kb

EDIT:
Changed colors.txt (forgot to change the colours in the input box, doh!)
Added new buttons. Please note, the buttons will NOT display correctly unless the colors.txt is applied to the HDL patching.

VERY NICE!

[nigecube]

VERY NICE!

Cheers! All feedback (especially positive) is appreciated ;)

EDIT: skin updated, look above!

[edwood]

http://www.ps2newz.net/forums/showthread.php?p=257625#post257625

[Shindo]

I use this skin on HD tv and it looks clean.

[rob487]

- compressed file should be 301KB (BOOT.ELF)


In reference to the DarkSony theme, if you use the "-p zlib" command line option of PS2-PACKER v0.4.4 to compress with the ZLIB module instead of the N2E module, this actually compresses to 290KB. Incredible! I've never had one yet compress below 500KB! :) And I NEED the memory card space. Good theme too!

[HypERSoniC]

In reference to the DarkSony theme, if you use the "-p zlib" command line option of PS2-PACKER v0.4.4 to compress with the ZLIB module instead of the N2E module, this actually compresses to 290KB. Incredible! I've never had one yet compress below 500KB! :) And I NEED the memory card space. Good theme too!

if you want small there is a 180kb version on my website.

fyi ive found n2e to be the best out of all algorythms on a consistant basis.

[darkpoet]

I finally made a skin. Worked on this for a few weeks. I'm a perfectionist... I can't say it's great but it is a complete skin (even with font, buttons and a really long time spent on colors)... I must admit that the menu and splash are just gradients but I hate making menus. Sorry the preview looks pretty crappy (a camera aimed at my tv). It does looks pretty nice once it's loaded. It also compresses to 376 KB -ish.

By the way nigecube that looks real sweet... I'll try it later.

And yeah, n2e does give very consistent results though other algorithms occasionally beat it out... If you're desperate for space, just make 2 black BMPs and experiment with various algo's...

[hbk2005v1]

This one is based upon a certain other console's media center. I hope it counts as a decent skin.

Contains bitmaps, new buttons, fonts and colors.txt (all must be injected into your HDL image for the skin to work correctly)

Compresses to approx. 461Kb

Yet another EDIT:

New menu.bmp (drew a better rounded edge that doesn't clash with the scrollbar)
New colors.txt (all round 'betterness' with the selection buttons)

Another EDIT: Now with added fonty goodness

font.dat and font.bmp now added for your pleasure. Take a look at preview.jpg to see it in action!





Verry Nice skin Great work Love The colours ;)

[kubebot]

i mixed and matched some other peoples and added a little bit of my own flavor. :D

[Brandon Heat]

Could anyone cap the Sony Style in action (complete with fonts, highlight, etc)? I currently can't test as my router died. Thanks!

-

[andreq]

here is a work in progress......should be small and light... and not black !

http://ticpu.no-ip.com/andre/HDLoaderMod_BigList_NonStep.jpg

[HypERSoniC]

either that or make a custom hdloader skins site where users can upload their own skins into categories and modify them at any time; other users can browse by date name or thumbnail and post comments?

/me taps nose and winks

[xiaNaix]

This one is based upon a certain other console's media center. I hope it counts as a decent skin.

Contains bitmaps, new buttons, fonts and colors.txt (all must be injected into your HDL image for the skin to work correctly)

Compresses to approx. 461Kb


Very nice!!! I'm using this one. :)

[nigecube]

Very nice!!! I'm using this one. :)

Then you are obviously a person of good taste ;)

Thanks for the feedback, I appreciate it.

[vsync]

@nigecube
Your theme is just great.
What about a modification to allow taller game list? Just an idea...

[nigecube]

@nigecube
Your theme is just great.
What about a modification to allow taller game list? Just an idea...

Mmm... I've never used HD Loader with the taller game list option.

Alright, I'll give it a go! Give me a while to find all the original GFX gubbins and I'll make it.

EDIT: New super-tall skin completed!

Here's a preview of how it looks. I've included this taller skin in the original post's zip file, so you'll have to look back a page to download it.

[rainbowdude]

Mmm... I've never used HD Loader with the taller game list option.

Alright, I'll give it a go! Give me a while to find all the original GFX gubbins and I'll make it.

EDIT: New super-tall skin completed!

Here's a preview of how it looks. I've included this taller skin in the original post's zip file, so you'll have to look back a page to download it.

it looks supr nice i tried te patch a hldoader.elf wiht that aio.

elf loads op but hangs when starting a game.
what config should i use to compile the elf

i have have a version 5 or 4 ps2. i'm exploiting my ps2 and have a 120 gb hd (so is should use 24bit)

please help

[lauflaenge]

ok, here's my idea of a minimalistic and decent looking hd-loader. this skin is supposed to be used with the "/b" option (taller game list) of hdlpatch_0.7c.exe! and you should also use my colorsettings!

and the best thing is: hdloader.elf will be less than 160kB compressed :)

special extra;) : i've put 2 main screens in there: one for "normal" hdloader, and one for "mdma" hdloader.

[_zaphod_]

My HDLOADER is 160k. :)

The skin simply consists of the words "HDLOADER LITE" in large green LED font lettering on the splash, and at the top of the menu screen on a black background.

I'd put sreenshots, but the description sohudl be enough for anyone to be able to do it themselves.

[HuMz]

mine is about 150kb, and looks really nice

black menu.bmp, black splash.bmp, black backgrounds (boxes), no toolbar (childsafe+colors.txt tweaks), game list centered, sonystyle fonts

[spedmetal]

Mmm... I've never used HD Loader with the taller game list option.

Alright, I'll give it a go! Give me a while to find all the original GFX gubbins and I'll make it.

EDIT: New super-tall skin completed!

Here's a preview of how it looks. I've included this taller skin in the original post's zip file, so you'll have to look back a page to download it.

Thank you nigecube. This has to be one of the best skins I have seen. Good work.

[cyx]

HuMz, how do you centered the game list ? try and see using /P ?

btw nigecube, one more person to use your skin here. Thank's

[HuMz]

yep cyx you have to try what values work with your tv... lower values move left/up, higher values move right/down...

anyway here is my skin... the simplest ever

[Brandon Heat]

A work in progress using the main background image from playstation.com. Shown using the default colors and Comic San font (NOTE that I heven't tried how it look like for real with that font, you could still use the default font if you like).

.

[dungbeetle46]

Thought I would add my splash screen, still working on the menu.

let me know what you think.

[optiroc]

I'm glad some people appreciated the "SonyStyle" skin I created. Haven't checked the forum since I posted it. ;)