16X9 Server with 4X3 Client

[edbag4]

My projector is 16X9 so I use the excellent Heavymetal skin @1280X720 as my server. My client is a 4X3 pen tablet. Using the "menu" setting for the client can change the server settings, the 1280X720 screen appears to be compressed (xlobby splash screen text wrapped). Is there a way to use the 4X3 version of Heavymetal for my client similar to the way the ppc client (that I also use) is used for handhelds, for the pen tablet?

Thanks,
Ed

[hjackson]

Good question. I have thought about this too as I am in the same situation.
I haven't experimented with it yet, but you could try downloading the non widescreen version of HeavyMetal and add the prefix "client" (or whatever else you would want) to the 4x3 HeavyMetal skin's names (ie clientmovies). You would then transfer your modified 4x3 screens to the widescreen Heavy Metal skin folder. Go to the client folder in Xlobby and open the "servers" text file. Rename your startup screen to "clientmenu".
Now your client should use all the skins with the client prefix.
Tell me if this works. As much as I've dealt with the same problem you have, I never considered this solution until you asked! Go figure!!

hjackson

[hjackson]

Actually, after writing this up, I decided that I should try it. This method does work but there are a few catches. You have to rename all your "goto" buttons accordingly, and since there are no premade "goto" commands for skins with the "client" prefix, you need to create these goto commands as well. This is done in the Event Manager. Last, you will also need to add your 4x3 backgrounds to the "backgrounds" folder in the widescreen HeavyMetal folder (if you don't do this, Xlobby will display a black background, which doesn't look all that bad with this skin but I digress...). They do not need to be renamed as they already have a unique name from the widescreen backgrounds. I hope you aren't adverse to doing some tweaking with this whole thing because it works well when you do.
And thanks again for asking this question. It made me get off my butt and think of a solution to MY client problem!

hjackson

[edbag4]

hjackson:
Thanks for following up on this. I appreciate your feedback. It will be next week before I get to sit down to work on this but I'm glad to hear it cn be made to work this way.

Thanks again!
Ed