Convert lo-res backimages ZLauncher

[PatrickBrom]

Help me!

I'm trying to install some backimages for ZLauncher but it doesn't work.

I'm using a Palm M515 (lo-res) and Zlauncher doesn't recognize the jpg's I put in the folder palm/programs/zlauncher/backimage. When I'm trying to hotsync a bmp-file it automatically converts it to a jpg and I'm having the same problems.

Is there any way I can convert de pics to a .pdb format or is there any other solution.

Second question: almost all skins are Hi-Res. I know I'm a little bit behind with my low-res-device but is there a possibility to convert the hi-res themes to lo-res. Or is there a great url where I can find new themes?

Thanx in advance
Patrick

[Torsten]

Hi Patrick,

take a look at Festus's Page http://www.festus440.happypalm.com and search for bitmap scaler. this can convert any hires into a lowres theme. i think you also need palm bmx from this page to extract the bitmaps from hiresthemes and the zlauncher thememaker to create a new one when you scale down the images.

Torsten


http://www.bryceart.de

[cbulock]

I thought the latest version of ZLauncher would accept hi-res themes on lo-res devices?
For the backgrounds, only certain Sony devices can use .JPG files, so you will need to use .BMP files. You would need to do one of a couple of things. Get a card reader, or the app Card Export to move the .BMP's directly to the SD card. Or, you could use the PalmOS Emulator to convert the .BMP files to .prc to Hotsync straight to your device. I think there is another way to get the files in .prc format, but not sure what it is. If using the emulator, just copy the .BMP files to the folder that is acting as the Memory Stick and put the files in /Palm/Programs/ZLauncher/BackImage. Then install ZLauncher on the emulator, and use the Theme Manager to move the files from the card to 'RAM'. This will convert them to .prc format. Then you can export the .prc files and use them on your M515.

[PatrickBrom]

Hello Torsten,

As I am not a big brain on creating themes and I really like the work you made, is there a possibility for you to create some lores themes ?

I tried PalmBMX, Thememaker, etc but I can't get it running.

I'm also looking for a simple app for creating only backimages

Thanx in advance
Patrick

[PatrickBrom]

I just installed Card Export and IT WORKS !!!

I can place bmp-files to my SD-card and ZLauncher recognizes them !

Thanx for the help
Patrick

[the_iceman]

Originally posted by cbulock
Or, you could use the PalmOS Emulator to convert the .BMP files to .prc to Hotsync straight to your device.
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...
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This will convert them to .prc format. Then you can export the .prc files and use them on your M515.



Technically..... background images used by ZLauncher are .pdb files.. and not .prc :) ..... but I think we all understood what cbulock was saying :)


On a side-note......

Whether you load .pdb files... .jpg... .bmp .... and a background is selected... the image is temporarily read/copied into a temporary .pdb file in RAM. ZLauncher actually does not display the images in their native format. It will convert all non-pdb images into a .pdb file for use. On a HiRes+ device such as my NZ90 .... I can take a .bmp file sized at 320x480 and it is 450kb. When ZLauncher uses that image... it translates it into a temporary .pdb file in ram 300kb in size. Same thing if I take the same 450kb image... and convert it into a .jpg image. The .jpg image is only 85kb in size... but when I select that 85kb .jpg image as a background ZL will temporarily copy/convert it to a .pdb file in RAM of 300kb.

320x320 bmp files are generally 300k ... and converted to .pdb are roughly 200kb. :)

Short end of the story...... 320x320x16bit devices will use 200kb for basically any backimage used .... and 320x480 devices will use 300kb for any backimage used in RAM.
Just FYIs :)

[Torsten]

Hi Patrick,

send me your favorite Z Launcher Theme and i will see what i can do for you :) send you Mail to webmaster@bryceart.de

Torsten

[cbulock]

Originally posted by the_iceman
Technically..... background images used by ZLauncher are .pdb files.. and not .prc ..... but I think we all understood what cbulock was saying

Good thing you got what I was saying, half the time I don't even know what I'm saying. :D

[Torsten]

Hi Patrick

it's not so easy to convert a theme from hires to lowres in a clear way. there are many problems with transparent colors. i redraw the xp silver skin for lowres for a good result, but it can take a little time because i've holidays the next week and there i'm not working on skins. wait a week and you got your lowres skin.

Torsten

http://www.bryceart.de

[PatrickBrom]

Hi Torsten,

As you are the one who's making the effort, who am I to have problems with waiting a week. I'm wishing you a good holiday, nice weather and lookig forward to your results.

Greetinx,
Patrick