Quinto Black CT - New Winamp Modern skin

[PeterK.]

Originally Posted by Sabine Klare

Hello PeterK.,

does that mean, that the uploading of .jpg-files and .png-files as attachements in the forums is not possible anymore?

Hello Sabine,

as of today, Monday, I am still not able to upload jpg or png files. I always get the message "This is not a valid image file". And yes, last week I sent a PM to Victhor. Waiting for reply.

[Victhor]

Originally Posted by PeterK.

Hello Sabine,

as of today, Monday, I am still not able to upload jpg or png files. I always get the message "This is not a valid image file". And yes, last week I sent a PM to Victhor. Waiting for reply.

See my post at the News thread, seems like the forums were moved to a new server and some functions are broken..

[skyflyxxx]

Hi. PeterK.
Skin very cool, but button Power not active in VUMeter and no buttons control in playlist. Good luck.

[skyflyxxx]

куда перечислять деньги за твою работу?

[libero]

Good evening. Great job. Slightly expand the scale of the analog indicator (from -30db to + 6db) and LED indicator using additional LEDs (for example, two green -30db and LED indicators for LED indicator, and red + 6db). In analog, can the peak lamp be turned on when the signal reaches +/- 0dB, as in real audio amplifiers. Once again many thanks for the wonderful skin.

[libero]

And yet, please tell me whether it is possible to realize the dependence of LED indicators on the settings of the analog indicator.

[Aminifu]

Originally Posted by skyflyxxx

Hi. PeterK.
Skin very cool, but button Power not active in VUMeter and no buttons control in playlist. Good luck.

Those are not power buttons on the stand-alone analog and digital VU meters. They are power indicators. They are red when no file is playing and turn green when a file is playing.

Resize the Playlist Editor window (make it wider or wider and taller) until you can see 3 buttons on the right corner of it's title bar. Clicking on the left-most button in the group lets you cycle thru the 3 ways this window can be displayed. One of these views contain playback control buttons. The same can be done with the Media Library window.

[libero]

skyflyxxx
Junior Member

Регистрация: 24.10.2017
Сообщений: 1

Hi. PeterK.
Skin very cool, but button Power not active in VUMeter and no buttons control in playlist. Good luck.

Buttons are, I already figured out. Just need to double-click on the top of the playlist on one button (similar to 2 parallel lines). She changes the playlist in a circle. Very cool, gives even more information about the tracks than in the standard version.

[libero]

Another moment. I can not get by simply pressing the cursor switch in the main window from the spectrum analyzer mode to the oscilloscope mode. It is necessary to change the skin, there to switch and back to include this skin, which is inconvenient. Maybe I do not know any additional options, then I apologize. And yes, in the LED indicator I would like to have a constant illumination of the mode of inclusion (two additional LEDs) of the indicator instead of the button for switching the LED color - as it is implemented in the main window of the skin.

[Aminifu]

Originally Posted by libero

Another moment. I can not get by simply pressing the cursor switch in the main window from the spectrum analyzer mode to the oscilloscope mode. It is necessary to change the skin, there to switch and back to include this skin, which is inconvenient. ...

As far as I can tell, the main player window of this skin only has it's own fixed version of a spectrum analyzer. What skin are you switching to and back from to get it to display an oscilloscope visualization?

[libero]

On the cover of Quinto switch oscilloscope mode and again load Quinto black ct 5.

[libero]

In the original skin of Quinto Black, switching the visualization really is not possible, strange ...

[libero]

And please make a scale of indicators at least from -30db to + 6db. The indication should not disappear, and at a low signal level the LED LED indicator does not glow, since the signal level is less than -20dB. Maybe you need to make the LEDs themselves smaller in size, so that they are not placed on 10 per channel, but on 13-15. And, of course, it would be nice to make LED indicators depend on the analog indicator settings. Thank you.

[libero]

Here today I tried to reduce the scale of the LED indicator window 1.5 times (set the value of 75% in the settings) - the readability is excellent, that is, it is possible to reduce the size of the LEDs in such a way that their number is 14-15 and even more for each channel on the indicator scale . Then it will be possible to extend the indicator scale from -30dB to +6dB. But at the same time we need constantly burning LED activity indicators LED indicator. It is also possible to reduce the distance between the LEDs of each channel - this will give smooth and realistic transmission of the audio signal.

[libero]

And in the main window (if you follow the general concept), I would like to highlight the red zone on the indicator (the signal is greater than +/- 0db).

[PeterK.]

Hello skyflyxxx,

I am happy to hear that you like my skin.

"куда перечислять деньги за твою работу?"

Unfortunately, there is at this moment no way to make a donation. And I do not think that PayPal would be happy to see my account being a pure donation place because I would never use it for other purposes. In case you have a better idea please let me know.

Hello libero,

thank you for stopping by. I am going to answer all your questions:

1. Yes, the PEAK indicator is activated in the upcoming version 1.6 of my skin which means it will go on and off while a music file is played. I am planning on releasing the next version in the beginning of November so please be patient.

2. Those digits on both VU Meters (analog and digital) are not decibel but volume units and hence the name VU Meter. The range is always from -20 to +3. And this is going to stay like this. I could not find a ("scientific") template for the digital Meter though, so I would know exactly where to place which colors. The amount of green, yellow and red LEDs vary on many pictures I have seen and seems to depend on the amount of LEDs on a particular amplifier or other Hi-Fi component. In case someone found an (official) template for a digital Meter, please let me know. All I know for now is that the red zone starts after 0.

3. "And yet, please tell me whether it is possible to realize the dependence of LED indicators on the settings of the analog indicator. "

I am sorry but I do not understand your question.

4. No, there is no oscilloscope mode in my skin. Having the visualization off never made sense to me and the oscilloscope was just a "nervous flat line". Thus I disabled those two modes in the very first edition of my skin (back in 2010) and kept the spectrum analyzer only. Nobody never complained. You are the first one.

5. "And yes, in the LED indicator I would like to have a constant illumination of the mode of inclusion (two additional LEDs) of the indicator instead of the button for switching the LED color - as it is implemented in the main window of the skin. "

I am sorry, I do not understand your request.

6. "And it would be great to finish the playlist window, making it like in the stock version of VINAMP. Then it would be a masterpiece skin."

I never realized the PlaylistEditor window was unfinished. What is missing in here?

7. "The cover itself is just SUPER."

I think you mean the word skin, not cover, right?

"Perhaps this is even the best cover for WIMAMPA."

Thank you!

OK guys and gals, let us get some work done here. :-)

1. I have been experimenting with some (virtual) external light sources which "throw" rays of light onto the MainPlayer and both VU Meters. Many of you might know the "trick" from the Classic Skin. How do you like it? Too much, too little or just fine?



2. I synchronized both digital VU Meters. From now on they both work according to the same algorithm. And as you can clearly see on the screenshot I also decreased the amount of segments (=LED lights) on the MainPlayer (now 10) and used yellow and red color for the same segments in both Meters.
However, as we all know, we can change the color of the "bottom LEDs" in the external digital VU Meter. But this action, no surprise here, has no influence on the "bottom LEDs" in the VU Meter on the MainPlayer, which are always kind of grayish.
Unless! ... unless we change the color to green and keep it that way? What do you think?



3. In the left bottom corner of each analog scale there was an empty spot, which I did not like. So I placed the text "ver. 5.666" in there stating the current version of Winamp. But! There are definitely some people who might still use an older version, or, more importantly, there might be a new version one day (fingers crossed). And thus this additional text line would not make much sense, would it? So I am asking you to share some ideas, what we should use this spot for.

[Aminifu]

Originally Posted by libero

On the cover of Quinto switch oscilloscope mode and again load Quinto black ct 5.

You are correct. The original Quinto skin does have the ability to turn off the visualization in the main player window or switch it between the spectrum analyzer and oscilloscope modes. The Quinto Black and Quinto Black CT skins do not have this ability, but it is possible to switch to Quinto and select the desired mode which is maintained when switching back to Quinto Black or Quinto Black CT.

I had not noticed this because I normally use the spectrum analyzer mode. I assume PeterK. left this out of his updates on purpose (developer's choice) or it is an oversight. I agree that this is inconvenient, but how often do you change this visualization? However, I do miss the ability to adjust how the spectrum analyzer and oscilloscope modes work, which is present in the default Winamp skins but not in the original Quinto skin.

I'm willing to accept how the Quinto Black CT main player visualization currently works because Quinto Black CT improves on the original Quinto so much in other areas.

[libero]

Tell me, there is an opportunity to correct this so that the visualization can be switched.

[libero]

And my wishes on the indicators. Can you finish them a little?

[libero]

Thanks for answers. Once again I want to thank for the excellent skin. And version 1.6 looks impressive. I want to clarify a bit about what I asked.
1. The LED indicator scale should begin with the illumination of the 2 lower LEDs on the L and R channels, which means its activity. In most audio systems, this is the version of visualization. In the main cover window, the indicator also does not disappear at all. And can you increase the number of LEDs per channel? In my opinion 10 LEDs, and in most tracks only 7-8 (0, +1 marks) are lit - this is not enough.
2. If it is not possible to switch the spectrum analyzer to an oscilloscope, then fix it so that the visualization setting does not remain from the previous skin. Otherwise, you need to skip from skin to skin and switch modes.
3. I spoke about the dependence of speed settings and sensitivity of LED indicators LED from the corresponding settings of the analog indicator, in which it is done above all praise! Analog indicator can be set to a smooth work, and the LED at the same time quickly jumps up and down.

[libero]

I just asked you to do more number of segments in the additional indicator (as in the main window), but not less. He has a smoother job if you pay attention. For the illumination of the indicator in the main window in the colors (green, yellow, red) a special thank you. The color palette of the indicator in the main window will be permanent?

[libero]

It would be great to synchronize the work of the additional LED indicator with the digital indicator of the main window, but not vice versa. And further. I do not understand why you refuse to permanently illuminate the minimum signal in the digital indicator? This is a common standard in audio systems - when turned on, the first LEDs on the channel scale light up.

[libero]

Now a wish for your developments.
1. The colors of the main window's indicator should be constant (green, yellow, red). They look harmonious and these colors are standard. And the indicator itself can stretch a bit along its length (it's very small).
2. Instead of the ART button, it is better to make a VIS button (switching the spectrum to an oscilloscope). If you are still considering this option?
3. Instead of ver.5666 in the corner of the analog indicator, you can put the dial backlight (brightness is more or less).
4. Do not reduce the number of segments in the main window. It is better to add additional segments to the digital LED indicator. The green part of the scale seems trimmed - only 4 segments.

[libero]

The indicator in the main window can be stretched to the full length above the buttons PL, ML, EQ, ART (VIS). A podstvetka indication buttons PLAY, PAUSE, STOP put in a row above the indicator and before the duration of the track.

[libero]

Is it possible to configure the shadow of the main window and analog vu (yes-no options)? And, it seems to me, if the indicator is colored, then the spectrum analyzer needs to change color.

[Aminifu]

Originally Posted by PeterK.

I have been experimenting with some (virtual) external light sources which "throw" rays of light onto the MainPlayer and both VU Meters. Many of you might know the "trick" from the Classic Skin. How do you like it? Too much, too little or just fine?

I can live without the external light source effects. Sorry, but the 1st thing I do is delete the corresponding png file (for the current effects) from the wal archive. I keep a desk lamp on the right-hand side of my desk and having a virtual light coming from the left just seems wrong to me.

Originally Posted by PeterK.

I synchronized both digital VU Meters. From now on they both work according to the same algorithm. And as you can clearly see on the screenshot I also decreased the amount of segments (=LED lights) on the MainPlayer (now 10) and used yellow and red color for the same segments in both Meters.
However, as we all know, we can change the color of the "bottom LEDs" in the external digital VU Meter. But this action, no surprise here, has no influence on the "bottom LEDs" in the VU Meter on the MainPlayer, which are always kind of grayish.
Unless! ... unless we change the color to green and keep it that way? What do you think?

Good move to sync the responses of the digital VU meters. If you can't also sync their colors, I vote to make the bottom LEDs in the main player green and keep them that way.

Originally Posted by PeterK.

In the left bottom corner of each analog scale there was an empty spot, which I did not like. So I placed the text "ver. 5.666" in there stating the current version of Winamp. But! There are definitely some people who might still use an older version, or, more importantly, there might be a new version one day (fingers crossed). And thus this additional text line would not make much sense, would it? So I am asking you to share some ideas, what we should use this spot for.

I suggest leaving that area empty or putting the skin's version number there.


P.S.
I think the unfinished playlist editor features libero is talking about are the listing's total or selected items timing info and the management controls that are only displayed in the playlist editor view that also has the playback controls.

I like the uncluttered look of the other 2 playlist editor views, but others may not since these features appear to be standards of the playlist editor in the Winamp default skins.

[libero]

I propose such a scale of LED indicator:
c; -20; -15; -10; -7; -5; -3; -1; +/- 0; +1; +2; +3, only 12 LEDs per channel,
(green zone - ц -: -5), (yellow zone -3 -: +/- 0), (red zone - +1 -: - +3),
ц - constantly burning LEDs when turning on the winamp.

[libero]

In the skins Rectangular, Studiosus, AudioRack, the work of the meters is very realistic. This is the best I've seen in the Winamp skins. Do you know these skins? They, however, are quite old. I really like your skin, it's beautiful and modern, if you finish it - it will be the best Winamp skin.

[Aminifu]

Hi PeterK.,

I have an idea.

What do you think about adding the BPM tag data to the main player in the space to the left of the visualization? This info must be useful (or interesting) to others, besides myself.

[libero]

By the way, the algorithm (setting) of the indicator in the main window (version 1.5) seems to me more correct. It more effectively reflects the sound signal. It is better to take it as a basis for a separate LED indicator.

[libero]

I, sorry, write a lot about this, because the basis for the success of any skin is the beauty, correctness and consistency of the work of all its indicators (analog, digital, spectro-analyzer). This primarily attracts the viewer. You now have a wonderful skin. If it is perfected, we will have a masterpiece.

[PeterK.]

Originally Posted by Aminifu

Hi PeterK.,

I have an idea.

What do you think about adding the BPM tag data to the main player ...

What does BMP stand for? Do you mean the third field in the preferences of a file which appear when you double click the song's title on the display?

Originally Posted by libero

we will have a masterpiece.

Still working on it libero

By the way, I double checked again that oscilloscope thing and besides of its height, which seems to be slightly higher than the Spectrum Analyzer lines, there is another reason which made me disable this feature. If you look closely, the Spectrum Analyzer lines are segments in my skin which are created by adding a grid on the visualization background. And switching to oscilloscope leads to silly lines which are trapped between the background of the visualization and this grid bitmap. Sorry.

[libero]

OK! We remove the oscilloscope. Then you need to make a forced installation of the spectrum analyzer, so as not to jump from the skin to the skin. And also make the spectrum analyzer color (for example, green with red segments at the top). And let me ask again about the digital meter of the main window and the additional (large) LED indicator. Will you increase the number of LEDs per channel (I offered a minimum of 12 pieces per channel, wrote above, and the initial ones were constantly on when turned on). And will the algorithm for LED indicators work depend on the settings of the analogue VU? What problems are there?

[libero]

Do not rush to release a new version. Your beautiful skin acquires new colors and higher quality. Therefore, you can not hurry. Many thanks for the work done.

[Aminifu]

Originally Posted by PeterK.

What does BMP stand for? Do you mean the third field in the preferences of a file which appear when you double click the song's title on the display?

BPM stands for beats per minute. It is an indication of tempo. It is much easier to seamlessly merge or overlay songs with the same or similar BPMs and genre. This info is very helpful when making mixes (especially dance mixes). I currently use a custom ATF (advanced title formatting) string to include this info in the song title displayed, which is more convenient than opening (and closing) the File Info window.

Most people make mixes by ear. Professional mix masters also use various techniques like slightly adjusting the real-time tempo and/or pitch for 1 or both songs during the period of merge or overlay to make their mixes sound seamless. Modern song mixing apps provide these features (for manual or automatic use) and there are plug-ins that let Winamp do the same thing.

[PeterK.]

Originally Posted by Aminifu

BPM stands for beats per minute. It is an indication of tempo...

And what would be the format for such BPM display? Three digits? "999"?

Originally Posted by libero

Will you increase the number of LEDs per channel (I offered a minimum of 12 pieces per channel,

Nope.
I am not going to increase the amount of LEDs on the digital VU Meter. They correspond with the amount of the digits on the analog VU Meter and I do not think making more would mean more accurate values.

[libero]

10 pieces - very little. It turns out that the lower zone is very truncated. And no matter how many digits on the analogue VU, if we are talking about a more accurate indication. Often there are no digits on the analog display, or 2-3 digits, indicating the range of the signal. So, the digital indicator will be only of 3 LEDs? Please pay attention to those skins that I wrote about. There, visualization of the signal level is realized above all praise, especially the RECTANGULAR skin.

[Aminifu]

Originally Posted by PeterK.

And what would be the format for such BPM display? Three digits? "999"?

The BPM tag accepts mixed numbers (i.e. from xx to xxx.xxxx). I've seen these values displayed in various ways. Winamp's default skins just display the 2 or 3 digit whole number and ignore the decimal part (i.e. with no rounding and no leading zero). I've seen players that display a rounded whole number with no leading zero. Others will display a whole number and 2 or 3 of the decimal digits, with rounding and no leading zero.

If you choose to display the BPM tag (%BPM%) value, however you decide to do it is ok with me. The ATF string I currently use for the main player displays whatever is in the BPM tag; that could be up to 8 characters and I don't think there is enough room to do that in the place I suggested.

I also use a plug-in that displays a different ATF string above the Winamp icon on the taskbar, when I point to it. It displays additional metadata related to the song that's playing. The string in the main player scrolls back and forth. The string above the taskbar icon scrolls in one direction and repeats until I move the mouse pointer away or let Windows stop displaying it after several seconds.

[PeterK.]

Originally Posted by Aminifu

Winamp's default skins just display the 2 or 3 digit whole number and ignore the decimal part ...

1) Well, since Winamp does not show more than 3 digits in the BMP tag field I think we do not have to worry about other existing BMP formats here, do we Aminifu? So you may have an additional tag in the display of the MainPlayer but with one small limitation. I am not convinced that the majority of Quinto fans finds it useful and desperately needs that information to be shown on a permanent basis on the main display, so I added a new context menu entry to Quinto's own options. It is called "Beats per Minute (BPM)". Choosing this option will show/hide the BPM tag on the display. Okie dokie?

P.S. For a minute I was thinking about replacing the entry COMMENT in the FILE INFO area on the PlaylistEditor window with BPM string and BPM data, which would contain as many decimals as you wish. But knowing about Winamp's limitation in that tag it would be pointless to have two BPM displays with only three digits. Agreed?

2) Clicking on the LED button on the external digital VU Meter no longer changes the LEDs color on that particular VU Meter alone but from now on also on the MainPlayer. So meanwhile, those both digital VU Meters not only work according to the same algorithm but have also the same colors.



3) I also added a new section to the OPTIONS part of the context menu. It is called "Spectrum Analyzer" and contains four submenus:

- Show Peaks
- Peak Falloff Speed
- Analyzer Color
- Analyzer Falloff Speed



The first one will show/hide peaks which are always red. I think we should keep the red color pattern for such components. (Please look at the PEAK area on the analog VU Meter for example.)
The second entry will give you the possibility to change the falloff speed of those peaks.
The third one has four different colors for the Analyzer segments/rectangles: Gray (default), Blue, Green and Red.
And the last one determines the falloff speed of Analyzer segments/rectangles.

[libero]

Excellent, thank you so much. It is a pity that there are only 10 segments ...