Pronto Font Symbol Display Problem

[CSGilks]

I am using NetRemote Designer 1.0.1.17 Beta and NetRemote Pro+IR 1.1.0.44 running on an XP pro desktop.

Can anyone tell me why, when I use the set pronto character in the element name editor (right click) and insert a pronto non-alphanumeric character, when I display it later (in either NetRemote Designer or on a NetRemote screen, I just get a Windows "cannot display" blank square icon?

My Pronto font file in Windows, when displayed, does not seem to have the special symbols and I have been unable to find a substitute font on the internet.

[CSGilks]

Wll, I guess that I am really on my own with this one. Some more details:

It's actually only certain Pronto font non-alphanumeric symbols that do not display. For example the triangular "play" symbol - I can select it, put it on a button - it looks OK while I'm still in the text window, but then when I move the cursor or leave the element edit text window, it changes into the Windows unrecognized symbol hollow square - also appears that way on the NetRemote screen. This happens every time. I downloaded a font editor and confirmed that all the symbols actually are in my Windows XP Pronto.ttf font file, so the problem is not there. I've also re-downloaded and re-installed the editor and no change. Everything is OK when using Tonto in similar circumstances.

This bug really is a PITA as it is preventing me from being consistent with my control screens.

Sorry that this is not in the editor forum, but when first posted I did not realize that it was an editor problem.

Incidentally, the editor is full of bugs, but I still use it as it is (if only potentially, and tantalizingly) much superior to Tonto or the Philips equivalent software. The persistent bugs are generally errors that are not caught and cause an error message. This happens, for example, after a cut and paste, particularly of a page, when you then edit a button element in the copied page (it's also a PITA that learned IR element commands on the page do not get pasted across with the page!). If you "continue", "save", "close" then re-open the file, you do not lose anything and can continue.

Come on, guys, get a proper released version out ASAP!! I won't pay for a Beta version next time!!

[Ben S]

Well, I guess that I am really on my own with this one.

We'll investigate this. This does sound strange. If it was always showing the box, that would make sense (at least) that it was a font related problem. Being correct and then incorrect definitely sounds weird.



Incidentally, the editor is full of bugs, but I still use it as it is (if only potentially, and tantalizingly) much superior to Tonto or the Philips equivalent software. The persistent bugs are generally errors that are not caught and cause an error message. This happens, for example, after a cut and paste, particularly of a page, when you then edit a button element in the copied page (it's also a PITA that learned IR element commands on the page do not get pasted across with the page!). If you "continue", "save", "close" then re-open the file, you do not lose anything and can continue.

Come on, guys, get a proper released version out ASAP!! I won't pay for a Beta version next time!!

Well, this is certainly the first time I've heard of these issues. The whole idea of the beta is for users to provide feedback so that we can correct issues. If users don't report problems, we believe everything is running fine. I've been using the designer day-in and day-out for the past 2-3 weeks and have run into a few issues, but overall the thing is just about as stable as can be.

I'll investigate the 3 issues you raise (copying buttons losing learned IR actions, bug after pasting a page and opening button elements, and font issues).

Also, I'll move the post to the designer area.

[CSGilks]

Clarifications and other bits and pieces:

You lose IR commands from button elements when you copy a page from one file and copy it over to another. This happens every time.

When you edit a button element on any copied page, you get an error. This happens every time.

You also get an error on a copied element if you try and change the forward-backward order of the elements (although saving, closing and reopening the file gives the order that it was changed to that generated the error).

Examples of the most-common Pronto symbols loat as not-displayable when trying to add them as text to an element are:
the Play symbol, the stop symbol, the pause character
I can get such common symbols as:
Rewind, fast forward, next, previous, power and so on

I just compiled this list of examples directly off the NetRemote Designer running on this computer, allowing me to check the accuracy of what I am saying.

A functionality request - it would be great to be able to select multiple elements on the left-hand-side directory tree to, for instance, delete them - for example when copying several elements being able to delete all the commands on the copy before redoing them. Either that or add the delete key to Toolbar 1 or make the delete key on the keyboard work to delete elements (it does nothing at present, except when text editing).

Believe it or not just trying to help! Anything on that font problem yet?

[wtf]

I also have seen multiple crashes this weekend seemingly related to cutting, pasting, and changing z-order. I haven't gotten around to really using Designer until recently.

Some other problems/inconveniences:

The tree view doesn't allow actions like add button, etc. This would make it easier to add items to frames behind others in z-order (when they can't be selected in the graphics window).

When an item is selected in tree view, it doesn't stay selected in the graphics window long enough to allow it to be dragged to a new position (when another item is in front of it in z-order).

I couldn't figure out how to paste an element at the 'Page Name' level. It seems to only allow one frame at that level.

Drag and drop in tree view would be nice to simplify moving objects forward/backward.

Would be nice to be able to right-click copy and paste in the element name window.

I also vote for the delete key (rather than ctl-delete) for removing objects.

[Ben S]

Clarifications and other bits and pieces:

Thanks for the clarifications, this should help us drill into your problems and provide fixes.

A functionality request - it would be great to be able to select multiple elements on the left-hand-side directory tree to, for instance, delete them - for example when copying several elements being able to delete all the commands on the copy before redoing them. Either that or add the delete key to Toolbar 1 or make the delete key on the keyboard work to delete elements (it does nothing at present, except when text editing).


This is one thing we tried to keep consistent with Girder. Delete doesn't do anything, but control-delete does. That should remove the elements.

[Ben S]

CSGilks - I've found and corrected the problems with copying pages (losing IR actions and causing exceptions) as well as the font problems. I'll be uploading this version shortly.

[Ben S]

The tree view doesn't allow actions like add button, etc. This would make it easier to add items to frames behind others in z-order (when they can't be selected in the graphics window).

Can you give me an example of when you're adding something to an element that is behind another?


When an item is selected in tree view, it doesn't stay selected in the graphics window long enough to allow it to be dragged to a new position (when another item is in front of it in z-order).

For now, you can use the Home and End keys to select items that are up and down in the hierarchy (IE: Home selects parent, End selects first child). You can then use the comma and period keys ( < and > ) to loop through the elements at that level.


I couldn't figure out how to paste an element at the 'Page Name' level. It seems to only allow one frame at that level.

I'm not sure what you mean by this, you mean to add another page? Or a "root element". Simply right click in an area that is not occupied, and right click and choose either "Add Frame" or "Add Button".


Drag and drop in tree view would be nice to simplify moving objects forward/backward.

Would be nice to be able to right-click copy and paste in the element name window.

In the queue for NRD 2.