Cache bitmaps

[z.mash]

Ben,

Is it possible to cache all of the images when NR starts up? I created an XGA background, and it's sluggish even on my P1.8. I assume that it is just taking it's time loading the background image each time.

I realize this would increase startup time, but I think for most people NR is *always* running. Is this possible, or is this a huge undertaking?

Thanks,
Zak

[Ben S]

This could be done (and quite easily as I cache them within a panel so that if multiple buttons use the same image they're only in memory once), but I'm worried about the overhead in caching every image.

Maybe I'll add it as an option? Can you send me the ccf in question so I can do some tests for performance?

Thanks!

[z.mash]

Ben,

I just emailed you an XGA CCF. I think making it an option would be a great solution.

-Zak

[z.mash]

OK, now I'm getting the same problem on my PPC. I purchased MainLobby way back when and, since I have the artistic talent of a chimp, I am going to use MainLobby to make my "screens", save them as jpgs or bmps, load them into Tonto as background frames, and then put transparent buttons over the hotspots. However, every background image I load takes a long time to open up.

Has anyone tried having background images? Or are most people using white backgrounds?

-Zak

[QuickCarl]

I use backgrounds all the time....

I use Paintshop Pro... decrease the image down to 256 colors...save as a PNG...

Here is a background that I am playing with now.... By the way, I have the exact same amount of artistic talent. I have considered using MainLobby, but I think I can find bacgrounds and graphics for less.

http://groups.msn.com/_Secure/0VQDeAtMa0KKPJGomKU4Vs8X5pTSptpV0dPNfI82zalTGMWXxl Y2hCUbKwzLkdkCaT7DFWOS6W6pF*LiyiervSoRivWcpxaX8yOy MuaR8CmLF8sJYaRQiiFC6ndY*UgGj/SmplBkgrndHome.JPG?dc=4675412852502347938

Image is less than 63k and loads instantly...

HTH-Carl

[Ben S]

Zak, I did notice that the first hit took a few seconds to load, but after that it seemed like a panel change was super fast. This was on Win32 using the sample you sent me.

Are you not seeing that? Does a panel change consistently take a few seconds?

[z.mash]

It's intermittant. If I click back and forth it will load up OK, but then it gets really sluggish going to certain panels (mostly Music and Radio it seems). The 240x320 works fine under Win32, but is sluggish on the PPC. I kinda gave up for now as I am trying (with no luck) to get my Slink-e setup. I'm starting a new thread for that.

-Zak

[Ben S]

Zak, the version I just sent you will cache bitmaps. Will you let me know if it improves performance significantly, and if you notice the memory footprint get super big after leaving NetRemote running for awhile?

[z.mash]

It still takes a little while to load each page, but once it's loaded for the first time, subsequent loads are *very* quick (on my PIII 750 laptop)! Memory usage is topped out at about 20mb, but I will keep it open and let you know if it spikes.

-Zak