Tools For Custom Backgrounds For Converted Boxes

[bel71281]

Ok, We've had a few people ask if it was possible for someone to make a HOW-TO for custom BackGrounds for the conversion boxes, so bare with me, as things are going to get a little technical.

Boot File: (PUFF1.0.1)

Basic tools required:

XVI32 HexEditor (or equiv.)

TMPGEnc (to convert jpeg/gif to .m1v)

WinCalc (set to scientific/hex)

Termanology is the biggest barrier I have encountered this far, so I will do my best to keep things as -simple- as I can. A basic knowledge of the hex alphabet is a huge advantage, if your lost at the term 'hexadecimal' this is not for you.

The BackGround IMG is held in the boot file (bootfile is 64kb)
Location is at 0x7FFFA900 (Boot file opened in XVI32 gives an end address of 0xFFFF or 0x10000 bytes)
The BG-IMG starts at 0xa900 and can be up to 0x5000 bytes in size (this is where the calculator comes in handy, depending on your IMG size)

We first begin with running TMPGEnc, cancel out any autorun wizards.. should be left in main program. At the bottom where its labeled Video Source...Hit the browse button, and select the IMG (jpeg/gif are what I've used, though others might be ok also, but have not tested) that you wish to be used for your New BG.

Once the selection has been made, hit browse for 'Output File name' and select where you want to save your .m1v file--IMG file in a type of mpg form. *Note--the Image you wish to use MUST be a MAX of (448X336--but can be less) in size to work correctly*
MS-Paint can do this work if need be.

In XVI32, open the .m1v file--this is your BG IMG
Scroll to the bottom of the file to make note of the end address found in lower left hand corner--should be 0x4FFF or less to meet size requirement of MAX 0x5000.

From here on its just a CnP (or cut and paste) of new IMG in place of old. It's a matter of preference as to how you go about this next step.

In XVI32 with Boot file open, GOTO 0xa900--start of IMG--Block Mark.
Scroll down until you find the end of the code block (FF's are a clue)
Block Mark the last byte that isn't an FF.
You should now have a big RED chunk highlighted--Edit/Del-Block.

With another XVI32 window open with your .m1v IMG, Block Mark the First byte and the last byte so that the whloe file is highlighted in RED, Edit/ClipBoard/Copy.... Re-open the XVI window with the Bootfile in it (cursor still at 0xa900) go Edit/ClipBoard/Paste, and paste in new BG IMG.

Scroll down to the end of the file once more (Boot file) and make note of the end address once again. If your end address is less than 0xFFFF... then the proper amount of FF's need to be added after the code you inserted to make the end address 0xFFFF.

If your end address is more then 0xFFFF, then the proper amount of FF's need to be removed to make end address 0xFFFF (Windows Calculator is sufficient enough in scientific mode/Hex/Qword to do this)

Once this is complete, your BG has been inserted, and the end address has been verified, your ready to test (boot file has no checksum)

***As ALWAYS, BE ADVISED, 1 MISTAKE IN THE WRONG PLACE = DEAD BOX***

Jtag-know-how is a MUST if you want to play on this level with your box, I take no responsability for someone that can't or refuses to READ.

UkRoNiC Jvvh-Team-PUFF

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In The attached file you will find the tools to make your own BG for conversion boxes..

In the zip file you will find:

1-XVI32 HEX EDITOR.

2-TMPGENC.

3-Calc32.

4--PUFF-_boot_AfterDark_Ver.1.0.1(64KB).

5-The instructions by UkRoNiC