PS2 Updating the Free MCBoot Splash Screen

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Brodenn

Member
Hello,

I have recently been getting into Free MCBoot, and I am really pleased with how well it works. I have training as a graphic designer and wanted to spruce up the Free MCBoot splash screen, as the design looks a bit antiquated (to me). I don't know exactly who to message about this, but I would love to design a more modern logo for inclusion in a build of Free MCBoot! I have already done a first draft of a logo, which I will attach. This logo has a more modern feel, as well as reflects the re-naming of the forum from psx-scene to psx-place. I have used fonts which are reflective of the official PS2 fonts. I really hope this will be considered by who controls the release of Free MCBoot. If there are any specific size requirements for the image on the splash screen (bit depth, file size, resolution, etc.) please let me know.


FreeMcboot.png
 
FMCB/FHDB is closed source and no longer maintained.

In theory, You can extract osd update file, decompress it, replace raw/jpg logo, compress it and sign it again (in FMCB case You also needs kb/kc for Your memory card). However, this is the taboo topic.

Your design looks like Windows 10 (which means: like template, not the customer version). I would prefer more the "antique" one as You name it. Or of course mine: https://www.deviantart.com/btep/art/Free-McBoot-Revision-3-465783526?q=gallery:BTEP/6237605&qo=0

BTW: PS2 native resolution is 640x512 for PAL, and 640x448 for NTSC (for both, 640x480). However, size of logo should be much more tiny to not unnecessary enlarge update file (and in case of replacing inside binary, it must be exactly the same (dimensions+in bytes) size as used).
 
Now while I do know a bit of programming, I don't have a clue how to do what you just said unfortunately. That's a real shame that Free MCBoot isn't being updated anymore (and is closed sourced).

Last source I saw was very old and didn't have full model compatibility. I suppose I'll have to live with it. It would be nice if it was open source like Open Ps2 Loader, as I see the upcoming PS2 Digital could potentially cripple Free MCBoot.

If the topic of updating the splash screen unofficially is taboo, I'll leave it alone. I'll keep an ear out if any of the developers plan to release a new version at any point.
 
Last public sources was for FMCB v1.7. Currently it is not hard to find on he internet sources for v1.8b (which is still non-public anyway but someone has leak it). v1.8c was the last version made by Jimmikaelkael. Line v1.9xx is made by @sp193 based on 1.8b. Compatibility 1.9 line is lower with modchips because modchips firmwares puts their patching code which interfere with FMCB/FHDB and this will probably never change (even if FMCB/FHDB be still in development). Sources for 1.9xx are open but only installer, not the "exploit" itself.

Why "PS2 Digital" would cripple FMCB? Isn't from hardware level it will be transparent for higher levels? And BTW: I heard only about PSX Digital, and love the idea. So there is also version for PS2? Awesome news. ^^
 
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Okay, that makes sense, things should be okay then. Interesting about the sources, I'm surprised that a developer team hasn't tried to pick it up from the last public source and make an open-source fork (which IMO would be better in the long term for preservation).

Yes, as far as I know, the PS2 Digital is currently in development. In fact, it was in development the before PS1 Digital, but the team decided to focus on PS1 support first. The only reason I was concerned that it might interfere with FMCB is because the PS1 Digital has PSNee support on-board to allow region-free discs. My concern was that PS2 Digital may use an FPGA to emulate the Matrix infinity chip for region-free support (or use their own solution), which might interfere with FMCB. I may be wrong though.
 
The reason behind not opening source code was to makes life difficult of all memory card sellers which replacing logos by their own shop etc. and claiming it was their stuff, taking a lot of money for this service. So Jimmikaelkael and Neme decided to not publishing src past v1.7. Today, probably no one earn money on it so and I don't see why this cannot be open. However, a lot of changes and work (A LOT) was made by SP193 to the new line so it is his decision if he want it closed or open and we should respect that. ^^

Oh, in that case v1.9xx indeed can be probably incompatible. Everything which patching firmware can potentially break FMCB/FHDB.
 
Berion said:
Last public sources was for FMCB v1.7. Currently it is not hard to find on he internet sources for v1.8b (which is still non-public anyway but someone has leak it).
Click to expand...
I haven't "leaked" anything.
I had a long-term agreement with Jimmikaelkael and asked him, if it would be alright to open it in 8-10years (when it was closed).

He also wrote in the forum, that it is alright!
 
It was not allusion. Source was floating much earlier than You have put it on github (few years after 1.8b release).
 
I forgot the name but there was person who sell in those time FMCB with some orange logo, binded CNF and under some stupid name. ;]
 
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Yeah, user would be able to easily just create black background to see nothing on boot or i.e some PS2 logo like during game launching.
 
There is no "original splash", but only the Boot-Animation which can be re-activated........
 
Ok, never mind I found workaround for users who don't like FMCB splash. There is new FMCB alternative called PS2BBL (PlayStation2-Basic-BootLoader) and it supports disabling its splash so that boot sequence of the console looks like its stock. Its on github and its opensource.
 
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