[Feature Request] Lights Out

copota · 05-05-2010, 10:33 PM

First, I would like to thank the developers of Calibre for this fantastic reader and their continued effort in development.

As for my feature request, I searched the forums to see if what I'm asking can be currently accomplished, and could not find anything. If this request currently exists or can be accomplished with a plugin, please direct me to that option.

My feature request consists of being able to darken the screen surrounding the Calibre Reading pane. For instance, you may have seen a similar feature on YouTube. While watching a video, if the function is available, you hit a light bulb icon that darkens the screen except for the video being shown.

I thought this type feature would be great for Calibre, especially if you're someone that likes to read with minimal bright light coming from your screen or if you get distracted by a cluttered desktop while reading in a minimize pane.

I posted a photoshop mock-up screenshot below to help better visualize this request. In the screenshot, the "lights out" shot is set with a dark opacity that also darkens the taskbar. If this can be accomplished, it would be great if the user can choose an opacity setting or solid color, also choose a desired color.

Again, thanks for an excellent reader!!

Ervserver · 05-05-2010, 11:46 PM

not a bad idea

Worldwalker · 05-06-2010, 12:24 AM

I'll put in a vote for this one. I wouldn't want it to take development time away from more critical things, but if it could be done easily, that would be a fantastic feature. There are some books that are really only practical to read on my PC (International Kittens of Mystery, for instance) and, given my screen size and usual window clutter, that would really be handy.

kovidgoyal · 05-06-2010, 12:40 AM

Why not just use the full screen mode of the reader?

copota · 05-06-2010, 01:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kovidgoyal

Why not just use the full screen mode of the reader?

Hi kovidgoyal, thanks for the reply.

Full screen is a great feature and being able to adjust the view width is also great. However, I like to try and get the "book feel" when reading by PC, and don't want to be distracted by my task bar, or any other menu bars while keeping the light emitted from my screen to a minimum. Which is why I though a "lights out" feature would be good, since a user can basically change the background color around the reading pane to anything they desire, in my case black would be preferential.

Thanks again for Calibre, your work is fantastic.

kovidgoyal · 05-06-2010, 01:16 AM

Hmm well I'm afraid I dont know anyway to implement that easily. On linux support for this kind of thing is built in to most "compositing" window managers. On windows and OS X, I have no idea.

copota · 05-06-2010, 01:24 AM

Thanks for your consideration. Its certainly not a big deal, Calibre is just about perfect the way it is. I just thought this feature might be a little extra added luxury if possible.

theducks · 05-06-2010, 10:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kovidgoyal

Why not just use the full screen mode of the reader?

I find it very hard to read (track) a line on a 20", 16:10 widescreen.

Sometimes I rotate my old 14" 4:3 monitor and put Portrait oriented files there, Including the Calibre viewer.

copota,
The window frame is controlled by your overall system appearance settings in Windows (Display|Appearance|Advanced|3d-Object in XP)
what you do affects everything.

Tip

The viewer Button bars detachs .

kovidgoyal · 05-06-2010, 10:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by theducks

I find it very hard to read (track) a line on a 20", 16:10 widescreen.

You can set a maximum width for the calibre viewer text area. See attached screen shot. The full screen mode covers up all distractions.

theducks · 05-06-2010, 10:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kovidgoyal

You can set a maximum width for the calibre viewer text area. See attached screen shot. The full screen mode covers up all distractions.

Forgot about that feature.
Calibre just has too many good features

Starson17 · 05-06-2010, 11:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by theducks

Forgot about that feature.
Calibre just has too many good features

Yes .... and some are so hidden. I really worked hard on the code for automatic import of new formats into existing records. After my efforts, Kovid had to work hard to review and fix what I did poorly, and in the end, all that effort and all that code is completely hidden behind a single Yes/No checkbox on an obscure page of the Preferences. Like your mascots (theducks) they may appear to be gliding smoothly along on the surface, but there's lots of frantic paddling going on underneath where it can't be seen.

rollercoaster · 05-06-2010, 02:43 PM

what do you guys think about two page layout. it would be ideal for today's wide screens and ability to set a background image. sort of like a theme. we can have book texture, diary look etc. just thinking out loud

05-05-2010, 10:33 PM	#1
copota Junior Member Posts: 6 Karma: 10 Join Date: May 2010 Device: nook	[Feature Request] Lights Out First, I would like to thank the developers of Calibre for this fantastic reader and their continued effort in development. As for my feature request, I searched the forums to see if what I'm asking can be currently accomplished, and could not find anything. If this request currently exists or can be accomplished with a plugin, please direct me to that option. My feature request consists of being able to darken the screen surrounding the Calibre Reading pane. For instance, you may have seen a similar feature on YouTube. While watching a video, if the function is available, you hit a light bulb icon that darkens the screen except for the video being shown. I thought this type feature would be great for Calibre, especially if you're someone that likes to read with minimal bright light coming from your screen or if you get distracted by a cluttered desktop while reading in a minimize pane. I posted a photoshop mock-up screenshot below to help better visualize this request. In the screenshot, the "lights out" shot is set with a dark opacity that also darkens the taskbar. If this can be accomplished, it would be great if the user can choose an opacity setting or solid color, also choose a desired color. Again, thanks for an excellent reader!!

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05-05-2010, 11:46 PM	#2
Ervserver Wizard Posts: 2,624 Karma: 1008294 Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Iowa, USA Device: Nook Simple Touch	not a bad idea

05-06-2010, 12:24 AM	#3
Worldwalker Curmudgeon Posts: 3,085 Karma: 722357 Join Date: Feb 2010 Device: PRS-505	I'll put in a vote for this one. I wouldn't want it to take development time away from more critical things, but if it could be done easily, that would be a fantastic feature. There are some books that are really only practical to read on my PC (International Kittens of Mystery, for instance) and, given my screen size and usual window clutter, that would really be handy.

05-06-2010, 12:40 AM	#4
kovidgoyal creator of calibre Posts: 43,860 Karma: 22666666 Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Mumbai, India Device: Various	Why not just use the full screen mode of the reader?

05-06-2010, 01:16 AM	#6
kovidgoyal creator of calibre Posts: 43,860 Karma: 22666666 Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Mumbai, India Device: Various	Hmm well I'm afraid I dont know anyway to implement that easily. On linux support for this kind of thing is built in to most "compositing" window managers. On windows and OS X, I have no idea.

05-06-2010, 01:24 AM	#7
copota Junior Member Posts: 6 Karma: 10 Join Date: May 2010 Device: nook	Thanks for your consideration. Its certainly not a big deal, Calibre is just about perfect the way it is. I just thought this feature might be a little extra added luxury if possible.

05-06-2010, 02:43 PM	#12
rollercoaster Zealot Posts: 126 Karma: 1826 Join Date: Jan 2010 Device: Kindle 2	what do you guys think about two page layout. it would be ideal for today's wide screens and ability to set a background image. sort of like a theme. we can have book texture, diary look etc. just thinking out loud

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