Using XML, Python, YouTube’s API, and Yahoo Pipes, this guide will walk you through creating a “Skinned” Boxee app. Skinned apps are the most unique and versatile way to deliver your content to Boxee users.
Project Steps
First step is to envision a layout that’s functional and your users can relate with your content. Whether you like to pre-sketch your designs, or put them together organically like myself, you need something that works for both your users and for your content. Boxee Apps are in 1280×720 resolution aka 720p. I’m only going to suggest elements of the app, as the visual style and layout should be your own.
Part 1: your video list. This is the area that’s going to contain all your content and enable your users to select specific videos. This box can be defined visually in your background image, or with one inserted over it with the skin.
Part 2: thumbnail and description. This area is where users can view more detailed information on your content without needing to open it. This box can be defined visually in your background image, or with one inserted over it with the skin.
Part 3: This is an optional piece. It’s the navigation bar, or nav bar. I chose to use a nav bar because Make’s video library is quite large, and users benefit from organizing it into categories for easy consumption. Nav bars are most easily defined visually within the skin.
