Making Channels

the location for all channel data are in the: /data/XML/Channels/ directory
the channel selector 'Selection list' is made from the directory names
under the /data/XM/Channels/ dir eg MH-LightAppl 
the manager filters out anyting starting with a . (dot)

All the .Channelxx entries are sym links (ok shortcuts in windows terms) 
to the 'visible' directories, the linking is controlled from the 
assignments in the channel manager (selector)

In any of the channel directorys (eg MH-EMail) there are 3 sub dirs (folders)
/.template (yes dot) 
/Graphic
/Icon

the .tempalte dir is where all the shtml files live.
the default shtml file is named 'index.shtml' this is what the filmstrip looks for

The Graphic dir contains a Graphic.gif file for the filmstrip to display

The Icon dir contains Icon.gif file for the channel manager to display


Try to keep the names to 12 characters or so (so the scrolliong list doesn't get too wide)
Try to name the channels MH-mychannel for MisterHouse sourced channels 
(eg the page/function comes from there)
And MA-AnotherCh for local MrAudrey channels

again MA- or MH- prefixed naming for now maybe MY- for working/dev/custom dirs

If you can think of any other sources I'll add them to the prefic conventions

so once you have a /data/XML/Channels/MY-Cahnnel and at minimum the 
(dot).template dir containing a valid index.shtml file you've got a channel that
will show up in the channel manager selections 
(no channel graphics, but filmstrip will fill in a default till you get one done)

I used this srtucture because it was consistant with the original layout, and the
Filmstrip app expects this structure. 

I have found that there is even another sub dir in the structure for Scripts, 
but havn't quite figured that one out (yet)

Hope that makes some sense, I'm thinking a quick graphic would be helpful,
 ok check the graphics dir on this site.  I've included the GIMP graphics master
 files here. The Graphicxxx.xcf and the Iconxxx.xcf are the masters for the 
 graphics (filmstrip) and icons (channel manager) respectively.  These use
 layers extensively, therefor selection of layers is crucial in creating the 
 graphic of choice. Generally there is a base/background layer (lowest layer) the
 general misterhouse logo (for mh channels), a graphic for the channel and finally
 the actual text.  A word to the wise, if you are making channels, be sure to 
 save the master.xcf file BEFORE exporting your gifs .....