DirectX9 User Interfaces: Design and Implementation

Alan Thorn9781556222498, 1-55622-249-1

Companion CD included with Paint Shop Pro 8 evaluation edition! Interfaces strongly affect how an application or game is received by a user, no matter which cutting-edge features it may boast. DirectX 9 User Interfaces: Design and Implementation presents a comprehensive solution for creating good interfaces using the latest version of DirectX. This involves building an interface library from the ground up. Divided into three sections, the book discusses the foundations of interface design, the construction of a feature-rich interface library, and the creation of a fully functional media player in DirectShow. With this text, the reader will: Learn about the building blocks of good, solid interfaces. Design and implement controls in DirectX. Build a reusable interface library. Learn how to use Direct3D to create and display 2D and 3D worlds. Use DirectInput to read data from input peripherals. Play MP3 music files, MPG movies, and other media with DirectShow. Understand linked lists, absolute positioning, alpha blending, and more. Bring together the theory and practical code to create a working media player.