On-Screen Display (OSD) with VB.Net?

[Goldberg]

Hi all,

I'm looking to display info on screen as my program is running. I need it to be displayed on screen rather than in a form or a message window. Similar to when you change TV channels or if you have a multimedia keyboard the volume control etc.....

I have found an old VB5 solution but it wont work in vb.Net http://www.freevbcode.com/ShowCode.asp?ID=1288

If anyone knows how to do this it would be much appreciated. I have a feeling you probably cannot as vb.net seems to want everything done within the form. I have got around this in the past with other elements but cannot crack this.

[big man]

It's been a while since i've written any winforms stuff, but i remember that you can set a window to use an image as a background, so you can make it look nice (think splash / loading screens). Maybe you could use this with a completely transparent image to remove the standard windows look and then overlay your information

It might be worth a look

[Goldberg]

Good thinking... I'll give that a try. If I use 'Send to back' it should never come in focus either which would be a problem.

[Goldberg]

OK Cracked it (with your help )

Set up your form, take off the borders so no controls etc....
Set the background colour to White
Set the TransparencyKey to the same white
Add the label with a Transparent background.
Make the font in the label big bold and bright

Bingo

It's annoying that you just cannot set the transparency of the Form to Transparent! It gives you the option but crashes and complains that your not allowed!!!!

But sorted

Oh ayou may need to add the line: TransparencyKey = Color.Transparent to the Form Load

[big man]

Cool - glad it worked

[Goldberg]

It's a bit ropey getting it to update. Refresh does not seem to work so I have to Close it, change the label and then show it again..... Why do M$ have to make easy things difficult...

But it works and i'm well please with it.