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>
> http://home.comcast.net/~g-abbey/Santa_Monica_FL170.jpg (384k)
>

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>
> Note: This post is going to be a long-winded rather technical one
> with some maps and screen shots mixed in.. (might just want to click
> on the image links.)
>
>
>
> REFLECTION COEFFICIENTS
>
> One of the most realistic features of Sim is.. surface `reflections'
> implemented by an Alpha Channel in the textures. It's an 8-bit layer
> (256 levels of grey) that describes the reflectivity of each surface.
>
>
>
> PERFORMANCE TRADEOFFS
>
> On a low end machine.. one of the performance tricks is to disable
> reflectivity. In the following clip.. water effects or reflections are
> turned off. The ocean still looks fine in my [humble] opinion.
>
> http://home.comcast.net/~g-abbey/Santa_Monica_FL170.jpg (384k)
>
>
>
> MESH and LAND CLASS
>
> In the above view the FSGenesis Mesh looks GREAT..hey FSG what
> about 10m `spot mesh' for certain areas like L.A. and S.F. Bay? Then
> it was noticed that [the] Land Class (LC) may be incorrect. ANd how
> about those defaults roads!! A lot more can be done with LC to improve
> ground detail.
>
> Santa Monica and Hollywood are busy places all right. Here's a couple
> plates from DeLorme of the area.. see Rt.2 which is also Santa Monica
> Boulevard. http://home.comcast.net/~g-abbey/SM.gif
>
> http://home.comcast.net/~g-abbey/SM_Blvd.gif
>
> Incidentally the `triangle' at lower right locates Warner, Paramount
> Studios, and Television City in case y'all were interested. Here's a
> view of Hollywood area: http://home.comcast.net/~g-abbey/Hollywood.gif
> Delorme map software is used often to decide on which areas to Sim.
>
>
>
> WHAT IS DISABLED for LOW END Sim
>
> The point is.. tradeoffs which make Sim usable on a `low-end' box are
> listed as follows:
>
> * Water textures with effects disabled.. no reflections
>
> * Ground scenery `cast shadows'.. disabled
>
> * See your own shadow.. disabled
>
> * Aircraft textures reduced to 512x512 (with unsharp mask)
>
> * Aircraft textures converted to DXT1 with alpha flooded `all white'
>
> * Cloud density set 5%.. means no FS8 cloud bitmap `curtains'
>
>
>
> ANOTHER SCREEN CAP
>
> Couldn't resist another view form 17,000' while roaming about.. yes
> there are Autogens down there..
>
> http://home.comcast.net/~g-abbey/Burbank_FL170.jpg (422k)
>
>
>
> WHAT'S the POINT -- The main points are:
>
> * Reflection Coeffs are implemented as ALPHA CHANNEL in the bitmaps.
>
> * Reflection and shadow effects are disabled for low-end box
>
> * Upgraded MESH makes a BIG difference
>
> * Enhanced Land Class adds `another level' of improvement
>
> * Clouds are BIG resource hog.. cloud BMPs are disabled (layers only)
>
> * AI traffic not evaluated.. default AI at 25% used for low end.
>
>
>
> CONCLUSION
>
> All these items describe some of the subtleties and performance trade-
> offs for a GREAT Sim experience. Identified are some areas where
> enhancement can be made. Mainly.. one of the best features of Flight
> Sim is Reflection COEFF. A graphics subsystem (bus and video card)
> which handles COMPLEX REFLECTIVITY and SHADOWING well.. at
> a high framerate.. with multiple Light Sources.. will provide the BEST
> Sim experience!!
>
>
> -Gregory
>
>
>
> p.s. did ya' catch that last sentence.......!!
>
>

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>"Gregory"
>
>is that what your FS9.cfg settings you posted the other day look like?
>Setting these settings on my system and its just blury......

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>"Gregory"
>
>is that what your FS9.cfg settings you posted the other day look like?
>Setting these settings on my system and its just blury......