[TEC] Annoying Translucent Scope/TBT interface

ViperU48 · 07-03-10, 06:08 PM

Hey all,

I've been doing some searching around these forums and finding that there are a few people who experience this problem. I personally haven't found a solution and I decided to dabble into a source of seemingly limitless knowledge and ability: the subsim modding forums!

Basically, for me and a relatively small group (apparently Nvidia) users, the background UI images of both the periscopes, the TBT, the Binoculars, and the deck gun (essentially any sight/optics) are transparent. That is to say, when looking through the scope, one can see the entire horizon through the "covered" areas of the view.

Part of the difficulty of this problem is that different monitors will see different things. I have attempted to balance the brightness and contrast in the following picture in the hopes that it will be more visible. Oddly enough, taking a screenshot will not display the same problem i am actually seeing with my own mk1 eyeballs. I can assure you, even with a lower in-game contrast setting, the transparent effect is much more noticeable.

One can hopefully see the horizon through the scope background just above the in-game cursor.

Now, my question is, are there transparency settings within the menu_1024_768.ini file for background interfaces such as the periscopes?

Also, does the actual .tga for the interfaces have an alpha layer or something? I'm currently in-between .tga editors (photoshop trial ran out last week

) so I am unable to check.

I have tried every possible driver version for my current video card (Nvidia GTS 250) and many on my old card (Nvidia GeForce 8800GTX) and the same problem exists. Naturally I cannot say whether this phenomenon is experienced with ATI boards as I don't have one (and am constantly reminded why I should).

I also can't seem to find a good scope mod that will not replace the current optics which I happen to like. Anyone know of a scope mod that simply has a solid black background for the interface?

Thanks for any help and input, it is greatly appreciated!

Happy hunting!

Munchausen · 07-04-10, 10:50 AM

Are you using a CRT or LCD monitor? I only get the problem with my LCD ... and it's a lot worse with a black background. In fact, the more clutter I have (especially if it's not black), the less the problem.

sergei · 07-04-10, 01:22 PM

Don't know about your transparency problem ViperU48.
But if you want to open up the TGA file to check the Alpha Channel, try using GIMP.
It's free, and pretty good.
Get here

http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/down...o=file&id=1356

ViperU48 · 07-04-10, 11:53 PM

Munchausen - That's a good point, I forgot to mention that i'm using an LCD as well, which no doubt adds to the problem.
...And I see what you mean about a black background, I think i'll stick to a cluttered texture too.

Sergei - Thanks for that program! I've heard of it but I never realized it's application, it certainly is great! Just finished adding the .dds plug-in and feeling my way around.

Although, my knowledge is a little short when it comes to this stuff, it would seem that everything is normal when viewing the .dds' associated with the backgrounds. I'm going to try converting the format into .tga like SHIII style and editing the associated menu file entries.

Just hope I can find the time to do it all and figure it out. I hate this bloody issue...

Munchausen · 07-05-10, 06:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ViperU48

I'm going to try converting the format into .tga like SHIII style and editing the associated menu file entries.

I doubt that will help. I currently run SH3 with GWX (and a few smaller mods) ... and, unfortunately, it seems TGA files have the same problem when it comes to LCD monitors (last time I played SH3, it was on a CRT).

The only advice I've seen, concerning this problem, suggests making the black background as dark as possible. Never tried it myself ... I simply use periscope and binocular masks with very little plain black areas.

sergei · 07-06-10, 01:22 AM

From last year.
http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/show...ight=periscope
May help.

Also you may consider editing the scope image so that instead of solid black, you have some kind of background image there.

See here for ideas
http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/show...ight=periscope
http://www.subsim.com/subsim_files/N...%20defualt.jpg
http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/show...ight=periscope

07-03-10, 06:08 PM	#1
ViperU48 Torpedoman Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Vancouver, BC, Canada Posts: 118 Downloads: 58 Uploads: 0	[TEC] Annoying Translucent Scope/TBT interface Hey all, I've been doing some searching around these forums and finding that there are a few people who experience this problem. I personally haven't found a solution and I decided to dabble into a source of seemingly limitless knowledge and ability: the subsim modding forums! Basically, for me and a relatively small group (apparently Nvidia) users, the background UI images of both the periscopes, the TBT, the Binoculars, and the deck gun (essentially any sight/optics) are transparent. That is to say, when looking through the scope, one can see the entire horizon through the "covered" areas of the view. Part of the difficulty of this problem is that different monitors will see different things. I have attempted to balance the brightness and contrast in the following picture in the hopes that it will be more visible. Oddly enough, taking a screenshot will not display the same problem i am actually seeing with my own mk1 eyeballs. I can assure you, even with a lower in-game contrast setting, the transparent effect is much more noticeable. One can hopefully see the horizon through the scope background just above the in-game cursor. Now, my question is, are there transparency settings within the menu_1024_768.ini file for background interfaces such as the periscopes? Also, does the actual .tga for the interfaces have an alpha layer or something? I'm currently in-between .tga editors (photoshop trial ran out last week ) so I am unable to check. I have tried every possible driver version for my current video card (Nvidia GTS 250) and many on my old card (Nvidia GeForce 8800GTX) and the same problem exists. Naturally I cannot say whether this phenomenon is experienced with ATI boards as I don't have one (and am constantly reminded why I should). I also can't seem to find a good scope mod that will not replace the current optics which I happen to like. Anyone know of a scope mod that simply has a solid black background for the interface? Thanks for any help and input, it is greatly appreciated! Happy hunting! __________________ ...Wir alle leben auf einem gelben Unterseeboot...

07-04-10, 11:53 PM	#4
ViperU48 Torpedoman Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Vancouver, BC, Canada Posts: 118 Downloads: 58 Uploads: 0	Munchausen - That's a good point, I forgot to mention that i'm using an LCD as well, which no doubt adds to the problem. ...And I see what you mean about a black background, I think i'll stick to a cluttered texture too. Sergei - Thanks for that program! I've heard of it but I never realized it's application, it certainly is great! Just finished adding the .dds plug-in and feeling my way around. Although, my knowledge is a little short when it comes to this stuff, it would seem that everything is normal when viewing the .dds' associated with the backgrounds. I'm going to try converting the format into .tga like SHIII style and editing the associated menu file entries. Just hope I can find the time to do it all and figure it out. I hate this bloody issue... __________________ ...Wir alle leben auf einem gelben Unterseeboot...

07-04-10, 10:50 AM	#2
Munchausen Commodore Join Date: Jul 2002 Posts: 608 Downloads: 25 Uploads: 1	Are you using a CRT or LCD monitor? I only get the problem with my LCD ... and it's a lot worse with a black background. In fact, the more clutter I have (especially if it's not black), the less the problem.

07-04-10, 01:22 PM	#3
sergei Sea Lord Join Date: May 2008 Location: London UK Posts: 1,788 Downloads: 405 Uploads: 29	Don't know about your transparency problem ViperU48. But if you want to open up the TGA file to check the Alpha Channel, try using GIMP. It's free, and pretty good. Get here http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/down...o=file&id=1356

07-06-10, 01:22 AM	#6
sergei Sea Lord Join Date: May 2008 Location: London UK Posts: 1,788 Downloads: 405 Uploads: 29	From last year. http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/show...ight=periscope May help. Also you may consider editing the scope image so that instead of solid black, you have some kind of background image there. See here for ideas http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/show...ight=periscope http://www.subsim.com/subsim_files/N...%20defualt.jpg http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/show...ight=periscope