Changing graphics settings

BigWalleye · 08-29-12, 09:10 AM

Is there any way to change the graphics settings external to the Graphics Options page? I have an Alienware M11x with the nVidia GF540M card. When playing SH4, I lead out the video to 19" HDTV and run at 1920x1080. When the game is set for 1920x1080, I can initialize it on the laptop screen, but can't change to resolution because the crucial "Apply Changes" hotspot is offscreen lower right. I travel a lot (which is why I have a laptop) and would like to be able to access the game without having to remember to reset the res to 1360x768 before I leave home. (At my age, it's easy to forget little things like that!

) Does anyone know of a way to reset the res without using the Graphics Options screen? Or is there a way to get the game to accept the change without clicking the hotspot? Not an earth-shaking issue, but I'd appreciate any help anyone could provide.

Hylander_1314 · 08-29-12, 10:59 PM

I don't know of any way of changing the display res outside of doing it from the graphics menu.

stanger · 08-30-12, 04:21 AM

Go to your "My documents" folder, then "SH4" folder > "cfg" - inside you will find main.cfg file, open it with any text editor, find "Resolution=" line, change it to a res you want, save, done. You can also set vsync here: "Synchronized=" (Yes or No).
This folder and all config files are there after you run the game at least once.

BigWalleye · 08-30-12, 06:10 AM

Hey, Stanger, you got it! Did as you described, an' zap, no problem. Found a couple of other files, so you can change any of the option settings. Prolly shouldn't do it while the game is paused, tho....:-)

Thanks a bunch!

CapnScurvy · 08-31-12, 07:11 AM

As Stanger pointed out, the "main.cfg" file found in the "My Documents/SH4/data/cfg" folders (for an XP Operating System) will allow you to change the resolution that the game uses. Look for the [VIDEO] section, then "Resolution=". On my system, the default resolution is given as "Resolution=1024,768,70,22". I don't know what the "70,22" has to do with it (aspect ratio?? maybe, but I don't think so), but I don't think you need to add these if you want the game to start in a particular resolution (the game takes the first two parameters as the resolution, the second two will be added by the game after it starts).

I found this option useful when I was messing around with a game resolution that my 32" TV wouldn't recognize or render, but was offered in the "Graphic Settings" of the game. I chose the resolution, then "Exited" to Windows restarting with the new resolution. The screen went black. It stayed that way until I returned to Windows (I think I had to either use "Task Manager" to get out of the game, or shut the computer down with a restart), resetting the resolution of the game to the default 1024,768 parameter in the "main.cfg" file. I'll not try that resolution again!

stanger · 08-31-12, 07:31 AM

That 3rd value is refresh rate, 4th ... should be color depth, but I don't know why 22 and not 32, just leave it alone

A Hidden Soul · 09-01-12, 01:59 PM

Do you have the stock game only? The graphics suck no matter how good your system is. Try using a supermod. They make the graphics almost real.

I would suggest TMO 2.5 or RFB

08-29-12, 09:10 AM	#1
BigWalleye Sea Lord Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: On the Eye-lond, mon! Posts: 1,987 Downloads: 465 Uploads: 0	Changing graphics settings Is there any way to change the graphics settings external to the Graphics Options page? I have an Alienware M11x with the nVidia GF540M card. When playing SH4, I lead out the video to 19" HDTV and run at 1920x1080. When the game is set for 1920x1080, I can initialize it on the laptop screen, but can't change to resolution because the crucial "Apply Changes" hotspot is offscreen lower right. I travel a lot (which is why I have a laptop) and would like to be able to access the game without having to remember to reset the res to 1360x768 before I leave home. (At my age, it's easy to forget little things like that!) Does anyone know of a way to reset the res without using the Graphics Options screen? Or is there a way to get the game to accept the change without clicking the hotspot? Not an earth-shaking issue, but I'd appreciate any help anyone could provide.

08-29-12, 10:59 PM	#2
Hylander_1314 Sea Lord Join Date: May 2006 Location: 5 Miles Inland West Of Lake Huron Posts: 1,936 Downloads: 139 Uploads: 0	I don't know of any way of changing the display res outside of doing it from the graphics menu. __________________ A legislative act contrary to the Constitution is not law. -John Marshall Chief Justice of the Supreme Court ---------------------

08-30-12, 04:21 AM	#3
stanger Engineer Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Poland Posts: 200 Downloads: 84 Uploads: 0	Go to your "My documents" folder, then "SH4" folder > "cfg" - inside you will find main.cfg file, open it with any text editor, find "Resolution=" line, change it to a res you want, save, done. You can also set vsync here: "Synchronized=" (Yes or No). This folder and all config files are there after you run the game at least once.

08-30-12, 06:10 AM	#4
BigWalleye Sea Lord Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: On the Eye-lond, mon! Posts: 1,987 Downloads: 465 Uploads: 0	Hey, Stanger, you got it! Did as you described, an' zap, no problem. Found a couple of other files, so you can change any of the option settings. Prolly shouldn't do it while the game is paused, tho....:-) Thanks a bunch!

08-31-12, 07:31 AM	#6
stanger Engineer Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Poland Posts: 200 Downloads: 84 Uploads: 0	That 3rd value is refresh rate, 4th ... should be color depth, but I don't know why 22 and not 32, just leave it alone

09-01-12, 01:59 PM	#7
A Hidden Soul Soundman Join Date: Jun 2012 Posts: 146 Downloads: 49 Uploads: 0	Do you have the stock game only? The graphics suck no matter how good your system is. Try using a supermod. They make the graphics almost real. I would suggest TMO 2.5 or RFB