.DDS vs .BMP ......... again

[AndyG43]

I've read so many different posts on this topic, in so many different forums, and I'm still confused! So, if I may, I'd like to pose a few questions to aid my befuddled brain.

As I understand it, when a model loads FSX will 'look' for .dds Textures first and, if it doesn't find them, 'select' .bmp Textures instead; so, presumably, this will build in an admittedly small delay in running. Is that correct? So if a FS2004 model is made "FSX Native", as opposed to simply ported, then logically .dds textures would be the optimum, yes? And if such a model is left with bitmaps, and I appreciate converting so many textures would be onerous, then could I convert them myself and would it even be worth the effort?

 

[Tako_Kichi]

I've read so many different posts on this topic, in so many different forums, and I'm still confused! So, if I may, I'd like to pose a few questions to aid my befuddled brain.

As I understand it, when a model loads FSX will 'look' for .dds Textures first and, if it doesn't find them, 'select' .bmp Textures instead; so, presumably, this will build in an admittedly small delay in running. Is that correct? So if a FS2004 model is made "FSX Native", as opposed to simply ported, then logically .dds textures would be the optimum, yes?

IIRC DDS files load faster in FSX and look 'sharper' and less fuzzy. DDS files on true FSX models can also be increased in size from the FS2004 1024 x 1024 default to 2048 x 2048 or even 4096 x 4096 if your rig is able to handle those sizes (most modern PCs have no issue). The larger files also vastly improve the detail resolution.

And if such a model is left with bitmaps, and I appreciate converting so many textures would be onerous, then could I convert them myself and would it even be worth the effort?

Converting BMP textures to DDS textures is actually very simple thanks to a tool made by Martin Wright (the guy who created the DXTBmp utility) called 'ConvimX' which will batch convert an entire folder of textures from one format to another in literally seconds. I made a post about the utility and even wrote a 'How to use' document for it as there were no instructions provided. The info and manual can be found here:

GAS Uploads for FSX work in FS9

First, a big thanks to the guys at Golden Age Simulations for sharing those great files. You've seen them on the downloads list, posted as FSX planes. Well, they are for FSX, but the Waco F package works in FS9 if you take the trouble to convert the textures, and I'll bet some of the others do...

sim-outhouse.org

 

[AndyG43]

Thanks, makes more sense. I'll check out ConvimX, sounds like the perfect tool; we need to campaign to get a statue of Martin on Trafalgar Square's fourth plinth, he has made our lives so much easier!!

 

[wolfebee89]

@AndyG43 in addition to what @Tako_Kichi already mentioned, I hope the following link will elucidate why exactly the delay or overhead is eliminated with DDS textures https://www.fsdeveloper.com/forum/threads/fsx-textures-dds-vs-bmp.4335/#post-29355

Moreover, the documentation from the ESP SDK at this link proves to be a great read: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/previous-versions/microsoft-esp/cc526975(v=msdn.10)