Atomic Systems

Given that Bill's FXAA shader replacement files are no longer available, I've knocked some up of my own.

Having taken the original apart, its obvious why FXAA results in such blurred results - the pixel size is hard coded for a screen resolution of 1024x768, so if you're running a higher resolution than that, the shader is using too large an area, thus resulting in blur. I've fixed this "feature" and created three new versions of the FXAA shader, one with the resolution correctly calculated, one with the resolution correctly calculated and the sharpness of the shader increased (approximately equivalent to Bill's version, though I don't think he had the resolution fix) and one with FXAA off altogether.

The results are as follows (click on the thumbnails for full resolution, obviously resampling the images obliterates the effect).

First up, the stock Train Simulator 2015 FXAA shader (all of these are set to FXAA+2x2SSAA at 1920x1080):

Click the image to zoom in

Next, with the resolution correctly calculated (the effect is subtle, but contrast and detail are better):

Click the image to zoom in

Third, with the resolution correction and increased sharpness (further increased detail):

Click the image to zoom in

And finally with FXAA disabled altogether (much more detail and contrast, but more jagged edges):

Click the image to zoom in


I'm running a few tests just to check these don't cause any trouble (the haven't thus far and there is no reason that they should) then I'll get them uploaded.

Paul

The silence is deafening! Everybody must be watching the tennis !

Anyway, I've just uploaded the package of replacement shaders, I hope they prove useful:

FXAA Eliminator [623425 bytes] - FXAA_Eliminator.zip File ID: 34510 Date: 13 Jul 2015 - 2020 Downloads

Enjoy!

Paul

Hi Paul ,

I'm about to download the file and give it a try.
Thank you so much, for taking the time to try to improve the shaders. I have been using Bill's ever since it came out, and consider these replacement shaders to be essential to my RW setup. I wouldn't enjoy the graphics of RW much without them.

The best regards Claus

Thanks for looking into this - great spot on the resolution calc!

Will download in due course and give them a try (even though I'm currently running Bill's mods).

Hi again Paul,

I have just tried the "None" version of your new shaders on the Maerdy Branch, and in terms of clarity, details and perceived depth (even if it's only in 2D), your "None" version is definitely an improvement, compaired to the one I was using before. The difference is very noticeable on my system.
Great work and thank you for sharing .

Some scenes with the "None" version applied to RW.

















Regards Claus

Thank you. Going to give them a whirl.

Recalculated gives enough improvement for me with just FXAA on. Many thanks - also explains why it seemed as though there was a block of antialiasing in the middle but not at the edges.

I've got the No FXAA version loaded and it looks good. I'm using DSR and SSAA 2x2 in game but still experimenting.

Spend more time fiddlin' with settings than playing scenarios...(Steam says I'm 1411 hours in! )

rededge wrote:I've got the No FXAA version loaded and it looks good. I'm using DSR and SSAA 2x2 in game but still experimenting.

Spend more time fiddlin' with settings than playing scenarios...(Steam says I'm 1411 hours in! )

Hi rededge ,

I'm fiddeling with the shaders too, and I must admit, that the No FXAA version is really cool, but, and I think there's a but to it. It's very hard and unforgiving, and definitely without any romantic feelings left.

Regards Claus

True, but I'm seeing distant traffic and detail with new clarity!
I'm running a GTX970 though, and still pushing to see what I can get away with FPS wise. I think this NONE-FXAA is a keeper, I do like it.

Paul! Thanks for sharing.


EDIT-
Claus, I know you love your screenies and (apologies, slightly off topic, but very much to do with shaders and graphical improvement) I would like to draw your attention to this thread, you may find it interesting:

http://steamcommunity.com/app/24010/dis ... 855122634/

Cheers Darrin

Paul, Thanks very much, it works a treat. Using the none version.

Rob

You're all very welcome, I'm glad you like it. For reference, I'm running a GTX980M 8GB at 1920x1080 and consistently get 30+ fps on most routes with all settings maxed out (most of my testing has been on WCML Trent Valley). Newcastle to Edinburgh stutters a little for me, but I've always found it jumpy. Theoretically, performance with the None version should be (very) slightly better than the stock shader as it literally does nothing.

Paul

Hi Paul,

Firstly, Thanks a bunch for sharing your efforts with us, very much appreciated.

I have tried the 'Reduced' file and it has improved my set-up by 200% . My imagination or what I seem to be getting far less stutter when running Steam Loco's with Steam Sounds Supreme sounds installed and the Smoke particles effects are looking far smoother.

I intend to try the other settings when I have more time, but very impressed so far.

I tried the "None" setting and I've got to say how much visually everything improved. I have noticed though that the overall picture seems a lot darker than before - even the thumbnails in the loco selection panels seem darker. I've pushed the brightness slider in the sim right up to max. Has anyone else had this issue?

Ken
PS - thanks so much for this file - even with it being darker I'm prepared to use it instead of the vanilla flavour!

sundog wrote:I tried the "None" setting and I've got to say how much visually everything improved. I have noticed though that the overall picture seems a lot darker than before - even the thumbnails in the loco selection panels seem darker. I've pushed the brightness slider in the sim right up to max. Has anyone else had this issue?

Ken
PS - thanks so much for this file - even with it being darker I'm prepared to use it instead of the vanilla flavour!

Hi Ken , long time no see.

I haven't noticed any difference in the overall brightness of RW. Just tried with another shader after reading this, and it made no difference.
Have you tried going back to the one you used before ?.

Best regards Claus