How much do Ace files impact performance?

[NiallGray]

The reason is I've been experimenting with some route building (to get some practice) and I noticed a lot of ace files for old scenery objects were quite big in size (mostly items made around 2004 and before).
So for an experiment I put them through Tgatool, re-exported the ace files and have been amazed by the smaller size of the files afterwards*. I've knocked about 10MB off the size of the route folder already by doing this and in the game I can't see any difference in the quality of the textures.

So apart from space-saving, I was wondering if the smaller ace files will have any positive impact on game-play such as loading or frame rates (because if so, I'm going re-do every ace file!).

Regards,

Niall

* I'm assuming that at some point the software that made the ace files was changed as when I re-export modern ace files, there's no difference in size of the files.

[WSR2005]

* I'm assuming that at some point the software that made the ace files was changed as when I re-export modern ace files, there's no difference in size of the files.

I think you may have 'compress ace files' selected, as it sounds like you are compressing the textures. Personally, I haven't seen any adverse effects on gameplay in the sim and since it reduces the size of the route folder, seems like a pretty good idea to me

If this is what is occuring, you can use Route_Riter to compress the files en masse - it's under the 'graphics' tab.

Tim

[decapod]

Compressing does nothing to the performance except maybe loading times are quicker.
Changing the ACE format to DXT1 would have a greater impact - I think RouteRiter had an option to do this.

There is also my SaveTex utility (http://www31.brinkster.com/decapod/ under Train Sim Programs on the left menu) that will scan all routes and compress any uncomressed textures - saves loads of disk space.

[WSR2005]

Compressing does nothing to the performance except maybe loading times are quicker.
Changing the ACE format to DXT1 would have a greater impact - I think RouteRiter had an option to do this.

There is also my SaveTex utility (http://www31.brinkster.com/decapod/ under Train Sim Programs on the left menu) that will scan all routes and compress any uncomressed textures - saves loads of disk space.

That's a nice little utility there, never knew about it - another thing to thank you for Paul .

Don't suppose there's a thread around describing what exactly DXT1 is? Heard it banded about and use it without necessarily understanding it.

Tim

[jbilton]

Hi Tim
I believe its a 'stronger' method of compression, which is native to MSTS.
Having said that I've found its use can loose quality, and have strange effects on some alphas.
So personally I don't use it on stock.
Cheers
Jon

[decapod]

It is a "standard" graphics compression format (from Microsoft?) that is directly supported by most video hardware, directX and opengl.
It uses far less memory and generally runs faster. It is used for Solid or textures with transparency only.

You may also hear of DXT3 and DXT5 - these support translucency (semi transparent)

The DXT name is changing to BC for directx11 so they will become BC1, BC3 and BC5. The new BC6 and BC7 will also become important in the future.

Type "DXT format" into google if you want technical details, but I wouldn't recommend it

[NiallGray]

* I'm assuming that at some point the software that made the ace files was changed as when I re-export modern ace files, there's no difference in size of the files.

I think you may have 'compress ace files' selected, as it sounds like you are compressing the textures. Personally, I haven't seen any adverse effects on gameplay in the sim and since it reduces the size of the route folder, seems like a pretty good idea to me

If this is what is occuring, you can use Route_Riter to compress the files en masse - it's under the 'graphics' tab.

Tim

I've decided I'll do them one by one as I've been learning by trial and error. For instance, buildings no difference, but the track textures? Eek! At least however, the folder size will come down which is a good thing. Anything to save space on my drive!

[systema]

Beware of DXT- your route may not look quite the same after you have used it. Normal compression works fine though.

Mick Clarke

[nigeldarl5]

hi all where can i get the DXT1 codec from?

[jbilton]

hi all where can i get the DXT1 codec from?

Hi Nigel
Look at the options on the right hand side of TGATools

Cheers
Jon

[mikesimpson]

As Paul says, Route_Riter has options on the Graphics Tab to:-

1. Compess all ACE files in selected folder (this is the ZIP type compression which Paul uses in his utility)
2. Convert selected ACE files to DXT1 format.

I have never had problems converting scenery to DXT1 format, although rolling stock may not look so good. No matter what you do, MSTS scenery is never going to look any good. If you are really interested in the looks of the route rather than the operation, then buy Rail Simulator.

Mike

[systema]

No matter what you do, MSTS scenery is never going to look any good. If you are really interested in the looks of the route rather than the operation, then buy Rail Simulator.

I guess beauty is in the eye of the beholder.......


37099 at KX Loco Sidings - MEP

Not bad I reckon for eight year old software.

Mick Clarke

[mikesimpson]

Hi Mick,

As you say, not bad for 8 year old software, which was more than acceptable 8 years ago

Try:-

[systema]

As you say, not bad for 8 year old software, which was more than acceptable 8 years ago

MSTS still does the bizz Mike, especially with the help of the BIN Patch. The Railsim graphics looks a lot more detailed but at least I can run AI Traffic to a timetable and the signaling is reliable ie it actually controls trains, but hey, I don't want to get into another wrangle over MSTS v Railsim. Each has its place.

Mick Clarke

[sundaypm]

hi all where can i get the DXT1 codec from?

Hi Nigel
Look at the options on the right hand side of TGATools

Cheers
Jon

There is a good description of the ace file formats including DXT1 in the "Aceit" drop down help. The Aceit utility is used by TGATools2.