ORBX Global Released [Payware]

[Kiwikat]

She's finally out!

http://www.flightsimstore.com/product_info.php?products_id=2542


EDIT: Flightsimstore is a tad overwhelmed right now. Might want to wait a bit before putting in your CC info.

[ryanbatc]

No space on my SSD...

I wish they had super regions like USA etc... The only place I fly.

[Kiwikat]

Well Global's region is the whole world. I reinstalled my FSX a week or so ago in preparation for this. Using UTX + REX + FS Genesis mesh, plus a handful of payware planes that I fly the most. FSX is lean and mean again! :jump:

[mmann]

No space on my SSD... I wish they had super regions like USA etc... The only place I fly. That is one great thing I love about GEX, you can buy just North America.

[ryanbatc]

I have GEX. I would be semi interested in this product but I don't fly in the rest of the world.

[CG_1976]

That is one great thing I love about GEX, you can buy just North America.

I do agree. I would be willing to buy, but I am a America's person and sphere N, C, S America and Caribbean. I have my Orbyx Down-under, no good Siberian Regions err. At least I have the Canadian Arctic playground and stumping ground. Keeps me virtual Cool on those RW San Antonio TX broiler burning days like today. Eh Dallas Region stop hogging the cool and rain lol.

[MCDesigns]

Eh Dallas Region stop hogging the cool and rain lol.

COOL?! you must be mistaken, still in the 90s here, LOL.

For those with FTXGlobal, enjoy! No interest here at all (well maybe in the new autogen). One of the great things about scenery design, I don't like the textures, I can change the landclass in a couple of clicks, LOL.

[Whitehawk]

Sweeet! Off to go wait for the queue to let me download ha ha, this is gonna revolutionise FSX :jump:

[Roger]

Sweeet! Off to go wait for the queue to let me download ha ha, this is gonna revolutionise FSX :jump:

I quite agree. I've been following the the various threads at ORBX and it looks magnificent! However I am probably going to hold off until I get my new pc when it would be good to add it to a brand new install.
I'm interested if any Dx10ers buy and find any anomolies.

[spotlope]

I tend to fly in North America because the texture & vector data is so much better (especially with UTX). Now that my FTX Global download is almost complete, I'm thinking of doing some globe-trotting.

[Kiwikat]

this is gonna revolutionise FSX :jump:

It really does.

I hope to check out more areas later today (assuming this system upgrade at work goes well). Last night I flew around my part of Wisconsin and around Chicago and was totally impressed. Chicago looked a lot more urban than it did with default or GEX textures. The autogen placement is just so much better. The colors are also more exciting. Rural Wisconsin (basically all of it) is a lot more convincing now. Farms look better and smaller towns are much more defined.

The night lighting and night textures are the most impressive part. It has no impact on FPS on my system (getting kind of old now), unlike UTX lights. It looks absolutely phenomenal. I'll try to get some screenies up later.

It isn't perfect, but I feel it is a tier above GEX and a few tiers above default FSX. I look forward to seeing what they do with it over the next year or so.

[PRB]

Just looked at the sceenies. Holy crap, I'm gettin this... :icon_eek:

[DaveKDEN]

Comparison screenshots of stock FSX to FTX Global would be nice. :kilroy:

[Kiwikat]

Comparison screenshots of stock FSX to FTX Global would be nice. :kilroy:

There are some on the Orbx and Avsim forums.

[heywooood]

I think what he means is - someone with a PC spec definition in their signature posting screenshots with maybe the FPS meter on - not necessarily before and after pics, but just a more personal and relate-able sense of how it looks and performs as well as what it does. I can then go to the same areas on my FSX and see the difference for myself - maybe make a better determination as to whether or not to buy.

developer screenshots are not always going to show things the developer does'nt want them to show

[Montie]

I will be waiting to see some more screenshots before spending $ 90 on this, some good shots from New England and Cape Cod might win me over.

[DaveKDEN]

I think what he means is - someone with a PC spec definition in their signature posting screenshots with maybe the FPS meter on - not necessarily before and after pics, but just a more personal and relate-able sense of how it looks and performs as well as what it does. I can then go to the same areas on my FSX and see the difference for myself - maybe make a better determination as to whether or not to buy.

developer screenshots are not always going to show things the developer does'nt want them to show

Pretty much nailed it. However, I wouldn't be averse to some direct comparisons.

[rewasiuk]

FTX Global is now available at The Flightsim Store for $94 Canadian funds. Download size is 4.18 gbs. Price is a little heavy for me, but checking out the screenshots, it sure is tempting.

[Roger]

There are Dx10 issues being reported on their site particularly with lights so maybe by the time I get my new pc there may be a fix.

[ryanbatc]

Can someone show me the KDLH area... inland near the airport and out over the river and harbor areas?

And KGFK the town to the east of the airport and area to the south.

Thanks

[MarkH]

developer screenshots are not always going to show things the developer does'nt want them to show

There is a user screenshot forum which already has lots of FTX Global traffic. (This is in addition to the devloper and beta-tester 'preview' forum.)

[Daveroo]

if and i mean a huge IF..i had the 91 usd to buy this..id do it because this would make me fly other parts of the world im curious about..like russia..south america..other places..

[Naismith]

FTX Global is now available at The Flightsim Store for $94 Canadian funds. Download size is 4.18 gbs. Price is a little heavy for me, but checking out the screenshots, it sure is tempting.

Typical! I only have $93.50 spare. :icon_lol:

[Dain Arns]

I can finally fly directly east from Billings, Montana and not see a definable border, like I was crossing into someone else's yard.

I have Orbx CRM, and that was one of my biggest pet peaves was the hard transition between CRM and GEX.
Well, with any Orbx and GEX border.
With FTX Global's "Hybrid mode" it's pretty much gone.
I could see a slight transition, but I really, REALLY, had to look hard.
Plus, the Orbx NA scenery seems to be entirely intact.

I'm looking forward to cross-country flights now. I really am.

GEX made some changes to the look of their product a few years ago I was never entirely happy with.
It made my local area I live look rather poorly, IMHO.
FTX Global makes it look right, now.
The fields are the color they should be this time of year.
GEX was always this odd patchwork of yellowish green colored fields.

The Black Hills of South Dakota LOOK like the the Black Hills of South Dakota, finally.

I traveled around the globe a bit before I had to hit the bed.
Africa looks stunning, especially Kenya. I use the SceneryTech landclass for that area.
The Himalayas around Lukla look the best I have seen, I really couldn't see a transition between Aerosoft's Lukla scenery and Global.

Those of you that know me, know I'm not a big fan of Orbx after the way they have treated myself and other members of this forum.
I am always reluctant to spend anymore money on their products, especially $100 bucks on this one.
But I was also tired of not wanting to fly locally because it just didn't look right with GEX.
I tired MegaScenery 2.0 and was very disappointed in that as well.

I really am actually looking forward to exploring my state once again.
I have no regrets buying FTX Global.
And I have to admit, after looking at the OpenLC (Open Landclass) demo area in Croatia, that Orbx will be producing down the road, I'll probably be picking that up for specific area's as well.
It definitely looks like a better defined Landclass product than UTX.
I guess sometimes new can be better.

:cowboy:

[TheGrunt]

I can finally fly directly east from Billings, Montana and not see a definable border, like I was crossing into someone else's yard.
It definitely looks like a better defined Landclass product than UTX.

UTX is of course a lot more than just landclass: lot's of vector data, like roads, objects and night lighting. Landclass just gives you texture/autogen placement information.

[Paul Anderson]

Any rough idea on how long it takes to download?
I see there is a download with dvd delivery option, might be worth it to get a backup copy in case something happens to hard drive or download process.

[YoYo]

Amazing new textures !

http://img41.imageshack.us/img41/9682/8y0g.jpg


http://img22.imageshack.us/img22/5347/5au7.th.jpg (http://img22.imageshack.us/i/5au7.jpg/) http://img854.imageshack.us/img854/8817/bqp9.th.jpg (http://img854.imageshack.us/i/bqp9.jpg/)

[spotlope]

Any rough idea on how long it takes to download?
I see there is a download with dvd delivery option, might be worth it to get a backup copy in case something happens to hard drive or download process.

Paul, that's sort of like asking how long it takes to eat dinner. It sort of depends on you - or rather, your internet connection in this case. I've got a decent 60Mb/s cable connection, and I downloaded all 4GB+ in about 20 minutes. Your mileage most certainly will vary. :icon_lol:

[Dain Arns]

http://www.sim-outhouse.com/sohforums/images/misc/quote_icon.png Originally Posted by Dain Arns http://www.sim-outhouse.com/sohforums/images/buttons/viewpost-right.png (http://www.sim-outhouse.com/sohforums/showthread.php?p=823354#post823354)

I can finally fly directly east from Billings, Montana and not see a definable border, like I was crossing into someone else's yard.
It definitely looks like a better defined Landclass product than UTX.


UTX is of course a lot more than just landclass: lot's of vector data, like roads, objects and night lighting. Landclass just gives you texture/autogen placement information.

If you are going to quote me, use the full sentence.
Don't cut and paste things to make up something I did not state in an attempt make me sound like I don't know what I was talking about, sport.

I am quite aware of what UTX does, I WAS referring to the landclass portion of it and making a comparison to Orbx upcoming OpenLC addons they have been talking about.
Got it? :mad:

[10lrrp]

How does global work with megascenery ?

[Sundog]

Any rough idea on how long it takes to download?
I see there is a download with dvd delivery option, might be worth it to get a backup copy in case something happens to hard drive or download process.

I'm on Comcast and using the Flashget download manager it took me about 2 hours to download. As usual, YMMV.

[PRB]

Took me about 2 hrs to download, with DSL. Installing now...

[Firekitten]

It won't work with megascenery... megascenery is textures... global is textures...

[CG_1976]

Well my wife just bought it for me as a early B-Day Pressie. installed and now flying around Cuba and it is just as Cuba should be as I remember. Will have to try out my Canuk Stomping grounds in NWT and Nunavut and US stomping grounds around Green Bay and NE WI and Yupper land. Now as a penalty for getting my pressie early IO the wife a new Kitchen remodeling err.

[Sascha66]

It certainly looks very good! Can those of you guys who already bought it post a screenie of your favorite spots? That would be much appreciated!

Sascha

[Paul Anderson]

Thanks for the downloading time replies.
One other question.
Is it recommended to remove any landclass items (eg. SceneryTech and others)?

[Kiwikat]

One other question.
Is it recommended to remove any landclass items (eg. SceneryTech and others)?

For now it is recommended to keep landclass addons as Global doesn't have much coverage right now. I am using UTX.

[Reddog]

Well I bought it and so far have downloaded 3 times and upon trying to unzip it get the same message:
The Compressed(zipped)Folder is invalid or corruped.
sent and email to the FltSimStore so hope the will straighten it out.:isadizzy:

[Bomber_12th]

Reddog, if you'd like, download WinRAR and use that to unzip it (you don't have to pay anything for it). I've noticed with the really large .zip files, such as from ORBX, the regular windows unzipper won't work for me and it will throw up that same message - where as WinRAR has no troubles, with the exact same .zip file.

[CG_1976]

CFS Alert -- Much much better then default and work with the custom CFS Alert scenery.

[Reddog]

Reddog, if you'd like, download WinRAR and use that to unzip it (you don't have to pay anything for it). I've noticed with the really large .zip files, such as from ORBX, the regular windows unzipper won't work for me and it will throw up that same message - where as WinRAR has no troubles, with the exact same .zip file.

thank you very much, worked as u said it would:jump:

[Javis]

Can someone show me the KDLH area... inland near the airport and out over the river and harbor areas ? And KGFK the town to the east of the airport and area to the south. Thanks

Leaving KGFK to the south:

http://sectionf8.com/f86files/kgfk5.jpg

http://sectionf8.com/f86files/kgfk6.jpg

http://sectionf8.com/f86files/kgfk7.jpg

Grand Forks

http://sectionf8.com/f86files/kgfk8.jpg


Duluth :

http://sectionf8.com/f86files/dull1.jpg

http://sectionf8.com/f86files/dull2.jpg

http://sectionf8.com/f86files/dull3.jpg

http://sectionf8.com/f86files/dull4.jpg


All sliders at max (no road traffic). Rex weather (the theme i mean). DX10. (i see no problems so far, Roger) Average fps 50/60. Sliders at max not advisable over big cities Like NY, SF, London, Paris, etc. Atleast not with my medium system. ( i7 980x @ 3.33 Ghz, GF GTX480, 12GB ram. W7pro64)

Best thing since FSX sliced bread if you ask me.

cheers,
jan

[Roger]

Wow...great looking textures. If you have add-on converter x maybe it's converting textures on the fly?

[Roger]

A temporary fix for Dx10 is: go to (FSX Directory)/Scenery/Global/scenery/ and rename file 3D_Light_NEW_DDN_1_5.BGL to 3D_Light_NEW_DDN_1_5.BGL.bak
I post this verbatim from ORBX forums.

After seeing all the screenshots I had to buy:cool:

They reccomend a download manager so after some Googling I found a freeware program from Orbit: http://www.techsupportalert.com/best-free-download-manager.htm#Orbit

[kilo delta]

Just jumped on the bandwagon and bought this...but it'll be tonight or tomorrow before I get a chance to install it. :(

In the meantime can anyone who has it installed post some pics from Ireland,please?:)

I'm using the Irish VFR photo sceneries at present and am curious how Global looks in the region.

[Pepere]

Looks tempting for sure. Are "all" airports (small single runways) more realistic in ORBX and are without the default "40,000" acres around them.

It is a bit expensive - I'm replacing my HDD for a SSD this month so ORBX will have to wait till next month.....

Thanks

David

[TeaSea]

Same here Pepere....a bit pricy.

I will make the investment, but need to finish the build first.

Also, I still need to catch up with their other products....I'm falling behind!!! Help!!:icon_lol:

[Sascha66]

I am curious to see how this works in Asia, could anyone please post some screenshots of favorite long-haul destinations like Bangkok, Bombay, Goa, Singapore or Hong Kong?:jump:

Cheers,
Sascha

[YoYo]

Greece now.

http://img22.imageshack.us/img22/8589/mc41.jpg

[Javis]

Wow...great looking textures. If you have add-on converter x maybe it's converting textures on the fly?

Not sure what you mean, Roger... ?

I suppose the DX-10 fix is for nightflying only ? I haven't seen any DX-10 anomalies during the day... (haven't done any nightflying yet).


Here are some more screenies :

Paris:

http://sectionf8.com/f86files/p1.jpg

http://sectionf8.com/f86files/p2.jpg

London:

http://sectionf8.com/f86files/l1.jpg

http://sectionf8.com/f86files/l2.jpg

http://sectionf8.com/f86files/l3.jpg

Tokyo Narita:

http://sectionf8.com/f86files/narita.jpg

Italy, Bolzano:

http://sectionf8.com/f86files/bolzano.jpg

Aspen Pitkin:

http://sectionf8.com/f86files/aspen.jpg


San Diego:

http://sectionf8.com/f86files/sandiego.jpg

http://sectionf8.com/f86files/sandiego2.jpg


Guess this city and you'll aquire the utmost respect from yur fellow simmers ( and from Orbx too i suppose :cool: ) :

http://sectionf8.com/f86files/huh.jpg


If u like more to follow.

cheers,
jan

[vonstroheim]

I'd love to check (before buying) how FTXG improves the photoreal experience (at the border of a photoreal area and the default scenery). I'm using a lot NL2000 and BlueSky sceneries. Can someone post 2 examples like these? Please try not to cheat with fancy lighting or weather, and please no GEX, UTX, etc... I don't have any of these. In these 2 screenshots I was flying at 10.000ft, zoom is 50%, weather all clear, season is Springtime, time is 12:00 PM.

First NL2000, the border between Netherlands (NL2000) and Germany (default FSX) at the vertical of EDLV Niederrhein (with the freeware UKMIL Typhoon v1.3) :

http://img4.hostingpics.net/pics/698538EDLVNiederrhein.jpg

Now Blue Sky Scenery. Here is KENV Wendover at the border of Nevada and Utah, same setting, but at 20.000 ft. (with Sim Skunk Works F104-G v1.4).

http://img4.hostingpics.net/pics/770607KENVWendoverF104.jpg

I know I should post at Avsim or Orbx, but I feel more at home here... Thanks!

[YoYo]

It isnt a poblem of FTX Global but developers of phototextures. Better to do soft transitions (transparents effects) between default textures and photoreal. Its lazy work.

[vonstroheim]

It isnt a poblem of FTX Global but developers of phototextures. Better to do soft transitions (transparents effects) between default textures and photoreal. Its lazy work.

Sure but NL2000 should work well with FTXG (it's already noo too bad with default FSX), and Blue Sky Scenery is yet to offer the whole of Nevada, they don't need transitions. And dry area are known to be challenging...

But since we can't have photoreal sceneries for the every part of the world, FTXG should be an improvement when flying in-between... At least I really hope so.

[Pepere]

If anyone is flying around Vermont, USA.. In ORBX - - - I sure would like to see a Burlington airport and surrounding area air photos.

David

[PRB]

I'm getting serious stutters with this installed. This is a new computer, and I haven't yet applied any "anti-stutter" tweaks of any kind yet. Haven't had too, as I've been getting great frame rates with most all sliders maxed out. Will have to dig through the "tweaks and guides" threads now...

[PRB]

Flew around Burlington VT and shot a few Kodaks: Didn't get stutters this time. Hmm. Maybe the plane.

[Kiwikat]

I'm getting serious stutters with this installed. This is a new computer, and I haven't yet applied any "anti-stutter" tweaks of any kind yet. Haven't had too, as I've been getting great frame rates with most all sliders maxed out. Will have to dig through the "tweaks and guides" threads now...

That is odd, even with the night lighting enabled I see zero FPS impact. It may even be better than default, not sure as I am locked at 30 FPS. The only tweaks I did was to run my vanilla FSX.cfg through Jesus Altuve's site (http://www.venetubo.com/fsx.html).

[Kiwikat]

I suppose the DX-10 fix is for nightflying only ? I haven't seen any DX-10 anomalies during the day... (haven't done any nightflying yet).


Here are some more screenies :


Those are phenomenal shots! :applause:

[PRB]

That is odd, even with the night lighting enabled I see zero FPS impact. It may even be better than default, not sure as I am locked at 30 FPS. The only tweaks I did was to run my vanilla FSX.cfg through Jesus Altuve's site (http://www.venetubo.com/fsx.html).

Rgr, it now appears to related to a couple of planes. The VS SBD Dauntless is the worst offender for some reason. The Just Flight Hurricane was what I was flying when I made the above complaint, but I was first flying it without FTX Global turned on. Upon activating it through the "FTX Central" application, got stutters. But some planes, like the A2A Spitfire, no stutters. Will still go over the various tweaks (ty for the link)

[Dimus]

Greece now.



Thanks for showing Greece Yo Yo!

I always thought that ORBX textures are much on the green side. Such colours would not look right in southern Europe which is a bit more "brown" let's say in many areas. That picture kinda proves that. It would of course also depend on the season and your picture would be OK for springtime in some places. It would also depend a lot on the landclass used.

If any kind soul uses UTX Europe, I would appreciate a few shots of mainland Greece and some islands. I would not want to throw away my GEX setup with which I am quite happy for my area atm.

[Dimus]

Guess this city and you'll aquire the utmost respect from yur fellow simmers ( and from Orbx too i suppose :cool: ) :

http://sectionf8.com/f86files/huh.jpg




I can not guess the city but I do see a much worrying issue there. A lot of flat roofs showing gables on the bottom right! That was a well known problem caused by ORBX in the past outside their covered areas, because their software altered the RoofDescriptions.xml file. Normally the FTX central would restore that file after going back to default FSX. I wonder if FTX global alters it permanently. I'll take a peak at the ORBX forums to see if there are any reports on this issue.

[10lrrp]

is there a read me with installation instructions ?

[Roger]

is there a read me with installation instructions ?

Yes here: http://www.orbxsystems.com/forum/topic/61846-ftx-global-user-guide-pdf/

[10lrrp]

thanks missed it.

[Matt Wynn]

Thanks for showing Greece Yo Yo!

If any kind soul uses UTX Europe, I would appreciate a few shots of mainland Greece and some islands. I would not want to throw away my GEX setup with which I am quite happy for my area atm.

My sentiments also, would love to see what it does to places like Kalymnos, Nisyros, Kos (Salt lake on North side of the island near to Tigaki is a known local VFR landmark), Rhodes, Chios etc... the Aegean and Dodecanese island chains, it's a sticking point for me also (is it just us Greeks are really picky with 'Home' Dimus? :icon_lol:)

looks great though, would love to see some more shots before i spend that kind of money...

[Pepere]

Flew around Burlington VT and shot a few Kodaks: Didn't get stutters this time. Hmm. Maybe the plane.



thanks for the picture of my main home base.

David

[Dave22]

I can not guess the city but I do see a much worrying issue there. A lot of flat roofs showing gables on the bottom right! That was a well known problem caused by ORBX in the past outside their covered areas, because their software altered the RoofDescriptions.xml file. Normally the FTX central would restore that file after going back to default FSX. I wonder if FTX global alters it permanently. I'll take a peak at the ORBX forums to see if there are any reports on this issue.


I'd like to see some sort of solution for that as well, it's looks terrible.

Perhaps also some screen shots with reduced auto-gen down to middle settings, for comparison.

[Javis]

I can not guess the city but I do see a much worrying issue there. A lot of flat roofs showing gables on the bottom right!

Ok! So that's what they are ! I was wondering about these things, there are LOTS of em on flat roofs, all around the world. Glad to hear though that it is a fault and that something may be done about it. Actually i hope it's the same thing with very funny 'swimming pool blue' flat roof tops all around Tokyo.... That can't be as it's supposed to be neither...


I'll see if i can head on over to Greece today, see how Mykonos and Skiathos are doing.. :)

cheers,
jan

[Javis]

Those are phenomenal shots! :applause:

Thanks, kat. FTXGlobal IS phenomenal so it's not that difficult.. :)

cheers,
jan

[MCDesigns]

Sure but NL2000 should work well with FTXG (it's already noo too bad with default FSX), and Blue Sky Scenery is yet to offer the whole of Nevada, they don't need transitions. And dry area are known to be challenging...

But since we can't have photoreal sceneries for the every part of the world, FTXG should be an improvement when flying in-between... At least I really hope so.

Nope, FTXG will look a bit darker then default, so it still might not match. The only way for photoscenery to match the non photoscenery textues is for the photoscenery developer to color match their photoscenery tiles to match whatever textures they are using and with FTXG being darker than the default, it means more issues for photoscenery developers if they don't have FTXG or whatever texture set the user is using other than what the developer is using.

As for the sharp edges in your images, that is up to the photoscenery developer to crates a blended edge so that it is not that sharp, which is a bit of work.

[Naismith]

I have yet to commit, though from the pics I have seen of FTX Central, there is no "default" fsx setting only a choice between FTX Global and the three FTX areas. I wonder what happens to the scenery.cfg especially if you want to add new non FTX scenery. Does the scenery layering get automatically sorted out? I've spent so long get FSX running sweetly I don't want to commit to this and find it all gets messed up.

[anthony31]

Leaving KGFK to the south:



http://sectionf8.com/f86files/dull2.jpg



Looks like a couple of issues with some of textures in this shot. You can see on the bottom left a zone with a yellow tint and just below the aircraft is another spot. Looks like the night texture is being blended with the daytime texture. Was the time around dawn/dusk? and thus FSX being a bit slow swapping textures or could it be always like this in which cause ORBX may have let a mistake through with the base textures. Maybe worth reporting to ORBX if the problem is constant so they can hunt it down and fix it up in a patch.

[Javis]

Looks like a couple of issues with some of textures in this shot. You can see on the bottom left a zone with a yellow tint and just below the aircraft is another spot. Looks like the night texture is being blended with the daytime texture. Was the time around dawn/dusk? and thus FSX being a bit slow swapping textures or could it be always like this in which cause ORBX may have let a mistake through with the base textures. Maybe worth reporting to ORBX if the problem is constant so they can hunt it down and fix it up in a patch.

I noticed that too. Could've been close to dusk, yes. Currently FTX Daytime is activated. I'll check it out.

cheers,
jan

[Javis]

Leaving Kos:

http://sectionf8.com/f86files/kos1.jpg


Afraid it looks like the Salt Lake has dried up... together with Tigaki.... ( or my navigation sucks... :) )

http://sectionf8.com/f86files/kos3.jpg

Rodos:

http://sectionf8.com/f86files/rodos.jpg


Athens:

http://sectionf8.com/f86files/athens1.jpg

http://sectionf8.com/f86files/athens2.jpg


Singapore:

http://sectionf8.com/f86files/spore1.jpg

http://sectionf8.com/f86files/spore3.jpg

http://sectionf8.com/f86files/spore4.jpg

http://sectionf8.com/f86files/spore2.jpg


Bangkok:

http://sectionf8.com/f86files/bkok1.jpg

http://sectionf8.com/f86files/bkok2.jpg


cheers,
jan

[Dumonceau]

Came across something really weird in the neighborhood of Luzerne in Switzerland. A nice formation of... houses!!

91056

[Matt Wynn]

thanks Jan! can't be that hard to put a salt lake back in, the land for Kos is actually pretty Barren like that so that's not too bad, same with Rhodes. again many many thanks :salute:

[griphos]

This is a texture replacement set. That's all. So you can't expect any specific POI or landmarks that aren't already there in default FSX. That's what the FTX regions often offer. But I doubt we'll be seeing a Greece region anytime soon. Sorry Dimus.

Personally, I'll just stick to the regions. There isn't one for my part of the US (and not likely to be one soon), but there's plenty of nice scenery to fly over in the ones I have.

[Dimus]

Came across something really weird in the neighborhood of Luzerne in Switzerland. A nice formation of... houses!!

91056

That is a typical memory issue. Either you have autogen at high level for your setup or the plane you're flying is too memory heavy. If neither of these is true and you didn't use to have that then FTXG is more demanding than default FSX autogen, which is the case with some FTX areas but I would not expect it from FTXG, which is just texture/autogen replacement.

[Dimus]

This is a texture replacement set. That's all. So you can't expect any specific POI or landmarks that aren't already there in default FSX. That's what the FTX regions often offer. But I doubt we'll be seeing a Greece region anytime soon. Sorry Dimus.


I did not expect landmarks or specific scenery Griphos. Just to see what the colours are like as general feeling. I do see a greener tint than I would like for Greece so for the moment I'll stick to the UTX/GEX combination. I do like the cities better than GEX. The autogen is more believable, especially for Athens.

PS. Javis, thank you for the screenshots.

[Dumonceau]

That is a typical memory issue. Either you have autogen at high level for your setup or the plane you're flying is too memory heavy. If neither of these is true and you didn't use to have that then FTXG is more demanding than default FSX autogen, which is the case with some FTX areas but I would not expect it from FTXG, which is just texture/autogen replacement.

Both I imagine! autogen is a a very high level and as you can see by the shot, the plane is the Aerosoft F-16 which, if employed fully, is quite heavy. Even for my rig. (not wanting to brag or anything)

My specs:

i7 2700k @ 5.2 ghz (with extra cooling of course)
2 x GTX560ti in SLI
256 Gb OZX SSD for OS and FSX
16 Gb of 1600 Mhz ram
1TB WD caviar gold HDD with the pagefile
MSI P67A-GD65 MoBo
1000 Watts PSU
Antec 100 case

I thought that this rig would pull FSX at high settings off, but apparently not even this rig is sufficient for it... If you compare it to the original specs specified by M$, that is a sick joke.

BTW, my FSX install is fairly lean, considering the addons: 99 Gb's...

I'm eagerly awaiting the v2.0 of P3D, after the release of which, I will gladly kiss FSX goodbye!

But thanks for the explanation! Very nice of you! :salute:

Dumonceau

[griphos]

I did not expect landmarks or specific scenery Griphos. Just to see what the colours are like as general feeling. I do see a greener tint than I would like for Greece so for the moment I'll stick to the UTX/GEX combination. I do like the cities better than GEX. The autogen is more believable, especially for Athens.

PS. Javis, thank you for the screenshots.

Hey Dimus. I didn't think you were expecting those things. The first part of this post was in conversation with the other posters who were wanting the dry salt lake, etc. Only the bit about fearing there won't be a FTX Greece anytime soon was the bit I was addressing to you with an apology. I know you've long wanted better scenery for your homeland.

[dandog]

I think I understand where FTX Global fits into the whole FS scene. If you want to upgrade your FSX textures and autogen, then this is the way to go. If your FSX set-up is going to be photo real based, then stick with GEX (their textures are derived from photo real material). You can use the UTX and Scenery Tech products with either FTX or GEX. The competition between the two is whether you are going to go texture/autogen or photo real. In that sense, they are two very different products. That would be my two cents, but the US dollar is taking a beating, so its a little less.

Daniel

[spotlope]

I think I understand where FTX Global fits into the whole FS scene. If you want to upgrade your FSX textures and autogen, then this is the way to go. If your FSX set-up is going to be photo real based, then stick with GEX (their textures are derived from photo real material). You can use the UTX and Scenery Tech products with either FTX or GEX. The competition between the two is whether you are going to go texture/autogen or photo real. In that sense, they are two very different products. That would be my two cents, but the US dollar is taking a beating, so its a little less.

Daniel

I think the FTX Global textures are sourced from photos as well. And ultimately, both are synthetic textures compared to phototerrain. The choice is more about which rendition you like.

[Paul Anderson]

Probably not the place to ask, but have had Flightsim store chat window open for over an hour without response.
Realize most are probably sleeping there now in Australia, anyone know if they have 24 hour chat coverage?
I ordered FTX Global, didn't remember until after that I had let my Paypal account lapse, reordered with my Visa card number.
Both show pending status.
I doubt Paypal would reactivate my account without contacting first, but I opened the chat window at Flightsim store to ask the Paypal order to be cancelled and process the Visa order.
Called my bank to see if 'bank transfer method' would be automatic, the gal didn't know.
Been a couple hours now, am I just impatient?
I have made a couple purchases there previously and had no difficulties.

[Roger]

Paul, I'm sure they will be helpful if you post over at FTX forums.

[Javis]

You're welcome, Matt, Dimus.

These for my Flying Dutchmen colleagues:

Alkmaar, Alkmaardermeer in the distance:

http://sectionf8.com/f86files/alkmaar.jpg


Kop van Noord-Holland:

http://sectionf8.com/f86files/nh.jpg


Groningen, just past Eelde, Paterswoldsemeer:

http://sectionf8.com/f86files/eelde.jpg


Crossing de Maas:

http://sectionf8.com/f86files/maas.jpg


Passing Roermond:

http://sectionf8.com/f86files/rmond.jpg


Ansterdamse Bos, Schiphol-Oost:

http://sectionf8.com/f86files/eham.jpg


Groeten,
Jan

[robcap]

Lijkt nog een beetje te kloppen óók, hè Jan?
Dalijk nog een paar plaatjes met oonze Uiver, OK? ;-)

[huub vink]

Thanks Jan! Your images really give a good impression how our country look in ORBX. How does our coast look. As I lived all my live near the nice sandy beaches, I was really disappointed how our cost line looked in FSX. NL2000 did solve this problem, but there is no autogen in NL2000.

Cheers,
Huub

[Paul Anderson]

Paul, I'm sure they will be helpful if you post over at FTX forums.

I ordered through their product link which takes you to the flightsim store.
I tried online chat for over an hour again this morning, no response.
I tried emailing again, no reply. (although would have been around midnight their time)
Wonder if it's the backup disc that is delaying the processing.
Guess I'll just check the order status for a few days before pursuing further.

[olderndirt]

What's with the green stuff in the US desert southwest? Posted a query at Orbx.

91177

[Javis]

Ok, Rob and Huub, fasten your seatbelts for a trip along the dutch coast in our legendary Uiver. She happend to be still at EHTX were she participated in a display show so let's take it from there.

The weather looks uhhh... 'adventuresk' but we'll have broodjes kaas en kroket to keep us happy. :cool: :


http://sectionf8.com/f86files/kust0.jpg


Texel:

http://sectionf8.com/f86files/kust1.jpg


Egmond aan Zee:

http://sectionf8.com/f86files/kust2.jpg


IJmuiden:

http://sectionf8.com/f86files/kust3.jpg


Approaching Zandvoort:

http://sectionf8.com/f86files/kust4.jpg

The lighter colored areas on the beach are signs of 'the dunes' actually being volumetric (if that is the correct expression..) Not really noticeable from the air but if viewed from the sea or beach you'll get another example of how much effort Orbx has put into FTXGlobal to serve even the smallest country. Personally i think this is quite amazing for a global scenery package. If i'm not mistaking '3D dunes' ,atleast for our country, are a first in FS. :

http://sectionf8.com/f86files/kust5.jpg


Needed a refill so we stopped over at EHRD. Onwards:

http://sectionf8.com/f86files/kust6.jpg


Getting late as we approach de Maasvlakte:

http://sectionf8.com/f86files/kust7.jpg


One more turn over de Maasvlakte, harbors and Nieuwe Waterweg in the purple haze and we'll be heading back to Schiphol:

http://sectionf8.com/f86files/kust8.jpg

This concludes our trip along the FTXG dutch coast. Hope you liked it and broodjes kaas en kroket too.:

http://sectionf8.com/f86files/kust9.jpg

Aju Paraplu,
Jan

[OleBoy]

What's with the green stuff in the US desert southwest? Posted a query at Orbx.

91177

A new strain of algae? Moss? Fungus? LOL!

[stiz]

how does it look in the more unpopulated and lesser known areas of the world? papua new guinea, south africa etc? Also i wouldnt mind seeing what japan looks like either :)

[greenie]

A new strain of algae? Moss? Fungus? LOL!

I get a bit hot under the collar at these kind of cheap shots . Orbx need to be congratuled , we now have a new .
standard of "default" .
Here is a picture in Death Valley around Furnace Creek , .....moss, algie ?

http://fsfiles.org/flightsimshotsv2/images/2013/08/01/1ytl8.jpg

[Crusader]

First of , just fooling around , trying to discover some of the changes that FTX Global has made to one of my favorite places to fly in , Xavier's Vietnam War Project scenery in SEA . I readily admit , I'm not a very good screenshot taker . The two F8's (FSX) were at 35L-Danang) , The Bird Dog(P3D), was at a similar position at 35L , with FTX Global. What a difference when you look at the mountains in the background . They even throw in some rice paddies here and there . FTX Global has transformed SEA IMO. No baron hillsides and mountains and scrub looking terrain . I threw in a few pics of the real " Rock Pile ", NE of Khe Sanh . I am reasonably sure that this is it as depicted in the Sim . I followed Hwy 9 until it made a sharp , 90 degree turn to the right (as shown in the poor map I attached)

Just having fun this morning . I really like FTX Global .When some of their Open LC becomes available , it will be absolutely outstanding . I think land class will be the key to put ORBX's FTX where it's suppose to be . From what I've read on their site , it(LC) will contain some of it's own unique textures . ( http://www.orbxsystems.com/forum/topic/61436-ftx-global-openlc-worldwide-areas-rollout-plan-details/)

Rich

[Stan V.]

Ok, Rob and Huub, fasten your seatbelts for a trip along the dutch coast in our legendary Uiver. She happend to be still at EHTX were she participated in a display show so let's take it from there.

Aju Paraplu,
Jan

Jan,

I read a recent post by John Venema over on the Orbx Forum to the effect that the NL2000 (freeware) scenery for the Netherlands was of sufficient quality that Orbx does not have any intention to produce a competitive payware Region version. You, of course, are showcasing here the FTX Global texture product which was just released. My question to you is did you have the underlying NL2000 sceneries installed when you made your screenshots above and if so, how did you have them layered relative to the FTX Global scenery in the scenery.cfg file?


Stan V

[huub vink]

Thanks for the safe flight Captain Jan!

Away from the coast our country looks quite natural in ORBX and the owns and villages are definitely huge improvement. But although I'm glad there is at least a beach with sand textures, it doesn't really look like out coast.

Obviously ORBX is a huge improvement, but for my region not yet the final solution. I think you convinced me to make the switch to ORBX, but I might keep NL2000 installed.....

Thanks again,
Huub

edit: Thanks for the update Stan, I had not seen that yet.

[Dave22]

912369123791238

[Paul Anderson]

Flightsimstore got me sorted out, downloaded and installed.
Visited a couple favourite haunts, overall I like what they've done with the place.
Can only get better when the land classes become available.

Wish this was out years ago, would have saved many hours downloading freeware land textures, finding best tree colour matches, building textures, etc.

A big thumbs up.

I did spot a small anomaly while in Alaska in mountain shadow, some trees glow bright.
They look ok if circle around and view from different angle, no big deal, can't even say if was in stock setup.
91239

[ncooper]

Jan,

I read a recent post by John Venema over on the Orbx Forum to the effect that the NL2000 (freeware) scenery for the Netherlands was of sufficient quality that Orbx does not have any intention to produce a competitive payware Region version. You, of course, are showcasing here the FTX Global texture product which was just released. My question to you is did you have the underlying NL2000 sceneries installed when you made your screenshots above and if so, how did you have them layered relative to the FTX Global scenery in the scenery.cfg file?
Stan V

I am not surprised that FTX would not wish to compete with NL 2000.

I think you misunderstand FTX Global.
It is not scenery, it is scenery textures and therefore requires no place in the
scenery library.

Photoscenery, as NL 2000 is, takes priority over generated scenery, it is therefore
not possible to merge FTX Global with NL 2000.

It is possible to place a photoscenery insert into generated scenery
but not vice versa.

I cannot imagine a circumstance in which generated scenery would give a more accurate
result than a photograph.

[vonstroheim]

...Photoscenery, as NL 2000 is, takes priority over generated scenery, it is therefore
not possible to merge FTX Global with NL 2000...

Merging is not possible, quite right, but FTXG textures would be seen outside NL2000 at the borders. We just hope the transition from NL2000 to FTXG will be smooth, and maybe almost invisible.

Here is a screenshot taken at EDLV with NL2000 and default FSX at the border of Germany (springtime 12:00pm 10.000ft no UTX no weather clear sky...). As you can see transition is very visible (with NL2000 left and FSX default right).

http://img4.hostingpics.net/pics/698538EDLVNiederrhein.jpg

I was really hopping somebody would take the same shot with FTXG instead of default FSX, just to understand what to expect... before shelling out $94 CAD...

[ncooper]

http://imageshack.us/a/img33/8274/idio.jpg

regards,
Nick

[Javis]

Jan,

I read a recent post by John Venema over on the Orbx Forum to the effect that the NL2000 (freeware) scenery for the Netherlands was of sufficient quality that Orbx does not have any intention to produce a competitive payware Region version. You, of course, are showcasing here the FTX Global texture product which was just released. My question to you is did you have the underlying NL2000 sceneries installed when you made your screenshots above and if so, how did you have them layered relative to the FTX Global scenery in the scenery.cfg file?


Stan V

Hi Stan,

While i do have the photoreal NL2000 scenery and used it with my older system i never got round installing it on my current system. So what you see in my Holland screenies is FTXGlobal + UTX Europe (roads unchecked).

Pity about Orbx not doing a Region version for the Netherlands. We can use either NL2000 or FTXG, not both. I used to love photoreal sceneries like NL2K and UK VFR but imho you can't beat autogen, certainly not in the way Orbx applies it.

Cheers,
Jan

[Dave22]

912589125991257912609126191262


Terrain seems to merge well in this area, mostly. Some random golf course tiles that need work. I brightened the screenshots one notch as it was a dusk flight. The last shot is an overhead of Marana, just outside of Tuscon.

[Javis]

Thanks for the safe flight Captain Jan!

Your welcome, Huub. :salute:

I had great fun flying over photoreal Holland when i had NL2K installed a couple years ago. These guys did a magnificent job, certainly because it's free and all. If Orbx wouldn't have come up with FTXGlobal i would've installed it again. Same with UK VFR, enjoyed that tremendously, but now replaced by FTX England/Wales/Scotland. Flying low and slow autogen is the bees' knees in my FS book. :cool:

cheers,
Jan

[robcap]

Aah, Jan, the Dutch specialty Broodje Kaas. Thanks for that, and for the pics.

Cheers, Rob

[ST0RM]

Would someone post pics of the area around KLTS east to KLAW? GEX doesnt have the right textures as the Wichita Mountains are mostly rock and not the typical vegetated type. I'd like to see how well they did it before I fork over the money.

Thanks in advance!

-Jeff

[vonstroheim]

Sorry I'm not a screenshot artist... Leaving KLTS (Altus AFB, Oklahoma)

http://img15.hostingpics.net/pics/986619KLTS.jpg

Around KLAW (Lawton, OK)

http://img15.hostingpics.net/pics/318189KLAW.jpg

The Wichita Mountains close to 85OL (Husher Field, OK)

http://img15.hostingpics.net/pics/90524585OL.jpg

It's (I think) very important to defrag the FSX disk before installing FTXG, same after installation.

Before installing I removed all my addons (freeware and payware aircrafts and sceneries), leaving only all basic FSX files. Then I deframented, installed FTXG, defragmented again. At this point my new FTXG textures were almost in the fastest zone on the disk. (Left pic., just after installation, right, after defrag - with Udefrag3, any defrag tool is fine, as long as it's not the default Windows version!).

http://img15.hostingpics.net/pics/928607ftxg2.jpg

Then I moved back my biggest sceneries, defragmented, moved back my payware aircrafts, defragmented, and so on, until I had a almost brand new clean FSX, with optimized file placement. But this is hard work... 8 hours min., like a day at the office...

http://img15.hostingpics.net/pics/392421ftxg4.jpg

I like my new sim! Yes, dry areas need a proper landclass... but "Green" zone in Europe, and northern North America regions are very nice! For example Zegrze Pomorskie airbase (EPKO) by Pawel Aziukiewicz (avsim) blends very nicely in the Polish countryside...

http://img15.hostingpics.net/pics/616856EPKO.jpg

FTXG textures are almost photoreal... not quite of course, but close enough, most of the time... My hometown looks much better now...

http://img15.hostingpics.net/pics/312254CYUL.jpg

[olderndirt]

Couple more for you. The textures look good in that area. First the mountains looking east - the other general textures along route 62.

9131691317

[Dave22]

913189132091319


And 3 more. Oklahoma looking good. Auto-Gen density=3.

[Dave22]

9132491325913269132791328


Sort of repetitive tiles. MN37 - KDYT

[ST0RM]

Thanks all, for the in-game scnery shots of SW Oklahoma. They got the look much closer than GEX did and there arent any random houses on those "mountains".

-Jeff