Problem - Video related

crusader_x · Post by **crusader_x** » Sat Aug 14, 2004 12:14 am

I was using an older version of ZsnesWin and running Tetris & Dr Mario and it ran fine. Then I downloaded the latest version of Zsnes, 1.36 and upgraded my video drivers (because of another problem) and now, when I try to run Tetris & Dr Mario it drops me back to my desktop and trying to run Zsnes again results in a blank screen. This happens with a few other games, not many though. I have to reset my machine in order to use Zsnes again. I tried experimenting with different options + video modes but no success.
Anyone have any ideas? I can give more details if needed.

rage46 · Post by **rage46** » Sat Aug 14, 2004 12:15 am

Did you do a complete uninstall of your videocard driver, and are you using the latest WIP?

crusader_x · Post by **crusader_x** » Sat Aug 14, 2004 12:19 am

no I never had the drivers installed, I was using default windows ones. The card is a geforce Mx 400

I am using Zsneswin 1.36
The roms that do not work DID work with a previous version, I don't remember which one

Joe Camacho · Post by **Joe Camacho** » Sat Aug 14, 2004 12:39 am

Use the latest WIP, also, make sure that you do a clean update, don't just copy over your last emu (In other words, don't keep your old .cfg files)

crusader_x · Post by **crusader_x** » Sat Aug 14, 2004 1:04 am

Ok, following what you said I went back and deleted all previous install files from 1.36 and then started from scratch. Same problem. So I got the latest WIP and again deleted all previous install files and started over with that version. Tetris & Dr Mario now works. Thank you for the advice, I'm happy to be playing my fav game again. But just out of curiosity, what do you think could have been wrong with ver 1.36 that it would have caused that problem?

Also, I installed ver 1.36 on a friends computer so we could netplay. Will he need to upgrade to the WIP if he wants to netplay me, even if he isn't having the same video problems I was? Or can the WIP work on netplay with other Zsnes versions?

Also, just thought of something, can anyone explain some of the details in the video options? Like, what is the difference between all the of engines (2xsai, super eagle, etc)?

Joe Camacho · Post by **Joe Camacho** » Sat Aug 14, 2004 1:11 am

I'm glad it works again.

I'll try to answer your questions:

1) I dunno, WIP are much more advance in matter of correcting bugs and errors, although I recall lots of errors like yours back when 1.36 was the latest, something to do with zsnes default resolution. There is another fix, but I don't remember it.

2) Yes, both of you need the same version for netplay, check the netplay forum for tips and instructions.
3) Well, MaxSt, Nach or someone else can explain that better than me.

Post by **grinvader** » Sat Aug 14, 2004 1:33 am

crusader_x wrote:Also, just thought of something, can anyone explain some of the details in the video options? Like, what is the difference between all the of engines (2xsai, super eagle, etc)?

Those aren't engines, but video filters.

The SNES outputs a 256*224 picture (or, on hires mode, 512*448). With current monitors resolution this represents a very small surface on the screen. So, to have a decent gaming experience, zsnes must stretch the picture.

Stretching a 256*224 picture to 1600*1200 creates a big pixellated mess. So some coders out there have designed filters to smooth out the blockyness.
Those are the options:

Interpolation - basically, a light overall blur, like you'd get on an old TV.
Scanlines - special filters that make the screen even more like a TV thanks to darker lines spaced evenly
Eagle, 2xSaI, Super Eagle, Super 2xSaI, hq*x - Pattern-detection filters with very different results and CPU load.

You might want to check MaxSt's (who coded the hq*x filters) page to see the difference for yourself.

snkcube · Post by **snkcube** » Sat Aug 14, 2004 5:08 am

grinvader wrote:
crusader_x wrote:Also, just thought of something, can anyone explain some of the details in the video options? Like, what is the difference between all the of engines (2xsai, super eagle, etc)?
Those aren't engines, but video filters.

The SNES outputs a 256*224 picture (or, on hires mode, 512*448). With current monitors resolution this represents a very small surface on the screen. So, to have a decent gaming experience, zsnes must stretch the picture.

Stretching a 256*224 picture to 1600*1200 creates a big pixellated mess. So some coders out there have designed filters to smooth out the blockyness.
Those are the options:

Interpolation - basically, a light overall blur, like you'd get on an old TV.
Scanlines - special filters that make the screen even more like a TV thanks to darker lines spaced evenly
Eagle, 2xSaI, Super Eagle, Super 2xSaI, hq*x - Pattern-detection filters with very different results and CPU load.

You might want to check MaxSt's (who coded the hq*x filters) page to see the difference for yourself.

Well said.

crusader_x · Post by **crusader_x** » Sat Aug 14, 2004 9:09 am

You have all been very helpful and extremely informative. Thanks for the insight.