17 replies to this topic

[Flying Dutchman]

I would say .. best invention since 'sliced bread'!

Edited by Flying Dutchman, 28 July 2009 - 08:47 AM.

[Shooby Doo]

I've considered trying this. I've noticed on one of my computers that if I have VPM minimized, the more resource-hogging tables play better (but I can't see the score). So if I moved it to another screen, would performance be better?

I'd like to try out your backglasses as well.

[destruk]

Having the DMD on a second screen would make it run slower. Two screens take up more resources than a single screen as there is more drawing to be done.
Well done fully interactive backglasses are the best IMO. Having the full backglass displayed, scores where they should be, interactivity and lighting effects as accurate to the real machine as possible enhances the gameplay experience.

[Flying Dutchman]

destruk, I totally agree ..

a./ There's a 1 screen setup including the DMD on the same screen => ok for all graphic-cards/cpu's.
b./ There's a 2 screen setup including DMD on 2nd screen + static Backglass => ok for most graphic cards (256MB)/cpu's.
c./ There's a 2 screen setup including DMD on 2nd screen + 'Active Backglass' => ok for most graphic cards (512MB - 1GB)/cpu's.
d./ There's a 3 screen setup 1st screen = Table, 2nd screen = 'Active Backglass', 3rd screen = DMD (2x 1GB graphic card)/cpu's.

Cheers,
FD.

[TheMcD]

I'll move 'tis so it'll pop up on the main page. Higher-ups that disagree can go... and reverse it.

The McD

[ValamirCleaver]

Well done fully interactive backglasses are the best IMO. Having the full backglass displayed, scores where they should be, interactivity and lighting effects as accurate to the real machine as possible enhances the gameplay experience.

e./ Yes, a fully displayed backglass with ROM controlled lighting, correctly placed scoring displays and accurate to real life interactivity greatly enhances gameplay experience as opposed to passive backglass images.

[unclewilly]

for some tables having a fully animated rom controlled backglass is great, but for a lot of tables it is just an on or off state. having the scores display where they are supposed to is definately a plus and adds to overall realism.
the question is, is there a way to achieve a fully animated rom controlled backglass without using spanning.
I think there is.........

keep an eye on the forum

[sikarkades]

This may sound like a dumb question/statement... but please bear with me. I have been using the backup camera lcd as my dmd, and am running it in dual view through my nvidia video card. Is this different from running it in spanning mode? I am toying around with my setup and attempting to make it work with my lcd tv as the playfield/table, normal lcd for the backglass and the dmd lcd for the dmd. I guess what I am trying to get at is, if you run the table and backglass in spanning, can you still use dualview for the dmd lcd? With spanning mode, it just spans the table and glass across two monitors acting as one image that span between the two monitors? Allowing the dualview to display the dmd. I did notice a decrease in speed when I went to dualview, but I tinkered with some settings and got the speed right back. How does the spanning mode affect the overall speed with the backglass and dmd on the same monitor? I noticed in pinmame, there is a choice of which display you would like it to be displayed on, along with the option to run it full screen, I could not get this to work just by using those settings. Thanks to all and I hope we can get everything ironed out to display on 3 monitors with no issues to speak of. The bottom line is this, I believe it can be achieved with running the table in vertical span mode with the backglass, and the dmd displayed with dualview, with dualview it is easy to edit the script of the table to get it to display in the proper place.

[Dark Cypher]

Guys, I'm wondering what setup most people are running?

I'm using spanning as my PC is midrange and does not handle the active backgalass by its self very well let alone wit another table is running (I think this is how it works see below) which I think is the most common 2 screen setup going on the number of tables,

Not sure how the active backglass is being used, but I think its in combo with a FS screen. and if there is no active backglass are people using a non active backglass screen shot? how are they loading these backglasses?

The FS versions must be using a backglass as there is no place to put a DMD, but I'm sure people are running with just the 1 screen and the DMD on it cause thats what I'd be doing if I only had one screen.

sikarkades, I think your right that might be possible. But I think I like the DMD to be embedded in the backglass. How have you got these screens physically arranged, sounds interesting?

Extending the Dutchman's list slightly, possible combination's
1 screens 4:3
2 screens 4:3 + Back glass/DMD
2 screens 16:9 spanned
1 screen 16:9 FS table/DMD
2 screens 16:9 FS table+Backglass/DMD
2 screens 16:9 FS table+Active Backglass/DMD
3 screens 16:9 FS table+Backglass+DMD
3 screens 16:9 FS table+Active Backglass+DMD

Have I missed any?

Whoa there's getting to be a lot of different types of setups now. It would be nice to have a consistent approach, at the moment I think a physically rotated backglass allows all screens to be played in a CAB as the backglass screen will allow a software or hardware rotation on the FS tables and is correct on spanned tables where the backglass can not be rotated by SW/HW.

Let me know what are you doing and how? especially for the FS duel screen setup.

DC

Edited by Dark Cypher, 23 August 2009 - 01:50 AM.

[subzero1970]

Bread wasnt invented....it was baked

[ClickerSnapper]

Bread wasnt invented....it was baked

I started VP setup for spanned tables
But after being around VP for about a month now I am leaning towards UVP ( but is quite involed in setting up )
I've been able with some help from the forums and members to setup and configure spanned tables with the backglass in operation
see the YT vids.
I followed the intructions for setting up VP and I edited the core.vbs so the backglass DMD would show correctly on 98% of tables!
with my setup table 42" 1920x1080i and the back 1280x1024 or a 1280x720 ( I really should have had a 1920x1080 on back as well ) at least 21"

But,
You just cannot beat the graphics on the FS tables though

Additional prerequistes for VP noobies. ( like myself )

1. PATIENCE ( support may not be available 24/7 )
2. $ ( you need the right peripherals and monitors or you will have issues ) not to say you won't But this helps minamize frustrations a lot!
3. If you not a coder (like me) You will be! (Yoda) because you will have to do/learn some.
Unlike most other games out of the box that are plug and play this is not!
4. Even though with that said this is one of the most rewarding hobbies IMO because when it is all working you can set back
and enjoy friends ( if you have any left ) (lol) while they oooh and aahhhhhh over your hard work for there enjoyment.
5. Remember this as well, If you have issues Search the forums first. Similar issues have probably have already been covered.
that is how I found out about editing the core.vbs so in my spanned setup all dmd and back drops displayed properly on Spanned table startup.
( no need to edit script on every table )see YT vids search ( clickersnappergeorge ) and all vids come up at once.
( i think if I had the right monitor 1920x1080i on backglass for the spanned table setup I might not have had to edit core.vbs )
End-->

I will post videos when start setting up UVP
side note: I do not think the resolution of the back drop is that critical with the UVP setup ( just an educated guess, please correct me if I am wrong )
in other words 1920x1080i not really needed for backglass ( a 1280x1024 good becuse no spanning involved )
but you should have a monitor/table that supports 1920x1080i (default res)as that is what FS tables are designed to fit by default.

Thank you all !

[Dazz]

3 screens 16:9 FS table + UVP Backglass + DMD > is the way to go!

[The Trout]

I think UVP is bloody fantastic, though at the moment my computer chokes trying to use it with several tables. It requires a bit more power than my graphics card will allow at the moment. But yeah, having the backglass beautifully lit with the DMD in the right place does add a lot to the experience.

[Tweegster]

I think UVP is bloody fantastic, though at the moment my computer chokes trying to use it with several tables. It requires a bit more power than my graphics card will allow at the moment. But yeah, having the backglass beautifully lit with the DMD in the right place does add a lot to the experience.

When your able to get it working with your tables a 3 screen setup is the best thing since indoor plumbing

[tguittar]

I think it's a real cool idea but most of us just have one monitor and I'm sure it'll be a long time before it's the norm but, I do like looking into the pinball future......I hope I'm still alive to see it.

[DaveyDarko]

I would say .. best invention since 'sliced bread'!

Definatly! Thanks to you and all of your awesome backglasses!

[CuriousDan]

But,
You just cannot beat the graphics on the FS tables though

Yesterday I got the FS with backglass finally up and running and turned off the lights. Talk about a revelation

[Flying Dutchman]

But,
You just cannot beat the graphics on the FS tables though

Yesterday I got the FS with backglass finally up and running and turned off the lights. Talk about a revelation

And this is only the beginning!

Cheers,
FD.