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Fix for two screen rigs where b2s files for my tables don't work


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#1 anthias

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Posted 20 April 2025 - 11:30 AM

It's a strange one. For a long time I've received reports of the b2s files I create nit working correctly on some cabinets. Usually three screen, but some 2 screen. Asking the question, the common denominator seemed to be the issue is two screen cabinets using a TV as a backglass. My cab uses a monitor, and that's what I play and build using.

I've long known that what happens is b2s stretches then crops the backglass, with the DnD area disappearing as it's cropped off, resulting in no scores being displayed. My solution to now has been "inverted" versions of the backglasses with the DMD at the top.

Today I had the opportunity to set up VP on a new pc connected to a Chinese cabinet with a tv for the backglass. (Not mine) And I took the opportunity to install my tables, and test the issue. Sure enough, the exact fault appeared, and it was simply not resolving whatever I did.

But I persevered. And I found a solution. In the b2s screeners file, set all the DMD lines to "0". That's all. Provided the Playfield and backglass resolutions are correct for your system, the b2s file suddenly comes to life, and works perfectly.

Obviously three screen users won't want to use this fix as they need the DMD configured for their third screen, but those with a two screen setup should be able to make this change without any unwanted issues on other tables. Now I've seen the issue first hand, I have a better understanding of the cause, though it seems absolutely daft that b2s would do it, the second screen should be simply displayed at whatever resolution it is, but add a third screen to the mix and it isn't.

Now I know this, I can try to find a solution for the three screen as well, besides simply creating a seperate three screen file, so the 2 screens will work.
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#2 wiesshund

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Posted 21 April 2025 - 06:44 PM

On a 2 screen system (real DMD does NOT COUNT), DMD in b2s config should be 0 or a 3 screen b2s component is liable to display someplace off in the ether.
you can see it present as a running thing but will not be able to see it show up anyplace.

 

I just do separate 2 and 3 screen DirectB2S's

 

1) because sometimes the 3 screen ones just bug out on 2 screen
2) because since B2S server crops and then stretches them, i pre skew the images for the 3 screen backglass
so that when B2S is done, you actually have a non skewed image


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