A hughe, hughe request regarding new beta update !

[arniex]

Dear Damian !

I have just read in the beta release notes that the cloud density will be reduced.
I know there are complaints that often the clouds look pixelated or there are repeated patterns - yes I understand - but what people don't understand is that the clouds use the ‘voxel space’ engine (or a kind). This is the only way it is possible to display this quantity with this performance.
Unfortunately, removing the cloud density means that it is reduced, but often the clouds just look like a transparent ‘something’.
This was one of the main problems with the Live Weather Engine in MSFS - it also weakened the cloud formations, which looked better with Active Sky.
In addition, many cloud types are already transparent at night, which will probably be even more visible with this reduction.
Furthermore, the cloud shadows also seem to depend on this - with some cloud types they are already no longer visible - which of course won't make it any better.
Please keep this in mind, I know there has to be a compromise - but as I said above - these are not textures but 3D clouds and to have this density and look they are often ‘pixelated’.
Now to my huge request - is it ANYWAY possible to add a slider for cloud density so you can adjust it yourself. I would bet many would use that.
Everyone should try to set the weather manually in MSFS and play with the cloud density and it will be noticeable how much this actually does.
Only thanks to the density (in addition to the negative effects) do clouds look like real grey clouds. Please keep that in mind !!!
Thank you !

 

[damian]

Agree with your thoughts. Thanks for sharing. In addition to this, the MSFS cloud depiction has been requiring less and less density to get ideal looks in new builds. For example, CB used to look good at around 60% density, but now anything more than 30% results in way too much pixelation and grain (MSFS2020 current build as the main reference). Cumulus also now requires less than 60% in nearly all cases to avoid way too much grain. It appears the base resolution is getting lower in newer builds (likely for perf reasons), and thus to avoid the grain/pixels a lower density is needed (and reflected in how live weather has less and less density in its cloud layers). The slider sounds like the best compromise given this situation, so you can increase density overall to your liking despite the negative effects of grain, pixelation and patterning associated with these lower resolution cloud. You'll be able to adjust to your preference. We'll get this in the next build or two.

 

[arniex]

Dear Damian, thank you for your answer!
That is a very good news. As I said, it's not about fulfilling everyone's wish - but as you correctly recognised (if not Hifi Sim, who else ), this setting is very important. So my suspicion is correct that the resolution has been reduced in various versions.
Don't get me wrong, I'm grateful for everything and especially the opportunity to enjoy our hobby in my free time, but what ‘annoys’ me so much about Asobo/MS is the fact that they change things ‘under the table’ - according to the motto ‘nobody will notice’ and there's no information either.
This has been the case since SU6/7 with MSFS2020 - but nothing is easier than a ‘slider’ for various settings - so why not.
(it seems to me that this is the case with the 2nd version of MSFS2024).
However, I am unfortunately a weather fetishist and for me this is one, if not the most important point in a SIM.
And I'm not talking about the look.
I've mentioned this a lot in the MSFS forum above and have often mentioned AS as a tool as a positive example, but other things seem to be important there.
Anyway, then I am reassured and thank you for the words!

 

[maxam]

what ‘annoys’ me so much about Asobo/MS is the fact that they change things ‘under the table’ - according to the motto ‘nobody will notice’ and there's no information either.

Fortunately, the Hifi credo is "Who dares, wins." (ahem, borrowed from the SAS)

 

[damian]

Cloud density adjustment now available: https://forums.hifisimtech.com/threads/asfs-su2-beta-is-now-live.15440/

 

[arniex]

Sorry for the late reply, been very busy this week - yes great. thanks a lot, already trying it out.
I wanted to thank you for the new options anyway!
Thanks again !

 

[arniex]

by the way - the standard AS clouds already look much better than MSFS 2024 clouds - with the option this can be adjusted even better !

 

[arniex]

Had a great flight today from EKCH to LOWW !
Fog in EKCH - and also in Vienna - some impressions in between !
The new settings do their job - with too much density there are of course MSFS related artefacts - but that doesn't bother me so much !






















LOWW WEBCAM (by the way with MSFS Real Weather the same "some cumulus clouds" - misrepresented again) !





GREAT JOB, Thank you !