[dragonjab]

[quote=103761]Ok, I think I figured it out. I read patrickm’s posts and watched floob’s videos a few more times to really let everything sink in. Now I feel comfortable editing all of this in the config files with my text editor, which is the way I prefer doing it.

I used patrickm’s 3x scanlines PNG, and used photoshop to change the size of it to match my display resolution of 1366×768 (using the Crop function, not Resize). Right now I have it set to 50% opacity, and it looks great. Although I have not tested different opacities yet, so I may find a setting I like even more.

I also should note that aside from it looking great, performance seems to be excellent. I can definitely tell a difference in terms of input lag from when I was using shaders. I highly recommend this method if playability is your #1 concern, like me.

Here are my retroarch.cfg settings. For each emulator, Retroarch “render resolution” has been set to “use video output”. To find viewport width and height, I went into RGUI and with integer scaling on, I changed the custom resolutions until i found one that looked like the correct ratio and was still visible all screen.

As of now, I have “crop overscan” set to “false” for all of these. Although, patrickm mentioned that it needed to be on for some emulators, so I should probably test this more. (suggestions/experiences welcome)

My next challenge will be to achieve this (proper scaling and use of overlays) for gngeo and Mame. If anyone can point me in the right direction for that, it would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks again to patrickm and floob for the great information and guidance.

NES

video_shader_enable = false
video_fullscreen_x = 1366
video_fullscreen_y = 768
custom_viewport_width = 768
custom_viewport_height = 720
custom_viewport_x = 0
custom_viewport_y = 0
aspect_ratio_index = 22
video_scale_integer = true

input_overlay = /opt/retropie/emulators/retroarch/overlays/effects/scanlines/CRT-j-scanlines-1366x768-2.cfg
input_overlay_enable = true
input_overlay_opacity = 0.500000
input_overlay_scale = 1.000000
video_smooth = false

SNES

video_shader_enable = false
video_fullscreen_x = 1366
video_fullscreen_y = 768
custom_viewport_width = 1024
custom_viewport_height = 717
custom_viewport_x = 0
custom_viewport_y = 0
aspect_ratio_index = 22
video_scale_integer = true

input_overlay = /opt/retropie/emulators/retroarch/overlays/effects/scanlines/CRT-j-scanlines-1366x768-2.cfg
input_overlay_enable = true
input_overlay_opacity = 0.500000
input_overlay_scale = 1.000000
video_smooth = false

MEGADRIVE

video_shader_enable = false
video_fullscreen_x = 1366
video_fullscreen_y = 768
custom_viewport_width = 960
custom_viewport_height = 672
custom_viewport_x = 0
custom_viewport_y = 0
aspect_ratio_index = 22
video_scale_integer = true

input_overlay = /opt/retropie/emulators/retroarch/overlays/effects/scanlines/CRT-j-scanlines-1366x768-2.cfg
input_overlay_enable = true
input_overlay_opacity = 0.500000
input_overlay_scale = 1.000000
video_smooth = false

(click for full size image)

[/quote]
Yep having video_scale_interger = “true” help me figure out my problem.

[dragonjab]

[quote=103173]

dragonjab wrote:

Here are Mame settings. Can someone please merge all this posts into one. Thanks.

For accurate video scaling, video smooth needs to be turned off. Nearest neighbor filter displays the source material without altering it. Bilinear filter runs the source material through an algorithm and distorts the image by finding an average color based on adjacent pixels.

You might prefer the smoother image, but it causes pixels to bleed over the scanlines, and it alters the source material, making it less accurate.

In addition, bilinear filter/ video smooth WILL introduce additional input lag vs. nearest neighbor, although the difference probably isn’t significant enough to be noticeable to most.

[/quote]

Yeah you are right. I did some tweaks to my system last week that I didn’t post here. Yes is noticeable on fighting games like street fighter 3rd strike.

[dragonjab]

just add this to
cd /opt/retropie/configs/all/retroarch-joypads/

create a file on notepad with this info and name it
Sony-PlayStation4-DualShock4-Controller.cfg
input_device = “Sony Computer Entertainment Wireless Controller”
input_driver = “udev”
input_vendor_id = 1356
input_product_id = 1476
input_b_btn = “1”
input_y_btn = “0”
input_select_btn = “8”
input_start_btn = “9”
input_up_btn = “h0up”
input_down_btn = “h0down”
input_left_btn = “h0left”
input_right_btn = “h0right”
input_a_btn = “2”
input_x_btn = “3”
input_l_btn = “4”
input_r_btn = “5”
input_l2_btn = “6”
input_r2_btn = “7”
input_l3_btn = “10”
input_r3_btn = “11”
input_l_x_plus_axis = “+0”
input_l_x_minus_axis = “-0”
input_l_y_plus_axis = “+1”
input_l_y_minus_axis = “-1”
input_r_x_plus_axis = “+2”
input_r_x_minus_axis = “-2”
input_r_y_plus_axis = “+5”
input_r_y_minus_axis = “-5”
input_menu_toggle_btn = “3”

input_b_btn_label = “Cross”
input_y_btn_label = “Square”
input_select_btn_label = “Options”
input_start_btn_label = “Share”
input_up_btn_label = “D-Pad Up”
input_down_btn_label = “D-Pad Down”
input_left_btn_label = “D-Pad Left”
input_right_btn_label = “D-Pad Right”
input_a_btn_label = “Circle”
input_x_btn_label = “Triangle”
input_l_btn_label = “L1”
input_r_btn_label = “R1”
input_l2_btn_label = “L2”
input_r2_btn_label = “R2”
input_l3_btn_label = “L3”
input_r3_btn_label = “R3”
input_l_x_plus_axis_label = “Left Analog Right”
input_l_x_minus_axis_label = “Left Analog Left”
input_l_y_plus_axis_label = “Left Analog Down”
input_l_y_minus_axis_label = “Left Analog Up”
input_r_x_plus_axis_label = “Right Analog Right”
input_r_x_minus_axis_label = “Right Analog Left”
input_r_y_plus_axis_label = “Right Analog Down”
input_r_y_minus_axis_label = “Right Analog Up”
input_menu_toggle_btn_label = “PS”
input_enable_hotkey_btn = “8”
input_exit_emulator_btn = “9”
input_load_state_btn = “6”
input_save_state_btn = “7”
input_reset_btn = “1”
input_state_slot_increase_btn = “h0right”
input_state_slot_decrease_btn = “h0left”
# input_shader_next_btn = “5”
# input_shader_prev_btn = “4”

This drivers come included with the Retropie RC1

[dragonjab]

Here are Mame settings. Can someone please merge all this posts into one. Thanks.

[dragonjab]

here are my megadrive and psx settings

[dragonjab]

here are my N64 settings and snes settings

[dragonjab]

Ok so here my settings for videomodes.cfg
settings for all emulators.
and FBA settings it works for most games, you just have to mess around with the width and height.

[dragonjab]

HI @dankcushions
I figure out the solution to my problem. Since the hokey on my controller is set to select and the Coin for the emulator is set to select. The emulator would choose the hotkey over the coin. So what I did was set a different hotkey just for FBA. I did this by going into the FBA retroarch file.
So at first my hotkey was
input_enable_hotkey_btn = “8” // select

and then I change it on the FBA retroarch file using sudo nano
the new config is
input_enable_hotkey_btn = “4” // which is my L1 bumbper button

so now hotkey = L1
and
Coin = Select

[dragonjab]

Ok so after trying everthing out. I can’t seem to make the n64 emulator work.

*Never mind I got it to work I just had forgotten to add it to the videomodes.cfg file. Everything works flawlessly. I just added to video modes. lr-mupen64plus_render=”config”

[dragonjab]

ok so after finally having time to work on this all day, since school is out. I figure it out. Thanks to all the good posts and people that help out. Thanks Patrickm, Floob, and patl. I’m going to post what I did.

I first follow floobs video.

and I also added patrickM scanlines both the regular and 5x. I generated a cfg file for both and then I put them in the folder 16-9 found in floobs guide.
http://smartretro.co.uk/forums/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=85

I then use this thread to find the correct scaling I found out that for the snes 1280×1120 is perfect 5×5 scaling. I didn’t want to go through the whole RGUI setup because I could never find how to save it. So in the idividual retroarch file for everysytem I put this created by patl

This one is for the snes, but you can easily adjusted for other systems just change the width and height. I also added video_scale_interger = “true” to the list of commands. Without this on my retroarch file I was getting a crop image from the bottom. Below is the edited code.
video_shader_enable = false
# We dont need them
video_fullscreen_x = 1920
# Horizontal Monitor resolution
video_fullscreen_y = 1080
# Vertical Monitor resolution
custom_viewport_width = 1194
# Horizontal emulator resolution
custom_viewport_height = 896
# Vertical emulator resolution
custom_viewport_x = 363
# The first X pixel of the emulator image
custom_viewport_y = 92
# The first Y pixel of the emulator image
aspect_ratio_index = 22
# Aspect Ratio set to custom
video_scale_interger = “true”
# This is to what I added to the instructions
input_overlay = /opt/retropie/emulators/retroarch/overlays/16-9/TV_16-9_SNES-MD.cfg
# Overlayimage
input_overlay_enable = true
# Overlay Image enable
input_overlay_opacity = 1.000000
# opacity of the overlayimage
input_overlay_scale = “1.000000”
# Scalesize of the overlay image
video_smooth = true
# Smoth the emulated image, not the overlay, If you set it to false, it will remain sharp but blocky.

[dragonjab]

I finally figure it out thanks.

[dragonjab]

Ok so I try the steps again, but we no results. Every time I have it all setup, the minute I log out of the RGUI the settings are gone. I also try doing this through the retropie settings on the new Retropie Release Candidate 1. Which I’m guessing is the general RGUI for all the retroarch emulators. Please help a video would be helpful.

[dragonjab]

Sorry to bother, but @patrickm did Floob ever do a video about your method of using scanlines? Would be nice to have a video about this method and another from your other post, about the perfect scaling.

[dragonjab]

That was the problem that I was having on my previous post. The only thing I was getting was a darker screen but no scanlines. The dropbox attachment fix my problem. @paratrikm have you gotten your 64 games working, if so could you post the settings that you are using. I was playing paper mario earlier, but it just looks terrible, or at least the title screen does. The game is unplayable on my end, even with the rice video plug in.

[dragonjab]

so do you guys have any suggestions for a better picture quality for MAME and finalburn ALpha?

[dragonjab]

[quote=98053]

Floob wrote:

A key reason for using the existing retroarch.cfg files is the internal reference to the overarching retroarch.cfg in the /all folder – which in turn pulls in the autoconfig controller files.

I’ll hopefully have time this weekend to do a guide.
If you want to give me a specific shader or scanline setting example to try I’ll base the video on that.

It seems like in an older version of the script, the internal references were carried over to the core-specific config when it was saved. Maybe that isn’t the case any more?

Would it be possible to bypass needing to edit config files by doing the following under general settings:
-configuration per core: ON
-configuration save on exit: ON

Would this work?

A video explaining the following would be excellent:
-how to get proper integer video scaling and set a custom ratio (needed to get proper scanlines)
-how to properly set the scanline overlays in the OP (both the 4x version and the 5x version)
-how to apply the dotmask shader
-how to save these settings

[/quote]
Couldn’t say it better myself. All the steps you listed would be great in a vid. Also if you can add what I good shader might be for the megadrive or genesis. All look horrible in my part. thanks for the help both of you.

Also do you guys happen to know on how to add shadders or scanlines into mame or Final burn alpha. Also how in the world do you scale the emulator for MAME and Final Burn Alpha?

[dragonjab]

[quote=98044]

dragonjab wrote:

Floob wrote:

Add the extra lines into the existing system retroarch.cfg (at the top), dont rename one to be retroarch.cfg.

I’ll try to do a video soon.

Yeah I didn’t rename one. Which lines do I add to the existing file? I went over your vid on how to setup shaders for the snes, but I want to do exactly what patrickm is doing in his original. I follow all the steps, but I can’t seem to make the changes reload when I restart the emulator. I have to go through the steps all over again every time I want to play a game. If possible can you make a video on how to do all the steps that patrickm wrote. Plus adding the dotmask shader I can’t seem to make this one work. So Scanlines plus dotmask shader. Thanks I apreciate all you guys help.

The dotmask shader is very very subtle, you have to have your nose pressed to the screen to see the mask. If you are able to get other shaders working than this one is probably working, too. The most immediately noticeable effect is that it darkens the screen somewhat.

Yeah, some videos would be nice

I don’t really have the means to record quality video.

[/quote]
Yep as soon as I apply the scanlines the screen darkens, so I know I did that right.
But like said earlier I’m still having the problem of redoing everything after I change games or exit out of the emulator.

[dragonjab]

[quote=98039]

dragonjab wrote:

patrickm wrote:

dragonjab wrote:

patrickm wrote:

bump; added 5x scale scanline overlay (1920×1080). Also added step-by-step instructions.

How do I make the changes permanent. I try to go back on the RGUI and hit on the save new config option and nothing happens. Once I restart the emulator it goes back to the old settings.
By mistake I change on the RGUI the configurations to the retroarch.cfg file is that ok? How do I change back to the old libreto field

You can make settings stick by navigating to the right config file in /opt/retropie/configs/ and find the right emulator folder. Within each emulator folder there is a “retroarch.cfg” which has settings which overwrite the global settings. Any settings which you wish to make permanent should be added there. There should also be an “emulator-name.cfg” in each emulator folder. You can rename this to “retroarch.cfg” and it will be loaded next time you launch RA.

well yeah I know how to do that. I set a permanent shader for my snes emulator. What I want to know is that why when I follow your steps I save it in the RGUI and once I exit out of any particular emulator my previous settings of adding the scanlines, filters and scaling are erase. Once I start the emulator again I have to go and go through your steps once again. Do you happen to know the code that I have to write in the retroarch.cfg file to make the steps from your original post permanent for my nes, snes, and megadrive. Also when I apply your scanline file on the RGUI I don’t see a difference on the nes or snes emulator. Also how do you apply the dotmask filter plus the scanline file that you provided together. If I go to options and filters I don’t see that particular filter. All your help is appreciated, thanks.

To set the overlay, put the .png and .cfg (for the overlay) in the appropriate overlay folder, then select the .cfg in retroarch. Settings -> overlay settings, set the overlay preset and be sure “overlay enable” is on

To set the shader go to options -> shader options -> shader passes, set to 1. Then under shader 0 select the dotmask shader in the /shader/CRT/ directory. The hit apply shader settings.

Make sure SNES and NES are set to render at the correct resolution, also. Scaling can cause overlays to not work correctly. Also make sure overlay opacity is set higher than 0

[/quote]
Ok snes and nes are set to render at correct resolutions. The scanlines part is done and dotmask shader too. I’m still having the problem were I have to set this setting over again when I restart the emulator.

[dragonjab]

[quote=98033]Add the extra lines into the existing system retroarch.cfg (at the top), dont rename one to be retroarch.cfg.

I’ll try to do a video soon.

[/quote]
Yeah I didn’t rename one. Which lines do I add to the existing file? I went over your vid on how to setup shaders for the snes, but I want to do exactly what patrickm is doing in his original. I follow all the steps, but I can’t seem to make the changes reload when I restart the emulator. I have to go through the steps all over again every time I want to play a game. If possible can you make a video on how to do all the steps that patrickm wrote. Plus adding the dotmask shader I can’t seem to make this one work. So Scanlines plus dotmask shader. Thanks I apreciate all you guys help.

[dragonjab]

[quote=98026]

dragonjab wrote:

patrickm wrote:

bump; added 5x scale scanline overlay (1920×1080). Also added step-by-step instructions.

How do I make the changes permanent. I try to go back on the RGUI and hit on the save new config option and nothing happens. Once I restart the emulator it goes back to the old settings.
By mistake I change on the RGUI the configurations to the retroarch.cfg file is that ok? How do I change back to the old libreto field

You can make settings stick by navigating to the right config file in /opt/retropie/configs/ and find the right emulator folder. Within each emulator folder there is a “retroarch.cfg” which has settings which overwrite the global settings. Any settings which you wish to make permanent should be added there. There should also be an “emulator-name.cfg” in each emulator folder. You can rename this to “retroarch.cfg” and it will be loaded next time you launch RA.

[/quote]
well yeah I know how to do that. I set a permanent shader for my snes emulator. What I want to know is that why when I follow your steps I save it in the RGUI and once I exit out of any particular emulator my previous settings of adding the scanlines, filters and scaling are erase. Once I start the emulator again I have to go and go through your steps once again. Do you happen to know the code that I have to write in the retroarch.cfg file to make the steps from your original post permanent for my nes, snes, and megadrive. Also when I apply your scanline file on the RGUI I don’t see a difference on the nes or snes emulator. Also how do you apply the dotmask filter plus the scanline file that you provided together. If I go to options and filters I don’t see that particular filter. All your help is appreciated, thanks.

[dragonjab]

[quote=97759]bump; added 5x scale scanline overlay (1920×1080). Also added step-by-step instructions.

[/quote]
How do I make the changes permanent. I try to go back on the RGUI and hit on the save new config option and nothing happens. Once I restart the emulator it goes back to the old settings.
By mistake I change on the RGUI the configurations to the retroarch.cfg file is that ok? How do I change back to the old libreto field

[dragonjab]

on your first method step 5 you forgot to add retroarch to the subdirectory.
/opt/retropie/emulators/retroarch/overlays/effects/scanlines

[dragonjab]

[quote=97685]You do need to be careful here not to remove the line in the existing retroarch.cfg that pulls in the main retroarch.cfg – unless you want to break that link.

Maybe we need a new guide/video to explain these retroarch.cfg video config values and where to add them.

[/quote]
Thank You Patrickm will do that this week. A video would be helpful Floob, everything that I have learn has been thanks to your videos in youtube. I been reviewing like crazy your videos. You have a great channel keep it up.
Ps. I already subscribe for more vids.

[dragonjab]

[quote=97490]

patl wrote:

I know why there are PAL borders and also the technical reason

You never get a look on a LCD like a real CRT until the screen gets u much higher resolution as it know is (on a Consumer LCD)
Your settings and look are also much far away from beeing a really realistic look.
And yes i don’t sit a view inches off the screen and count pixels. I sit there i a realistic distance and want the best appereance. And this not with a blocky sharpness.
Also i think the designers of these games with this low resolution, designed the graphics to have the best look with the softness of a (consumer) LCD.
Probably most people think the same about the image quality. This is probably the only reason why shaders and filters exists.

But Everyone should adjust it as he wants.

I agree, it will take higher resolution to really replicate the CRT look.

Again, I’m not going for authenticity, but overall picture quality, and this is a Raspberry Pi forum, so I’m speaking specifically on how to get the best picture quality on the pi while making the fewest compromises. The shaders cause numerous problems on the pi.

Even back in the days of CRTs, RGB monitors were the gold standard before Sony BVMs came along. Why? Because they had sharper and brighter pictures.

You seem to be forgetting how dim CRTs were compared to LCDs; I was mistaken earlier (not enough sleep) and was thinking about contrast. An LCD is bright enough that you can add 100% black scanlines (reducing the effective backlight by 50%), and it will still be brighter than a CRT.

The artists may have designed the game for a crappy ntsc composite tv in some cases, but that doesn’t mean the game won’t look objectively better on a better display. I recognize this is somewhat subjective, but you seem to be conflating picture quality with authenticity, which is also subjective.

Regarding viewing distance, at the right distance the pixels shouldn’t look overly sharp at all. Maybe you are actually too close. The average crt was about 26″ and people sat 8 ft from it. I’m pretty sure these graphics were designed for a small view angle- maybe 15 degrees.

I’m not against shaders per se, I think crt-easymode or CRT-royale with the right settings can look good. But neither will run on pi. So I just opt for a clean emulated look with scanlines. You can also add “dotmask” shader on top of this for a very light aperture grill effect.

I’m happy I solved my overlay issue.

[/quote]
I’m sorry to bother you Patrickm, but would it be possible to make a guide on how to add the scalines or have the same setup that you have. I have a 1080P tv too and want the look you would get from the mini XRGB. Is their a way you can do a step by step guide with the commands and all. I see that you have other post on the proper resolution for each system, but I’m confuse as to where to do this changes and if I have to do it for all system or is there a universal way. I’m sorry, I’m new to all this, I barely started messing around with the pi 2 days ago. Also sorry for my bad grammar.

[dragonjab]

I’m sorry to bother you Patrickm, but would it be possible to make a guide on how to add the scalines or have the same setup that you have. I have a 1080P tv too and want the look you would get from the mini XRGB. Is their a way you can do a step by step guide with the commands and all. I see that you have other post on the proper resolution for each system, but I’m confuse as to where to do this changes and if I have to do it for all system or is there a universal way. I’m sorry, I’m new to all this, I barely started messing around with the pi 2 days ago. Also sorry for my bad grammar.

[Author]

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