Hard Light Productions Forums

General FreeSpace => FreeSpace & FreeSpace Open Support => Topic started by: Keshek on January 12, 2009, 03:32:01 pm

Title: Flickering graphics
Post by: Keshek on January 12, 2009, 03:32:01 pm
I recently installed freespace 2 and using FSOInstaller I installed freespace open. Whenever I try to play freespace open. I have these weird flickering horizontal bars across the screen. I tried using the default settings as well as the ones recommended in this thread http://www.hard-light.net/forums/index.php/topic,53294.0.html neither solve the problem.
Title: Re: Flickering graphics
Post by: FUBAR-BDHR on January 12, 2009, 03:34:30 pm
Make sure you r video drivers are up to date.  If that doesn't do it post your system specs. 
Title: Re: Flickering graphics
Post by: Keshek on January 12, 2009, 03:43:43 pm
My drivers are up do date. At the moment I am running windows 7 x64 beta. I have a 2.16 ghz pentium core 2 duo running at 2.6 ghz. An Nvidia 7600 gt and 4gb of memory. I doubt it is caused by the Windows 7 Beta since no other games have problems, but it could be the problem.
Title: Re: Flickering graphics
Post by: Jeff Vader on January 12, 2009, 03:46:03 pm
Could you provide a screenshot? Also, download the latest nightly build from the Nightly Builds board (link in my signature), run the debug build (starts with fs2_open_3_6_10d) and post the fs2_open.log that is generated to \freespace2\data\.
Title: Re: Flickering graphics
Post by: Keshek on January 12, 2009, 04:52:32 pm
here is the log file

Code: [Select]
==========================================================================
DEBUG SPEW: No debug_filter.cfg found, so only general, error, and warning
categories can be shown and no debug_filter.cfg info will be saved.
==========================================================================
FreeSpace version: 3.6.10
Passed cmdline options:
  -mod mediavps
Building file index...
Found root pack 'C:\Program Files (x86)\GOG.com\Freespace 2\mediavps\mp-710_adveffects.vp' with a checksum of 0x55caf318
Found root pack 'C:\Program Files (x86)\GOG.com\Freespace 2\mediavps\mp-710_effects.vp' with a checksum of 0xe22bdcc2
Found root pack 'C:\Program Files (x86)\GOG.com\Freespace 2\mediavps\mp-710_models.vp' with a checksum of 0x20b9069a
Found root pack 'C:\Program Files (x86)\GOG.com\Freespace 2\mediavps\mv_adveffects.vp' with a checksum of 0xfeb54970
Found root pack 'C:\Program Files (x86)\GOG.com\Freespace 2\mediavps\mv_core.vp' with a checksum of 0xb6cb1f6a
Found root pack 'C:\Program Files (x86)\GOG.com\Freespace 2\mediavps\mv_effects.vp' with a checksum of 0x1986a43c
Found root pack 'C:\Program Files (x86)\GOG.com\Freespace 2\mediavps\mv_models.vp' with a checksum of 0x2f8a711a
Found root pack 'C:\Program Files (x86)\GOG.com\Freespace 2\mediavps\mv_music.vp' with a checksum of 0xcca92482
Found root pack 'C:\Program Files (x86)\GOG.com\Freespace 2\mediavps\mv_textures.vp' with a checksum of 0x2c43a80e
Found root pack 'C:\Program Files (x86)\GOG.com\Freespace 2\FS2OGGcutscenepack.vp' with a checksum of 0x84396e99
Found root pack 'C:\Program Files (x86)\GOG.com\Freespace 2\multi-mission-pack.vp' with a checksum of 0x377695e0
Found root pack 'C:\Program Files (x86)\GOG.com\Freespace 2\multi-voice-pack.vp' with a checksum of 0xd50e7442
Found root pack 'C:\Program Files (x86)\GOG.com\Freespace 2\Root_fs2.vp' with a checksum of 0xce10d76c
Found root pack 'C:\Program Files (x86)\GOG.com\Freespace 2\smarty_fs2.vp' with a checksum of 0xddeb3b1e
Found root pack 'C:\Program Files (x86)\GOG.com\Freespace 2\sparky_fs2.vp' with a checksum of 0x164fe65a
Found root pack 'C:\Program Files (x86)\GOG.com\Freespace 2\sparky_hi_fs2.vp' with a checksum of 0xa11d56f1
Found root pack 'C:\Program Files (x86)\GOG.com\Freespace 2\stu_fs2.vp' with a checksum of 0xd77da83a
Found root pack 'C:\Program Files (x86)\GOG.com\Freespace 2\tango1_fs2.vp' with a checksum of 0x4c25221e
Found root pack 'C:\Program Files (x86)\GOG.com\Freespace 2\tango2_fs2.vp' with a checksum of 0x86920b82
Found root pack 'C:\Program Files (x86)\GOG.com\Freespace 2\tango3_fs2.vp' with a checksum of 0x705e8d71
Found root pack 'C:\Program Files (x86)\GOG.com\Freespace 2\warble_fs2.vp' with a checksum of 0xd85c305d
Searching root 'C:\Program Files (x86)\GOG.com\Freespace 2\mediavps\' ... 14 files
Searching root pack 'C:\Program Files (x86)\GOG.com\Freespace 2\mediavps\mp-710_adveffects.vp' ... 2063 files
Searching root pack 'C:\Program Files (x86)\GOG.com\Freespace 2\mediavps\mp-710_effects.vp' ... 91 files
Searching root pack 'C:\Program Files (x86)\GOG.com\Freespace 2\mediavps\mp-710_models.vp' ... 31 files
Searching root pack 'C:\Program Files (x86)\GOG.com\Freespace 2\mediavps\mv_adveffects.vp' ... 299 files
Searching root pack 'C:\Program Files (x86)\GOG.com\Freespace 2\mediavps\mv_core.vp' ... 88 files
Searching root pack 'C:\Program Files (x86)\GOG.com\Freespace 2\mediavps\mv_effects.vp' ... 580 files
Searching root pack 'C:\Program Files (x86)\GOG.com\Freespace 2\mediavps\mv_models.vp' ... 399 files
Searching root pack 'C:\Program Files (x86)\GOG.com\Freespace 2\mediavps\mv_music.vp' ... 15 files
Searching root pack 'C:\Program Files (x86)\GOG.com\Freespace 2\mediavps\mv_textures.vp' ... 1526 files
Searching root 'C:\Program Files (x86)\GOG.com\Freespace 2\' ... 8 files
Searching root pack 'C:\Program Files (x86)\GOG.com\Freespace 2\FS2OGGcutscenepack.vp' ... 10 files
Searching root pack 'C:\Program Files (x86)\GOG.com\Freespace 2\multi-mission-pack.vp' ... 110 files
Searching root pack 'C:\Program Files (x86)\GOG.com\Freespace 2\multi-voice-pack.vp' ... 307 files
Searching root pack 'C:\Program Files (x86)\GOG.com\Freespace 2\Root_fs2.vp' ... 157 files
Searching root pack 'C:\Program Files (x86)\GOG.com\Freespace 2\smarty_fs2.vp' ... 10 files
Searching root pack 'C:\Program Files (x86)\GOG.com\Freespace 2\sparky_fs2.vp' ... 3027 files
Searching root pack 'C:\Program Files (x86)\GOG.com\Freespace 2\sparky_hi_fs2.vp' ... 1337 files
Searching root pack 'C:\Program Files (x86)\GOG.com\Freespace 2\stu_fs2.vp' ... 2355 files
Searching root pack 'C:\Program Files (x86)\GOG.com\Freespace 2\tango1_fs2.vp' ... 32 files
Searching root pack 'C:\Program Files (x86)\GOG.com\Freespace 2\tango2_fs2.vp' ... 15 files
Searching root pack 'C:\Program Files (x86)\GOG.com\Freespace 2\tango3_fs2.vp' ... 10 files
Searching root pack 'C:\Program Files (x86)\GOG.com\Freespace 2\warble_fs2.vp' ... 52 files
Searching root 'e:\' ... 0 files
Found 24 roots and 12536 files.
Setting language to English
Initializing OpenAL...
  Using 'SB X-Fi Audio [EC00]' as OpenAL sound device...
  OpenAL Vendor     : Creative Labs Inc.
  OpenAL Renderer   : SB X-Fi Audio [EC00]
  OpenAL Version    : OpenAL version 1.1

... OpenAL successfully initialized!
Failed to init speech
Initializing OpenGL graphics device at 1280x960 with 32-bit color...
  Initializing WGL...
  Requested WGL Video values = R: 8, G: 8, B: 8, depth: 32, double-buffer: 1
  Actual WGL Video values    = R: 8, G: 8, B: 8, depth: 32, double-buffer: 1
  OpenGL Vendor     : NVIDIA Corporation
  OpenGL Renderer   : GeForce 7600 GT/PCI/SSE2
  OpenGL Version    : 2.1.2

  Using extension "GL_EXT_fog_coord".
  Using extension "GL_ARB_multitexture".
  Using extension "GL_ARB_texture_env_add".
  Using extension "GL_ARB_texture_compression".
  Using extension "GL_EXT_texture_compression_s3tc".
  Using extension "GL_EXT_texture_filter_anisotropic".
  Using extension "GL_ARB_texture_env_combine".
  Using extension "GL_EXT_compiled_vertex_array".
  Using extension "GL_EXT_draw_range_elements".
  Using extension "GL_ARB_texture_mirrored_repeat".
  Using extension "GL_ARB_texture_non_power_of_two".
  Using extension "GL_ARB_vertex_buffer_object".
  Using extension "GL_ARB_pixel_buffer_object".
  Using extension "GL_SGIS_generate_mipmap".
  Using extension "GL_EXT_framebuffer_object".
  Using extension "GL_ARB_texture_rectangle".
  Using extension "GL_EXT_bgra".
  Using extension "GL_ARB_texture_cube_map".
  Using extension "GL_EXT_texture_lod_bias".
  Using extension "GL_ARB_point_sprite".
  Using extension "GL_ARB_shading_language_100".
  Using extension "GL_ARB_shader_objects".
  Using extension "GL_ARB_vertex_shader".
  Using extension "GL_ARB_fragment_shader".
  Using extension "GL_NV_vertex_program3".
  Found special extension function "wglSwapIntervalEXT".

  Compiling shader ->  null-v.sdr / null-f.sdr ...
  Shader in_error!  Disabling GLSL!

  Max texture units: 4 (4)
  Max elements vertices: 1048576
  Max elements indices: 1048576
  Max texture size: 4096x4096
  Can use compressed textures: YES
  Texture compression available: YES
  Using bilinear texture filter.
... OpenGL init is complete!
Size of bitmap info = 705 KB
Size of bitmap extra info = 40 bytes
ANI cursorweb with size 24x24 (25.0% wasted)
GRAPHICS: Initializing default colors...
SCRIPTING: Beginning initialization sequence...
SCRIPTING: Beginning Lua initialization...
LUA: Opening LUA state...
LUA: Initializing base Lua libraries...
LUA: Beginning ADE initialization
ADE: Initializing enumeration constants...
ADE: Assigning Lua session...
SCRIPTING: Beginning main hook parse sequence....
Wokka!  Error opening file (scripting.tbl)!
TABLES: Unable to parse 'scripting.tbl'!  Error code = 5.
SCRIPTING: Inititialization complete.
SCRIPTING: Splash screen overrides checked
SCRIPTING: Splash hook has been run
SCRIPTING: Splash screen conditional hook has been run
Using high memory settings...
Wokka!  Error opening file (interface.tbl)!
WMCGUI: Unable to parse 'interface.tbl'!  Error code = 5.
TBM  =>  Starting parse of 'mv_effects-sdf.tbm' ...
ANI 2_radar1 with size 209x170 (33.6% wasted)
Windoze reported 16 joysticks, we found 1
Current soundtrack set to -1 in event_music_reset_choices
TBM  =>  Starting parse of 'mv_music-mus.tbm' ...
Wokka!  Error opening file (armor.tbl)!
TABLES: Unable to parse 'armor.tbl'!  Error code = 5.
TBM  =>  Starting parse of 'mv_effects-wxp.tbm' ...
BMPMAN: Found EFF (exp20.eff) with 64 frames at 35 fps.
ANI Lamprey_Impact with size 80x80 (37.5% wasted)
TBM  =>  Starting parse of 'mv_models-wep.tbm' ...
TBM  =>  Starting parse of 'mv_flak-wep.tbm' ...
TBM  =>  Starting parse of 'mv_effects-wep.tbm' ...
TBM  =>  Starting parse of 'mv_tech-wep.tbm' ...
TBM  =>  Starting parse of 'mv_shockwave-wep.tbm' ...
TBM  =>  Starting parse of 'mv_missiles-wep.tbm' ...
TBM  =>  Starting parse of 'mv_textures-shp.tbm' ...
TBM  =>  Starting parse of 'mv_models-shp.tbm' ...
TBM  =>  Starting parse of 'mv_trails-shp.tbm' ...
TBM  =>  Starting parse of 'mv_dragon-shp.tbm' ...
TBM  =>  Starting parse of 'mv_turretangle-shp.tbm' ...
TBM  =>  Starting parse of 'mv_tech-shp.tbm' ...
TBM  =>  Starting parse of 'mv_shockwave-shp.tbm' ...
loading animated cursor "cursor"
ANI cursor with size 24x24 (25.0% wasted)
Ships.tbl is : VALID
Weapons.tbl is : VALID
cfile_init() took 2088
Got event GS_EVENT_GAME_INIT (49) in state NOT A VALID STATE (0)
ANI cursor.ani with size 24x24 (25.0% wasted)
Got event GS_EVENT_MAIN_MENU (0) in state GS_STATE_INITIAL_PLAYER_SELECT (37)
ANI 2_mainwalk.ani with size 209x477 (6.8% wasted)
ANI 2_mainflyby.ani with size 509x189 (26.2% wasted)
ANI 2_maincrane.ani with size 192x116 (9.4% wasted)
ANI 2_mainexit.ani with size 319x174 (32.0% wasted)
ANI 2_mainbarracks.ani with size 273x158 (38.3% wasted)
ANI 2_mainreadyroom.ani with size 231x145 (43.4% wasted)
ANI 2_maintechroom.ani with size 69x119 (7.0% wasted)
ANI 2_mainoptions.ani with size 337x206 (19.5% wasted)
ANI 2_maincampaign.ani with size 308x190 (25.8% wasted)
Frame  0 too long!!: frametime = 0.305 (0.305)
Frame  0 too long!!: frametime = 0.304 (0.304)
Frame  0 too long!!: frametime = 0.280 (0.280)
Got event GS_EVENT_QUIT_GAME (5) in state GS_STATE_MAIN_MENU (1)
Freeing all existing models...
... Log closed, Mon Jan 12 17:23:49 2009

I would attach an image but they don't seem to show the flickering. I even tried to get a video of it but got nothing. Also while using fraps to try to capture video it seemed to reduce the number of flickering bars. Im wondering if it is a problem with the refresh rate or vsync
Title: Re: Flickering graphics
Post by: phreak on January 12, 2009, 05:57:38 pm
Could you try this on something other than the Windows 7 Beta?
Title: Re: Flickering graphics
Post by: Aurora Paradox on January 12, 2009, 06:40:17 pm
I just started having the exact same problem.  I'm running Windows XP SP3.  I'm using an 8500 GT with the latest drivers(updated them recently).  I have the most recent nightly build available.  Right now it is more of any annoyance but a solution would be appreciated.  I'm currently on the mission Speaking in Tongues in the main Freespace 2 Campaign using the 3.6.10 Mediavps.   The problem did not happen on the mission before this one so I'm at a loss to explain the cause.

Aurora Paradox
Title: Re: Flickering graphics
Post by: Keshek on January 12, 2009, 06:48:13 pm
Currently i have the problem fixed by using D3D instead of Open GL
Title: Re: Flickering graphics
Post by: FUBAR-BDHR on January 12, 2009, 07:03:21 pm
Not much of a solution since D3D is no longer supported after 3.6.9.  So if you want to use the new MediaVPs which require 3.6.10 you will need to get OpenGL working. 
Title: Re: Flickering graphics
Post by: General Battuta on January 12, 2009, 08:20:18 pm
Flickering bars? It really does sound like a refresh rate issue. Is there any way to turn on vsync in Freespace Open?
Title: Re: Flickering graphics
Post by: Aurora Paradox on January 12, 2009, 10:52:14 pm
Not much of a solution since D3D is no longer supported after 3.6.9.  So if you want to use the new MediaVPs which require 3.6.10 you will need to get OpenGL working. 

I haven't tried OpenGL yet but I'll give it a shot when I have a moment.  Wonder why this began happening now.................

Aurora Paradox
Title: Re: Flickering graphics
Post by: Jeff Vader on January 13, 2009, 02:33:47 am
If it is a vsync issue, you should scour through the GPU settings and try to enable vsync from there. At least on Cataclysm Control Center there is an option with a slide bar for controlling vertical synchronization. I've just dragged it to "Use vsync regardless of what the applications say" point.
Title: Re: Flickering graphics
Post by: taylor on January 13, 2009, 02:03:18 pm
V-Sync is enabled by default on FSO, but you can turn it off with the -no_vsync cmdline option (so check for that in the Launcher).  There is also a registry option to change the refresh rate that the game uses (it's really a Windows only issue).

I'm kind of inclined to say that the flickering might have a different cause though.  This problem is a bit familiar to a movie playback flickering issue that used to occur when NVIDIA updated their drivers to use triple buffering.  I would check your NVIDIA control panel and look for the option that sets triple buffering (or if they changed it, something similar).  If it's not enabled then enable it, and if it already is enabled then disable it.  See if that makes any difference.
Title: Re: Flickering graphics
Post by: Aurora Paradox on January 13, 2009, 02:15:30 pm
V-Sync is enabled by default on FSO, but you can turn it off with the -no_vsync cmdline option (so check for that in the Launcher).  There is also a registry option to change the refresh rate that the game uses (it's really a Windows only issue).

I'm kind of inclined to say that the flickering might have a different cause though.  This problem is a bit familiar to a movie playback flickering issue that used to occur when NVIDIA updated their drivers to use triple buffering.  I would check your NVIDIA control panel and look for the option that sets triple buffering (or if they changed it, something similar).  If it's not enabled then enable it, and if it already is enabled then disable it.  See if that makes any difference.

That could be it because I did update my drivers very recently.  I'll try switching to OpenGL as well to see if that makes a difference.  How much more demanding is OpenGL over Direct 3D?

Aurora Paradox
Title: Re: Flickering graphics
Post by: Androgeos Exeunt on January 14, 2009, 11:21:35 am
I think the code for D3D support in FS2_Open is ridiculously out of date, so OpenGL should work a little better.

Has somebody mentioned updating graphics drivers already?
Title: Re: Flickering graphics
Post by: Jeff Vader on January 14, 2009, 11:25:44 am
Has somebody mentioned updating graphics drivers already?
Naturally.
Title: Re: Flickering graphics
Post by: wolffman on February 06, 2014, 08:06:31 am
For me it help if, after startup and during the intro film, I press "ALT - Tab" . I will go back to the desktop. Then I press Alt Tab again till I am once again have the game selected. Once in the game the flickering is  gone
Title: Re: Flickering graphics
Post by: jr2 on February 06, 2014, 08:31:50 am
:wtf:

:welcome:

:necro: