Scanlines?

[SkyHighGam3r]

I was sure this had been discussed thoroughly somewhere, but I couldn't find it so I thought I'd make a new thread.

Basically, I want some opinions regarding the use of scanlines.

 

Previously, my go to filter/shader (are these different?) has been Hq2x. I think it makes pixel art look smooth as butter. However, I recently played around in Nestopia's NTSC filter, and I felt like I'd been given a dose of sweet sweet retro-drug.

 

So... I am torn.

 

On one hand, the HQ filter makes games look absolutely amazing and colorfully vibrant and smooth.
On the other hand, the NTSC/CRT/Scanline filters make games not only look like they used to (should look) but they add something intangible that I honestly can't describe with words. It's more of a feeling.

 

Now, it's worth noting I have never once felt like the HQ filters were 'wrong', and I am a HUGE fan of 16:9 stretching. (yes, you read that right) I know most people who are hardcore retro enthusiasts who use the retro shaders feel that only 4:3 will do an anything else is blasphemy.

 

I also have my hyperspin setup in an 11 inch laptop. I do this to make it a portable console that I can plug in via HDMI anywhere I go and just play.

 

I'm hoping to settle on a look that will fit my entire build, and go across all my systems.
(I only run the basics, nothing too fancy)

 

So I'm looking for your opinions. What do you use in your own builds/what kind of builds do you use these filters in?

 

 

[SIMPLYAUSTIN]

Anything 90s and earlier I use scanlines, shaders etc.  The older the system the more I go to town on them. 

 

MAME and MESS have awsone HLSL and GLSL features that are spot on and look awesome. 

[SkyHighGam3r]

Well, using RetroArch, I added the crtgeomcurve shader, and a scanline shader.

Holy god it's beautiful lol I'm switching all my emulator's over to RetroArch for the effect.

Except Gameboy, I'm having trouble with that system, but I think it's because I have a combined GB/GBC/GBA wheel for that system. VBA-M runs them fine, but it doesn't allow for that screen curve. I'll keep playing with it.

As always, thank you for your input SimplyAustin.

[SIMPLYAUSTIN]

anytime at all mate... I will take a look at that shader Heads up... new BIG vid today too

[Agrajag]

One of these days I may actually get around to trying out scanlines and seeing if they are worth the hassle.

I had to comment though, that the idea of adding scanlines to the Gameboy tickled me. Just what we need to replicate the look of the CRT that Nintendo used in their pocket sized consoles! [emoji12]

[SkyHighGam3r]

One of these days I may actually get around to trying out scanlines and seeing if they are worth the hassle.

I had to comment though, that the idea of adding scanlines to the Gameboy tickled me. Just what we need to replicate the look of the CRT that Nintendo used in their pocket sized consoles! [emoji12]

 

I honestly never thought they were. The logic in my head was "Why in God's name would I want to make my game's look WORSE!?"

But then I was bored at work and tried it out. Like I said it's just a feeling that it brings when you see it displayed properly.

RetroArch in particular allows you to curve the screen like an old TV, add a glow like they used to have, and add the scanlines. I've been playing emulators for the past 15 years... but never like last week did I have such a sense of nostalgia while playing.

 

It's hard to describe, but well worth the effort.

 

That being said, using a Hq4x shader DOES make them look absolutely gorgeous.