Few questions from a HS noob

[ras2a]

Hi guys,

Few questions and hoping someone can help; I'm a bit confused over artwork and which type of XMLs/romsets to use. I've downloaded HyperSpin and downloaded all artwork for the 'default' systems on the Wheel, so I'll be moving onto other things next, like the Amiga/Atari ST etc. I haven't configured any emulators at this stage, I just want to get all my artwork in place first.

1) I read that HS works best with No-Intro romsets as this is what the artwork naming is based on - is this correct? If so....

2) Is there a definitive list that shows us what type of romset each system has its artwork named after? E.g: If I download the Amiga XML from HyperList, how do I know what romset type this is based on; TOSEC etc?

3) Is it better to simply download all the XML files at HyperList and rebuild my romsets to match these files, or generate XMLs based on my 'current' romsets? (I've no idea how to do this just yet, but have read a little about it). It's just in terms of grabbing all the right artwork.. I don't want to have to be renaming all the artwork to match romsets or vice-versa

As you can see, I'm pretty confused by this, so what's the general consensus on the best/easiest way to match up 'types' of romset (No-Intro, TOSEC etc) and my artwork.

Thanks ever so much guys and apologies if this is in the wrong forum

ras

[Natdiamond]

After setting up a few emulators and trying different roms and mame versions, etc. I think getting the artwork first is backwards. You may get a rom set that just doesn't work well (for any number of reasons). Then when you find the one that IS a keeper, you get the artwork to match that. I've just recently upgraded to Platinum and have used hypersync. And might I say, it is the shiznit. It almost makes the artwork the last thing you need to think about. Find the emu's and roms that WORK for you, then use the hyperspin tools here on the site to rename the roms to match the available artwork. If you have to. And you still may have to manually rename some stuff. I've gone to you tube to find missing videos that emumovies doesn't have. As far as what romsets, I'll let someone with more experience answer that. But I feel no intro/ no nag is the way to go so you don't have to deal with the nag screens.

[gooch]

I actually do what ras2a does and set up the artwork & supported DB first with HyperSync, then collect the ROM set, then use Don's HyperSpin Tools to rename my ROMs based on CRCs to the official names in the DB. I think you'll have a lot easier time with your setup if you use officially named syatems and ROMs.

[Fromlostdays]

1) All of the official artwork is based on the no intro naming convention. You should always change the names of your roms to match the official xmls, even if you don't have a full set. You will fix that later. The reason here is because the official xmls give you a lot of information many xml generators do not, like year, genre, manufacturer. Someone went to a lot of trouble to make those databases to include all of that. The second reason is, you're a platinum member and can use Hypersync to do all the artwork legwork for you.

Tools to use to rename romsets - Clrmamepro (advanced but worth learning) and Don's Rom Renamer (Easier)

Once your romset is renamed, even if you don't have a full set, you want to have the OFFICIAL XML if there is one in your database folder before you run Hypersync. This will download the artwork for every game listed on the database, even the ones you don't have. Trust me, stick around here long enough, and you will fill in the gaps and its easier to just download the art in bulk.

[gooch]

1)Once your romset is renamed, even if you don't have a full set, you want to have the OFFICIAL XML if there is one in your database folder before you run Hypersync. This will download the artwork for every game listed on the database, even the ones you don't have.

HyperSync has a button to download the official XML

[ras2a]

Wow, thanks for all the replies guys, really appreciate it! I've only just had chance to check the forums - busy weekend

Good advice, I've used ClrMamePro in the past (in a former life I built an arcade cab, based on the UAII plans, used ClrMame at the time). Didn't realise that you could download the official XMLs through HyperSync, so I'll defo check that out. Couple more questions:

- What type of sets do you all use for those systems that NoIntro romsets don't exist for?

- Are the XML DBs/artwork sets updated in-line with the latest updates to No-Intro sets etc?

- I've noticed that when setting up a system up in HyperSync - after adding it via HyperHQ - games for certain sets won't show up. I think this is for the 'unsupported' ones... but not sure? I think the artwork still downloads though?

- Is the list of XML DBs on HyperList the best/most definitive list of DBs for all systems? Some old sets seem to be missing (Amstrad CPC, Sam Coupe etc) - any idea where I might get these?

Thanks again folks

Ras

[Fromlostdays]

Question 1: I look through the FTP, search google, etc for either a database, or a set of artwork for those systems and build it piece by piece.

Question 2: they are updated but I don't think anyone is sitting around waiting for changes to no intro stuff. You can add and subtract anything you want from your databases. It's as easy as copying an entry that's already there and changing the name.

Question 3: If there is no official database hyperlist will have an empty database placeholder- avoid these and search for xmls elsewhere.

Question 4: The FTP, and Google. Don't underestimate a simple google search with the word hyperspin in it. IE Sam Coupe database hyperspin.

[ras2a]

Fantastic, thanks again for your help guys

Ras