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PostPosted: Thu Dec 29, 2011 4:01 pm
by lowflier
With the massive discount on ORBX's NZSI, I thought I might treat myself. But before diving in head first I have a few questions, and I thought who better to answer them than the best FS community in the world biggrin.gif

So first- What kind of standard are the airports? I know they wont have a thing on anything REALNZ but its just nice to know.

What are the Frames Like?
I have a fairly average PC and all frames are precious, So this is a big factor.
____________________________________________________________
SYSTEM

AMD Phenom 2.40 ghz
ATI Radeon 4500
4gb Ram
1tb HD
_____________________________________________________________

And lastly, is it worth it?
I understand this is a very open question, and is entirely dependant on the interests and preferences of the individual.

So there we go... Three questions.

Thanks a heap,
eager simmer (Dan)

PostPosted: Thu Dec 29, 2011 4:55 pm
by Ian Warren
There are a few issues with airports and texture problems ie:the horrible Gable texture on the roof has appeared affecting RealNZscenery and other photoreal , the frame rate would question only you could answer but at a guess 33% off ,may worth buying and shelve till you upgrade , but not before you have tried it .. you may answer a lot of people who may have the same question .

As far as the last question .... its sorts 60/40 or maybe even 70/30 to Orbx , some regions are ideal , particular Canrterbury and Wanaka is a little to green , but that is fixed with RealNZWanaka but the airport needs to be looked at with a fix exclude switch.

PostPosted: Thu Dec 29, 2011 5:14 pm
by scaber
Hi LF, just got this because of the special price and so far have been pretty impressed. I've flown from Nelson then, Westportto Reefton, Greymouth and Hokitika. Most impressed for most part. A little disappointed that many of the scrub areas are shown as bush - eg Denniston (though don't expect any one else in the world would care about that!!) - Between Greymouth and Kumara junction is a bit heavy on the bush where there is more scrubby stuff. Pleased to see that the bush I saw over the central business area of Greymouth when at Ian's is no longer there. Even Black's point was shown. Can't say that the green on the Westcoast upsets me as it is generally fairly green and wet there. Have to wait and check out Canterbury and Central Otago next. It's nice to see Hokitika with some airport buildings and a few people.

I approached this purchase with some trepidation but after installation am very pleased. Seems to have had no effect on my frame rates (but then I have mine locked at 18fps as recommended by Scott from A2A).

I don't think you will be disappointed, in fact should be pleased, but of course it may depend on how your favourite area looks for you.

Haven't seen the gables problem that Ian mentions but then I'm not sure what I should be looking for - at any rate it can't be too obvious can it!!

PostPosted: Thu Dec 29, 2011 5:35 pm
by Ian Warren
Yip , Greymouth has done a rebuild , the patch would have that little fix for us , if your flying over photo real CHCH you will see the horrible rooftops on the larger buildings this also sticks like DOGS BALLS fliying out RealNZ Nelson .

PostPosted: Thu Dec 29, 2011 5:44 pm
by scaber
Ian Warren wrote:
QUOTE (Ian Warren @ Dec 29 2011,6:35 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Yip , Greymouth has done a rebuild , the patch would have that little fix for us , if your flying over photo real CHCH you will see the horrible rooftops on the larger buildings this also sticks like DOGS BALLS fliying out RealNZ Nelson .


ok, with that pointer I can now see what you mean. Interesting, but obviously not right. I presume that there will eventually be a fix for this?

PostPosted: Thu Dec 29, 2011 5:49 pm
by Ian Warren
There would have to be a fix for it , it affects the default MS autogen , strange it has this cause and it did the very same problem in New Zealand when blue and the rest were released.

PostPosted: Thu Dec 29, 2011 6:18 pm
by GlennAV8R
I purchased this today after initially deciding that I wouldnt as I wanted to support the NZ scenery designers. I must admit I am really happy with the purchase. It has made a huge difference to the south island, and to have all the airports made over and a few new ones included is a bonus. I have to say though that it does not beat photoreal scenery by any means and there is no way I would not continue to use and purchase what ever photoreal comes along. The trick is going to be making them work with each other, which is probably gonna be a big headache for the scenery designers. I hope that the NZ designers continue to pump out the photoreal (are you listening Robin?) and dont limit it to just the airport surrounds. Anyway, best $36 I've spent since buying RealNZ Nelson. Looking forward to NZNI now with Robins new Wellington when its finished.

PostPosted: Thu Dec 29, 2011 7:01 pm
by scaber
GlennAV8R wrote:
QUOTE (GlennAV8R @ Dec 29 2011,7:18 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I hope that the NZ designers continue to pump out the photoreal (are you listening Robin?) and dont limit it to just the airport surrounds. Anyway, best $36 I've spent since buying RealNZ Nelson. Looking forward to NZNI now with Robins new Wellington when its finished.


I have to agree, Robin's Nelson is closer to the real thing and more to my liking. However, for what is essentially a 'free' add-on the ORBX Nelson is not too bad, certainly a LOT better than the default! - though I did notice that the radio mast was on the wrong hill...

PostPosted: Thu Dec 29, 2011 7:45 pm
by toprob
scaber wrote:
QUOTE (scaber @ Dec 29 2011,6:44 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
ok, with that pointer I can now see what you mean. Interesting, but obviously not right. I presume that there will eventually be a fix for this?


This particular issue is caused by Orbx changing the Region code for the South Island to an Australian region (Red). However local photo scenic areas can be changed back to New Zealand, which is probably the best solution. These local fixes will be included in any Real NZ compatibility patches.

PostPosted: Thu Dec 29, 2011 8:47 pm
by scaber
toprob wrote:
QUOTE (toprob @ Dec 29 2011,8:45 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
This particular issue is caused by Orbx changing the Region code for the South Island to an Australian region (Red). However local photo scenic areas can be changed back to New Zealand, which is probably the best solution. These local fixes will be included in any Real NZ compatibility patches.


Ok, thanks Rob. I look forward to the next release/update with expectation! rolleyes.gif

PostPosted: Thu Dec 29, 2011 10:49 pm
by Adamski
lowflier wrote:
QUOTE (lowflier @ Dec 29 2011,5:01 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
So first- What kind of standard are the airports?
What are the Frames Like?

I bought NZSI and am generally impressed. NZSI and RealNZ/VLC aren't mutually exclusive, so we can still support our local talent.

Whilst there may be some "realism" issues, the overall "impression" is *very good*. Mountains appear to have better textures/detail and many of the smaller airports have been given the FTX "makeover" and are well populated with static objects etc. I've no idea how realistic these are, bit at least you feel you're "somewhere" as opposed to just an unknown bit of grass. Considering NZSI is meant primarily to be a texture/landclass product, that we get so many [reasonably good] airports is a bonus.

Some people have commented that some green areas are a bit over-saturated. I agree - but it's only the odd tile and they're not *that* bad.

I can't comment on framerates, as I upgraded my system and everything is smooth. I'd say you should be OK on a medium spec system.

In areas where we already have decent RealNZ, FSCreations or other freeware airports, these can always be configured to take priority over NZSI. I think everyone concerned is trying to make that as seamless as possible.

Considering what was included in the patch (and the speed with which it was issued), it looks like ORBX are monitoring feedback (even here, I suspect) and acting on it. I think it shows how keen they are to make this product work for NZ. Let's face it, what other country in the world is so small yet has such a variety of spectacular scenery? A bit worrying for our local developers though!

I'd say "go for it"!

PostPosted: Fri Dec 30, 2011 10:33 am
by toprob

PostPosted: Sat Dec 31, 2011 8:01 pm
by happytraveller
I might be the exception then, as I am totally underwhelmed by the Orbx NZSI. After their other releases then I was expecting much better than this. Apart from the overly green areas, the bush just does not look right to me in some areas.

Given the amount of time that it was in preparation and also when compared to Orbx's other releases, then I was expecting more. Yes it is great to fly in the areas that we know, but also that means that we know how it should look, and for me, the Orbx NZSI just does not get it near enough.

I would be very happy to have photoreal again, something like RealNZ Southern Lakes looks far more realistic in my eyes than Orbx NZSI, and this was developed a long time ago.

Now that it is in the sim, then I will fly with it, but there is always the thought in my mind that it is not as good as their other areas, and that it is just not up to normal Orbx standards.

smooth landings.

PostPosted: Sun Jan 01, 2012 10:00 am
by FlyingKiwi
Does anyone know if/when they're releasing the North Island? I've heard March/April but that might just be heresay. Mainly because I'm looking to upgrade to the OrbX scenery but I'd prefer to wait until the whole country is done as I fly probably more in the North Island than down south.

PostPosted: Sun Jan 01, 2012 10:34 am
by Nzeddy
Sometime this mid or late year.

PostPosted: Sun Jan 01, 2012 12:09 pm
by Adamski
happytraveller wrote:
QUOTE (happytraveller @ Dec 31 2011,9:01 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
... it is not as good as their other areas, and that it is just not up to normal Orbx standards.

The only other ORBX products I have are Australia and a few of the Aussie airports. The only area of AU I've seen for real is around Brisbane (up to Noosa) and the ORBX treatment for that looks pretty well much the same as for NZSI - ie. not 100% "realistic" - more "impressionistic" - but way better than default FSX.

Which FTX sceneries do you think are way better then NZSI? PNW/USA? I haven't seen those.

PostPosted: Sun Jan 01, 2012 6:54 pm
by goingboeing
lowflier wrote:
QUOTE (lowflier @ Dec 29 2011,5:01 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
With the massive discount on ORBX's NZSI, I thought I might treat myself. But before diving in head first I have a few questions, and I thought who better to answer them than the best FS community in the world biggrin.gif

So first- What kind of standard are the airports? I know they wont have a thing on anything REALNZ but its just nice to know.

What are the Frames Like?
I have a fairly average PC and all frames are precious, So this is a big factor.
____________________________________________________________
SYSTEM

AMD Phenom 2.40 ghz
ATI Radeon 4500
4gb Ram
1tb HD
_____________________________________________________________

And lastly, is it worth it?
I understand this is a very open question, and is entirely dependant on the interests and preferences of the individual.

So there we go... Three questions.

Thanks a heap,
eager simmer (Dan)





Hi Guys Happy New Year! I am new to the NZFF forum so apologise if I have done this wrong.

I studied for my CPL in Invercargill over 4 years ago and have found the orbx treatment to be fairly well spot-on so far for Otago/Southland I now fly Commercially in the North Island so it will be interesting to see what it's like when NZNI is released. I also own VLC and am very impressed with it also and many of the add-on airports such as Taupo, Nelson, Blenheim etc.

I know it's probably been discussed but I was wanting some clarification on issues as I am obviously using orbx (bought in the sale to try it out) for sth island and VLC for the north (at the mo). My Add On Sceneries are doing all kinds of crazy things especially Nelson which is raised above the ground and also Blenheim which is all messed up also. I just want to know if there is some sort of fix or wether I will be best to revert back to VLC for all in the meantime and enjoy the happy relationship they had earlier. I am guessing it's a terrain issue but really not sure, any help would be greatly appreciated.

cheers James

PostPosted: Sun Jan 01, 2012 6:58 pm
by hoki1185
I think the deal probably expired yesteday.

PostPosted: Sun Jan 01, 2012 7:15 pm
by GlennAV8R
[quote name='goingboeing' date='Jan 1 2012,7:54 PM' post='8300078']


Hi James and happy new year.

I am running both VLC and NZSI also and have got Blenhiem working pretty much 100%, and Nelson is getting there. If you look around this forum I think under Godzone scenery support it lists the files you need to rename in order to get the different addons to work together. I think the scenery designers are looking at patches in order to make these work well with each other.


Regards

Glenn

PostPosted: Sun Jan 01, 2012 7:19 pm
by Adamski
goingboeing wrote:
QUOTE (goingboeing @ Jan 1 2012,7:54 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hi Guys Happy New Year! I am new to the NZFF forum so apologise if I have done this wrong.

Looks OK to me ... and a BIG welcome!

I hope you managed to get in there while the sale was still on! There are a few issues around NZWB, NZOH and NZNS with both NZSI and VLC enabled ... but dig around here and you'll find the info you need - albeit scattered across a few threads.