Press Releaseby HiFi Simulation Software6/6/05For Immediate Release "ASV Wx Simulator Pre-Release Details, Screenshots and Video Now Available!"Detailed information for ASV (ActiveSky Version 5) is now available! Release is just around the corner, expected within a few days.ASV is HiFi's latest effort towards the best weather simulation experience possible. For over 3 years, continuous development and user-base interaction have made this new version a reality. Dozens of new unique features make this the most significant ActiveSky upgrade yet! One of the major new features include AE (Active Environment), a robust and completely integrated Cloud and Environment graphics upgrade for Flight Simulator 2004. The skies are significantly transformed into a beautiful weather-scape with ever-changing visuals influenced by weather conditions. AE's graphics were created exclusively for ASV by Chris Willis, talented author of the very popular FS Sky World add-ons. Other new items include the Wx Configurator offline wx configuration utility, Offline Sequential Playback, 24-hour archives with consecutive archival download, enhanced oceanic/sparse wind depiction resolution, AE Themes, AS Wx Templates, VAS (Vertical Air Simulation) with updrafts/downdrafts/thermals, Auto VAS Point Generation influenced by wind and terrain, Favor Cumulus over Stratus option, and much more! For all the details please visit the ASV Pre-release info page at http://www.hifisim.com/activesky5.htm.

Just watched the video and viewed the screens! Awesome, just awesome!!! You have outdone yourselves this time. This is sure to go down in FS history as one of the the best add ons ever. I can't wait!!:-beerchug

Hi Chris,Thanks! You will have to notice, Clouds are the most difficult things to represent on screenshots, all details on clouds are less noticable on screenshots + compression *.jpg, in actual fs2004 flight you will see much more difference then screenshots.ThanksChris WillisHiFi Simulation Software Team Developerhttp://www.hifisim.com/images/as2004betateam.jpgFreeware Addons for FSW GROUP

Well, they look great - The video and the screens. I'm really looking forward to this new version. Those cirrus clouds are my favorite anyhow. They just make the sky look pretty. Great work!

Fantastic! Can't wait for what is sure to be the add-on of the decade :)KP

Chris, you don't have to justify the quality of the cloud graphics. Outstanding job regardless and if the quality is better on FS9, it's an add on worthy of a hall of fame award.Well done and credit card is ready!Goran

The whole thing looks fantastic....can we have some screenshots more evening and morning shots please?

I'm excited as well, just a quick question: Will you be able to 'resize' the active radar display in this new version?

WOW!I'm looking forward to seeing the vertical wind stuff...I wonder how well it models downdrafts relative to terrain?Keep pushing the limits of technology folks!!!Regards,Ted Panamarioff - Kodiak, Alaska

Hi,No, the Radar is the same right now, sorry.Hope this helps,JimActiveSky Sales and Supporthttp://www.hifisim.com/images/as2004proudsupporter.jpg

I'm looking forward to ASV and have my credit card standing by!:-) The new weather settings sound very good. I was just wondering if any of these will be modelled. As far as I can see they won't but I thought I'd ask anywaybanner cloudslenticular cloudskatabatic/anabatic windsgust fronts/microbursts

Great job guys! :-) Can't wait to get the new version.

--just posting again because my last message went MIA--Hello,I just read the new manual, I have to say you earned a new client there are a couple of things I would like to point out and clarified. 1) in order to have AS pick the correct clud textures it's best to open AS, import a flightplan process it, and after that, open fs (because it's impossible to update textures with fs running).This brings up a problem: people using the default fs9 flight planner, and fsnavigator would be obliged to A) open fs9, plan a flight, save it:( close fs9C) open asvD) import the flight and process itE) reopen fs9.I find it quite laborious... this makes me want to switch to an external flight planner..... 2) Are cloud textures processed before opening fs9? I think I read that some cloud textures are changed whilst flying (cirrus textures?)3) Will it be possible to apply real world weather conditions and on top of that localized custom weather conditions,so to have a realworld snapshot everywhere, plus custom thunderstorms at lirp, and clear weather at lirn for instance?thank you and congratulations to the best fsaddon in ages!!!Luca

Hi Luca,1. Yes, you are correct.2. Yes, and yes. Chris knows more about the cirrus textures than I.3. Right now, one set of conditions at one station, a radius of stations, or all stations.Hope this helps,JimActiveSky Sales and Supporthttp://www.hifisim.com/images/as2004proudsupporter.jpg

Hi, is it possible that you provide replacement dxt3 textures instead of 32 bit textures. Best RegardsJan-Paul