I understand a little of what goes on here but have not been able to find answers to a couple of questions:The 8 bit alpha channel controls how "shiny" a color is (I know it can also do other stuff but the plane I am working with that is the effect)1. How many different levels of "shineyness" are there? is it 256?2. I am working with DXT3 but what would DXT5 do for me?3. I am having problems making a deep red color be shiny and keep its deep red color; it seems to become pale and "washy" when I apply the alpha channel.The reason for question 1 is that before I work my way down the greyscale from 200,200,200 to 255,255,255 am I wasting my time? perhaps only 8 levels of "shineyness" are supported? Thanks,Geoff

Reading around a little it looks like DXT3 only allows for 4-bit explicit alpha which equates to 16 strengths.DXT5 allows for a soft alpha gradient but I've never heard it being used for FS I have a feeling it doesn't support it.. no harm in trying though :)There are certain colours in flight sim that don't act too well with alpha channels, you'll need to have a fairly light alpha channel to retain the redness.