ok, well at least now we can continue an otherwise normal thread.Like with PMDG's most recent release, the J41, i simply cannot understand why they are trying this. I could be wrong, but arent there more 2D users than 3D users, at the very least due to system requirments for VCs?Sam

ok, well at least now we can continue an otherwise normal thread.Like with PMDG's most recent release, the J41, i simply cannot understand why they are trying this. I could be wrong, but arent there more 2D users than 3D users, at the very least due to system requirments for VCs?Sam

I'm puzzled also. As of Aug 30 the AVSIM survey showed 50.5% of simmers using FS9 and 47.0% using FSX. My understanding is that the J41 is FSX only, so one has to wonder at product development aimed at a minority of users. (The survey now shows FSX @ 46.9%)Alex Reid

I'm puzzled also. As of Aug 30 the AVSIM survey showed 50.5% of simmers using FS9 and 47.0% using FSX. My understanding is that the J41 is FSX only, so one has to wonder at product development aimed at a minority of users. (The survey now shows FSX @ 46.9%)Alex Reid

47% is about equal to 50%, I'm sure well within the error of the survey.I'm sure if you looked at the true statistics of the survey, you would find that the results really don't mean anything anyway.One reason that developers are no longer developing 2D cockpits is because the gauges they are making are 3D, they are modeled into the panel, not your typical old style 2D gauge. Given that, for them to develop a 2D panel, they would have to double their work and recreate the gauges in 2D, too. I believe this would in fact end up reducing performance, because FSX is running 2 sets of gauges, and the 2D gauges are less efficient than the 3D gauges, slowing the system down. Gauge design is not necessarily trivial. True, some gauges are easy, but most, to get good realism and performance, require quite a bit of skill and knowledge to produce.However, there is nothing stopping you from creating your own 2D panels if you so choose. There are plenty of gauges out there to choose from. I highly recommend FS Panel Studio to help with the work.Sorry guys, it's the way things are going.

FSX cannot support 2D panels to anywhere near the level that FS9 can. You basically only get a forward view.IMHO a 2D panel for FSX is a waste of time. FSX is all about VC flying.If you like 2D panels it has to be FS9.3D gauges in the VC are a huge improvement for those who actually use instruments to fly and should be the norm now for GA in both FS9 and FSX.I often hear "It's the way things are going" which translates to me "We will take away your choice" ..like CRT's....like 4:3 ratio screens....2D panel support.When you guy's are all VC's and want to go down memory lane in a few years time.....just click on My FS videos. I will still be flying my airliners 2D. :(

this isn't a 2D vs. VC thread, and if you read it properly, you would understand that. As for the comment about no 2D panels, why would you say that? I could say that the time "wasted" on developing VC's is pointless, but I don't. You wouldn't want a developer to stop making VC's anymore than I want a developer to stop making 2D's.Sam

The actual point being made was simply that this forum isn't really the proper venue for the discussion! :(