I own UTX,GTX and MSEv.2 for many of the eastern states. The only reason that they can't compare is that the file size of MSEv.2 is so large that it would be impractical to have it covering the whole world (when it is even available), where UTX/GTX are scenery enhancements that can be used for the full world.

Where it is available and practical, I would choose MSEv.2, hands down. With it, I'm getting real photoscenery in beautiful high resolution. I can see buildings, houses and landmarks that are actually there (and look amazingly 3d), not just computer generated generalizations. It really gives a reason to fly slow and VFR.

GEX replaces the default textures with better performing generic textures. MSE is photo scenery. There is no way to intelligently compare these products. It would be like comparing the default 737 with the PMDG 737NGX.

 

Best regards,

Jim

 

Both are ways of enjoying your FSX experience, and as you cannot use both at the same time, in the same area, it is perfectly relevant to compare them.

MSE 2v is really good if you are low and slow flyer, and I have gex texture really think they are sufficent, but not like the feeling of flying over reality. Buy, UTX, GEX, MSE2 for vfr flying only. Photoreal approach of MSE V2 works out well for people with mid range computers do not care for the autogen anyways, and fly more rural outlying areas. Phoenix area looks real good with photoreal I grew up in Chandler and Mesa area I can tell where the mall is, grocery store, elementry school went to, skyscaper, the waterslide park. Elliot School road lived at the time it was mainly farm land heck most of Gilbert and Chandler 80s, the airport was airforce base at the time. Do miss thier winters no subzero like Minnesota with windchills of -30f. Arizona is good area to for photoreal gets like 300 days of sunshine a year.

Both are ways of enjoying your FSX experience, and as you cannot use both at the same time, in the same area, it is perfectly relevant to compare them.

 

I almost feel like I'm in the minority (again). LOL! I still stand solidly behind my comments.

 

Best regards,

Jim

I almost feel like I'm in the minority (again). LOL! I still stand solidly behind my comments.

 

Best regards,

Jim

 

Sometimes, there's nothing wrong with being in the minority, Jim. :smile:

 

My point was that, as a simmer, if I want to consider an option for scenery for a certain area, I may consider a landclass product (like GEX or Orbx) for that area, or I may consider a photoreal product (like Mega Scenery Earth).

 

I am therefore interested in comparisons of both, in terms of their visuals (obviously), performance, cost, etc.

 

Therefore it's a perfectly valid and intelligent comparison to see something like GEX compared with something like MSE.

 

The technicality behind the products is not so relevent in that case; whether they are very different or not, their application is the same (flying over them in FSX) and as such, the comparison is perfectly valid.

GEX, MSE, or Default are all applications of textures to polygons in an attempt to improve the flight experience. IF the aim is to improve one's flight experience (and that is for the most part defined by the user/simmer) then this can be compared. Again, not trying to say one is better than the other, that's an individual's preference.

 

Okay. Thanks for the explanations. I have MSE V2 and the NY area and I think MSE provides more immersion into the sim. Bottom line.... IMHO I think it's all in the eyes of the beholder. I own GEX since it was first released and it works great in non-photoscenery areas. It was the first addon I installed after installing FSX and I think the developer did a great job with the textures. They are optimized for better performance in FSX and I got a considerable increase in FPS after installation of FSX. I have all this MegaScenery Earth V2 stuff now and I'm really sold on that product. I'm really sorry if I upset you or anyone for disagreeing with your comparison of these two great products. My last comments on this subject.

 

Best regards,

Jim

Ha ha, no worries Jim ... I'm just not that sensitive ... all good on the opinions front.

 

I'll post a video of MSE V1.0 stuff (Washington) that comes with some AutoGen ... I'll wager a bet you'll probably prefer V1.0 over V2.0. I didn't realize V1.0 and V2.0 was done with two different developers, but that does explain things. V2.0 are coming out much faster, but I honestly can't say they are better than the V1.0 ... and of course that's my opinion.

 

But again, I'm definitely NOT trying to sell one as better than the other when it comes to GEX, MSE, Default, etc. etc. Just showing a small part of the experience to those wanting to know and decide or not -- it's not optimized in anyway to benefit one or the other product, I specifically tried NOT to do that and compromised the altitude to around 1500 feet because at 3500 feet you don't see the AutoGen as well so I tried to find a common ground that doesn't favor one or the other.

 

But as has been pointed out, perhaps I could have done better by showing a Summer Day on both and range the altitude from 1500 and 3500 AGL ... maybe, I don't know, but I've logged the idea in my head