this sounds like a good idea if you are not to fussed with high level texture details, you could potentially increase your fps quite substantially.

 

 

 

There are limitations to a DXT1 alpha channel which could disturb all sorts of transparency, reflection, or effects. I think DXT1 only has 1 bit alpha on/off so coastlines for photoreals might lose their water masks. BMP to dds is one thing, but I personally think dxt5 to dxt1 is looking for trouble. If you do decide to experiment, make thorough backups, use batch image processing to make it easier, and let the community know if it works out.

LOL that is why I asked if anyone else has tried it, as I do not want to be the first one and regret it.

Hah, I don't blame for not wanting the role of guinea pig.

I remember experimenting with dtx3 or dtx5 with some photoscenery and heavy load airport textures in fs9 if I remember correctly and don't recall having problems.

 

I kept backups for a couple of months until I was satisfied that all was OK.

 

Haven't tried in fsx though.

 

One point is that clouds can be framerate killers and I've always used framerate friendly (DTX5) textures not only in fsx but previous sims as well.  Yes you lose some quality, but for a marginal system, the benefits can be very helpful.

 

IAN

well just for an experiment I reduce the global texture resolution to low in the fsx menu and although the AI aircrafts and the body of the pmdg737 and VC looks like cr!p I got a descent improvement in fps. The best part is the ground textures do not look like they have been affected.