16-bit Texture Enabler For 3Dfx's Win32 Quake OpenGL Miniport
(c) 1998 by Matthias Buecher

Date: 1998-12-05

Download locations:
http://www.bigfoot.com/~maddes/ (redirection) - "Quake Info Pool"
ftp://ftp.cdrom.com/pub/quake/utils/misc/


Index
-----

1. Disclaimer
2. Why it was created
3. Who should use it
4. How to use OGL16BIT
5. Note for Unix users
6. Credits
7. Thanks


1. Disclaimer
-------------
The authors of this program, intended for Classic Quake(R), are not
responsible for any damage this program may cause to your system.
id software or 3Dfx Interactive were not part of the production of
this program, and are also not responsible for it and its results.
The sources included with this program may not be redistributed,
or reduplicated without the authors permission.
The compiled binary may not be redistributed by any means other than
electronically. If you would like to make further modifications or
additions to this program, please ask for permission from the authors.


2. Why it was created:
----------------------
Since v0.94 GLQuake uses the OpenGL-Extension for 8bit textures if available.
Unfortunately there's no switch to use 16bit textures like in Quake II.
Although you have this mega-computer with your Voodoo2-SLI-combo, you still
have to see a degenerated image quality, because of the greater quantization
errors in all the passes with 8bit textures than with 16bit textures.

OGL16BIT renames the 8bit texture extension in 3Dfx's OpenGL Miniport for
Quake ("GL_EXT_shared_texture_palette" -> "DISABLEshared_texture_palette"),
so GLQuake and also the GLQW client can not find it and are forced to use
16bit textures.
It does not really fix the problem within the Quake executables, it is more
like a workaround.

* updated 1998-12-05 *
Versions before 0.97 check for "3DFX_set_global_palette", use the "-old"
parameter to rename it too (-> "DISABLEt_global_palette").


3. Who should use it
--------------------
Everybody who wish to see improved image quality in GLQuake under Win32
with his Voodoo 3D accelerator and can afford the needed performance
(or take the performance loss :).


4. How to use BSPTxRen
----------------------
Unpack all files into your Quake folder (e.g. "C:\QUAKE")

Warning!!!
Make a backup copy of your original OpenGL Miniport before running this patch.
This patch is intended for 3Dfx's Win32 Quake OpenGL Miniport *ONLY* in
conjunction with Classic Quake and/or QuakeWorld.
It may also work with other MiniGL ports and/or other games, but only try this
if these do not provide a switch to disable 8bit textures.
And *NEVER* use it on the game executables!!! (e.g. GLQUAKE.EXE, etc.)

Remember this is only needed for Classic Quake, as Quake II provides a switch
for disabling 8bit textures.
Quake II says "...ignoring GL_EXT_shared_texture_palette" when 8bit textures
are disabled.

* updated 1998-12-05 *
Now run OGL16BIT and it will patch your OpenGL Miniport.
Don't forget to use the "-old" parameter when you have use a GLQuake version
before 0.97 (e.g. Ten's hacked GLQuake 0.95 with FOV support).
You can undo this patch by running it again.


5. Note for Unix users
----------------------
As I do not own an Unix I don't know if this patch is needed, can be compiled
or work under Unix.


6. Credits
----------
Matthias "Maddes" Buecher <maddes@bigfoot.com>
  Homepage: "Quake Info Pool" at http://www.bigfoot.com/~maddes/ (redirection)

  Author of OGL16BIT, BSPTXTREN and maintainer of Q.I.P., where you can find out
  about bugs and shortcomings in Classic Quake and QuakeWorld, plus the
  "Ultimate Regular Quake Patch" (URQP)


Jon "Sacrifice" Graehl <jongraehl@earthling.net>
  For telling me about this hack.
  Do not send him technical questions or reports.


7. Thanks
---------
... id Software for making such a great game
... all supporters of the buglist on "Quake Info Pool"
