#MedSpeaks : Thoughts on "HD" Content

Ever wonder why I always say "HD" and not HD? Today, we discuss why I never acknowledge "HD" content, the difference with SD (standard definition) content, and the confirmation of "HD" content being the cause for crashing at the end of the 1st or 3rd quarters in MyCareer & Association.

What are "HD" files?

For the purpose of this article, we will call the files HD files instead of "HD" files (how we regularly coin the term). What exactly are HD files? They are files in which textures are larger than its originally inteded texture size. Textures for cyberfaces are commonly 512x512, while HD textures can be 1024x1024, 2048x2048 and even 4096x4096 at times. A lot of files can become HD: textures for cyberfaces, floors, stadiums, jerseys, dornas, crowds, scoreboards and even globals. These are made to create more detailed files that would not be possible on the small, default canvas. These files are usually much larger in file size compared to the original file size of an SD file.

How are they made? Ordinary modding tools such as the NBA 2KX ModTool and the Chinese NBA 2K 3DM Tool can only import regular size textures. Modders that create HD content make use of RED MC's iff editing license that allows them to import textures greater than it was originally meant to be. This also locks the file from editing via the 2KX ModTool or the 3DM Tool.

Why do modders create HD files?

There is always a myth that the bigger the file, the bigger the canvas, the better the product. However, remember that these files are high definition (larger resolution imagery), which does not necessarily mean high quality. While most HD files are of high quality, it can be argued that even SD files can match them in quality.

How are they made? Ordinary modding tools such as the NBA 2KX ModTool and the Chinese NBA 2K 3DM Tool can only import regular size textures. Modders that create HD content make use of RED MC's iff editing license that allows them to import textures greater than it was originally meant to be. This also locks the file from editing via the 2KX ModTool or the 3DM Tool.

Usually, other than the fact that modders want to create high quality works, then also want to avoid modding theft in the community. A standard definition file has high risk of being re-released with minor modifications and claimed as their own, which is one of the worst issues the community consistently faces. Locking it from editing via RED MC prevents that from happening, and does not allow other modders to re-release their work.

Okay, so what's the problem?

Global Compatibility

HD content has some effects on the file other than the higher resolution. The resolutions of the files are simply not meant to be for NBA 2K14. This causes some major differences in appearance of HD content from SD content. HD content are commonly shinier and have a little difference in between the left half side of the face and the right half side. The lighting strikes at one side much differently than the other. This is because HD content is not exactly compatible with all globals which will look like Russell Westbrook's face (in the screenshot) for those using standard globals with intense lighting and shadows. However, globals that don't have those shadows are considered compatible with HD content (as seen in the second screenshot).

File Size

HD files are large. Some HD cyberfaces have even reached around 10 to 30 MB while an average cyberface will be around less than 1 MB to 2 MB. Of course, this is not ideal for those who do not have large disk space remaining with their computers. For one cyberface to be as large as 10 or more standard cyberfaces must mean that your computer has a lot of disk space left.

Confirmed: MAY Cause Crashing

One of the more common types of crashing in the game is the end of 1st or 3rd quarter crashing in MyCareer mode or Association mode. This kind of crashing is NOT roster-related, but is HD content-related. The end of the 1st and 3rd quarters showcase the next rivalry game in the upcoming few days in your NBA schedule. The showcase features the top rated players in each team's starting lineup (depending on who is in it, as stars may be injured at times), in their current away jerseys. If your game crashes at this point, it is GUARANTEED to be either an HD cyberface or jersey. The cause of crashing is the HD cyberface that is most likely of the stars that are featured in the showcase, or the away jersey of a certain team. It is, in no way, connected to what team you are using or the team you are facing. The crashing in 1st and 3rd quarters are random, meaning they may happen or may not happen in any given game played.

We've already removed the HD Clippers jerseys that we accidentally added to the NBA Roster Main Directory Files and replaced them with standard jerseys in Main Directory Files 16 to 20. If you've already downloaded that and it's still crashing for you, it is definitely due to HD cyberfaces you've downloaded and it is completely up to you to identify which cyberface is causing the crash by replacing each HD cyberface with a standard cyberface until you can confirm that you are no longer experiencing crashing in the 1st and 3rd quarter.

You may be thinking that this is only a theory or that this is only my opinion. However, this was an issue that was experienced by UBR uses at one point as well, confirmed by HAWK23. There have also been other users that have confirmed that an HD cyberface has caused their game to crash.

While not all HD content cause crashing, this type of crashing (end of 1st or 3rd quarter) is solely caused by HD content. We cannot dictate what kind of resolution modders will use, although I would personally recommend SD cyberfaces instead (just to be sure that there is no crashing, compatibility issues or excessive file size). I have the most respect for modders who share their work and take the extra effort to make their content in HD. They also have a legitimate reason to use the perks of RED MC's iff editing license to lock their works from editing, completely avoiding the bane of the modding community which is modding theft.

With that said, all we can do is inform the users that you always have to backup your files and be responsible downloaders. There may be instances that crashing is completely the fault of the user, and not the modder. What users can do is make sure to be careful with that you download, and that you should always remember what are the new mods you've just applied that may cause any errors, glitches, or crashing in your game.