CyberLab Death To Pixels Shader Preset Packs

RetroArch Additions Shaders
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#2075

No problem.

Did this fix your other issue with the visuals though?

From your log:

[WARN] [Shaders]: Could not read shader preset in #reference line: "C:\RetroArch-Win64\shaders\shaders_slang\bezel\Mega_Bezel\Presets\Base_CRT_Presets_DREZ\CBL_MBZ__0__SMOOTH-ADV__GDV__DREZ-480p.slangp".
[INFO]
[WARN] [Shaders]: Could not read root preset: "C:\RetroArch-Win64\shaders\Mega_Bezel_Packs\CyberLab\MBZ__0__Smooth-Advance_Full_Reflections\1080p_Optimized_Presets\CyberLab__Composite-Sharp__PVM-Edition__ADV - DREZ.slangp".
[ERROR] [Vulkan]: Failed to create preset: "C:\RetroArch-Win64\shaders\Mega_Bezel_Packs\CyberLab\MBZ__0__Smooth-Advance_Full_Reflections\1080p_Optimized_Presets\CyberLab__Composite-Sharp__PVM-Edition__ADV - DREZ.slangp".
[ERROR] [Vulkan]: Failed to create filter chain: "C:\RetroArch-Win64\shaders\Mega_Bezel_Packs\CyberLab\MBZ__0__Smooth-Advance_Full_Reflections\1080p_Optimized_Presets\CyberLab__Composite-Sharp__PVM-Edition__ADV - DREZ.slangp". Falling back to stock.

Okay, I’m seeing what’s going on here. This is part of the reason why I stopped bothering with so many variations, resolution and performance tier versions of so many presets. Maintenance means you have to do a lot of mass edits and I can’t possibly test all of those thousands of resultant presets all by myself.

The reference line, which is the first line in the preset is pointing to CBL_MBZ__0__SMOOTH-ADV__GDV__DREZ-480p.slangp in the Mega Bezel Folder. This file does not exist since in that folder. The original filename MBZ__0__SMOOTH-ADV__GDV__DREZ-480p.slangp should exist in that folder. If you remove the CBL_ it should load using the original DREZ slangp file.

However, this is probably not what I intended because I created my own sub-base presets which refer to the Mega Bezel Base presets in order to modify them and have the modifications be applied to a wide range of my presets.

So the other way to correct the error is to leave the filename intact but adjust the path to point to where that file actual resides somewhere in my CyberLab/Resources Folder.

I’m not in front of my computer at the moment but when I get a chance, I’ll see if I can get the correct path and at a later time, update the preset in the pack with the correct path.

I’m not even sure I originally wanted to include those DREZ presets in the 1080p_Optimized folder. I’m not sure if there is a point to using them. They were originally supposed to get around crashes caused by using MBZ__0__Smooth__ADV presets with cores which do internal resolution upscaling.

Anyway, they ended up in the 1080p_Optimized folder anyway and I probably updated the corresponding path in the 4K_Optimized folder but didn’t even remember I had to go and do that for the 1080p_Optimized folder as well due to the exists of that preset.

So, I know I resolved some similar issues with DREZ presets failing to load a while ago, so it’s quite possible that there is a corrected preset in the 4K_Optimized folder with the identical filename but with the correct path.

Feel free to copy the "C:\RetroArch-Win64\shaders\Mega_Bezel_Packs\CyberLab\MBZ__0__Smooth-Advance_Full_Reflections\1080p_Optimized_Presets\CyberLab__Composite-Sharp__PVM-Edition__ADV - DREZ.slangp" DREZ presets into the "C:\RetroArch-Win64\shaders\Mega_Bezel_Packs\CyberLab\MBZ__0__Smooth-Advance_Full_Reflections\4K_Optimized_Presets\" Folder and see if that resolves the issue. Other than that all that I suggested above, you can use another DREZ preset in the 1080p_Optimized folder or just use another preset. Only use a DREZ preset if you’re getting crashing issues when using internal resolution upscaling in a core that doesn’t support downsampling internally.

You can also just copy the reference line from the same preset in the 4K_Optimized folder to the one in the 1080p_Optimized folder. That should be the best fix because it would preserve any modifications I made to the preset for use with a 1080p display.

You can even test the same preset in the 4K_Optimized folder to see if it loads or fails to load.

1 Like
#2076

I think it’s the same or maybe a little better, but apparently the shaders act differently from game to game. Somewhere the picture is straight stable without any flashes, but somewhere it’s like I gave an example in the video.

1 Like
#2077

I take into account some nuances and really maybe this preset is not worth using. At least you told me what the problem might be. You know, it’s not even convenient for me to ask you for any help, considering how much time you’ve been messing with these settings. I don’T want to burden you too much. Anyway, thank you.

UPD . Just for the sake of interest, I tried to run the exact same shader from the folder: C:\RetroArch-Win64\shaders\Mega_Bezel_Packs\CyberLab\MBZ__0__Smooth-Advance_Full_Reflections\4K_Optimized_Presets And the shader applied ^)

1 Like
#2078

I wouldn’t know since I literally never used it. It was added to the 4K_Optimized folder for utilitarian purposes and probably just ended up in the 1080p_Optimized folder due to how I managed the pack, which is why the updates I did were never applied to it.

It’s actually not a burden for users to report these things. I actually appreciate the feedback and it’s the only way to fully test and validate what has been done.

That’s one of the main purposes of this thread.

You’re welcome,

You can try what I said and copy the reference line to the 1080p_Optimized version and see if it solves the issue.

Don’t forget to match the Mask Layout with the subpixel layout of your display.

Okay, I just looked at the video and saw what you were describing. That’s a very old preset by the way and as such there would be parameters which I had no clue how they operated at the time that I just left at whatever their defaults were.

Strangely enough, I have noticed this type of artifact from the Afterglow parameter before but it’s something that I would have eventually started to lower or eliminate completely in my presets.

So it was very surprising that when updating my CyberLab Mega Bezel HDR Ready presets, I noticed tons of artifact like that while playing one of my favourite games.

I haven’t reached by the computer to test anything yet but that’s the only Shader Parameter that I can think of that could possibly cause such an issue.

I will update with my latest Afterglow settings when I get in front of the machine but there’s nothing wrong with setting the Afterglow Strength to 0 or near 0 or as low as possible to get rid of any similar artifacts.

20250823_024547
20250823_0245474367×1058 1.44 MB

You can let me know if that works. By the way, what game is that?

1 Like
#2079

The game in the my video is Stargate for Genesis :slight_smile: I’m going to read your answer now, as always informative, thank you.

1 Like
#2080

I’m sorry, I’m not a native English speaker, I’m Russian. You may have explained it to me above, but how do I do this and why do I need it?

#2081

I remember seeing your presets that relate to SDR content, but I remember I couldn’t apply them :slight_smile:

For the sake of experiment, I’ll try. By the way, in your opinion, which of your filters is the most effective and high-quality? I had never used and did not know about filters before, I always used shaders exclusively. For example, which one do you recommend for Genesis and which one for Snes .

#2082

If using one of my Mega Bezel or CRT-Guest-Advanced presets, go into Shader Parameters then set Mask Layout to match the Subpixel Layout of your Display.

If using one of my Sony Megatron Colour Video Monitor presets, go into Shader Parameters then set Disolay’s Subpixel Layout to match the Subpixel Layout of your Display. .

You can visit RTINGS.com or read reviews of your display to determine its Subpixel Layout. You can also take a clear macro or very close picture of a white screen and you might be able to make out the individual Red, Blue and Green elements which mix to produce the different colours of each pixel which makes up the screen.

The shaders are designed to line up perfectly with the display’s subpixels in order to attempt to mimic the way a CRT’s phosphors are arranged and produce an image.

Since different displays may not have their subpixels arranged in the same order, the matching order (or layout) needs to be selected in the Shader Parameters.

What display are you using?

I made an entire Console Specific folder for this. I can’t really say which Shader or Filter is best or most effective. I tend to use my most recent ones for the most part but recently I’ve been using the ones in my Mega Bezel 4K HDR Ready presets folder and updating them.

The shader presets have descriptive names which you can use to help guide you but the ultimate guide should be your own eyes.

My Epic and W2 presets are my latest, also Neo-GX, Supreme, Ultra, Super, Mega, Turbo, you might also like Fine presets but that’s up to personal preference or mood.

There are also Near Field and Old Skool Arcade.

As for my Video Filter presets, all are good and functional. You might just prefer a particular style or signal type.

The main improvement with the 3rd generation video filters is that I tried to maintaining brightness and colour fidelity.

That doesn’t mean that the older ones lack brightness or colour fidelity, it’s just that the 3rd generation might be closest to the unfiltered in terms of brightness and tint/colour temperature.

In many cases the video filter recommendation is already in the filename of the shader preset.

Not all cores support video filters.

1 Like
#2083

Hello :slight_smile: I have led display - Sony 40W905A My God, there are so many important nuances and little things. As for the subpixel layout, I got the idea. I Googled a bit, but so far I haven’t found the name of the layout for my TV, that is, how the subpixels are located in it.

1 Like
#2084

“40W905 is using a VA panel.”

It uses a VA panel so most likely it is BGR.

It’s easy to tell if you use one of the shader presets for example an aperture grille or Slot Mask, if it’s an RGB panel and you have the layout set to RGB, then if you put your nose to the screen, you should see the phosphors arranged in an even RGB pattern and order.

Anything else probably means you have a BGR panel.

If you have a BGR panel and you set the layout to BGR you should see the phosphors in an even BGR or RBG pattern and order.

1 Like
#2085

What does the CAR9x8 naming means, does it make a difference and how can I use it correctly?

1 Like
#2086

CAR stands for Custom Aspect Ratio in the Settings–»Video–»Scaling menu where Integer Scale is set to On, Integer Scale Axis is set to X + Y, Integer Scale Scaling is set to Underscale and Aspect Ratio is set to Custom.

So 9x8x is shorthand for set Custom Aspect Ratio (Width) to 9x and Custom Aspect Ratio (Height) to 8x.

Of course it makes a difference. Over time I’ve noticed many quirks and anomalies with respect to many different aspects of shaders and their interactions with digital displays.

Once I see something, I can’t unsee it so I try my best to overcome or workaround it.

There are a couple reasons why I started using Custom Aspect Ratios which might be more aptly described as Custom Integer Scale values or factors.

1st is that I mostly use a big screen TV to play. At higher Scale Factors or Fullscreen the image is not as sharp and detailed. However, when that same image is scaled down to a smaller viewport (window) size it looks even more polished and refined to me.

It also provides for a brightness boost as most modern displays can get brighter when dealing with smaller window sizes.

What first led me to Custom Scale Factors though was the fact that the Mask and Scanlines Align differently depending on the Scale Factors used.

On certain scale factors, you can have the center of the horizontal slots intersecting neatly and evenly with the center of each scanline, while at other scale factors they don’t align as well.

Then sometimes every other scanline looks different. One half might look smooth, while the other half might look rough.

I’ve seen in CRT-Guest-Advanced where some scanlines are compressed to fit, while others are normal sized.

Those things may not matter to the average user but they matter to me.

Going down that rabbit hole led me to realize that if I got things perfectly aligned at one scale factor, for example 8x and I switched to 6x, then the Scanlines and the Mask might no longer be aligned.

Along the way, I also learned that you could adjust the entire mask in relation to the scanlines by adjusting the Vertical Center.

CyberLab Megatron miniLED 4K HDR Game BFI Turbo Duo_DC 3D Comb Filter Shadow Mask Epic CAR9x8x.slangp

3 Likes
#2087

Tha’s why it felt a bit off. Recently I have been using your presets in shader glass and it gives a nice nostalig feeling good job making those presets.

1 Like
#2088

I really like the way your shaders look in the screen shots, however when I try the CRT royale pack, everything is really dark. I am on a 49UK6200PUA, an older LG 4k tv and I was trying to use the “CRT-Royale 4k SNES_PSX” shader, maybe that isn’t the right one?

1 Like
#2089

It could be more than that. it depends on what you’re seeing that feels a bit off to you. You can post some photos of the screen so that I can see what you’re talking about.

This is interesting. I wonder how well Shader Glass handles Retroarch slang stuff.

I’m glad to hear this.

#2090

Thanks, they also look great on a proper display too.

Hmmm, interesting, “really dark” isn’t a very specific way to describe something this. Can you post some photos of the presets in action?

Hmmm…According to the specs and information I researched, without getting into too much detail, this TV isn’t really well suited for these types of shaders and presets.

According to this the TV can only get to 200 cd/m². Sony Megatron Colour Video Monitor calls for a minimum of 600 nits, while I would consider 400 nits to be a good enough baseline for running CRT Shaders with mask and scanlines.

In addition to that it is said that the TV has an RBGW subpixel layout. That makes it even worse. You probably wouldn’t get any shaders or presets which match this subpixel layout.

Furthermore it uses a white subpixel to enhance brightness while not having the same number of RGB subpixels as a true 4K UltraHD 3840 x 2160 display.

You can post some pics so that I can see what’s happening then advise you from there.

#2091

Final Fantasy VI TWUE-250830-034043
Final Fantasy VI TWUE-250830-0340432733×2050 1.93 MB

it will only let me post one image and I don’t know if this is going to come through well in screenshots, but it looks like a crt with the brightness turned way down.

#2092

By photos and pics, I mean photos or pictures of the screen. Screenshots don’t really matter in this case.

Did you read and understand what I said about your display n this post?

#2093

I guess I’ll just play without shaders then, sorry for wasting your time.

#2094

It seems like we’re having a patience issue here. I never said you were wasting my time.

You indicated that you could only post one photo. That might be a temporary condition if you’re a new user. I tried to explain that a photo would be more useful than a GPU screenshot, especially in this case with your display being what it is, you seemed to understand that.

Your display appears to be a special case. I am merely awaiting the requested feedback from you in order to assess what is going on before charting a way forward.

I’m not the type to quit or give up easily when faced with a challenge.

That’s one of the reasons why I’ve made so many preset packs. My W420M preset pack was developed using a relatively cheap/low end LG TV which can’t do RGB 4:4:4 Full Chroma and that means that most subpixel masks won’t work or look correctly on it.

That didn’t stop me from persevering and eventually getting something that looked and worked well.

So it’s your choice if you want to give up and play without shaders then, if not and you want to try to figure things out then feel free to post a photo.

Alternatively, you can go through the shaders that come with RetroArch in the Shaders_Slang folder, you can also try one of the many other community shader preset offerings or even go through my presets and see what works well because all of my presets don’t share the same characteristics.

Most Shaders rely on clever programming to work around the challenge of losing brightness when trying to emulate a real CRT’s mask and scanlines. Unfortunately these tricks take the image further away from matching a CRT’s image.

Most of my presets don’t employ these tricks or use them very sparingly. So you just have to find the shaders and presets which will look best on your display.

In CRT Royale there’s a Shader Parameter called - mask_triad_size_desired, you can try adjusting that in integer values until you get something that looks suitable for your display. You can also play around with the Gamma Settings if you want to try to increase brightness.