jpgs Vs bmp in the Wallpaper section

Ok which is best to use, I'm currently using BMP's but some people prefer jpgs, probably because they download quicker. JPG's do lose quality if you edit and save a lot.

So what do you think?
4,104 views 19 replies
Reply #1 Top
Seeing as we will have to download the files, JPG's obviously.


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Reply #2 Top
i prefer jpeg files over bmps because even at max quality (and likewise less compression), most jpegs are still smaller then bmps. however something to consider is that win98 users must be in 'active desktop mode' to view jpg wallpapers.. and active desktop isn't exactly the most stable or fastest feature in win98. for that reason alone, i would suggest using BMPs. its simply more compatable.
Reply #3 Top
The instructions specifically say to zip the bitmaps, so I thought bitmaps were required. Too bad, I thought, because they can be so large. I didn't know we had a choice.
Reply #4 Top
If you have W98 and jpg walls you can use something like IrfanView to set the wall.
Reply #5 Top
Look at the file size. where they are bmps usually the filesize is upwards of 5 megs with one or 2 walls. most people don't want to download that and it takes a big knock off the old 50 if they aren't buying anything. then look at jpgs. the biggest one of those I have seen was 1 meg and it had around 9 wallpapers in it. If you have a good program you can set the jpg optimization so it looks just as good as a bmp.
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Reply #6 Top
I can do what I want as long as I stay within the bounds. I have complained for a while about it.

and besides I should support my view. If you are concerned about quality ship it as png or tif. But you can make jpgs look just as good as bmps. They don't loose quality over time. They lose quality every time they are saved. Since most people don't open up the wall and edit and save it the quality of the jpg won't decrease.
Reply #7 Top
I know you are. but I want my point to be shown clearly as yours
Reply #8 Top
jpgs every time for me. If people with Win98 wish to use them as BMPs to avoid needing active desktop, they can convert them once downloaded. The loss of quality on a reasonably compressed jpg is barely noticable (that's the point...the group that came up with it worked long and hard to make that the case!), and they're easily converted if needed once people have them.

Reply #9 Top
The loss of quality through edit/save - clearly you work on a source file and only convert to jpg before uploading...you'd never use a lossy algorithm for working on things.
Reply #10 Top
The reference to 'bitmap' in the upload instructions is generic. When zipped it can be any format you prefer....as long as the preview is just a full size jpg it'll be auto sized to suit.....
Reply #11 Top
If the file size is to big, I really have to like it to DL. Once I have the file, I convert all jpegs to bmps before I use them. File size is a major concern for us dial-up users.



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Reply #12 Top
thats great if people know how and have a program to convert the walls.. otherwise, well..they're in trouble havnt seen comments so far on 'i cant use this wallpaper' though so i guess everybody's mahcines are a little more evolved



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Reply #13 Top
People still use Windows 98??



JPG always for me, they're just so convenient and friendly on the old hard drive.
Reply #14 Top
I was going to ask here before I uploaded, but figured I'd just check the instruction. So I did. And, I uploaded bmp's. Should I bother updating my walls to jpg's?
Reply #15 Top
I think high quality jpg files are fine for wallpapers. I think if you hold onto your original bitmap file, then upload as a jpg, you would be better able to prove that the files are yours if there is a ripping issue. Compressing the original bitmap using the same setting and gettings the same jpg would show that the file was yours. I think jpg walls are the better option.
Reply #16 Top
#19 - dabe - I'd certainly try and switch them for jpgs if I were you for all the reasons above, including the one Çërêb®øJÐ just raised.
Reply #17 Top
I have yet to find anything on this in any WB documentation, but after checking in Skin Studio, I found that if one wants to include the wall as part of a WB skin, the wall must be a bitmap. I tried to load a .jpg anyway, and Skin Studio gave me an error. I then edited the file in notepad, and saved it, but when I reloaded the blind, the wall did not load. So apparently, bitmaps are required if one wants the wall to be included in the WB skin.
Reply #18 Top
jpeg here. although it doesnt matter because i have reached the 50 limit any way.
Reply #19 Top
#20 wow, i never thought of that...