Tacview vs Trackfile

[gmangnall]

We all know trackfile replays are unreliable for replays and I think most of us understand why, however Tacview IS typically reliable in regards to aircraft, vehicle and weapons locations. Could DCS not scrap trackfiles for replays and instead just model replays on the same data that tacview uses? Obviously track files are still needed for bug and fault finding. Maybe an option in the menu to enable/disable both replays AND trackfiles for performance reasons so you could enable both or disable both if you wished.

[Raptorattacker]

ABSOLUTELY!!! 
If nothing else, 'Replays' would be nothing if not a fantastic advert for the game and almost undoubtedly increase the player-base... 110%!!!

[SharpeXB]

I know this has been asked for or assumed before but the track feature is much more complicated than Tacview. Although having all that functionality like being able to scroll back and forwards and such would be great. A better replay feature would be an awesome add for the game. I can’t fathom how content creators do what they do with the current system

[gmangnall]

Im a content creator and it can be hugely frustrating. I know the track feature is more complex...it replays all inputs from joysticks etc and literally replays the mission just as you flew it based on your control inputs which are recorded...good for bugs and trouble shooting, but any randomisation throws it off. But surely you could take the position data that tacview has and apply the DCS models to that data. You would still need some of the data from track files for example to tell the model to put it's gear/flaps down but much of it could be discarded such as HUD brightness...and more importantly throttle stick and rudder positions....all that data replaced with the tacview style data to calculate where stuff is. Never gonna happen though is it.

[MAXsenna]

7 hours ago, gmangnall said:

ff. But surely you could take the position data that tacview has

They are already working on a new replay system, (and Save functionality). There's absolutely no reason to go through TacView as TacView receives the data from DCS anyway. ED should just use their own data natively.

[gmangnall]

Im not suggesting using tacview itself, I am suggesting that that the relevant data can already be produced as tacview manages it. With that you can ignore throttle and stick inputs but keep most of the button presses as you'd still need to know for example that when you press pickle, you are in AA mode and have Amraam selected, have a lock etc etc. so the flight/replay can be recreated.

[ShuRugal]

It's my understanding that the track system originated as an internal debugging tool that got merged into the public release as a "temporary" fix for lack of a replay system.

I definitely am looking forward to a purpose-built replay system.  would certainly make it easier to produce gameplay videos or revisit points of interest in a flight without having to sit through the whole track again.