Any one found a solution for the sometimes blurry fonts (not always) with some programs and GUIs of various VST plugins, using a 4k, 3,840 × 2,160 Ultra HD monitor? PS also with this forum, but not on all pages .... see picture
I tried it, both with HDMI or Display Port 1.2 connections; no improvement ... it seems that windows 10 is not there yet, as there are no problems with Windows 8 and older.
That's rather presumptuous and very probably unfair.
There can be many reasons why things don't happen as we wish. I've worked in development all my life (not with PGM) and I can tell you that most developers work their socks off trying to achieve the best they can. It's what drives most of us.
Jazz relative beginner, starting at a much older age than was helpful. AVL:MXE Linux; Windows 11 BIAB2026 Audiophile, a bunch of other software. Kawai MP6, Ui24R, Focusrite Saffire Pro40 and Scarletts .
That's rather presumptuous and very probably unfair.
There can be many reasons why things don't happen as we wish. I've worked in development all my life (not with PGM) and I can tell you that most developers work their socks off trying to achieve the best they can. It's what drives most of us.
I agree. I worked in research and I know what you are saying. I also did some programing and wrote a number of Lotus 123 and Excel macros. I cringe every time someone says that should be easy to do. Only the programmers know if it is easy or not. Many times what looks easy is very hard or impossible to implement. YMMV
Waitress "How did you find your steak sir"?
Me "I just looked next to the potatoes and there it was"!
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
I agree. I worked in research and I know what you are saying.
How about this for an example.
We were developing a product and an apparently useful feature would just "drop out of the design" for zero effort and the marketing guys thought it was a great feature.
Part way through the development that decided they didn't want it. They were quite certain, they definitely did not want the feature. "If I told you it was already there, would you still not want it?". Correct! We don't want it.
Some months later they asked for us to "add that feature now". I was a bit put out. "Why on Earth did you say you didn't want it if you were going to ask us for it later?"
"We didn't want it to slow down release of the initial product"
"But it was inherent in the design ... we had two guys working for three weeks stopping it from working because you said you really, really, didn't want it!".
Jazz relative beginner, starting at a much older age than was helpful. AVL:MXE Linux; Windows 11 BIAB2026 Audiophile, a bunch of other software. Kawai MP6, Ui24R, Focusrite Saffire Pro40 and Scarletts .
Any one found a solution for the sometimes blurry fonts (not always) with some programs and GUIs of various VST plugins, using a 4k, 3,840 × 2,160 Ultra HD monitor? PS also with this forum, but not on all pages .... see picture
I tried it, both with HDMI or Display Port 1.2 connections; no improvement ... it seems that windows 10 is not there yet, as there are no problems with Windows 8 and older.
In your screenshot example both sets of text look fine to me, though funny enough the "blurry" ones look clearer to me than the "sharp" ones. This might have something to do with subpixel font smoothing.
In short, subpixel smoothing works by virtue of how LCD's display pixels - typically a single pixel is a combination of a Red, Green, and Blue subpixel (usually in that order) - normal rendering uses only the subpixels in each pixel to render the image, while subpixel rendering uses the adjacent red or blue pixels (and occasionally the middle green one) to basically triple the horizontal resolution of the image. This tends to work well, because most monitors arrange the pixels from left to right as Red Green Blue.
Now that's all fine and good, but what if your display isn't RGB but rather BRG or BGR? Then you have to make some adjustments to how Windows calculates it's subpixel rendering. This article will show you how: https://www.laptopmag.com/articles/adjust-cleartype-windows-10
Now even if your monitor is RGB, the previous link may help as it also can control the strength of the smoothing effect, or can allow you to disable it. Only your eyes can be the judge of what looks best.
Right, which is why this isn't an easy question to figure out. I can guarantee this has nothing or little to do with Windows so don't jump on the Microsoft is crap bandwagon which so many are eager to do.
The biggest thing I've found is how good is the upscaling in the display itself. It's a 4K monitor but very little of what you do on your system is in native 4K, it's more likely 1080P. With no upscaling a 1080P signal would display as 1/4 of your screen space. Think about it, it's software in your TV that blows up that 1080P signal to four times its size. If it's weak ie cheap software, text is blurry. Read detailed reviews of new big screen TV's and you'll see quite a bit is about the upscaling quality and it's all proprietary, Sony has theirs and it's one of the best. The cheaper TV's don't have that. You can now buy 60" TV's for $500 but the upscaling is crap.
P.S. - This is a nearly 2 year old post that a new user recently resurrected. I'm not sure the original poster needs assistance any longer. That person hasn't logged on in over a month.
Right, which is why this isn't an easy question to figure out. I can guarantee this has nothing or little to do with Windows so don't jump on the Microsoft is crap bandwagon which so many are eager to do.
The biggest thing I've found is how good is the upscaling in the display itself. It's a 4K monitor but very little of what you do on your system is in native 4K, it's more likely 1080P. With no upscaling a 1080P signal would display as 1/4 of your screen space. Think about it, it's software in your TV that blows up that 1080P signal to four times its size. If it's weak ie cheap software, text is blurry. Read detailed reviews of new big screen TV's and you'll see quite a bit is about the upscaling quality and it's all proprietary, Sony has theirs and it's one of the best. The cheaper TV's don't have that. You can now buy 60" TV's for $500 but the upscaling is crap.
Bob
As someone who plays vintage video games where the resolution can be as low as 256x240, I agree that a good quality upscaler is necessary. Thankfully when using a computer with a decent video card, it's possible to have the video card do the upscaling rather than the screen. This isn't specific to video games, it's a function of the graphics driver, though not all drivers have it.
Originally Posted By: sslechta
P.S. - This is a nearly 2 year old post that a new user recently resurrected. I'm not sure the original poster needs assistance any longer. That person hasn't logged on in over a month.
Simon, I have not bought a video card in years. BIAB doesn’t require a good one and neither do any of my other music programs, so I use an Intel CPU with integrated graphics. What is the spec to look for here, to determine a good upscaling card?
BIAB 2026 Win Audiophile. Software: Fender Studio One 8, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Fender Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
Simon, I have not bought a video card in years. BIAB doesn’t require a good one and neither do any of my other music programs, so I use an Intel CPU with integrated graphics. What is the spec to look for here, to determine a good upscaling card?
I'm not all that certain, since I'm mostly a Mac guy, and scaling is basically flawless there - they render the whole desktop/OS/everything at double or triple the intended resolution then scale it down to your screen. Basically, my Macbook's screen is 2560x1600, but if I set the display to 1680x1050 it'll actually render at 3360x2100 and scale it down.
In Windows I think it's all done via the graphics drivers, so theoretically any reasonable card should do it. I know AMD has that in theirs, and probably Nvidia too. I'd also wager that the better Intel graphics have it as well, probably in the Intel Iris series, but that would basically require a whole new computer as it's built into the CPU. That's all conjecture though, I don't know for sure.
The point you brought up Simon is a good one. Does a video card have the same quality of TV upscaling as a high quality TV? I have no idea but here's a link to the AVS Forum talking about it. The cliff notes version seems to be nobody knows because there's been no comparison testing.
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac Special Offers Extended Until May 31st!
Good news- we've extended our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® special offers until May 31, 2026!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 is packed with major new features, enhancements, and an incredible lineup of new content! The program now sports a sleek, modern GUI redesign across the entire interface, including updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, a new dark mode option, and more. The brand-new side toolbar provides quicker access to key windows, while the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, creating a flexible, clutter-free workspace. We have an amazing new “AI-Notes” feature. This transcribes polyphonic audio into MIDI so you can view it in notation or play it back as MIDI. You can transcribe an entire track (all pitched instruments and drums) or focus on individual parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, and much more!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
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Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac - Special Offers End at 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th, 2026!
Order before 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th and SAVE up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 for Mac Upgrade packages... and that's not all! With your version 2026 for Mac purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons FREE! Upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks... that's 222 NEW RealTracks available with version Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac!
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202 New RealTracks Released with Band-in-a-Box 2026!
With Band-in-a-Box® 2026, we've released 202 incredible new RealTracks (in sets 468-488) in a variety of genres—featuring your most requested styles!
Jazz, Funk & World (Sets 468-475):
Our new jazz, funk & blues RealTracks include a groovin’ collection of RealTracks and RealDrums! These include more requested “soul jazz” RealTracks featuring artists Neil Swainson (bass), Charles Treadway (organ), Brent Mason (guitar), and Wes Little (drums). There are new “smooth jazz” styles (4), which include a RealTracks first: muted trumpet, as well as slick new smooth jazz brushes options for drums. Blues lovers will be thrilled—there are more “classic acoustic blues” styles, including guitar (5), bass (4), and drums (10) with blues master Colin Linden, featuring understated and tasty background acoustic soloing, plus brushes drums and acoustic bass. There are also new electric blues RealTracks, including electric blues with PG favorite Johnny Hiland (3) and soulful electric slide guitar from Colin Linden (4). If you love funk & gospel, there are great new options this year, including gospel organ (3) from Charles Treadway, as well as new funk, tango, and rock ’n’ roll drums (3) and bass (1). And for big, bold arrangements, we have uptempo soul horns (4) featuring a three-part hip horn section with options for a full mix or stems of each individual horn — plus an accompanying rhythm section (4) of drums, bass, guitar, and electric piano!
Rock & Pop (Sets 476–482):
Our new rock & pop RealTracks bring a powerful mix of requested favorites, fresh genres, and modern chart-inspired styles! We have more of our popular “Producer Layered Acoustic Guitars (15)” featuring Band-in-a-Box favorite Brent Mason. We’ve continued our much-requested disco styles (10), and added new Celtic guitar (5) with a more basic, accessible approach than our previous Drop-D or DADGAD offerings. There are also highly requested yacht rock styles (17), inspired by the smooth, polished soft-rock sound of the late ’70s and early ’80s — laid-back grooves, silky electric pianos, warm textures, elegant harmonic movement, and pristine production aesthetics. Fans of heavier styles will love our new glam metal (13), capturing the flashy, high-energy sound of ’80s arena-ready guitar rock. We also have a set of rootsy modern-folk rock (18), with a warm, organic sound combining contemporary folk textures and driving acoustic strumming. And we’ve added lots of new modern pop styles (16) — the kinds of sounds you’re hearing on the radio today, featuring exciting new drums, synths, and cutting-edge RealTracks arrangements.
Country, & Americana (Sets 483–488):
Our new country & Americana RealTracks deliver a rich collection of acoustic, electric, and roots-inspired styles! We have new country pop (9) with legendary guitarist Brent Mason. There is also a potpourri (14) of bouzouki, guitars, banjo, and more, perfect for adding texture and character to contemporary acoustic arrangements. We’ve added funky country guitar (5) with PG favorite Brent Mason, along with classic pedal steel styles (5) featuring steel great Doug Jernigan. There are more country songwriter styles (8) that provide intimate, rootsy foundations for storytelling and modern Americana writing. Finally, we have “background soloing” acoustic guitar (12) with Brent Mason — simpler, but still very tasty acoustic lines designed to sit beautifully behind vocals or act as a subtle standalone solo part.
And, if you are looking for more, the 2026 49-PAK (for $49) includes an impressive collection of 20 bonus RealTracks, featuring exciting and inspiring additions to add to your RealTracks library. You'll get new country-rhythm guitar styles from PG Music favorites Johnny Hiland and Brent Mason, along with modern-pop grooves that capture today’s radio-ready sound! There are also new indie-folk styles with guitar, bass, 6-string bass used as a high-chording instrument, acoustic guitar, and banjo. Plus, dedicated "cymbal fills" RealDrums provide an added layer that work very well with low-key folky styles with other percussion.
The 2026 49-PAK is loaded with other great new add-ons as well. Learn more about the 2026 49-PAK!
2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
With your version 2026 for Mac Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition or PlusPAK purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons for FREE! Or upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for only $49 to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks!
These PAKs are loaded with additional add-ons to supercharge your Band-in-a-Box®!
This Free Bonus PAK includes:
The 2026 RealCombos Booster PAK:
-For Pro customers, this includes 27 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
-For MegaPAK customers, this includes 25 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
-For UltraPAK customers, this includes 12 new RealStyles.
MIDI Styles Set 92: Look Ma! More MIDI 15: Latin Jazz
MIDI SuperTracks Set 46: Piano & Organ
Instrumental Studies Set 24: Groovin' Blues Soloing
Artist Performance Set 19: Songs with Vocals 9
Playable RealTracks Set 5
RealDrums Stems Set 9: Cool Brushes
SynthMaster Sounds Set 1 (with audio demos)
iOS Android Band-in-a-Box® App
Looking for more great add-ons, then upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49 and you'll get:
20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums with 20 RealStyle.
FLAC Files (lossless audio files) for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums
MIDI Styles Set 93: Look Ma! More MIDI 16: SynthMaster
MIDI SuperTracks Set 47: More SynthMaster
Instrumental Studies 25 - Soul Jazz Guitar Soloing
Artist Performance Set 20: Songs with Vocals 10
RealDrums Stems Set 10: Groovin' Sticks
SynthMaster Sounds & Styles Set 2 (sounds & styles with audio demos)
XPro & Xtra Styles PAK Sets On Sale Now - Until May 15, 2026!
All of our XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAKs are on sale until May 15th, 2026!
It's the perfect time to expand your Band-in-a-Box® style library with XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs. These additional styles for Band-in-a-Box® offer a wide range of genres designed to fit seamlessly into your projects. Each style is professionally arranged and mixed, helping enhance your songs while saving you time.
What are XPro Styles and Xtra Styles PAKs?
XPro Styles PAKs are styles that work with any version (Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition) of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). XPro Styles PAKS 1-10 includes 1,000 styles!
Xtra Styles PAKs are styles that work with the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 includes 3,700 styles (and 35 MIDI styles)!
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Note: XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2025 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 19 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version as they require the RealTracks included in the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
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