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Author Topic: Info for Mac users  (Read 6686 times)

Offline Daigoro

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Info for Mac users
« on: November 11, 2007, 01:30:48 PM »
This contains support information for Macintosh users. It should be reasonably current. Please post any questions or comments here, as this thread will be kept locked so that all current info is at the top.
« Last Edit: August 24, 2013, 02:36:13 PM by BFM_Fuzzy »
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Offline Daigoro

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Re: Info for Mac users
« Reply #1 on: November 11, 2007, 01:34:38 PM »
Topic: Halo Editions

Halo for the Mac comes in two editions: Halo and Halo UB. UB stands for "Universal Binary" and is the version you need to play on BFM servers, even if you have a non-Intel Mac. To get the UB edition you need to buy regular Halo, then order a UB upgrade from MacSoft for $5. After installing you must update to the most current version.

Here is the MacSoft Halo Support page.
« Last Edit: October 01, 2008, 07:16:12 PM by BFM_Daigoro »
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Offline Daigoro

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Re: Info for Mac users
« Reply #2 on: November 11, 2007, 01:40:31 PM »
Topic: Playing Halo using Parallels

Parallels has not implemented proper support for the version of DirectX required by Halo PC. So it doesn't work. It will sort of work until you download the updates required, then it won't work at all. An upcoming version of Parallels is likely to work. If you would like to use Halo PC, then play it with Boot Camp.

I haven't tested Halo on Parallels 4.
« Last Edit: April 19, 2009, 07:38:05 AM by BFM_Daigoro »
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Offline Daigoro

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Re: Info for Mac users
« Reply #3 on: November 11, 2007, 02:55:11 PM »
Topic: Xfire

There is an Xfire client for the Mac. It is an Adium plug-in called XBlaze. You will find installation instructions and usage information here.

You can run XFire in Parallels or Fusion, but you will need Halo installed on the same image, because XFire assumes you're only interested in games that are installed.
« Last Edit: November 18, 2007, 12:01:19 PM by BFM_Daigoro »
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Offline Daigoro

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Re: Info for Mac users
« Reply #4 on: November 11, 2007, 04:27:59 PM »
Topic: Ventrilo

The Mac version of Ventrilo works well. It can be downloaded from the "Client programs" section of this page. Current support info is posted in the Ventrilo Mac forum. BFM switched to a compatible codec (Speex) in December of 2005, just to allow Mac users into Vent!

The Mac version has a few missing features. Examples:
  • You can't change the volume of other users.
  • Mac admins have to use the "Move User To" menu command, instead of dragging and dropping a user.
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Offline Daigoro

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Re: Info for Mac users
« Reply #5 on: November 11, 2007, 04:38:58 PM »
Topic: Advantages and Disadvantages

The following lists of advantages and disadvantages of the Mac version of Halo are provided for your information. In particular, you may choose to try out Halo in Boot Camp--this would help you decide on whether to try that out.

Advantages
  • In-game text displays very clearly
  • No text lag
  • Can run in a window with no lag. In turn this allows you to see who's in Vent with you, MSN, etc.
  • Less hassle doing screenshots

Disadvantages
  • You cannot read messages between maps, which means you miss out on all the GGs, etc. and any other useful discussions. (You *can* type messages to others, but then they will think they can respond to them!).
  • Only the first 50 characters of in-game chat messages are displayed, and only 3 lines at a time.
  • Halo Custom Edition (CE) does not work.
  • XFire is limited.
  • Updates are not automatic. Check MacSoft Halo support page from time-to-time to ensure you are up-to-date.
  • Taking videos not easy (I hope someone proves me wrong here).
« Last Edit: April 19, 2009, 07:41:10 AM by BFM_Daigoro »
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Daigoro

Offline Daigoro

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Re: Info for Mac users
« Reply #6 on: November 11, 2007, 04:49:45 PM »
Topic: Mics and Headsets for Ventrilo

Looking for a headset? The sound input jack on your Mac is not a microphone input jack, even though it's the same size. You must use your Mac's built-in Mic (with headphones) or a USB headset (or possibly a bluetooth headset, but I have no experience with that).

If you use the built-in mic, don't use external speakers, otherwise others will hear an echo (their own voices played through your speakers and then captured by your mic!). Instead, use headphones or earbuds.
« Last Edit: November 11, 2007, 06:53:00 PM by BFM_Daigoro »
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Offline Daigoro

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Re: Info for Mac users
« Reply #7 on: November 13, 2007, 06:03:34 PM »
Topic: Taking screenshots

To take a screenshot press Cmd-Shift-3. That will place a .png file on your desktop.

To take a shot of just the Halo window, press Cmd-Shift-4, followed by Space, then click the mouse once. I have a ControllerMate shortcut that does all this.

You can change the keys to whatever you want in System Preferences / Keyboard & Mouse / Keyboard Shortcuts / Screen Shots.
« Last Edit: October 01, 2008, 07:17:46 PM by BFM_Daigoro »
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Offline Daigoro

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Re: Info for Mac users
« Reply #8 on: November 15, 2007, 12:30:01 PM »
Topic: Special Options

The Halo Graphics Settings dialog (misnamed because it includes some non-graphics settings as well) appears at Halo startup, unless you checked "Don't show this again". To get it to reappear, hold the command key down right after you launch Halo.

This dialog box allows you to determine:
  • Your graphics adaptor options, such as hardware shaders, anti-aliasing, lens flare, and model detail.
  • Whether the game plays in a window.
  • Whether console commands are allowed.
  • Your network options for hosting multiplayer games.
Sincerely,
Daigoro

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