I only just thought about this. I lost almost 40 seconds during scene transitions in a recent run, while Walkinator's 10:56 run only lost 22. I don't want to sound complainy; I'm just wondering what graphics settings would be optimal?
If it's not the graphics settings causing it, then I don't know what it could be; it's definitely not my computer, that's for sure.
(scene transitions are the black-screen moments when, for example, switching from the KSC into the VAB)
EDIT: I probably should've just put this in the general discussion thread; sorry about that.
I'm using very low graphics settings, basically the lowest, with no terrain scatter or anything. I'm also playing in 64 bit. I think we should try to get a load removal plugin for livesplit, if possible.
I didn't think of using 64 bit; that might help a bit. I tried lowering some of the settings, but I never noticed a difference in load times.
Something like that with livesplit would be nice, but I wouldn't know how to set it up; I'd imagine it requires some coding skills, of which I have none.
EDIT: I just tried turning off V-Sync and anti-aliasing, and the scene transition time just dropped astronomically. So, it's one of those two that causes super long load times.
My guess would be AA, as for the load removal tool, it will likely be available to everyone with livesplit with the push of a button. I know someone who can help make one.
Since I use an old laptop, I notice the effects of settings on load times. A big one I discovered late was turning off aerodynamic effects. Also, the game has longer loads and lower effective physics warp the longer you have the game open, especially before v1.8. I heard this is due to how the game processes ship parts after it's recovered and even after the save file is deleted. My load times for loading a ship varies from 10s to 30s as I do more attempts.