Fx
Show HN: Antimemetic message that escapes screen capture
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What is Fx?
Fx Static is a web-based tool that generates a realistic TV static effect with antimemetic messages - text that escapes screen capture. The tool creates an animated visual effect that mimics old CRT television static with realistic characteristics including wide CRT pixel aspect ratio, larger grains to match low CRT resolution, and CRT scan lines that can be toggled on/off.
The tool runs entirely in the browser using CPU-based rendering (no GPU shaders required) and can achieve high performance at 2560x1440 resolution at 1000 FPS. Users can customize the static message using URL parameters, making it easy to share different messages. The tool includes keyboard shortcuts for fullscreen mode, toggling scan lines, and copying URL options to clipboard.
This tool is designed for developers, content creators, and anyone interested in creating eye-catching visual effects for web pages, presentations, or social sharing. It's built with SvelteKit and is open source on GitHub.
Fx pricing
Pricing model: Freemium
Free - This is an open-source web tool with no paid tiers. Built with SvelteKit and available at fx.leftium.com/static
Fx pros
- Realistic TV static effect with CRT characteristics
- Wide CRT pixel aspect ratio for authenticity
- Larger grains matching low CRT resolution
- Toggleable CRT scan lines (C key)
- High performance at 1000 FPS
- Supports high resolution 2560x1440
- CPU-based rendering, no GPU shaders needed
- Fullscreen mode (ENTER key)
- Customizable message via URL parameters
- Easy sharing with URL params
- U key copies URL options to clipboard
- Built with modern SvelteKit framework
- Open source on GitHub
- Antimemetic effect escapes screen capture
- Simple keyboard controls
- No installation required, web-based
- Free to use
Fx cons
- Only creates static effect, limited functionality
- Requires JavaScript to run
- May not work on very old browsers
- High FPS may impact battery on laptops
- Limited customization beyond URL params
- No mobile-specific controls mentioned
- Effect may be distracting for some uses
- No export/saving functionality built-in
Frequently asked questions about Fx
What is the antimemetic message effect?
The antimemetic effect is text that escapes screen capture - meaning when someone takes a screenshot of the page, the message won't appear in the captured image. This creates a visual effect where the message is visible to direct viewers but not to those capturing the screen.
How do I customize the message?
You can customize the message using URL parameters. Add ?text=YOUR_MESSAGE to the URL, like https://fx.leftium.com/static?text=HN to display 'HN' as your message.
How do I go fullscreen?
Press the ENTER key to enter fullscreen mode and view the static effect without browser chrome.
How do I toggle scan lines?
Press the C key to toggle the CRT scan lines effect on and off.
How do I see all URL options?
Press the U key, which copies the full URL with all options to your clipboard and also outputs the options to the browser's developer console.
What resolution does it support?
The tool supports high resolution up to 2560x1440 while maintaining 1000 FPS performance.
Does it require GPU shaders?
No, unlike older implementations that required GPU shaders, this tool runs entirely on the CPU thanks to advances in hardware and JavaScript performance.
What framework is it built with?
The tool is built with SvelteKit, a modern web framework for building fast web applications.
Is the source code available?
Yes, the project is open source and available on GitHub at https://github.com/Leftium/fx
How realistic is the CRT effect?
The effect is more realistic than other web static effects because it includes wide CRT pixel aspect ratio, larger grains matching low CRT resolution, and optional CRT scan lines that can be toggled.