CompuServe Thread

render speeds.

3 messages in this thread
#157478From: Thomas BittikofferMar 6, 1995 11:42 PM
I have 3dsr4 and have noticed that rendering speeds are inconsistant in a way. This is the Pool.3ds file and I made the pool Cueball (object 16) a chrome with an automatic reflection on a wood table top. In the 3d editor I get a rendering time of 3.5 minutes and it goes thru one pass of "creating reflection maps" until it begins rendering. In the keyframer I have about 13 minute frames with the same settings: no dithering and autoreflect on. Even on a targa frame in the keyframer it goes thru 10 or so "creating ref maps". Is there a way to produce this flic without the outrageous rendering times? I have gone through 3ds3 for a while and have never had this problem. Please help! Any help is appreciated! Thomas Bittikoffer.
#157521From: ALAN IGLESIASMar 7, 1995 9:03 AM
The rendering times are not outrageous at all when you consider exactly what you are asking your computer to do, Thomas. If you think these are long rendering times, check out some Ray Tracing packages! The file you mention probably has Automatic Cubic Environment Maps, which can calculate 6 complete Reflection maps for *every* object it is applied to *every* frame it renders! This, as you have seen is not a very efficient way to design a scene, and should only be used when you absolutely need accurate reflections in an object. The quickest way around this would to to be to use a standard Spherical RefMap that would simulate reflections in your scene. One way to do this is to take a "stock" shot of your scene from the general area of your reflective object and use that as a standard Refmap. Another way is to keep in mind that you have an option of using non-Automatic Cubic Environment maps, which you make in the Editor and save as a .cub file. Although the map doesn't update with every frame, it can be fairly convincing depending on your scene. And finally, remember that if you must use Automatic Cubic Reflection Maps, you may specify them to calculate new maps every Nth frame, which would bring your rendering times down considerably while maintaining a degree of realism. The bottom line is to carefully design your scene with all these things in mind. With a little work, you'll have yourself a scene which hits the proper levels in terms of realism and rendering time for your particular project. Have fun! -Alan
#157548From: Jonas Ruikis [ADESK]Mar 7, 1995 11:22 AM
Hi Thomas, << In the keyframer I have about 13 minute frames..>> In addition to Alan's comments, I'd ask you to report your memory statistics found in the Info/Status dialog box or by presssing "?" after a rendering. jonas[adesk]