#3DSMAX and net rendering
10 messages in this thread
Hi to all,
In all the messages about 3DSMAX I didn`t see something about the network
rendering features. In compare to the SGI programs 3DS had always a great
network rendering feature. I think this is one the reasons why 3DS is used in
so many production studios.
The (most) SGI programs doesn`t support network rendering in the default
package. Most times you have to buy special network rendering license
(sometimes one for each additional rendering station).
I don`t hope that Autodesk will do the same with 3DSMAX. But I had a strange
nightmare about this point last night and so I must ask: what about the network
rendering in 3DSMAX??????
Michael
Don't worry… it'll be handled in almost exactly the same way as we handle it
in 3DS/DOS.
– G
>>Don't worry… it'll be handled in almost exactly the same way as >>we handle
it in 3DS/DOS.
Great to hear Gary.
BTW: didn`t you get my last two e-mails?
Michael
>> Don't worry… it'll be handled in almost exactly the same way as we handle
it in 3DS/DOS. <<
Ah, but, will there be a DOS, or Windows 3.1 slave rendering module? I
sincerely doubt I will be able to get every computer in my company switched to
NT. In fact, I expect only about 3-4 computers will run NT, including the
servers.
– Michael J Sheldon "Falcon", msheldon@crl.com
– When we are planning for posterity, we ought to remember that virtue is
not hereditary. Thomas Paine, Common Sense [1776]
Hi Michael,
<< Ah, but, will there be a DOS, or Windows 3.1 slave rendering module? I
sincerely doubt I will be able to get every computer in my company switched to
NT. In fact, I expect only about 3-4 computers will run NT, including the
servers. >>
That's why you'll be allowed to keep your R4 dongle. Video Post within both
apps (R4 and MAX) will be the tool that ties both packages' images together.
jonas[adesk]
>> That's why you'll be allowed to keep your R4 dongle. Video Post within both
apps (R4 and MAX) will be the tool that ties both packages' images together. <<
Uh, maybe I'm totally lost here. If I was to use R4 to do the rendering,
that would mean that the files would be 100% compatible from Max to R4? And,
all of the new effects in Max could be rendered in R4?
And, what if you buy Max outright, and never had R4?
I ask again, will 3D-Studio Max *SHIP* with, or have available, a Win 3.1,
Win 95, or DOS slave renderer? For a small company, this is a BIG issue.
– Michael J Sheldon "Falcon", msheldon@crl.com
– When we are planning for posterity, we ought to remember that virtue is
not hereditary. Thomas Paine, Common Sense [1776]
Hi Michael,
<< MAX and win 3.1, win95 or Dos slave renderers…>>
Greg Pyros and Gary answered similar questions yesterday. NT is the only OS
that's been announced for MAX.
From yesterday…..
>> Just a couple of questions regarding Network rendering and the
>> forthcoming 3D Studio MAX for Windows NT.
There are a few things Autodesk has stated at Siggraph, these I will pass on to
you. These are my interpretations of what I heard, so beware! :^)
>> How will Network rendering be handled with MAX?
Same as for DOS now.
>> Will it be necessary for all Network PC's to be running Windows NT
>> to create a "render farm"?
Yes.
>> Will it become necessary to purchase "slave" rendering licenses for
>> these additional workstations?
No, same as DOS now.
>> Is it possible to use a combination of Windows NT and DOS workstations?
No, NT only.
>> How much RAM will be necessary for PC's using 2 or more processors?
Same as one processor. The two processors just allow it to run faster, they
don't take up more memory.
Greg (out on a limb) Pyros
Well, this is going to require some thought, then. I'm looking to start a
new division within the company, to do 3D graphics. However, they're not going
to want to spend a couple hundred thou on new equipment.
I can get one or two really good PCs, and run R4, leveraging the rest of
the company's PCs as render stations at night.
Or, I can get one or two really good NT boxes, at higher cost, and do ALL
of the rendering on them.
I was very much looking forward to running MAX on NT, since I already have
experience with NT, and have been impressed with it.
However, it looks like I'd be cutting my own throat if I go that way.
– Michael J Sheldon "Falcon", msheldon@crl.com
– When we are planning for posterity, we ought to remember that virtue is
not hereditary. Thomas Paine, Common Sense [1776]
Hi Michael,
<< However, it looks like …. >>
I can understand your frustrations when you stare at a large(or small)
corporate or private render farm of 486's and wish that they were all Pentiums.
I envision the transition period taking time but prices will drop with time.
MAX is designed to take advantage of the near future's more powerful scale able
sw/hw architectures. However, since you are not required to return your r4
dongle, if you upgrade to MAX, as your available hw resources increase in power
over time, MAX will scale up right with you:-)
NT can run on a 486 but for production work, I don't think it's a real
consideration. However, I don't think 486's are completely out of the question
for non-production educational uses of MAX.
jonas[adesk]
Michael,
I wouldn't give up on the render farm concept or 3DS MAX just yet. The keys
to making this work are the efficient use of resources and applying the right
tool to the right job.
3DS R4 is still a great tool and you will be able to import/export 3DS files
from MAX. My advice is to use MAX for what MAX can do best. Use 3DS R4 for
much of the rest. Render the pieces on their respective platforms and then
Video Post the whole thing together. I think a number of the forum regulars
will point out that breaking their scenes into "layers", rendering
separately, and compisting the final result is a common and useful practice
already.
Steven