#3DSMAX rendering questio
12 messages in this thread
I have read that 3dsMAX is going to be rendering-solution independent.
Does this mean that there will be rendering engine plug-ins available
for whatever method you require? (i.e. radiosity, selective ray-tracing, etc.?
I would appreciate any clarification on this matter.
John,
You read it correctly. The 3DS MAX render can be replaced with one from
a 3rd-party.
Kevin Krell – Computer Support Associates
John:
The folks at the Lightscape booth at SIGGRAPH were considering the idea of
writing a plug-in radiosity renderer for MAX. We'll see what the future holds.
– Bob Ritger
Bob,
That is the news I have been waiting for. Lightscape has a fantastic rendering
engine under the hood.
Thanks
(Now if only they would make a PC that could handle radiosity calculations at
under 15 min./frame….)
John:
>> (Now if only they would make a PC that could handle radiosity calculations
at under 15 min./frame….) <<
When I spent time with the Lightscape folks this is how I understood the
program. Animation in Lightscape can be done in real-time AFTER the scene is
resolved for radiosity. These solutions are quantified in hours so you could
actually create very long animations in a relatively short amount of time. For
example one could specify a 4 hour resolution and when done you would be able
to create animations throught space in only a few seconds. I've tried to
convince Lightscape to join us here in AMMEDIA to answer querries like yours
and to deliver facts (Don't take anything I might say about the program as true
without Lightscape's verification.) Maybe I should encourage those interested
to send them e-mail. I'll have to dig up their address.
– Bob Ritger
Bob:
And the BEST thing is that when you've gotten that animation "finished", and
the boss says, "Gosh, can't we go behind that column instead of in front?" you
CAN, withOUT having to go through the full calc over again — just kick out
animation again with the new camera path at the x sec/frame render time!
Dave
Dave:
Yep, Lightscape for NT should be very helpful in our endeavors to maintain our
sanity. It looks like a major step forward in computer tools for architectural
design.
– Bob Ritger
I have heard the same. Also, Lightscape is supposed to give you the option of
rendering in luminescent mode (I am not sure of the actual term) which will
give you an image similar to FEA stress renderings that depicts lighting levels
in an environment. I have some information on Lightscape from 1994 A/E/C show
around here somewhere….
I don't remember if Bob posted this, but their web page is www.lightscape.com
and email to info@lightscape.com.
Dave
Dave:
Thanks, you save me some digging. <G>
– Bob Ritger
<<When I spent time with the Lightscape folks this is how I understood the
program. Animation in Lightscape can be done in real-time AFTER the scene is
resolved for radiosity.>>
This is true as long as no object or light moves. Only the camera can move,
which essentially leaves flythrus as the only application for this "real time
speed-up".
DaviD "free form factor" GouID
David:
>>> This is true as long as no object or light moves. Only the camera can
move, which essentially leaves flythrus as the only application for this "real
time speed-up". <<<
Well, that's why it appeals to architects and those doing design work. Camera
animation is what architectural animation walkthroughs and flybys are usually
all about. (Yep, I like to move cars, swing doors, etc.) I think Dave and I
have the same idea of this software being a tremendous design tool which will
yield amazing results with a client or team member looking over your shoulder
at your computer. If one was asked to change the path of a walkthrough in 3DS
you would have to re-render the frames. With Lightscape you won't. Color
changes can be done after the resolution so that won't effect playback speed.
Also, if one needs objects moving around then some creative Video Post in 3DS
will do the trick. I see this as a powerful combination for what I do.
– Bob Ritger