Batch Rendering

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Batch rendering in 3ds max can be set up in two ways: either with network rendering or with the Batch Render script. We recommend that you consider both options.

To use network rendering, the TCP/IP should be adjusted on your computer. If you don't have a network card or Internet connection, set the TCP/IP using Microsoft's Loopback Adapter.

Note 

Network rendering is available only for Windows NT/2000/XP.

The start procedure is as follows:

  • Start backburner Manager and backburner Server sequentially:

    • Start à Programs à discreet à backburner 2 à Manager, Server

  • During the first startup, the settings dialogs appear (Fig. 8.10, a and b). As a rule, the default settings are correct, so press OK without hesitation.

    click to expand
    Figure 8.10: Backburner Manager (a) and Server (b) setup

  • Load your scene in 3ds max and specify the rendering parameters. Check the Net Render flag and start the rendering process by pressing the Render button.

  • Press the Connect button in the opening dialog.

  • The list of servers appears in the right window (Fig. 8.11). During rendering on one machine, this list will contain the only item: the name of your computer.

    click to expand
    Figure 8.11: Network task-settings window

  • If necessary, specify the required parameters in the Options group. During batch rendering, only one parameter should be changed: Deactivate the Virtual Frame Buffer flag.

  • Start the process by pressing the Submit button.

You can load another scene and start rendering it after the above operations have been completed. Each task will be placed in the queue and fulfilled automatically after the previous one is finished.

Use the monitor the follow and control the process (Fig. 8.12). To do so, connect to the server using the Connect button:

  • Start à Programs à discreet à backburner 2 à Monitor

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Figure 8.12: Network monitor window

The 3ds max package includes script that allows you to set up batch rendering without using network rendering. Below is a brief summary of the script's use.

  • Run the script:

    • Main menu à MAXScript à Run Script

    • Find and run the script's file (Macro_BatchRender.mcr); usually it is in the Scripts\MAXScriptsTools\ folder

  • Make it available - for example, by creating a button on the main panel:

    • Main menu à Customize à Customize User Interface à Toolbars

    • Find the Batch Render command in the list and transfer it to the main panel.

  • Press the button that appears. The settings window will open (Fig. 8.13).

    click to expand
    Figure 8.13: Settings for the Batch Render script

  • Use the Add button to choose the scenes you wish to render.

  • Specify the parameters (e.g., determine the output folders and files).

  • Run the process by pressing the Render button.

Our experience shows that this script is good but uncertain; sometimes it "hangs" the system. Network rendering is preferable.



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Advanced 3Ds Max 5[c] Modeling and Animating
Advanced 3Ds Max 5[c] Modeling and Animating
ISBN: 1931769168
EAN: N/A
Year: 2005
Pages: 136

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