Distributed rendering is a way to spread the process of rendering across one or several computers connected to a network. This, in turn, makes more use of idling computers and could reduce the time it takes for renderings to complete. One scenario could be a dealership that purchases a powerful computer designated for rendering, and then have all staff computers connect to that machine. The main advantage with this solution is that the rendering is done “elsewhere” and will not block or slow down your computer, thus letting you continue your work without interruption. Other advantages are:
The rendering takes place in a separate process, in its own window, you can continue working in Configura while your rendering is being processed.
The rendering will continue even if you close the Configura main window.
Since the advanced graphics engine is utilized, the image displays a higher sense of realism with improved light and shadow nuances and more advanced graphics settings.
In Configura, distributed rendering is offered through two components: Configura software equipped with the Render Accelerator (clients), and a small freestanding application (the CET render server) that you install on each computer that should serve as a resource in the rendering network. Installing the render server is free for as many computers as you like and it doesn’t require Configura or a license.
To download the render server, please follow this link to the Configura website: www.configura.com/configura/support.
To use the Render Accelerator in Configura, you must turn it on in the Render Accelerator Settings. To open them, click the Render Accelerator Settings button in the Render Settings dialog.
Below is an overview to show the default setting for the different ways of rendering available in Configura:
Way of rendering |
Default setting |
Auto 3D (Preview) and Auto3D (Detailed) buttons in the toolbar |
Render server (can however be changed to the Old Render Engine in the Control Panel) |
Render buttons in Configura Walkthrough |
Render server |
Right-click on camera and select Develop |
Render server |
Right-click on camera and select Develop (Old engine) |
Old process (simple graphics engine) |
Develop button in the Camera Settings dialog |
Old process (simple graphics engine) |
Develop icon in the Camera View |
Old process (simple graphics engine) |
Note:
Distributed rendering will not perform well over slow network connections, such as wireless networks. |
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