GI Problems

[Smalerbi]

Hello all,

I’m experiencing a few problems with 1.5 and older max files. We never experimented with any of the Beta builds in the 1.4 range. We went straight from 1.09r to 1.5.

The first problem I encountered was very slow GI pre-passes (see example). You can see a huge difference in times. This was an animation test I was working on and I have had this problem with other max scenes.

The other issue was a GI problem on a file (see other example). It gives the appearance that the GI is not working at all. I did the following test with same results.

1. Reset Vray
2. Merged the scene into a fresh max session and started up Vray for the first time.
3. Changed the lighting from Direct Max light with Vray shadows to Vray sun.

At this time, I have not started a new file using 1.5, so I do not know if I will experience similar problems.

I’m hoping I can get this resolved because I need 1.5 to handle the larger scene…….1.09 crashes or gives me an error message constantly and I have deadlines coming up quickly.

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Scott.

www.drealm.net/Projects/Vray/pre-pass.jpg
www.drealm.net/Projects/Vray/GI.jpg

[Neilg]

Youve got your secondary bounces turned off.

[Smalerbi]

Youve got your secondary bounces turned off.

I’m sorry; I did not make my self very clear. I’m having problems with 2 different files. The post with the GI dialog is not same file as the sample rendering. For the sample rendering, the second bounces are set to “Quasi-Monte Carlo”

[jacksc02]

ok, the QMC sampler has changed a fair bit between 1.09 and 1.5.
The old values of 50 have been replaced by values of 8.
you will have to go through all of your materials and adjust the samples

[Smalerbi]

ok, the QMC sampler has changed a fair bit between 1.09 and 1.5.
The old values of 50 have been replaced by values of 8.
you will have to go through all of your materials and adjust the samples

Thanks for the feedback....however when I converted over the materials to vray, it defaulted to 8…so no help there.

I guess one of the problems related to the speed issue is the GI settings. Most of you went from 1.0 to the 1.4 builds so you have head start. For me, it is very different. For example, in the secondary bounces you now have a choice. Light Cache seems to be the most popular so I need to go through the learning curve; however, any additional input with regards to settings would be appreciated.

The other problem, missing GI is making me scratch my head………..I have no idea what is going on. I guess there is something in the file that Vray does not like.

Thanks again.

Scott.

[jacksc02]

scott, post up your settings and I can have a better look for you

[Smalerbi]

scott, post up your settings and I can have a better look for you

Here you go. I was able to tweak some of the settings to reduce the pre-pass times but overall, it's still slower than 1.09.......thanks.

www.drealm.net/Projects/Vray/IR-LC.jpg

[ene.xis]

if ur calculating from a pre saved ir map u can set ur second bounce to none, so u save some memory and maybe speed things up...

what about ur rQMC Sampler?wich settings r u using?

[Smalerbi]

what about ur rQMC Sampler?wich settings r u using?

The first test I did had the second bounce to none but I did not see much of a performance improvment and the lighting did not look all that great.

Here is the QMC settings..thanks

www.drealm.net/Projects/Vray/QMC.jpg

[DaForce]

I sure hope the IR map that your loading is from the 1.09 scene.

For a start i would advise against using medium animation preset.. it enables the blur GI option which generally does look so good.. switch it back to custom and then put blur GI to 0.0 that will also keep all the medium settings as well.

I would highly recommend you re-calc your IR map and LC map with the new settings and double check that all your materials subs are down at around 8-15.

[Smalerbi]

I sure hope the IR map that your loading is from the 1.09 scene.

For a start i would advise against using medium animation preset.. it enables the blur GI option which generally does look so good.. switch it back to custom and then put blur GI to 0.0 that will also keep all the medium settings as well.

I would highly recommend you re-calc your IR map and LC map with the new settings and double check that all your materials subs are down at around 8-15.

Thanks DaForce,

The IR and LC maps where calculated in 1.5. I will take your advice with regards to the GI blur and see what happens. I will also double check the material subs but I believe they are set to 8.

With regards to the other troubled file…….you should see what happens when I set the secondary bounces to LC………wow……it looks like an acid trip. I will post it later.

[Smalerbi]

Mmmmmm……...spoke to soon. Not to sound to ignorant, but where is the Blur GI? I can not find it.

Thanks.

[Da_elf]

its in your irradiance map general settings

[Smalerbi]

its in your irradiance map general settings

Wow…….I must really be stupid times 2. I can not find it. Could you please provide a screen shot………….thank you.

[DaForce]

wow... no your not stupid.. it appears as if its no longer there ... ahh... wow