Best way to convert VRIMG files to EXR?

V-Ray V-Ray for 3ds Max General
1

I haven’t rendered to VRIMG files for a LONG time, but I am looking into this again to help with memory management at render time.

There can be 10-20 elements saved within the VRIMG file. What is the best method to quickly extract all the EXRs? I am trying the ChaosGroup VRImage to EXR converter tool, but it seems VERY slow (and looking at the task manager, it seems to be using 18GB memory when running!). I tried a ‘track’ tool, but it gives me an error in Max2014.

What’s the easiest/quickest way these days?

2

I use Shimakaze’s command prompt tool

Do a search for it here on the forum.
I modified his script to add extra elements that I use and changed the buffer size. If you open the bat file and scroll to the bottom it should be obvious how to add channels. Just copy and paste one of those lines and change the element names.

3

Here’s a link:
http://forums.chaosgroup.com/showthread.php?41740-Shimakaze-s-Tools-(SP2-update)&highlight=shimakaze+tool

I’ve set my buffer to 128, I think the default is 10
On the average 4K render with 20 elements, it takes about 3 to 5 minutes to extract, depending if you running it on your c drive or over the network.
C drive is a LOT FASTER

Open the vrimg2exr.bat file and look for:
set f=10
change it to:
set f=128

I have 32GB RAM, I tried setting f to higher numbers, but it actually slows down the higher you go. 128 Seems a good sweet spot in my tests.

4

Thanks Morne. Its bloody slow isn’t it?!? I will give it a try.

5

Up to 14 minutes now converting a 173MB VRIMG file that’s on our network! All I changed was the buffer size to 128 (from 10).

My machine has 64GB memory. Why so slow??

6

Yes it’s very annoying.

But if you get the new ProEXR plugin for Photoshop for 75 USD, you can just save to multiLayer EXR and open directly in photoshop

The manual
http://www.fnordware.com/ProEXR/ProEXR\_Manual.pdf

7

Copy the file to your c drive, MUCH faster

8

I’ve done that. Local hard disk is an SSD, but already up to 7+ minutes!

(the render was quicker!)

9

Maybe edit the bat file to not scan for elements that you dont have

10

Would it be possible to get us that file for investigation? I don’t think it’s normal for it to be so slow.

Best regards,
Vlado