Does anyone know if this is possible with Vray? This is an interesting post about using a hemisphere environment with iray. http://jeffpatton.net/2011/12/iray-hemisphere-environment-mode/ I would love to be able to do this.
Very interesting. Something I would definately find useful alright. Coders?
You can probably map a plane or disc with your environment map… but I also did a small shader for this, I will try to post it here tomorrow.
Best regards,
Vlado
So you can download the VRayDomeEnv texture map from the V-Ray tools page here: Chaos: Industry-leading design and visualization software
This is only for the production V-Ray though. If you need it working in V-Ray RT please email me to vlado@chaosgroup.com for an updated version of V-Ray.
For the spring service pack it will go as additional mapping mode in VRayHDRI.
Best regards,
Vlado
Thanks Vlado for the fast response! Can’t wait to try this out. 
this looks really good. and well done on the fast turn around.
though no chance this is coming to 1.5?
excellent cheers chaosgroup