Pixar will soon release a free version of Renderman
What does this mean to us?
Having never used it, I really have no idea, but here’s a full article on what’s going on with them now:
My understanding, without reading the link you posted, is it is Pixar’s in-house software. The free version is lite, and the paid version is $495.
The free version is for non-commercial use only. There is no “lite” version as such.
Best regards,
Vlado
And this is not “inhouse” going public. You could buy Renderman for as long as i can think.
And it’s not available with a max interface AFAIK. Maya/C4D/Katana only.
Here is the main page.
render man is way too complicated for any one individual (unless you have science degree) to even consider.
Apparently this is no longer the case with the new RIS engine.
From my understanding, it’s a brand new core to Renderman that works off the principals of Bi-Directional Path Tracing, instead of the older REYES method at the heart of previous Renderman versions.
To answer the original question - it means that Renderman is suddenly competitive again with the likes of V-Ray and Arnold… and wont be going away anytime soon.
except significantly more difficult to use.
I guess I was just curious if it is a serious threat to VRay. If it was just as good, if not better because it is Pixar, but free.
It’s a threat to V-Ray in the same way Mercedes is a threat to BMW:
Both are well-respected, accomplished, and powerful.
Either will get you to where you want to go.
Each has certain features the other doesn’t to aid in getting you there faster.
Each will have it’s group of hardcore fans or detractors.
Neither is going to replace the other anytime in the near future.
I’d think Renderman’s long-term advantages might be a larger R&D budget (constantly being fed from Pixar and Disney’s production research) and the fact that Renderman can afford to be cheaper (or even free for non-commercial use) since it’s primary purpose is to be a pipeline cornerstone for Pixar/Disney. Being a product to earn money for Pixar/Disney is probably a distant second.
i wont say that… with R18 the integration into maya is much better and the raytracer is easy to use…
and im sure with version R19 its getting even easier…
Vray used to have a free version.. also a basic version and an advanced version (not saying that Vray has the financial backbone that Pixar/Disney has, but that it can be in the business model, even if you have a smaller company)
This is only a good thing - competition is good.
a lot of sources saying that renderman will behind vray and arnold for at least an other two years…
than its getting interesting in the render world again also cause of mentalrays latest R&D stuff…
Which sources? 
word of mouth or forums?
both… and i trust them…
I think the guy that announced it in the video actually hinted about the fact that renderman is behind other render engines features. I’m pretty sure its like Mental ray, 1-2 years behind vray.