I tend to find Linux far more usable; might be worth installing Ubuntu or Linux Mint along side Windows, and give it a go. You'll want to install the proprietary drivers, the open source ones aren't very performant for Houdini (I'm not 100% sure if it's different from Nvidia under Ubuntu, but if you google around, I'm sure there is a wiki page that has info).
Apart from that, flat shaded or wire shaded tend to run slightly faster.
One tactic for heavy scenes: set the cook mode to manual, so that changes will only happen when you click the button (See the gif below).
Hope those ideas help!
Found 681 posts.
Search results Show results as topic list.
Houdini Learning Materials » Optimize Houdini
- goldleaf
- 4177 posts
- Offline
Technical Discussion » vex arclen
- goldleaf
- 4177 posts
- Offline
This thread(http://forums.odforce.net/topic/10092-curve-u-parameter-to-attribute/ [forums.odforce.net]) has some suggestions; the consensus of that discussion seemed to be the Arc Length Spline mode of UV Texture SOP is the way to go. The @uv.x would be the arclen at that point.
There is also a suggestion in there to re-sample then do it in VOPs.
Hope that helps!
There is also a suggestion in there to re-sample then do it in VOPs.
Hope that helps!
Technical Discussion » How to write hbatch command
- goldleaf
- 4177 posts
- Offline
Here's a really simple hython script I've used to render a ROP in a hip file:
https://gist.github.com/crydalch/3167162 [gist.github.com]
https://gist.github.com/crydalch/3167162 [gist.github.com]
Technical Discussion » Use GEOio.json to convert LWO
- goldleaf
- 4177 posts
- Offline
I haven't used LW or this add-on, but I noticed Blender has a LW importer that seems fairly robust (including bone support): http://wiki.blender.org/index.php/Extensions:2.6/Py/Scripts/Import-Export/LightWave_Object [wiki.blender.org]
Maybe you could just use blender to do your conversions to OBJ? You could probably even wrap that up in a script
Maybe you could just use blender to do your conversions to OBJ? You could probably even wrap that up in a script
Houdini Indie and Apprentice » simple RENDERING - tutorial?
- goldleaf
- 4177 posts
- Offline
This one is a longer series, but covers lighting, shading, and rendering (piggy backing off your other thread on texturing):
https://www.sidefx.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=blogcategory&id=203&Itemid=362 [sidefx.com]
Also, this intro series has some lighting/rendering and shading classes that might be good intros to start with, then move to the longer one:
https://www.sidefx.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=blogcategory&id=202&Itemid=361 [sidefx.com]
https://www.sidefx.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=blogcategory&id=203&Itemid=362 [sidefx.com]
Also, this intro series has some lighting/rendering and shading classes that might be good intros to start with, then move to the longer one:
https://www.sidefx.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=blogcategory&id=202&Itemid=361 [sidefx.com]
Technical Discussion » Houdini on iMac Retina 5k
- goldleaf
- 4177 posts
- Offline
The frustrations with AMD + OS X + Houdini + OpenGL cannot be overstated, for now; especially for mobile graphics (which the iMacs have). twod has done a ton of work, but the deck is stacked against him/us. But if you want to stick with OS X, I'd hop over to the nearest Apple Store, and explain Houdini, and ask if they'll let you install and give it a run on an iMac and a Mac Pro. If it works well enough, you just have to pick one!
One other idea, if you have the funds, is to get a 27" iMac, and use it in Target Display Mode. This lets you hit a keyboard combo, and your iMac turns into a monitor for whatever is plugged into it's Mini DisplayPort or Thunderbolt port. The 5k ones can't do this, and you'll want to do some research to make sure you get a cable that works (google + apple store visit possibly), but I've used a setup like that, and it was awesome. 3d work on the Linux box, comp and painting on the Mac. The HP Z1 also has something similar to Target Display Mode (you can find used ones for far more reasonable prices than retail).
Target Display Mode information: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT3924 [support.apple.com]
One other idea, if you have the funds, is to get a 27" iMac, and use it in Target Display Mode. This lets you hit a keyboard combo, and your iMac turns into a monitor for whatever is plugged into it's Mini DisplayPort or Thunderbolt port. The 5k ones can't do this, and you'll want to do some research to make sure you get a cable that works (google + apple store visit possibly), but I've used a setup like that, and it was awesome. 3d work on the Linux box, comp and painting on the Mac. The HP Z1 also has something similar to Target Display Mode (you can find used ones for far more reasonable prices than retail).
Target Display Mode information: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT3924 [support.apple.com]
Houdini Learning Materials » Docs available offline?
- goldleaf
- 4177 posts
- Offline
I made an “offline” version of the docs by copying the help dir (except for the examples folder, you don't need it), then renaming all of the _index.html files to index.html (at least I think that's what I did).
That way, you don't have to be running the little help server. The down side, you can't use the search functinality when reading the docs like this.
That way, you don't have to be running the little help server. The down side, you can't use the search functinality when reading the docs like this.
Technical Discussion » HQueue: problem adding client
- goldleaf
- 4177 posts
- Offline
What OS are you installing under? The only time I've had luck adding a client via the web interface is when I changed my router. Originally (and this is how I recommend it) I just used the Houdini installer to setup clients, pointed them to the server, and I was good to go.
However, when I changed my router, the clients weren't responding since their IP addresses changed, so I removed those clients, and re-added the same machines via the web interface; this time it worked. Also, instead of IP addresses, I put $HOSTNAME.local (i.e. computer1.local, if a machine were called computer1). This was all on linux, btw.
But overall, I'd recommend just using the Houdini installer and only installing the client, when adding a machine to HQ!
However, when I changed my router, the clients weren't responding since their IP addresses changed, so I removed those clients, and re-added the same machines via the web interface; this time it worked. Also, instead of IP addresses, I put $HOSTNAME.local (i.e. computer1.local, if a machine were called computer1). This was all on linux, btw.
But overall, I'd recommend just using the Houdini installer and only installing the client, when adding a machine to HQ!
Technical Discussion » Hqueue farm size
- goldleaf
- 4177 posts
- Offline
pbowmar
BTW, I notice “parent” and “child” are used backwards in the docs. In all render queues I've ever used, a Parent job must complete before a Child, but the API docs make it sound like the opposite in Hqueue. Perhaps I'm reading it wrong though
I too found it backwards
Houdini Learning Materials » Rendering with the mantra token
- goldleaf
- 4177 posts
- Offline
intolerancia
do I have to buy another licence of H Indie to have 2 machines?
Can I buy only the Houdini engine Indie and use it to render a houdini job?
Is there a tutorial on how to implement the small farm?
Is there a tutorial on how to run the HQ Render?
Yes, you need to buy a second license for your machine, but it can be an engine license, so half the cost.
I've found it to be pretty simple using Linux for all machines (and the same version of linux for all machines), the installer will setup everything for you, including the shared space (if you install a package the installer says you'll need). And then if you want (for performance) you can install Houdini in teh same place on each computer and put that path as the Target HFS
The biggest problem was file permissions, since the jobs are being run by a new user account (hquser by default), but once that was sorted, it's pretty straightforward.
Houdini Indie and Apprentice » Distributing simulations
- goldleaf
- 4177 posts
- Offline
Houdini Indie and Apprentice » Distributing simulations
- goldleaf
- 4177 posts
- Offline
pbowmar
SESI says this may be a bug, they are investigating.
Out of curiosity, did you ever hear back on local Hqueue + Indie?
Houdini Indie and Apprentice » Mantra license went kaput while using Houdini Indie.
- goldleaf
- 4177 posts
- Offline
Houdini Indie and Apprentice » No success with HQueue....
- goldleaf
- 4177 posts
- Offline
It can be mighty frustrating, I totally get where you're coming from! I've had a little experience, and got it to work using two machines, but here is what made it easier for me:
- I used Linux, and I used the same version of Linux on all machines (Linux Mint)
- I've forgotten the name of the package that lets you setup shared dirs through the installer (I think it tells you when it's running, so you can open another shell and apt-get install it, then proceed with installation)
- Since they're all the same OS, and have houdini installed in the same location, I changed the target hfs to /opt/hfs14.0.249, for example
- I cannot stress enough that hqueue is far easier to maintain/run if the machines are all the same OS (for me)!
What exactly is the error message you're seeing on your job? Mine were usually related to permissions; because the client is being run under another user (hquser by default), your folder permissions have to allow for it.
I wish I could remember the package name (I'll post it if I remember/find it), as I'm sure the installer tells you what it is when installing the server, but that was the only thing I had to do manually when getting setup under linux. What OS are you using? Windows I assume?
*EDIT* The tool for mounting the shared hq folder is nfs-utils, but on Debian/Ubuntu/Linux Mint, you install it via sudo apt-get install nfs-common!
- I used Linux, and I used the same version of Linux on all machines (Linux Mint)
- I've forgotten the name of the package that lets you setup shared dirs through the installer (I think it tells you when it's running, so you can open another shell and apt-get install it, then proceed with installation)
- Since they're all the same OS, and have houdini installed in the same location, I changed the target hfs to /opt/hfs14.0.249, for example
- I cannot stress enough that hqueue is far easier to maintain/run if the machines are all the same OS (for me)!
What exactly is the error message you're seeing on your job? Mine were usually related to permissions; because the client is being run under another user (hquser by default), your folder permissions have to allow for it.
I wish I could remember the package name (I'll post it if I remember/find it), as I'm sure the installer tells you what it is when installing the server, but that was the only thing I had to do manually when getting setup under linux. What OS are you using? Windows I assume?
*EDIT* The tool for mounting the shared hq folder is nfs-utils, but on Debian/Ubuntu/Linux Mint, you install it via sudo apt-get install nfs-common!
Edited by - March 4, 2015 12:18:11
Houdini Indie and Apprentice » Mantra license went kaput while using Houdini Indie.
- goldleaf
- 4177 posts
- Offline
I'm really sorry for adding noise to the thread; I'm not threatening or anything, just trying to help, but I'll leave it alone.
Houdini Indie and Apprentice » Mantra license went kaput while using Houdini Indie.
- goldleaf
- 4177 posts
- Offline
If you always keep your computer the same name, it *should* work the same. I've never tried it on Windows, but on Linux, I've changed machines when upgrading, but kept the hostname the same, and copied the license files over; and everything worked fine. Maybe try renaming your PC the same name as your Mac Pro?
Unless something has changed, you can email support directly with licensing problems. It's a good idea to ask on the forums and thoroughly check the FAQ first, of course, but AFAIK, you've always been able to get support for licensing issues from SESI.
Having said that, I don't know if you'll get a fast response (i.e. within hours) over the weekend, unless you're on a paid AUP.
BTW although you have used the forum before, your response to Marty's help was (appearantly) to shove the advice back in his face with rude sarcasm. Whether or not it was intentional, that's how it came across. I hope it was just a miscommunication!
Unless something has changed, you can email support directly with licensing problems. It's a good idea to ask on the forums and thoroughly check the FAQ first, of course, but AFAIK, you've always been able to get support for licensing issues from SESI.
Having said that, I don't know if you'll get a fast response (i.e. within hours) over the weekend, unless you're on a paid AUP.
BTW although you have used the forum before, your response to Marty's help was (appearantly) to shove the advice back in his face with rude sarcasm. Whether or not it was intentional, that's how it came across. I hope it was just a miscommunication!
Technical Discussion » triggering Qt Python Panel reloads
- goldleaf
- 4177 posts
- Offline
For #2: in non-H14 PyQt scripts, I've been able to update using show(); it was for icons in a tray applet, but all widgets have a show() method too. Maybe try that?
Technical Discussion » Fluid Explodes?
- goldleaf
- 4177 posts
- Offline
Houdini Lounge » Houdini 14 - Intel HD Graphics 4400 support?
- goldleaf
- 4177 posts
- Offline
Houdini Lounge » Houdini 14 - Intel HD Graphics 4400 support?
- goldleaf
- 4177 posts
- Offline
-
- Quick Links