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The documentation for installation and use of this program is included in the distribution. I have also put it below for your viewing pleasure. Please let us know if you have any problem integrating Smedge and SFRender, and be sure to let us know if you like it!

SFRender.exe Banshee::SlaveDriver V1.0.14

Synopsis:

A command line tool from SplutterFish for rendering 3ds max scene files in 3ds max R4 and R5.  This renders in max's slave mode, so additional  3ds max workstation licenses are not required.  

Motivation:

This began as a rewrite of Blur Studio's MaxRender.exe for max R3, however, due to API changes this command line renderer ends up being considerably more clunky and difficult to deploy as a useful tool.  It does work and is nice to have as a desktop command line renderer for 3ds max scenes, but getting it to work smoothly with a netrendering manager other than max's shipping systems has been difficult.  To that end, SplutterFish has worked with Überware to ensure that this tool will work with the Smedge2 network rendering distribution system.  Smedge supports many applications in addition to 3ds max, and you only need SFRender when using smedge with 3ds max.  SFRender should work with any 3ds max plugin render, but it has a server mode that's designed specifically for use with the Banshee component of the Brazil rendering system (currently in development).  

Installation:

This is an exe file, and has to be installed and run from your 3ds max root directory - for example:  E:\3dsmax5.0\SFRender.exe

There is also a global utility plugin for 3ds max, SFRenderGUP.gup - this component is not required for use as a standalone renderer or with Smedge2, however if it's installed in your plugin path, you will get additional log status info that may help with debugging network problems.

You will need to have your backburner2 directory added to your system path for SFRender to work.

Usage:

SFRender filename [-f [framerange]] [-v] [-q[!]] [-d] [-r[!]]....

     -f [framerange]     Frame Range, ie: "1,3,5-12". Default: 0
     -v                  Render video post. Default: Don't render video post.
     -s                  Skip existing frames.  Default:  Rerender existing frames.
     -q                  Run in "quiet" mode:  Error/Result messages only.
     -q!                 Run in "silent" mode:  No messages at all.
     -d                  Output debug messages.  This can be overridden by -q.
     -r                  Output Job report before rendering.
     -r!                 Output Job report only.  Don't do any rendering.
     -t [destdir]        Render from tempfile in destdir. Default: your windows temp dir
     -t! [destdir]       Copy maxfile to destdir befor rendering. Default: your windows temp dir
     -h height           Frame height.
     -w width            Frame width.
     -s                  Run in server mode (Banshee)
   Flags:
     -xv                 Video Color Check.         Default:  off
     -x2                 Force 2-Sided.             Default:  off
     -xa                 Atmospherics.              Default:  on
     -xe                 Effects.                   Default:  on
     -xk                 Super Black.               Default:  off
     -xd                 Displacement.              Default:  on
     -xh                 Render Hidden.             Default:  off
     -xf                 Render to Fields.          Default:  off
     -xo                 Field order even.          Default:  odd
     -xn                 Nth Serial Numbering.      Default:  off
     -xp                 Paletted Output Dither.    Default:  on
     -xc                 True Color Output Dither.  Default:  on

example:  >SFRender d:/3dsmax/scenes/test.max -f 0-29

This will render frames 0 through 29 of max scene file, "test.max."  

General:

The usual disclaimers apply - SplutterFish cannot support or guarantee this thing in any way. It's gratis - enjoy. If you have any comments or questions, direct them to http://forums.splutterfish.com - If we have the time, we'll do what we can.  See also:  the license agreement. our generic readme.

You may not distribute this without explicit written permission from SplutterFish, LLC.  Überware has been granted permission to distribute this along with Smedge2.

If you use it, drop by our forums and let us know what you think :)

SplutterFish, LLC
574 Grand Blvd #4
Venice, CA 90291

Scott Kirvan, CEO - SplutterFish

Last Modified : 04/22/03