Software
Subscription Advantage Pack for 3ds Max 2011 and 3ds Max Design 2011
Sep 10th
Subscription Advantage Pack for 3ds Max 2011 and 3ds Max Design 2011
Features and Benefits
Overview
The Autodesk® Subscription Advantage Pack for Autodesk® 3ds Max® 2011 software integrates state-of-the-art technology from renowned industry companies who are working with Autodesk to revolutionize rendering and simulation workflows. Featuring lightweight, resolution-independent procedural textures; GPU-accelerated rigid-body dynamics; and one of the world’s first physically accurate “point-and-shoot” renderers, the Advantage Pack for 3ds Max 2011 delivers cutting-edge tools that help leverage the latest hardware advances to help customers maintain their competitive advantage.
Top Features and Benefits
Substance Procedural Textures
Achieve a vast range of look variations with a new library of up to 75 Substance procedural textures. These dynamic, resolution-independent textures have a tiny memory and disk space footprint, making them very good for exporting to games engines via the Allegorithmic Substance Air middleware offering; integration is currently provided for Unreal® Engine 3 game engine, Emergent’s Gamebryo game engine, and Unity. Alternatively, textures can be baked to bitmaps for use with certain renderers. Some examples of dynamically editable and animatable parameters are: brick distribution, surface aging, and mortar thickness in a brick wall; pupil size, eye color, and extent of veining in an eye texture; and the age, roughness, curb borders, and lane markings of a street texture.
PhysX Rigid-Body Dynamics
Create more compelling, dynamic rigid-body simulations directly in the 3ds Max viewport. The multi-threaded NVIDIA® PhysX® engine supports static, dynamic, and kinematic rigid bodies (the latter for rag doll simulations), and a number of constraints: Rigid, Slide, Hinge, Twist, Universal, Ball & Socket, and Gear. Animators can more quickly create a wider range of realistic dynamic simulations, and can also use the toolset for modeling: for example, creating a randomly placed landscape of rocks. Assigning physical properties – friction, density, and bounciness – is as simple as choosing from a set of initial preset real-world materials and tweaking parameters as required.
iray Photorealistic Renderer
Creating realistic images has never been easier with 3ds Max, using the newly integrated iray® rendering technology from mental images. Another major milestone in the Rendering Revolution, iray enables artists to set up their scene, press “render,” and get predictable, photo-real results without worrying about rendering settings just like a “point-and-shoot” camera. Artists can focus on their creative vision as they intuitively use real world materials, lighting, and settings to more accurately portray the physical world; iray progressively refines the image until the desired level of detail is achieved. iray works with standard multi-core CPUs. However, NVIDIA CUDA-enabled GPU hardware will significantly accelerate the rendering process.
Monitor AutoCAD/AutoCAD-based applications’ virtual memory usage
Sep 10th
Overview
Use the Autodesk Performance Monitor to gauge the virtual memory utilized by running versions of AutoCAD and AutoCAD-based vertical products.
The Performance Monitor is a Windows desktop gadget that provides a color-coded status bar indicating the level of usage of virtual memory by AutoCAD products. To get the best performance from Windows applications, it is better to use physical memory. When running low on physical memory, powerful programs like Autodesk applications are forced to use disk as memory. When this happens, memory intensive applications become less responsive. The Performance Monitor for AutoCAD provides you with feedback on how your system resources are being used as you work with your designs. The technology preview supports Windows 7 and Windows Vista at this time. Both 32-bit and 64-bit systems are supported.
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AutoCAD 2011 to be Available on Mac, iPad and iPhone
Sep 9th
AutoCAD 2011 to be Available on Mac, iPad and iPhone
Autodesk will be releasing AutoCAD for Mac software this fall. It takes full advantage of the Mac OS X platform, with an intuitive, graphical user interface that makes it easy to bring your ideas to life. And because it’s AutoCAD, you’re working natively in DWG format, so you can easily share files with clients, suppliers, and partners around the world, regardless of platform.
In addition, Autodesk recently released AutoCAD WS. AutoCAD WS is a free companion application for AutoCAD software that gives AutoCAD customers the ability to view, edit, and share DWG™ files through a web browser and on select mobile devices, including Apple® iPhone™ and Apple® iPad™. There will also be a plug-in for AutoCAD software that enables customers to access AutoCAD WS directly from inside their AutoCAD software.
openexr
Aug 30th
The awesome openexr format. You can just save all your render passes right into this image format and access them in post, if your software supports it . Experiment a little using photoshop and after effects in combination with the fabulous proexr plug-in, which also offers a nice add-on to automate the creation of the composition layers in after effects. check out the manufacturer’s manual, it’s worth reading it; also to learn more about this image file format in more depth.
2011 Autodesk Certification for Industry Professionals
Aug 7th
Autodesk Certification for Industry Professionals
The following Exam Guides include detailed exam preparation information, exam sections and objectives, sample items, and test taking strategies for both the Associate and the Professional exams. Certification is currently available for these products:
2011 Certification Options
AutoCAD 2011 (pdf – 124Kb)- AutoCAD Civil 3D 2011 (pdf – 136Kb)
- Autodesk 3ds Max Design 2011 (pdf – 132Kb)
- Autodesk Inventor 2011 (pdf – 136Kb)
- Autodesk Revit Architecture 2011 (pdf – 144Kb)
Level of Detail (LOD)
Aug 4th
The level of detail you put into any drawing is directly related to a number of factors – time to invest in the drawing, your viewer expectations (audience), purpose for creating the image, and type of drawing, i.e., early concept, final presentation and everything in between. “Drawing detail” is simply how much care and time is put into illustrating specific objects and materials.
I make strategic decisions before I ever begin a drawing – one which is how much detail to put into it. LOD can be categorized as having minimal, moderate and maximum detail.
The Aubin Mastering Series: Mastering Revit Architecture 2011 [Paperback]
Aug 4th
The Aubin Mastering Series: Mastering Revit Architecture 2011
Digital-Tutors Reveals its Largest Training Release for Autodesk Digital Entertainment Creation Software
Aug 4th
Oklahoma City, OK – August 4, 2010 – Digital-Tutors online training library reaches epic proportions with its largest release of educational courses for Autodesk Digital Entertainment Creation Software including an unprecedented 660 videos and 83 interactive hours of production-based content to educate users on Autodesk 3ds Max, Autodesk Composite, Autodesk MatchMover, Autodesk Maya, Autodesk Mudbox and Autodesk Softimage software.
“Digital-Tutors is an exceptional training partner for Autodesk,” said Maurice Patel, senior industry manager for Entertainment at Autodesk. “The company’s expansive video collection is produced by passionate, highly qualified instructors who are dedicated to providing unique learning experiences that make robust applications – like Autodesk’s software for Digital Entertainment Creation – easier to learn and use.”
With this ground-breaking release of step-by-step tutorials, the Autodesk Authorized Publisher and award-winning training provider presents students, professionals, instructors and hobbyists of all skill levels with a high-quality learning experience accompanied by essential workflows, tips and techniques to utilizing Autodesk’s media and entertainment software for creating stunning results and unique digital entertainment.
Pricing and Availability
Digital-Tutors training is available with the purchase of any subscription plan. To sign-up and get access, visit: www.digitaltutors.com/09/pricing.php.
View the complete list of all new training at: www.digitaltutors.com/09/training.php
Autodesk 3ds Max Courses
- Creating Walk Cycles in 3ds Max
- Introduction to Rendering in 3ds Max
- Introduction to Camera Animation in 3ds Max
Autodesk Composite Courses
- Depth-Based Compositing in Composite 2011
- “Infiltrator” Production Pipeline Volume 7: Compositing
Autodesk MatchMover Courses
- “Infiltrator” Production Pipeline Volume 4: Match Moving
Autodesk Maya Courses
- Match Moving and Compositing Pipeline in Maya 2011 and After Effects
- Match Moving and Compositing Pipeline in Maya 2011 and Composite 2011
- Modeling Realistic Hands in Maya 2011 and Mudbox 2011
- Match Moving and Compositing Pipeline in Maya 2011 and Nuke 6
- Creating Low Resolution Environments in Maya 2011 and Photoshop
- “Infiltrator” Production Pipeline Volume 2: Modeling
- “Infiltrator” Production Pipeline Volume 3: Rigging
- “Infiltrator” Production Pipeline Volume 5: Animation
- “Infiltrator” Production Pipeline Volume 6: Rendering
- Creating Walk Cycles in Maya 2011
- Introduction to Rendering in Maya 2011
- Creating Hair for Next-Gen Game Characters in Maya
- Introduction to Camera Animation in Maya 2011
- Curve-based Facial Rigging in Maya 2011
Autodesk Mudbox Courses
- Introduction to Mudbox 2011
- Creating Facial Expressions in Mudbox 2011 and Maya 2011
Autodesk Softimage Courses
- Introduction to Character Rigging in Softimage
- Introduction to Rendering in Softimage
About Digital-Tutors
Digital-Tutors is an innovator and leader in video-based training for emerging digital artists. The award-winning educational solutions developed by the team of educators and industry professionals at Digital-Tutors are currently being used by students, professionals, universities, and production companies from across the globe. Artists from the world’s top studios are utilizing Digital-Tutors’ training solutions and services to assist in the creation of next generation feature films, commercials, video games, visual effects, and emerging media. Digital-Tutors maintains strategic relationships and partnerships with Autodesk, Pixologic, Houdini, Luxology, Next Limit, Adobe, Pixar, eyeon, MAXON and Microsoft in the development of the software and education materials. Learn more at www.digitaltutors.com
For press inquiries, web demos, and media relations please contact Courtney Shaw at courtney@plstudios.com.
Autodesk, MatchMover, Maya, Mudbox and 3ds Max are registered trademarks or trademarks of Autodesk, Inc., in the USA and/or other countries. All other brand names, product names, or trademarks belong to their respective holders.
©2010 Digital-Tutors and the Digital-Tutors logo are registered trademarks of PL Studios, Inc. Other company and product names may be trademarks of their respective owners.
Wood Framing Pack for Revit Architecture
Jul 30th
Wood framing in a fraction of the time with the Wood Framing Pack.
The time intensive tasks associated with the creation of wood framing for roof and floor systems has been greatly simplified with the Wood Framing Pack. The creation of these systems is often required for visual and model checking purposes, and the Wood Framing Pack allows you to perform these tasks in a fraction of the time. Consisting of Express Trusses and Express Framing, the Wood Framing Pack enables the rapid generation of roof and floor systems within Revit software.
The Wood Framing Pack is a suite package consisting of Express Framing and Express Trusses at a discounted price.
Automatically frame any roof with truss systems in Revit Architecture.
Jul 30th
Express Trusses reads roof information in a Revit model, then automatically frames out any roof situation with systems of trusses. You can now generate roof truss layouts in a fraction of the time it takes compared to using the standard truss tool within Revit. Trusses, web layouts, and framing sizes can all be customized to user needs. Increase efficiency and add visualization capabilities with Express Trusses.
Revit 2011 Hangs at Splash Screen or Crashes with Unrecoverable Error
Jul 30th
Revit 2011 Hangs at Splash Screen or Crashes with Unrecoverable Error
You launch Revit 2011 and it doesn’t get past the splash screen. Or you launch it and you see the splash screen followed by an unrecoverable error message. So what do you try next?
I have included the 3 most common causes for this behavior below, in the most common order. If you run into a scenario where these do not resolve the issue please do not hesitate to let us know!
1. WSCommcntr2.exe Process
I’ve included a technical solution for this one below. The technical solution is for AutoCAD, but the same process applies for Revit 2011:
http://usa.autodesk.com/getdoc/id=TS15228698
2. Corrupt WSCommCntrData.xml File
If the WSCommCntrData.xml file becomes corrupt, Revit may hang when attempting to read it at startup.
While Revit is closed, move or delete the WSCommCntrData.xml file at the location below:
Windows XP
C:\Documents and Settings\%username%\Local Settings\Application Data\Autodesk\Revit\<Autodesk Revit Version>\ENU\Components\WebServices\WSCommCntrData.xml
Windows Vista & Windows 7
C:\Users\%username%\Appdata\local\Autodesk\Revit\<Autodesk Revit Version>\ENU\Components\WebServices\WSCommCntrData.xml
3. Corrupt UIState.dat File
This could also be potentially related to a corrupt UIState.dat file. While Revit is closed, move or delete the UIState.dat file at the location below:
Windows XPC:\Documents and Settings\%username%\Local Settings\Application Data\Autodesk\Revit\<Autodesk Revit Version>\UIState.dat
Windows Vista & Windows 7C:\Users\%username%\Appdata\local\Autodesk\Revit\<Autodesk Revit Version>\UIState.dat
#2 & #3 are user-specific, so if you see this behavior where it happens to one user but not another on the same workstation, this is typically the conflict.
Original post taken from the Revit Clinic blog
Interactive 3D Visualization of Building Envelope Systems Using Infrared Thermography and Sketch Up
Jul 30th
Interactive 3D Visualization of Building Envelope Systems Using Infrared Thermography and Sketch Up
March 2, 2010 Filed Under: PDF, Sketch-Up
Infrared thermography also known as thermal imaging can provide accurate, nondestructive information about the thermal envelope performance of any building. This includes validation of structural details, verification of energy performance (conduction and air leakage), location of moisture intrusion, and the identification of structural and system degradation of roofs and facades.
Thermography has been used since the 1960s to detect and diagnose building problems. During the 1970s fuel crisis, it was widely used to visualize the thermal signatures related to many building problems. It is common today for many professional home inspectors and energy auditors to use infrared imaging technology to evaluate the performance of this “thermal envelope” (i.e. the walls, fenestration, foundation, and ceiling or roof) for performing energy auditing of homes and buildings. Although thermography can be used to measure spot temperatures on a building envelope, it is commonly used to generate false-color images that relate a temperature scale to a color scale.
This paper discusses the application of the visualization capabilities of IR in conjunction with 3D models of buildings. 3D modeling is a powerful tool for visualizing and representing building conditions that is used by architects, builders, and contractors. Also, a 3D model is better understandable than a more abstract 2D representation (like a floor plan or an image).
A method will be presented to apply IR images to simplified exterior and interior models of a building using the freely available 3D modeler Google SketchUp. A variety of common application scenarios will be presented and examples for these will be shown. In addition, the viability of exploring the 3D model interactively and on the web will be discussed.
Lagoa Multiphysics 1.0 – Teaser
Jul 20th
Project Helix, Point Cloud Tools for Autodesk® 3ds Max® 2010
Jul 14th
I am pleased to announce the first Autodesk Labs project for 3ds Max, a technology preview enabling display and rendering of 3D laser scanning/LiDAR data sets with Autodesk® 3ds Max® 2010 & 2011 and Autodesk® 3ds Max® Design 2010 & 2011. With the 3ds Max Point Cloud Tools you can import reference data that has been captured from various 3D scanning devices and use as a snapping reference for modeling workflows, or simply apply a material and render the point cloud using the mental ray renderer. We anticipate seeing a wide variety of use cases for this technology preview and have already seen users load up to 1 billion points within the viewport.
The Point Cloud Tools for 3ds Max and 3ds Max Design allows you to:
- Import .PTS format point cloud data into 3ds Max or 3ds Max Design scenes (release 2010 & 2011)
- Display the point cloud data in the 3ds Max viewport with a variety of rendering options and levels of detail
- Render point clouds using the mental ray rendering option
- Slice point clouds into pieces using geometric display volumes
- Export multiple clouds or parts of clouds to a new .PTS files
- Snap to specific points within the data
- Render with shadows for quick shadow studies
- Apply materials or projection map images onto the point cloud data
- Display captured per point color in viewport
- Independent LOD control for viewport and render settings
Working with 3D point cloud data is very memory intensive, we recommend at a minimum Win 7, 64bit, 8GB RAM, and a 64bit version of 3ds Max. Stability problems will increase on lower spec systems and the amount of data you can work with is dependent upon the amount of RAM in the system. Although there are a number of very functional features in the technology preview, it has not been widely tested on a range of hardware and configurations.
Revit 2011 Service Pack 1 Released
Jun 30th
Revit 2011 Service Pack 1 Released
The first service pack has been released for Autodesk Revit Architecture 2011, Structure 2011 and MEP 2011.
Revit 2011 Service Pack 1 can be downloaded by visiting the downloads section here:
For Revit Architecture 2011:
http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/item?siteID=123112&id=14973244
Dont forget to read the Update Enhancement List.pdf
Revit Architecture 2011 – Sun Path
Jun 23rd
