Updated Features List

[TommyDAQ]

Is there a list anywhere - other than the list of fixes that comes out w/ each iterative update, that lists the major (and minor) feature changes and enhancements among the various versions?

 

When I started using A:M back in '95, when there was a version number change (as opposed to a letter extension), there were pretty major changes, like adding hooks, hair, cloth, etc... However, for the past few versions, I have no idea what's changed other than bug fixes and can't seem to find a list of what enhancements or changes have been integrated.

 

Any help would be appreciated!

 

Thanks,

 

TommyDAQ

[robcat2075]

Somewhere around here Martin explained why he didn't like "Feature lists" but I can't find it.

 

there is a change log for each version at AM Reports. The dropdown list by "Project" chooses the visible version.

 

http://www.hash.com/reports/changelog_page.php

 

 

However it doesn't always flag new features as "Feature" and they might be listed as issues under any other heading.

[Rodney]

Is there a particular area of interest or feature you are looking for?

 

This forum is one big Feature list that outlines all features accumulated over the past 16 versions.

With the exception of those features deemed obsolete or supplanted by newer technologies, we get them all in v16.

While there is a lot going on behind the scenes with v16 the major advances in the latest release is 64-bit/muticore optimization and Netrendering. For detailed specifics refer to the release notes in the Latest Information forum and A:M Reports.

 

Something of a current feature listing (with tutorials) can be perused in the fiftieth forum:

 

http://www.hash.com/forums/index.php?showforum=50

[TommyDAQ]

Actually, Rodney, I'm just interested in learning what's been added since I've been away! I'm sure I'll pick it all back up the more I continue using the software.

 

Thanks,

 

Tommy

[Rodney]

Actually, Rodney, I'm just interested in learning what's been added since I've been away!

 

From what I can tell you've mostly been away since late 2007 or early 2008.

In case I haven't already said it, it's great to have you back with us!

 

At a guess I'm going to say you left off with v12?

If this is the case... yes indeed, a whole lot has changed since then and a feature list, while providing a good starting point, won't tell the tale. This is why I ask what your primary area of interest is as that will narrow down the focus. You could almost say 'everything has changed' in those three/four years. But... "The more things change the more they remain the same."

 

It's not unlike the changes you witnessed between v1 and v12.

 

I'm sure I'll pick it all back up the more I continue using the software.

 

I know you will!

[robcat2075]

new in the last few years

 

DarkSim plugin enables use of materials made with the DarkTree editor

SimCloth replaced the old v10 cloth

Newton Dynamics enables many physical simulations.

Ambient Occlusion rendering

Sub Surface Scattering for better human skin effects

Displacement maps now displace independently of the resolution of the mesh.

Many Plugin-shaders included for various specific lighting effects

OpenEXR fileformat enables greater precision beyond the usual 8 bits per channel per color

OpenEXR renders allow rendering various lighting aspects of a scene to different buffers for later adjustment in post

AMComposite allows some basic AfterEffects-style combining of layers and manip of OpenEXRBuffers

The Chor now enables some basic NLE style editing of clips already rendered

Hair isn't very new but only recently have people learned how much it can do.

V16 will have a 64-bit version

NetRender is back after having been away for a while and a limited version may be included with the basic V16

 

I'm sure I've overlooked many things

 

Biggest improvement is stability.

[TommyDAQ]

Wow! What a great reply! What a great list! Thanks Robcat! I'm sure I've got many questions... all in due time. But first, how is the displacement working independent of mesh. As I recall, it used to displace an 8X8 grid/patch. Is it now based on a buffer map like the Z-buffer, or what?

 

second - and it'll be the last one for now. I've purchased several copies of the software over the years (for various reasons), not just the subscription upgrades, but I think I've bought 3 or four separate copies. My first was a netrender copy and in about 99 or 2000 (maybe more recent - I don't know), I got an upgraded, USB hasp. Would that still work with the new netrender version? If not, could I still upgrade the netrender version?

 

FWIW, the last CD version that I have is 2007 which supported v14c - so I guess I'm not that far behind - but I really never used that version (not much anyway). To be honest, I think the last version that I was actually really active with was probably v8 in 2000 then I dabbled w/ v10 or so around 2005. I would occasionally upgrade the software, but not really keep up w/ what was new or different. Thanks for the list! I look forward to learning more about it all!

 

I'm really curious to learn more about Ambient Occlussions. I had read about it in the Tech Ref, but didn't quite get it.

 

Glad to be back. Hopefully, I'll stay active for a while!

 

-Tommy

[robcat2075]

Wow! What a great reply! What a great list! Thanks Robcat! I'm sure I've got many questions... all in due time. But first, how is the displacement working independent of mesh. As I recall, it used to displace an 8X8 grid/patch. Is it now based on a buffer map like the Z-buffer, or what?

 

a greyscale map

 

here's an extreme demo

http://www.hash.com/forums/index.php?showt...6&hl=dragon

 

it works with grayscale materials too.

 

If you look in my "this is only a ..." blog (below) you can see several displacement experiments.

 

 

 

second - and it'll be the last one for now. I've purchased several copies of the software over the years (for various reasons), not just the subscription upgrades, but I think I've bought 3 or four separate copies. My first was a netrender copy and in about 99 or 2000 (maybe more recent - I don't know), I got an upgraded, USB hasp. Would that still work with the new netrender version? If not, could I still upgrade the netrender version?

 

There really aren't "upgrade" prices anymore. The premise being that the subscription prices are very inexpensive and even a full CD version is still cheaper than an "upgrade" for other software. That's the pricing scheme now and it is what it is for now.