This video is VERY impressive of the improvements in workflow (most important), modeling and texturing. While Maya isn't perfect, it's looking very good in this new version.
angus_davidson wrote:They might also want to know that the mental ray installer is a separate download. Its not included in the main installer anymore
What I find interesting is that the while the Mental Ray plugin has become a separate download, not included in the "general" installer package for Maya 2016, the setup files for Mental Ray Satellite are however still included in that installer package. And this makes me wonder why the plugin couldn't be still included as well, even if only as a separate and optional install within the same package.
A separate installer is used for mental ray. If you have Maya media, it includes a mental ray folder that contains the installer. If you downloaded Maya from an Autodesk website, you can download the mental ray installer from the same site.
This seems like is a bit of a shot across the bow by AD at MR. Like they're saying, see, we don't really need you anymore, do something worthwhile or we won't include it at all next time.
I'm one of the few that liked MR overall so I hope they don't stop including it. Seems like they're finally making some progress with it and the integration with Maya. Not that I'm using either one right now but I'd still like to see it move ahead.
Personally I think Mental Ray becoming "one of the rest", so to speak, might just do its reputation a world of good. The general perception that Mental Ray was only being used because it was "built-in" might change now (ever so slightly, but still) that everybody has to decide to download and install it. And, again personally (speaking as a rendering dilettante, I hasten to add), I think nVidia ARC is making some interesting progress that might as well justify a rethinking of its long-standing reputation anyway...
It's almost three years since this request is 'under review'. Is this something that BiFrost eventually will be able to do? To 'command' the entire suite of Maya particle tools from the BiFrost node editor?
Sculpting in Maya 2016 Review
Slow news day so I thought I'd review Maya 2016's new sculpting brushes with this 2hr time-lapse. No service packs. Quite buggy, sluggish and needs to mature a lot, but a good welcome start.
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Certainly makes a few things easier but will stick to Zbrush for sure. Still I'll def start using sculpting more and more in Maya.
Pros: Works with all the poly tools, proper object handling pivots transform manipulators, snapping pivots and quad draw. Wax is great when it works properly and pinch is lovely too. Works with deformers and image planes in the timeline, keying visibility etc.
Cons: Slow on high poly counts, this one was only 120k before slowdown on a new mac pro. Though it has worked ok up to 1million faces in other tests. Buggy, 4 or 5 restarts here. No dynamesh, no autoretopology, no sculpt levels, no great cut (dam standard) tools. Needs lots of improvements and bug fixes.
Verdict: Use ZBrush, or stay with Mudbox for the bulk of sculpting. Very handy for various tasks used in combo with poly tools when you don't want or need to switch programs. Could be promising in years to come! Wait for the service packs if you don't like bugs!
-rr
