Network and Batch Rendering

A stand-alone version of the Render Queue is packaged with this version of combustion. Therefore, you can use multiple computers on the network to render workspaces, or to set up batch processing. The stand-alone Render Queue can be installed on any computer on the network that you want to use for rendering, and it does not require that combustion be installed to run.

With the stand-alone version, you add operators and outputs to the queue in exactly the same way as you do when rendering in combustion. For information, see Rendering Your Work.

You can open workspaces into the Render Queue and select the operators and outputs that you want to render on each render station, or you can set up watched folders to have the Render Queue periodically check for new jobs. All the render stations can watch the same folder. Or, you can set up as many as required to organize the rendering production. For more information, see Using a Watched Folder.

To use the stand-alone Render Queue:

1. To start the Render Queue application, double-click the Render Queue icon.

By default, it is located in the combustion program folder.

2. Set the required preferences. For information, see Setting Rendering Preferences.

Note: The stand-alone Render Queue includes a few preferences that are not available in the combustion Render Queue dialog.

3. To open a workspace, choose File | Open Workspace, or press Ctrl+Shift+O (Windows) or Command+Shift+O (Macintosh).

Note: The stand-alone Render Queue menu contains options that are not available in the combustion Render Queue dialog.

The operators and outputs for the workspace appear in the queue. You can add, remove, and reorder them as required.

4. To add the contents of another workspace for rendering, choose File | Import Workspace.
5. Set the output options as required. For information, see Rendering Your Work.
6. Click Process.

Note: You can also use presets and Quick Setup to streamline rendering setup. For information, see Using Presets and Using Quick Setup.

Network Rendering Considerations

It is important that all render stations are configured correctly for network rendering. You should verify the following before you begin rendering:

• Install the proper versions of all required codecs on each render station. If a codec is not found, the Render Queue halts rendering and displays the Select Compressor dialog. You must set the options on this dialog to continue rendering.

Note: The current versions of the Cinepak codec differ between Windows NT/2000 and Windows98.

• Install all third-party plugins used in the workspaces on each render node.
• Install all fonts used in the workspaces on each render node. For information on installing fonts on your system, refer to your system documentation. Alternatively, you can use the Make Curves option in Paint to convert the text objects into outlines. For more information, see Working with Text Control Points.