Are you wondering why your render engine isn’t utilizing your hardware to its full potential? Thinkbox Deadline might be the solution you need. Let’s explore how to use it.

Thinkbox Deadline is a powerful administration and compute management toolkit designed for render farms running on Windows, Linux, and macOS. It enables studios to distribute rendering tasks efficiently across multiple machines, whether locally or in the cloud. With Deadline, you can maximize the performance of your hardware and even leverage additional machines to accelerate rendering.

Compatible with nearly all 3D software and render engines, Thinkbox Deadline optimally distributes workloads across CPUs and GPUs, ensuring efficient resource utilization. Additionally, users can monitor and manage the rendering process through the Deadline Monitor.

Three main components of the Thinkbox Deadline System:

• Deadline Database – Stores jobs, settings, and worker configurations.
• Deadline Repository – Contains plugins, scripts, logs, and auxiliary files (such as scene files) submitted with jobs.
• Deadline Clients – Responsible for submitting, rendering, and monitoring jobs.

Key Terms to Know for Using Thinkbox Deadline

1. Worker (Previously Known as Slave Node)

A Worker Node is a computer assigned to process render jobs sent from Deadline Monitor. It handles rendering frames, simulations, or other computational tasks assigned by the render manager.

2. Job

A Job refers to a 3D project—such as a scene or video—that is submitted to Thinkbox Deadline for rendering. Deadline manages and controls the entire rendering process.

3. Task

A Job is divided into multiple Tasks, each of which is assigned to a specific Worker application for rendering. A Task can consist of a single frame or a sequence of frames. For example, when rendering an animation in 3ds Max where each frame requires hours to complete, each frame can be processed as an individual Task to speed up the workflow.

4. Job Scheduling

This is the process of distributing and managing render jobs across available Worker Nodes based on priority, resources, and specific rules. Once a job is submitted, the Job Scheduler determines:

• Which Worker Nodes will handle the job
• The number of frames or tasks assigned to each node
• The processing order of multiple jobs
• How CPU and GPU resources are allocated for optimal performance

To install Thinkbox Deadline, first log into your AWS account, navigate to the Thinkbox Deadline section, and select the desired version and operating system. Download the installation file onto your centralized server and render nodes, then extract the ZIP file to prepare for installation.

The Deadline Repository only needs to be installed on a single machine (ideally a server) to store job-related data. If the repository machine and render nodes are on different networks, you must use a VPN or Port Forwarding to allow access. Alternatively, you can host the Repository on a cloud server accessible to all client nodes.

To install the Repository, run the Deadline Repository installer and follow the setup wizard. Below are the steps for version 10.1.23.0:

1. Review and accept the End User License Agreement.
2. Choose the default repository folder or specify a custom location, ensuring full read and write access.
3. Select one of the following:
   • If Deadline is being installed for the first time, choose to install a new MongoDB database.
   • If MongoDB is already installed, connect to the existing database.
4. If installing MongoDB:
   • Opt to download MongoDB and accept the license agreement.
   • Proceed with the default installation settings.
   • The required MongoDB version will be downloaded and installed automatically.
5. Set a password for certificates (optional—you can leave it blank).
6. Secrets Management Setup: Create an admin user for the Secrets Manager.
7. The Repository files will be unpacked, installed, and configured.

Note: If updating an existing Repository, previous files and folders will be backed up automatically.

The Deadline Client will be installed on Workstations or Render Nodes. Double-click the installer and follow the setup wizard. Below are the steps for version 10.1.23.0:

1. Select Installation Type → Choose “Remote Connection Server” (This is required for using the Deadline AWS Portal).
2. Specify the Repository Directory → Enter the path where the Repository was installed (e.g., C:\DeadlineRepository10).
3. Configure Database TLS Certificates:
   • Click the icon next to Database TLS Certificates.
   • Navigate to Local Disk (C:) → DeadlineDatabase10 → certs.
   • Select Deadline10Client.pfx, then Right-click → Properties → Security.
   • Ensure the Deadline user has read and write permissions.
   • Open Deadline10Client.pfx.
4. Enter the Certificate Password (set in Step 1) → Click Next.
5. Assign Server Role → Click Next.
6. Create a Deadline Admin User → Save the username and password for future use → Click Next.
7. If using a service account, enable Launcher as a Service; otherwise, click Next.
8. Configure HTTPS Server Settings → Create a password (needed for connecting to the Remote Connection Server) → Click Next.

The installation files will be prepared, extracted, and installed.

The Deadline Monitor serves as the primary interface for overseeing render jobs, managing machines, and configuring settings. Follow these steps to connect:

1. Open Deadline Launcher on the render node.
2. Click Launch Worker to activate the Deadline Worker.
3. On any machine, open Deadline Monitor.
4. Enable Super User Mode (located in the bottom-right corner).
5. Go to the Workers panel and verify the status of the client node:
   • Idle – The node is ready to receive jobs.
   • Rendering – The node is actively processing a job.
   • Stalled – There is a connection issue (check network settings).

To submit render jobs from 3D software like Maya, 3ds Max, Houdini, or Blender to Thinkbox Deadline, you need to install the Submission Plugin.

• In some Deadline versions, the submission script is automatically installed during the Deadline Client setup.
• In other versions, manual installation is required. You can install it on any machine, such as an artist’s workstation.

How to Install the Submission Plugin Manually:

1. Access the Repository folder (e.g., DeadlineRepository10).
2. Navigate to the Submission directory and find the folder for your 3D software.
3. Double-click the Installer to begin installation.

1. Open your 3D software on your workstation.
2. Load your scene and select your render engine (e.g., Arnold, V-Ray, Redshift).
3. Configure the render settings, including frame range, resolution, and output path.
4. Go to the Deadline tab and click Submit Job to Deadline.
5. Monitor the render progress using the Deadline Monitor.

If you’re looking to render your Houdini project using Thinkbox Deadline, refer to this article for installation instructions and this one for optimization tips.

iRender provide high-configuration machines with upmarket specifications like AMD Ryzen™ Threadripper™ PRO 3955WX @ 3.9 – 4.2GHz or AMD Ryzen™ Threadripper™ PRO 5975WX @ 3.6 – 4.5GHz, 1/2/4/6/8 x RTX4090 or RTX3090,  RAM 256GB, Storage NVMe SSD 2TB.

Why can iRender be a great render farm for you?

In addition to high-configuration servers, iRender provides many other utilities to provide the best user experience.

• Dedicated server for individuals: You have full control and access to the server you rent. The working environment (installed apps, files) will be stored for the next use.
• Easy and free file transfer between your computer and iRender’s server: The transferring task can be done via iRender GPU application for Windows and the iRender Drive application for MacOS.
• 24/7 assistance: iRender’s attentive agents are always ready to support all your queries.
• All software compatibility: iRender’s PCs are built to meet the configuration needs of all 3D software and rendering tools at a variety of cost levels for users to choose from.

Let’s see how fast iRender’s nodes work!

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If you have any questions, please get in touch with me through email duongdt@irender.vn or our 24/7 support team for a quick response.

Thank you for reading

Image and information source: AWS Thinkbox, thinkboxsoftware

Character animation has always been a complex and demanding field, especially when it comes to achieving realistic skin deformation. Traditional approaches rely on complex tissue simulations or post-smoothing techniques that are often computationally expensive and time-consuming. However, a recent breakthrough in Houdini’s toolset is set to change the game—introducing the GPU-accelerated Houdini Skin Slide Deformer. Let’s explore this blog with iRender!

Developed by DNEG Senior Creature TD Mengya Zhang, this OpenCL-based add-on for Houdini enables realistic skin sliding effects without the need for full tissue simulations. The deformer is designed to enhance skin behavior, maintaining volume while delivering efficient performance on production-ready meshes. By simulating how skin reacts and moves over skeletal structures, the deformer enhances the overall believability of character movements.

Unlike traditional CPU-bound methods, this deformer leverages OpenCL, making it significantly faster and more efficient. It works seamlessly on both NVIDIA and AMD GPUs, offering a significant speed boost over Houdini’s default CPU-based VEX implementation.

Unlike the commonly used Delta Mush deformer, which smooths artifacts but can lead to volume loss, the Skin Slide Deformer ensures that the character’s form remains intact. This is crucial for achieving realistic skin movement, especially in high-resolution character rigs, supports both quad- and triangle-based meshes, making it a versatile choice for different character setups and workflows.

The deformer creates realistic skin sliding effects without requiring an underlying tissue simulation. The video above demonstrates its application directly on the Point Deform skin mesh from a recent muscle simulation project.

The deformer provides multiple global control sliders, allowing artists to fine-tune the results according to their needs. Additionally, users can apply static and animated weight maps, ensuring greater flexibility for various animation scenarios.

Zhang has released the Skin Slide Deformer on Gumroad under a “Pay What You Want” model for individual artists, allowing users to download it for free or contribute to support the work.

The download includes the HDA files for the deformer and its OpenCL wrapper, along with a .hip file for a demo scene.

Additionally, Zhang’s previous project, the Houdini Wrinkle Deformer HDA—designed to create smooth, jitter-free wrinkles on animated geometry—is also available under the same model.

Realistic skin sliding is a critical factor in making characters appear more lifelike. Traditional methods often require heavy computation, making them impractical for real-time feedback or quick iteration. With the GPU-accelerated Houdini Skin Slide Deformer, artists can achieve high-quality results while maintaining efficiency, ensuring that production workflows remain smooth and responsive.

The tool is available on Gumroad under a Pay What You Want model for individual artists. This means users can download it for free or contribute a voluntary donation to support the development of this powerful tool. For commercial use, studio licenses start at $200.

The package includes:

• HDA files for the deformer and OpenCL wrapper.
• A demo scene (.hip file) to help users understand its implementation.

Compatibility with Houdini 19.5, 20.0, and 20.5.

With the rise of GPU acceleration in VFX and animation, tools like the Houdini Skin Slide Deformer represent a significant step forward in making high-quality character animation more accessible and efficient. If you’re an animator or a VFX artist working with Houdini, this tool is definitely worth exploring!

Download Mengya Zhang’s Houdini Skin Slide Deformer HDA from Gumroad

iRender is proud to provide suitable configuration packages for all software to bring you a great experience in the rendering process. With the benefits that iRender brings to you as well as the configuration that is very suitable for all versions of Houdini , do not hesitate to use the service at iRender to have a great experience with your rendering time. At iRender, we provide remote workstation(s) where you can use it as your own computer. Under the IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service) model, you will have full control over the entire rendering process and use it as your personal machine. Therefore, you can install any software and plug-ins you want, add your license, and render or modify your project yourself.

Below is information about our packages, which is suitable for Houdini:

Not only does it have powerful configurations, but iRender also provides you with many more services. Free and convenient transfer tool iRender drive for macOS and Linux users. For Windows users, we recommend the iRender GPU application, you will not need to access our website anymore. The price at iRender is also very flexible with hourly rental (pay as you use), and daily/weekly/monthly rental with a 10-20% discount. 

We’re always happy to help you with any questions. If you have any problems or questions, don’t hesitate to contact our 24/7 support team. Or via Whatsapp: 0912 785 500 for free advice and support.

Right now iRender has a SPECIAL PROMOTION program with a 100% bonus for the first transaction within 24 hours of your registration. It means that you can get an extra 100% of the money you recharged the first time. And points never expire, so you can use them at any time.

Sign up for an account today to experience and enjoy our services.

Thank you & Happy Rendering!

Source and image:cgchannel.com

A few weeks ago, during Annecy Festival 2024, SideFX previewed Houdini 20.5, a major update to the studio’s flagship procedural 3D software, introducing a host of new workflows, features, and improvements that were announced in mid-July. In this article, let’s explore with iRender the new features in the Houdini 20.5 update recently released by Side FX.

With a short 8-minute trailer, the team outlined the upgrades and new features coming to Houdini with version 20.5, previewing improvements to LookDev, Karma rendering, character rendering, VFX, and workflow. game developer, new Material Point Method, powerful procedural crowd generator, comprehensive vehicle cast, Karma X PU update, new feather and wing rendering tools, animated non-destructive layers, and more. Additionally, the preview provides an overview of the upcoming Copernicus feature, a GPU-accelerated image processing framework that introduces a redesigned and re-imagined COP landscape with over 150 nodes, which will be released in beta with Houdini 20.5.

A new Material Point Method solver, a multi-solver with presets for common material types, a robust procedural crowds’ generator, a comprehensive car rig, Karma XPU updates, new tools for rigging feathers and wings, non-destructive animation layers, a new node for cushy geometry, Vulkan geometry rasterization, and much more tend to be novelties that can be expected in version 20.5.

Substance 3D’s alternative is the newly added Copernicus, a 2D and 3D GPU image processing framework that provides real-time image manipulation and is ideal for tasks such as map-building structure. This powerful toolset allows you to use nodes to create texture maps with noise, deformation, and rasterization of 3D shapes, handle compositing tasks, and create a non-photorealistic, animated look to your output. Furthermore, Copernicus supports tools created using the OpenFX standard and can use machine learning to build custom filters.

Additionally, an important improvement is the expanded Material Point Method (MPM) solver. Solid mechanics-related terms like snow, dirt, mud, concrete, metal, jelly, rubber, water, honey, and sand can be all simulated using the FLIP solver. Along with support for VDB collisions produced by VDB Colliders SOP for Vellum Solver, the version also contains a new RBD car rig that transforms the car geometry into a drivable dynamic vehicle rig with suspension and engine limitations.

The modeling toolset of the software has also been improved; with a complete rewrite of key tools such as Clip and Sculpt guaranteeing that they can handle dense meshes at interactive speeds. More brushes, more stroke kinds, mask capabilities, enhanced interactive viewport states, and a non-destructive workflow are all included in the new Sculpt SOP. Now, artists working with node networks can have a better user experience thanks to the improved Dashboard and Quad Remesh, which offer more control over the meshes.

In short, Houdini 20.5 improves the rigging and animation workflow of your application by introducing KineFX powered by APEX. This feature lets you tag joints to specify animation-ready rig components, sets keyframes to animation layers, and uses handles and constraints to manage character and prop interactions. It also adds an option to enable ragdolls in APEX Animate your models for motion simulation.

If you are looking for a rendering service for your Houdini project, iRender is the optimal choice. iRender is proud to be one of the best GPU service providers on the market. We provide you with high-configuration models with advanced specifications such as AMD Ryzen™ Threadripper™ PRO 3955WX @ 3.9 – 4.2GHz or AMD Ryzen™ Threadripper™ PRO 5975WX @ 3.6 – 4, 5GHz, 256GB RAM, 2TB NVMe SSD storage.

In addition, we support all versions of Houdini FX. Under the IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service) model you will have full control over the machine via a remote desktop app, similar to Teamviewer but more stable. You will be able to proactively install the software and use it on the server just like using a personal computer. You can find many server packages with high-end configurations that are extremely suitable for complex projects.

Below is information about iRender’s service packages:

Let’s iRender check out some videos with Houdini here:

We’re always happy to help you with any questions. If you have any problems or questions, don’t hesitate to contact our 24/7 support team. Or via Whatsapp: 0912 785 500 for free advice and support.

Right now iRender has a SPECIAL PROMOTION program with a 100% bonus for the first transaction within 24 hours of your registration. It means that you can get an extra 100% of the money you recharged the first time. And points never expire, so you can use them at any time.

Sign up for an account today to experience and enjoy our services.

Thank you & Happy Rendering!

Source and image: 80.lv/articles