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Hi all,

 

In my ROP node I have set the extra image plane with "Different File" turned on. Gave it if a channel name like "rgbOut" and save it as open EXR ( Houdini 14). 

 

Viewing the extra image plane inside nuke, there is no information in my rgb channel. Mantra puts it into a separate channel. I can't seem to find a way to render extra images planes (aov with their own file directory and name) into their own rgb channel, like any other 3d package would do. 

 

If I don't give it a channel name it will simply use the parameter name as the channel name. 

 

I cant see the point of this, what is the work around for this?

 

 

Cheers

 

Gordon

 

post-14468-0-91105000-1441853653_thumb.j

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Hi, seems like you're mixing two things together or I don't understand. first you are talking about output to different file and then you're talking about changing names of a channels embedded in the single exr. so what do you want to do? output to separate file or just change the name of a channel? D. 

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No, I think it is actually broken. Go ahead and conduct a test. After Effects sees the resulting external file as having 15 channels which are all blank, notice the blank thumbnail. However, the direct image output, which is in a second file, does have the correct render for color. I also tried just outputting Cf to it's own file as well and that does not work.I don't even get an alpha, just pure solid black.

 

This used to work in H13 but I think they boinked something when they re-shuffled how image planes work in H14.

post-12295-0-43954300-1441917550_thumb.j

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No, I think it is actually broken. Go ahead and conduct a test. After Effects sees the resulting external file as having 15 channels which are all blank, notice the blank thumbnail. However, the direct image output, which is in a second file, does have the correct render for color. I also tried just outputting Cf to it's own file as well and that does not work.I don't even get an alpha, just pure solid black.

 

This used to work in H13 but I think they boinked something when they re-shuffled how image planes work in H14.

 

you sure that's not just ae not being happy with pre-multiplied images?  since deep rasters don't have alpha, ae may be throwing out the color since it's designed more for an unpremultiplied workflow.

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It could be an After Effects issue with EXR so I tried PNG instead. This does work, however, there is a gamma shift or something going on. Also outputting the (Af) alpha channel only creates a RGB that is black and white, it really is not a 'true' alpha anymore, only a luma matte.

 

It doesn't look like Houdini can re-route various channels to other channels. I think that is what Gordon was trying to accomplish.

 

But if Nuke can't use the resulting EXR file and After Effects can't use the resulting EXR file then maybe there is something that can be done by the Houdini developers to make this feature more useful.

ap_extra_image_planes_issue.hipnc

Edited by Atom
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I'm not seeing any major issues with this;  just tested and the files are totally useable in Nuke - just shuffle them into where you need them.

 

Never use PNG it's a rotten format that can cause gamma issues - stick to EXR.

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I'm not seeing any major issues with this;  just tested and the files are totally useable in Nuke - just shuffle them into where you need them.

 

Never use PNG it's a rotten format that can cause gamma issues - stick to EXR.

 

i think the op was expecting the different files to be flat rgba exr's rather than deep rasters floating in otherwise empty exr's.  like vray, for example, when writing out channels to separate files.  they're all flat rgba files with the channel name in the filename.

 

honestly, it would be nice to have that option somewhere in houdini.  you'd have to be able to include some kind of token in your output filename it replace with the raster name tho.  i *think* i've seen formats that don't support extra planes push out extra files for each raster, but they ended up someplace funny if i recall...

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that's a fair point - considering H15 is adding some other 'standard' things, like render times in the IPR window, then standard rgb file output are worth consideration too. Send in an RFE please!

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Hi all, cheers for the replies!

 

Sorry for not being totally clear. 

I want to output extra image planes into different exr files. 

Currently if i don't name my channel, it will take the VEX Variable name. 

In nuke the channel looks like this. ( say i name my extra image plane "occlusion")

 

rgb

rgba

alpha

occlusion

other

 

This of course is not a major problem, however its not very convenient. It's not a very vfx production way of working. I want each separate aov (extra image plane) in the rgb channel. No extra channel needed. 

In this case:

 

rgb <= this is where i want my occlusion pass. Without needing to shuffle channels. 

rgba

alpha

other

 

 

This makes it cleaner for handing over your render passes to Nuke compositors and Flame artist. Also viewing your image in tools like RV which automatically looks into the rgb channel. If i view my extra image plane in RV it comes out black, becuase there is no information in the RGB channel.

 

I will try naming my channel rgb and see if that works

 

cheers

 

Gordon

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i think the op was expecting the different files to be flat rgba exr's rather than deep rasters floating in otherwise empty exr's.  like vray, for example, when writing out channels to separate files.  they're all flat rgba files with the channel name in the filename.

 

honestly, it would be nice to have that option somewhere in houdini.  you'd have to be able to include some kind of token in your output filename it replace with the raster name tho.  i *think* i've seen formats that don't support extra planes push out extra files for each raster, but they ended up someplace funny if i recall...

 

 

Ah didn't see this reply, but this is my point exactly.  

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If you want it to happen, then send a Request Feature Enhancement to SideFx.  The devs *need* a ticket to work with, not a forum post.

 

On the SideFx.com site, Support menu, Submit RFE.

 

Thanks!

 

Edit: RFE submitted (ID=71082)

Edited by tar
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name your extra image raster "rgb" in the "channel name" field.  not sure if it's a legit solution, but it works for nuke.

 

 

Just tested this and it does work, also for rv, like you say not sure if this is legit, but it works! Will post back if anything breaks down the line. 

 

cheers

 

Gordon 

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