Solaris - Custom AOV not working

[am_wilkins]

Hi there,

Using this method below—to create light group, it was working last year.

However, now it isn't working anymore and unless I've made a mistake... appears to broken.

The AOV registering correctly along side the other built-in AOV.

Same setup here as I've used before.

Light Group tag.

On starting the render, the light group doesn't appear.

I've had the same issue with another custom AOV I was trying to create based on a shader.

thanks,

amwilkins

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Houdini Core Version 20.0.590
Arnold Core: 7.2.5.2

HotA: 6.2.5.2

CPU: AMD Ryzen TR 3990x

RAM: 128GB
GPU: NVIDIA RTX A4000
OS: Windows

[Stephen.Blair]

When I tested this in January

...for the RGBA light group render vars, I had to use the actual LPE C.*.<L.'blue'>
But for other AOVs, like direct and indirect, I was able to use direct_blue

[am_wilkins]

Hi Stephen,

I tried using the LPE too, which also didn't work.

As well as "direct_key" just for some quick testing, but no dice.

thanks,

amwilkins

[Stephen.Blair]

I just opened up my test scene from Jan, in the latest HtoA, and it's working for me.

[rachid_1]

work fine here

try this scene

[am_wilkins]

Hi Rachid,

Thanks so much for this file.

It's helped me see that it's likely the "Arnold Render Settings" HDA node causing the issue.

I was using this HDA last year in combination with light groups but now it appears not working. I guess it's time I abandon using it.

Your scene working out the box 👍

Swapped out to a "Arnold Render Settings" instantly not working, while even all the AOV still are added to the scene graph in the same place.

@Stephen.Blair Can you repro on your end?

+1 request for a round of fixes and adjustments on this HDA please. Ability to add custom AOV etc.

All the best,

amwilkins

[Stephen.Blair]

You can't use the Arnold Cryptomatte AOVs LOP together with Arnold Render Settings LOP. The Arnold Render Settings LOP by itself works fine for me.

[am_wilkins]

Hi Stephen,

Bypassing the Crytomatte node, still not working.

amwilkins

[Stephen.Blair]

You have to use the Arnold product type, that's for sure.

[am_wilkins]

1. Opened the scene above from Rachid
2. Checked LightGroup AOV are working with manual Render Product and Render settings. They are working.
3. Dropped down a new "Arnold Render Settings" HDA, switched to this. AOV don't work.
4. Enabled "Arnold Render Product". AOV still don't work.
   
   

AOV are all registered withing the same place on the scene graph. They should be working.

Have you tried using this scene file linked above?

Additionally, I opened an older scene of mine from Aug 2023. The AOV are working in that scene, exactly how things are setup here. However, as soon as I drop down a new Arnold Render Settings node—they no longer work. (Due to the Arnold Render Settings node getting updated to the latest as soon as I do that.)

amwilkins

[supervisorAlone]

Hi guys,

this is what happen when I render arnold_sick

[am_wilkins]

Just adding to this, likewise the "Arnold Imagers" which I guess count as a custom shader on the Arnold Render Settings node—doesn't currently work either.

It's worth noting that they work when using the seperate Render Product + Render Settings nodes rather than the Arnold HDA.

Any updates from the Arnold team?

Are you able to reproduce using the scene from Rachid in this thread?

amwilkins

[Stephen.Blair]

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@am_wilkins wrote:

Just adding to this, likewise the "Arnold Imagers" which I guess count as a custom shader on the Arnold Render Settings node—doesn't currently work either.

It's worth noting that they work when using the seperate Render Product + Render Settings nodes rather than the Arnold HDA.

Any updates from the Arnold team?

Are you able to reproduce using the scene from Rachid in this thread?

amwilkins

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It all works for me. Do you have a scene from your studio that doesn't work?

[am_wilkins]

I can make one, thought I wouldn't need to since it's reproduce-able with that scene posted above from Rachid.

Interesting that it's working for you... all I did was drop down a new Arnold Render Settings HDA and it breaks the AOV instantly.

Will get back with a scene, once I've made one.

amwilkins

[Stephen.Blair]

Ok. I see your problem. 

You cannot use Arnold Render Settings if you're setting up custom AOVs and your own Render Product LOPs. I logged that limitation awhile ago. 

[am_wilkins]

Great.

Not sure when you logged that limitation..
Custom "Render Var" (for lightgroup) in combination with the Arnold Render Settings HDA was possible last year in these versions:

Houdini Core Version 19.5.682
Arnold Core: 7.2.3.1

HotA: 6.2.3.1

I will still probably finish setting up a repro scene anyways, as I think there is likely more problems to illustrate.

[Stephen.Blair]

August or so. I don't know how it could have worked, because we end up with multiple render products and the render settings uses just one of them.

In the current HtoA, I had to edit the Render Settings

[am_wilkins]

Oh sorry, I don't think we're on the same page.

I've been talking about "Render Var" in combination with a Render Product or a Arnold Render Settings (which contains a render product). So only one product.

I haven't yet needed two render products, thankfully.

[rachid_1]

Yes it doesn't work because both arnold_rendersettings & arnold_rendervars doesn't yet support custom aov, while all other renderers DCC do!

So we can't use custom aov when using arnold_rendervars or arnold_rendersettings

and rendervar is deprectaed!

So what's the point to have both arnold_rendersettings & arnold_rendervars witout custom aov???

unfortunately, Arnold in Houdini is delivered as a soldier who goes to war on a crutch! and they always talk about priority!

[Stephen.Blair]

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@am_wilkins wrote:

Oh sorry, I don't think we're on the same page.

I've been talking about "Render Var" in combination with a Render Product or a Arnold Render Settings (which contains a render product). So only one product.

I haven't yet needed two render products, thankfully.

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I think this is similar, I have to edit the Render Product from the Arnold Render Settings to include the other render vars...still to be confirmed...