Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The following are the answers to some questions about cSmartBlend.
- What is the difference between a Nodelocked Single User License and a Network Floating License?
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The "Single User License" version provides a basic Node-Locked version of the software. This means
the license is locked to the hardware of the computer you install it on. Please
note the the licensing no longer has a transfer utility. Licenses are NON-Transferable!
For a single user or artist, nodelocked licensing is the typical choice.
The "Floating Network License" version utilizes a network license server that comes with the software and must be setup. The purchased number of copies/licenses are installed and tied to the hardware of the network license server machine. This many licenses maximum can then be floated or used by that many users on other machines connected via an internet connection. This is the typical way most studios opt to purchase licenses, as the registration is only tied to the one server computer, but can float the maximum number of users connected via the network. The network server works across multiple-platforms. - Can I use the Network Floating Licensing across computers on different Operating Systems?
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Yes. The network license server will properly grant licenses to any copy cMuscleSystem regardless
of whether the server or client happens to be Windows, Mac OS X or Linux based.
- Is there a DEMO Version available?
- No. cSmartBlend does not currently have a demo version planned.
- Are documentation and samples included with the purchase?
- Full documentation in a tutorial style is included in HTML format with the program. In addition, there is a demo movie available on the cSmartBlend Gallery that shows how to use the plug-in. Since cSmartBlend is straightforward and easy to use, sample files are not included, it is expected users will have their own model file to utilize when following the tutorials.
- Do I have to buy a complete paid version for each animator station?
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Yes. cSmartBlend is a rigging/animation related tool. Since animators use the
rig live, the rig must be fully functional and thus must utilize the complete full paid
version of the plugin. i.e.: Since animators will likely be deforming the face or
model with cSmartBlend, they need the full version.
As an alternative, you could provide your animators with rigs that only have lowres geometry, or do not show the mesh that cSmartBlend is driving and do not include and cSmartBlend nodes. Then swap out the rigs or animation at the end of the process for the cSmartBlend rig. This way the animators don't need the plugin at all. The downside to this approach, is the animators will never be able to see the final mesh.
In addition Lighters working with the final mesh will need the complete full version as they will probably need to light the final geometry before render. Any computer running Maya interactively with a person using a file that needs to have the cSmartBlend plugin working in the file will need the full version. - Do I have to buy a complete paid version for each render farm station?
- Rather than the full version, a "Render License" version of the plugin is also available for sale. This version costs significantly less than the full version, but does not allow new nodes to be created and only operates in render mode. This version can be paid for and licensed for render farm machines.
- Is there a Cache feature for cSmartBlend like cMuscleSystem
- No. If you wish to use cMuscleSystem style point caching, then you would need to purchase ther cMuscleSystem plug-in.
- Is there a student version or student pricing available?
- No. The software is currently already very low cost for all of the functionality and features it provides, so there is no student version.
- Does cSmartBlend work with Mental Ray?
- Yes. cSmartBlend is simply a deformation tool, so it will work with whatever Maya renderer you choose.
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