Discreet's burn, a new Linux-based background rendering software for visual effects systems, recently debuted at the International Broadcasting Convention (IBC) in Amsterdam. burn is designed to reduce time to project completion by utilizing PC-based render stations for processing effects. Using burn, rendering is completed offline in a Linux-based render farm, freeing up Discreet online effects workstations, which will allow artists to focus more on the creative process. Customers using burn will be able to initiate background rendering tasks from within the batch module of inferno 5, flame 8 or flint 8. The initiated request is submitted to backburner -- Discreet's render management software, currently used in both Discreet's 3ds max 5 software and combustion 2 desktop compositing software. backburner, which is installed on PC workstations running Windows 2000, is responsible for receiving rendering requests, prioritizing them, splitting them between available resources for faster execution and then dispatching them to all available burn systems. backburner also maintains and relays the status of each request to the user. "burn is the result of long standing requests from our visual effects systems customers to provide a cost effective rendering solution for the Linux platform," said Maurice Patel, product marketing manger, Discreet Systems. "burn will increase clients ability to meet accelerated production targets and help them leverage more production value from their existing assets." burn is expected to be available by NAB 2003. For more information on burn visit www.discreet.com.
