I am sure some of you are already familiar with Bunkspeed Udrive (I think Ford/Volvo use it alot). They just came out with a new product called HyperShot - RealTime Ray Tracing. I just got my hands on it and its pretty sweet (really fast, easy to use). I have been using it to update the renderings in my portfolio and its making me very happy so far. I think they used it to make the Ford Interceptor concept Images. Check out the CG renderings in my portfolio Let me know what you think.
PS I just went to their website I think they did do the Ford Interceptor PR images.
Thanks to today's advancement in graphics hardware, more and more interactive rendering software are coming out with the emphasis on being easy-to-use and fast. Don't forget to check the recommended hardware requirements. But for someone on a tight budget looking for still image rendering only, even an old renderer can be used for producing a professional looking image. Almost all rendering systems are too complex for a novice user or learner, a good understanding of how that renderer works and enough experience can help you achieve a good rendered image even by using a free renderer. Also please note where the term high-end is being used in rendering. Is it for animation or an still work? That term could be misleading if you are looking only for rendering a still scene.
I have had the opportunity to use it a little bit and I have to say the main selling point for me was how easy it is to use. Basically anyone with enough knowledge to use a PC can drop a model in there and make it look good. I used to use Maya Mental Ray a lot and I know how hard it is, this was a breeze. Also from what I understand the Real Time Ray Tracing is also done purely by the CPU and a high end GPU is NOT required so many machines will be able to handle this.
The GPU independent interactive rendering sounds cool. I'd like to play with it a bit. Anyhow producing a rendered image is all about your CPU and RAM performance as far as I know too. The quality of image depends on user's skills, renderer and time. A qualified GPU required for virtual prototyping and interactive presentation or for your CAD or 3d program while working on a model or surface analysis. I'd signed up.
