OutSource RenderFarm

[CootDog]

I know there's another thread on here about render farms for someone's thesis. I didn't want to add more questions to their thread so I made this one.

This is concerning outsourcing rendering.

Have you considered outsourcing your renderings or have you actually done it? If so, what company did you use?
What made you choose that company?
How was the experience?
Would you use their services again?
What are the main things I should look for in an outsourced render farm? What would I expect to be the most important thing? i.e. RAM, Processor type (is dual core good), price, speed, or anything else?
What are the render farms you recommend?



I really appreciate your answers. I'm working on something and won't have the rendering power I need to get it done at a reasonable time so outsourcing seems to be the only option. Please let me know who you'd recommend and why and what I should look for when choosing the render farm.


Thank you,
CootDog

[Aed]

Hi, i didnt see the thready before yours. But i can say about RF'ms, cause have my own (small).
The main thing is a count of cpus. means how mutch copmuters in the cluster, than, supportet software with external rendering systems support.
Price per CPU hours, and FTP-web interface or client remote control-suport.
I only know rendercore, as the very good remote controlled renderfarm and speed/quality/price too.

[CootDog]

I'm very surprised there's only been one response to this. poke:

Do you all have no need for a render farm?

There's a couple I've seen online and want to know if any of you have used them and your experience.. OR why you wouldn't use them.

I'm at the point where I can either build one or outsource it..

Please tell me your thoughts. I'd really appreciate it.

[SalaTar]

I would guess if you need to outsource you need to do it in house...Buy some machines

[Aed]

You better do it in a huge airplane hangar =)

[SalaTar]

nah just 100 will do ya.. small Active UPS trailer will do

http://www.boxxtech.com/products/rendernodes.asp
dont forget your san

[CootDog]

This is exactly the reason I'd rather outsource the farming function. I don't want the expense of the actual machine cost and the time it takes to set it all up.
I'd rather sign a contract and send my files to someone who can render them. Creating is where my time is better focused.

I'm not talking wish lists here, I'm talking your experience or your suggestions on who to go with and why.

[Aed]

I think in thar case you better visit www.rendercore.com
than try to find something else..

[SalaTar]

This is exactly the reason I'd rather outsource the farming function. I don't want the expense of the actual machine cost and the time it takes to set it all up.
I'd rather sign a contract and send my files to someone who can render them. Creating is where my time is better focused.

I'm not talking wish lists here, I'm talking your experience or your suggestions on who to go with and why.

You should be able to schedule your own capabilities... If you cant you need to outsource.
You should be able to harness the computers at hand for the jobs you do, or buy needed computers

[SalaTar]

catch 22,
If you need to renderfarm from a third party , you underbid.
dude

[CootDog]

I see what you're saying there SalaTar.
Personally when I'm doing an all 3D film, I need more than what I can buy. That's why outsourcing is my preferred method.

I've seen RenderCore and ResPower.

What are the pro's and cons on them?

[crutch]

Anyone here know or have an idea what some feature films have paid in outsourcing their rendering? It does appear to be the trend whether its rendering or vfx/animation.