Pixar Animation Studios announced the long-anticipated commercial release of RenderMan’s RIS rendering architecture, introducing advanced methods for physically-based photorealism. The renderer's introduction into the commercial market is expected to be a major leap forward in the development of feature film rendering, RenderMan supports multiple types of light transport including a uni-directional path tracer supplied with source code and a new bi-directional path tracer (VCM). Along with enhancements to Pixar’s acclaimed REYES renderer, this powerful combination provides artists with multiple rendering solutions within one unified framework for the utmost in artistic flexibility and creativity. With a modern architecture built from the ground up to render global illumination with unsurpassed speed and productivity, RIS establishes a forward-looking foundation through which RenderMan is addressing the rapidly evolving demands of visual effects. Additionally, Free Non-Commercial RenderMan is to be released in early 2015 so that the development of additional supporting materials can be delivered to a diverse user base. Unrestrained by functional limitations, watermarking, or time restrictions, Free Non-Commercial RenderMan will be made available to academic institutions, students, trainers, researchers, developers, and for personal use. You can do an early registration for Free Non-Commercial RenderMan on the RenderMan website.

Source-Pixar Animation