Feature Request: "Render queue utility"

RichMacDonald wrote on 10/24/2002, 8:50 AM

Given the length of time spent rendering, it would be useful to have a "render-queueing" utility that could maintain a list of queued renderings and process them in the background. If it takes as much memory as the VV app, so be it. What is more important is to be able to start, stop and restart. For example, if I have a 48 hr render, my computer could crash or I might have to log off (some of us have spouses who like to check their email every once in a while :-) and pick back up later. Currently, I have to render in "overnight" sections, then use TMPGenc to join the results. Its awkward to ensure that I do this correctly, plus I can still have a "glitch" at the join.

Comments

Chienworks wrote on 10/24/2002, 10:08 AM

Generally you can keep the render going in the background while using the computer for other tasks. I can render, get online and chat, work on another Vegas project, telnet into my server to program, watch a DVD, etc. all while the render is proceeding. True, these additional processes slow the render down a bit, but at least i have use of the computer while rendering. Checking eMail once in a while should have very minimal effect on render time.

If you have two shorter projects you want to render overnight, but don't want to get up at 3am to start the second render after the first has finished, you can open up two instances of Vegas and start a project rendering in each. The total rendering time will be about the same, but you can sleep in all night.

wcoxe1 wrote on 10/24/2002, 10:20 AM

Use Print Video to Tape. Same effect.

You can start and stop it at any time, stop it with a click and not lose much of anything. You don't have to make a list, it keeps track of what needs rendering and what doesn't. Then, it joins everything back together at the time of actual print to tape. Simple! AND, it can be done while you do other things, EXCEPT for working on that same project at the same time.. It is everything you asked for.

The ONLY problem is that sometimes it overloads your system with useless prerendered files. Even though there is a cleanup (unused) inactive prerendered clips command, it doesn't seem to do it. (SoFo, please fix this.) You may have to clean house manually from time to time. I put up with that and gain everything else you asked for. I just wish it would clean up after itself.

NOW, if it would only do all the above in the background while you are using and still editing the same file it is rendering, it would be perfect.

RichMacDonald wrote on 10/24/2002, 11:42 AM

I might not have made myself clear enough: I *do* use the background rendering and I *do* use multiple copies of VV.

My problem is when the rendering needs to take longer than all night.
Then I want to end the program temporarily, then start it later and have it continue where it left off.

RichMacDonald wrote on 10/24/2002, 11:44 AM

So I can use "Print to Tape" with a target mpg format instead of "render"?
If so, sounds good.

Chienworks wrote on 10/24/2002, 5:15 PM

Rich, i agree with you there. I've asked for this in the past too. This would be especially useful if the rendering process saved it's current position/state every few minutes or so. In case of a power outage or other crash, it could pick up again from where it left off instead of starting over from the beginning.

wcoxe1 wrote on 10/24/2002, 8:30 PM

Now THIS I can agree with. I would like it, too.