Houdini 19 WIll Launch On October 27

The release will bring a bunch of powerful new tools.

SideFX has just concluded the Houdini 19 reveal presentation. Previously, SideFX has shared a Houdini 19 sneak peek, teasing new features and improvements, including improvements to KineFX, Muscles & Tissue, Crowds, Solaris, Karma, Modeling, Pyro FX, FLIP Fluids, Vellum, RBD Destruction, FEM, Grooming, PDG, and more. 

The new two-hour presentation shared an extended look at the new tools coming with the next update and revealed the date we were waiting for. First things first, Houdini 19 will be available on October 27 so we're just a week away from the long-awaited launch. 

Here is a list of some improvements in the new version: 

Solaris for Layout and Environments

  • Unique brush-based framework for large-scale set dressing.
  • HDA-driven brush architecture with unlimited customizability.
  • Full access to verbified/compilable SOP networks.
  • PDG-assisted creation of layout asset gallery.
  • USD asset browser.

Solaris for Lighting and Rendering

  • Comprehensive Houdini scene importer.
  • Better motion blur generation.
  • Option to pause viewer updates.
  • Faster GL rendering of transformable instances.
  • Viewport support for camera exposure attribute.
  • Updated Karma LOP for faster render setup.
  • USD 21.08.

Karma

  • Beta tag removed to indicate production readiness.
  • Improved final image quality and performance.
  • Improved motion blur on crowd agents.
  • Improved holdout/matte workflow.
  • Support for deep camera maps.
  • Improved memory usage.
  • Redesigned Karma LOP UI.

KineFX

  • Evolving framework with emphasis on motion data and physics.
  • Support for all major mocap software like Xsens and Faceware.
  • Ragdoll dynamics for hero characters with embedded full-body IK.
  • Ability to specify custom collision geometry and rig control geometry.
  • Improved animation baking controls in Rig Pose.
  • Ability to configure joints faster in the 3D viewport.
  • Enhanced skeleton blending.
  • Custom metadata support for crowd agents.
  • Direct character import into Solaris.

Grooming 

  • Completely redesigned grooming toolset.
  • Many new tools and interactive brushes.
  • 10-100 times faster hair sculpting with GuideGroom.
  • Extensive mirroring capabilities.
  • Powerful grouping and masking.
  • Native support for Vellum physics brushes.

Muscles, Tissue & Skin

  • Unified muscle, tissue, skin rigging and simulation system.
  • SOP-based workflow with Vellum soft-body simulation built-in.
  • Non-destructive and fully interactive.
  • Natural-looking muscle sliding.
  • Full access to Houdini's geometry and visualization toolset.

Pyro and destruction tools have always been awesome in Houdini but what stands out is how they start putting more effort into other tools like grooming and rigging. What got you excited? Share your thoughts on the presentation in the comments below. 

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Comments 1

  • Mandas Artur

    Also Karma XPU alpha state

    0

    Mandas Artur

    ·2 years ago·

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