The Daz Studio and Related Product Deals Thread (Daz3D, Renderosity, Renderotica, etc.)

[ouch2020]

If anybody is still interested (I know someone else tried with RenderQueue and another plug-in), I did an upgrade in place of 4.23 on top of my 4.22.16.
First opening tried to ask to import product info, I said "Hell no !" (OK, the button was not exactly that , it was a more neutral "cancel" :-D), clicked on the "all products" in the smart library, and there it was everything.
Though I suggest once done that, to close Daz and start it again.
Immediately after that "Hell no!" operation, I loaded a basic G8F, it took more than 13 minutes, after I closed Daz, reopened it and loaded it again, took half the time - in case you wonder, lots of stuff installed and active plus other applications open doing stuff in parallel, so, don't look at the time, yours will be shorter, just notice the big difference.
I can confirm tried various plugins - specifically, the ones that disappeared because now they are in premier and I had already - and they all seem to still work correctly, although of course for how long, is to be seen.

Side note, I may be wrong, but I got the impression Iray is a bit faster now - strange because Iray is Iray , the hardware has not changed, yet, I really got that impression.
Since the first time I used it with the new Daz it needed to recompile the Iray kernel, it may mean they have improved something in the way Daz "talks" to Iray - to be seen.

Another side note, if you have any other software that uses postgresql (it is an open source, industry and NASA-Terabyte solid software, so it makes sense, and is one of the best design choices of Daz, IMO), like some video editing software I know, be aware that the setup of Daz Studio apparently looks for any process with the name postgresql running.
As a result, it will hang up and not complete, till when you have stopped all the Postgresql processes running.
After you have installed Daz, you can restart the other postgresql (or restart the computer, if the other postgresql it is set for automatic start), and there will be no problem - postgresql does not mind having two versions of itself running on the same machine.

I will still need to do the install from scratch on another machine, but I guess it should be the same, and should work out OK, I will report in case of problems.
Also, in that case I plan to backup the database and restore it to the new machine, so, can help see if that will also work out - reinstalling thousands of assets, many of which cataloged in the smart content by hand, as indicated by Daz support after the Fit Control script stopped working for me following the update to 4.22.16, is not an option.
BTW, be aware, the DAZ support themselves seem not to know that Daz Studio uses postgresql and does not have an embedded database in by Daz Studio itself, and showed not knowing some of the basic characteristics of postgresql, be careful on any advice that involves, or somehow deals with, the database.

Edit: notice, I wrote it seems a bit faster in Iray rendering. It also seems faster in cleaning up the scene than the previous version, but at the same time, still on the "impressions" level, be aware it seems also to be a bit heavier as application than before, so, do not plan to run heavy stuff in parallel, unless you have plenty of memory and a very powerful, or even better, a dual CPU configuration (for rendering with Iray most of the work goes to the graphic card, and the VRAM, but for the rest, it goes to the CPU).

 

[RakuzGTS]

Are there any decent skin materials for Genesis 9 characters available? Most of the decent ones I've found are for Genesis 8 characters.

 

[ouch2020]

Are there any decent skin materials for Genesis 9 characters available? Most of the decent ones I've found are for Genesis 8 characters.

It depends a lot on the definition of "decent". Sorry, I don't want to sound a stickler, or ironic, but it is true.

Check for Tri-x on Renderhub - I have some of his products, but have not yet had the time to really try them - from the product pictures, his textures should look very good, and they are for G9.
However, he uses 8K textures with 8K normal maps, that alone does give an increase of quality (and in principle, on rendering time).
Another one who has very good textures, and some also for G9, is Madarocsi, who now goes by the "name" HumanHX. Again expensive (even reduced a bit her prices, but still we can talk at 30+ with discount, 40-50+ without discount), but when I first discovered her, it was obvious the reason for the high quality textures was that she was effectively using real pictures of real people as textures, so much that I have a theory on why she changed from Madarocsi to HumanHX.
If you wonder why the "her", when was still Madarocsi, at some point she had put something that explicitly indicated she is a she.
Another one that in general has some good ones is Most Digital Creations, their "anatomically correct" series if I remember well has G9, and that series is based on real people.

Although by now I have a bunch of G9 characters, I have not yet had the time to play with them (actually, have not even packaged and installed all the assets I bought over time), some based on the pictures are good, but cannot make any suggestion before I tried.

 

[Jumbi]

Are there any decent skin materials for Genesis 9 characters available? Most of the decent ones I've found are for Genesis 8 characters.

In addition to ouch2020's comment, I'd like to mention that in my experience the textures included with the core Genesis figures (Victoria, Michael, etc...) look nice to me, at least in the Genesis 8 and 8.1 generation, which is the one I've used the most this far. I haven't tested Genesis 9 much yet.

 

[Schlongborn]

Speaking of Tri-X, he is actually on sale on renderosity for 60% off:

You must be registered to see the links

And there is also a community coupon for an additional 15% off:
COMM102024

(you need to be subscribed to their newsletter or it won't work)

Though I have to point out that it may be better to buy Tri-X figures on renderhub or cgtrader instead. You get a Royality Free license on cgtrader, and an Extended Use license on renderhub (though some figures are IP Restricted).

 

[Jumbi]

Speaking of Tri-X, he is actually on sale on renderosity for 60% off:

You must be registered to see the links

And there is also a community coupon for an additional 15% off:
COMM102024

(you need to be subscribed to their newsletter or it won't work)

Though I have to point out that it may be better to buy Tri-X figures on renderhub or cgtrader instead. You get a Royality Free license on cgtrader, and an Extended Use license on renderhub (though some figures are IP Restricted).

I did not know of Renderosity's newsletter. Thanks for pointing it out.

EDIT: Also, I wanted to ask you, people. Is it me or are the prices on Renderhub significantly higher than on Renderosity, for example? I can't remember seeing any product getting a discount of 50 % ever, or since I started looking at 3D products sales anyway.

 

[Schlongborn]

Is it me or are the prices on Renderhub significantly higher than on Renderosity, for example? I can't remember seeing any product getting a discount of 50 % ever, or since I started looking at 3D products sales anyway.

Yes, they are, but the license terms you get on Renderhub are more permissive and allows using the assets in 3D games for example (not always though, it says on the asset site what license it has). Renderosity only allows 2D renders of the assets in commercial use, unless you buy the extended license, which isn't always available and is also quite expensive.

 

[Jumbi]

Yes, they are, but the license terms you get on Renderhub are more permissive and allows using the assets in 3D games for example (not always though, it says on the asset site what license it has). Renderosity only allows 2D renders of the assets in commercial use, unless you buy the extended license, which isn't always available and is also quite expensive.

Thanks. This topic of the use licenses is a bit concerning. It is my understanding that with the Daz standard license one still can use assets purchased on the Daz store in Ren'py AVNs, for example. It is only if you want to make a game in, for example, the Unreal engine with those Daz assets that you need the interactive license. Does this hold true also for the standard license of Renderosity?

 

[Schlongborn]

Thanks. This topic of the use licenses is a bit concerning. It is my understanding that with the Daz standard license one still can use assets purchased on the Daz store in Ren'py AVNs, for example. It is only if you want to make a game in, for example, the Unreal engine with those Daz assets that you need the interactive license. Does this hold true also for the standard license of Renderosity?

To be 100% sure, you should read the license. My knowledge might also be outdated at this point and those license terms might have changed since the last time I looked.

As far as I know both Renderosity and Daz have very similar licenses, the assets you purchase can be rendered, and those renders can be used however you like. The assets themselves and anything that comes with them are not to be distributed in any form that allows someone else to extract it and use it, e.g. like you have to do in a 3D game where you would just distribute the 3D asset plus the textures. However any other derivative is fine, so also animations, sprites that you create from the asset renders, or I assume even something like those gaussian splats should be fair game. You could also make an Unreal game and use the 3D asset in there and then only use it to create animations (like rendered video from the Unreal Engine), or only stream it, you'd still be fine then I believe.

In other stores you usually get something closer to a Royality Free license, which basicly means you can do whatever you want with the asset but not resell it. Many stores don't call them Royality Free but for example Extended Use like Renderhub, which I believe is pretty close to Royality Free.

Sometimes there are still limitations on how many projects you can use the assets in, or how much revenue, or users you can have before you need the next level of license. Like Standard and Commercial on Art Station for example, which I believe can then also vary between vendors there.

So, you gotta read the license, don't take my word for it, this is not legal advice.

 

[Jumbi]

To be 100% sure, you should read the license. My knowledge might also be outdated at this point and those license terms might have changed since the last time I looked.

As far as I know both Renderosity and Daz have very similar licenses, the assets you purchase can be rendered, and those renders can be used however you like. The assets themselves and anything that comes with them are not to be distributed in any form that allows someone else to extract it and use it, e.g. like you have to do in a 3D game where you would just distribute the 3D asset plus the textures. However any other derivative is fine, so also animations, sprites that you create from the asset renders, or I assume even something like those gaussian splats should be fair game. You could also make an Unreal game and use the 3D asset in there and then only use it to create animations (like rendered video from the Unreal Engine), or only stream it, you'd still be fine then I believe.

In other stores you usually get something closer to a Royality Free license, which basicly means you can do whatever you want with the asset but not resell it. Many stores don't call them Royality Free but for example Extended Use like Renderhub, which I believe is pretty close to Royality Free.

Sometimes there are still limitations on how many projects you can use the assets in, or how much revenue, or users you can have before you need the next level of license. Like Standard and Commercial on Art Station for example, which I believe can then also vary between vendors there.

So, you gotta read the license, don't take my word for it, this is not legal advice.

Much appreciated.

 

[SvenVlad]

WTF. Is this because of the Premier tier?

Edit: Yeah, it its.
They splitted more bundles

You must be registered to see the links

You must be registered to see the links

You must be registered to see the links

You must be registered to see the links

 

[Schlongborn]

When you guys were talking about Skin textures I wanted to say you should look at maelwenn:

You must be registered to see the links

but then kind of didn't because it is all subjective anyways.

But, the guy has a new figure out today and I decided to buy it to check and I have to say, in terms of skin textures that look realistic maelwenn seems pretty damn good:




However I also have to agree with Jumbi that the base figures are probably the easiest and best to look at if you have no big library yet and just want something good to start with. The base figures are all very well made, and they are relatively consistent quality wise. With PA's it is more hit and miss, earlier figures have a tendency to be shitty.

 

[Jumbi]

When you guys were talking about Skin textures I wanted to say you should look at maelwenn:

You must be registered to see the links

but then kind of didn't because it is all subjective anyways.

But, the guy has a new figure out today and I decided to buy it to check and I have to say, in terms of skin textures that look realistic maelwenn seems pretty damn good:

View attachment 4155540
View attachment 4155541

However I also have to agree with Jumbi that the base figures are probably the easiest and best to look at if you have no big library yet and just want something good to start with. The base figures are all very well made, and they are relatively consistent quality wise. With PA's it is more hit and miss, earlier figures have a tendency to be shitty.

I noticed this new figure by maelwenn (I must admit that I had not paid much attention to this vendor prior to this day) today and I absolutely agree with you. Not only does she look very good, but her skin also looks really fine. I liked this MW Manon so much that I wishlisted her right away, together with several other figures by maelwenn. What a discovery this has been for me.

 

[SvenVlad]

Does anyone know any coupons for Renderotica?

 

[Jumbi]

Does anyone know any coupons for Renderotica?

No, sorry. I am subscribed to their newsletter, that hasn't reached my email inbox for over a month now. There was a 20% discount coupon code included in their last newsletter, but it only ran throughout September.

Renderotica is another store that makes it difficult for me to spend any money. I admit that I am biased because of the Daz store prices and, to a lesser extent, Renderosity prices, though.

 

[Schlongborn]

Does anyone know any coupons for Renderotica?

Renderotica gives you these weird points when you buy something that you can use to lower the price for your next purchase a bit, but they expire super quickly, so it makes sense to split your orders into chunks to make use of the points.

I think I've never seen a Renderotica coupon ever.

In terms of sales 20% used to be pretty much their standard discount, but I think they changed it somewhat. It seems they do higher discounts now, but only on individual vendors. I assume they'll still do something like 20-25% the entire store for black friday or christmas.

They had one time where the entire store was 50% off in the last ~4 years.

 

[amster22]

Renderotica gives you these weird points when you buy something that you can use to lower the price for your next purchase a bit, but they expire super quickly, so it makes sense to split your orders into chunks to make use of the points.

I noticed that only recently, but you can get some points at renderotica by just visiting the site (called "daily login points" in the FAQ). I do not know precisely how these points are given (maybe you have to visit the site two days in a row), but the amount is not very high 50pt/visit (worth $.25).
But, hey, I haven't purchased anything at rero for a few months and I am the happy owner of 200pts...

 

[SvenVlad]

Renderotica gives you these weird points when you buy something that you can use to lower the price for your next purchase a bit, but they expire super quickly, so it makes sense to split your orders into chunks to make use of the points.

I think I've never seen a Renderotica coupon ever.

In terms of sales 20% used to be pretty much their standard discount, but I think they changed it somewhat. It seems they do higher discounts now, but only on individual vendors. I assume they'll still do something like 20-25% the entire store for black friday or christmas.

They had one time where the entire store was 50% off in the last ~4 years.

I've seen they give a monthly coupon once in a while, I used one of these to buy 2 products there a few months ago. But this month I THINK they didn't give one, that why I was asking.

Here's the proof:

Spoiler

You don't have permission to view the spoiler content. Log in or register now.

 

[oaiki]

View attachment 4155470 View attachment 4155473


WTF. Is this because of the Premier tier?

Edit: Yeah, it its.
They splitted more bundles

You must be registered to see the links

You must be registered to see the links

You must be registered to see the links

You must be registered to see the links

Yup, looks like they will not be providing 'Pro' Bundles.

I acquired all of the above in 'Pro' Bundles ...

An example of the changes for Calypso 9:

The Pro bundle had these additional items

You must be registered to see the links

You must be registered to see the links

You must be registered to see the links

You must be registered to see the links

You must be registered to see the links

The 'Starter' Bundle had

You must be registered to see the links

which seems to be replaced by

You must be registered to see the links

in the new

You must be registered to see the links

, got this as one of the out of bundle add-ons with

You must be registered to see the links

which are both are in the "new''

You must be registered to see the links

; the later includes / included

You must be registered to see the links

and

You must be registered to see the links

neither available individually ...

Confused? you will be...

[EDIT] looks like they have deleted the Readme for the Pro, Starter and other 'deleted' products too, I can only see their details in my 'Product Library' [/EDIT]

[PARANOIA] Make sure you backup to DIM files regularly, just in case the new always on-line DAZ Studio decides to do some housekeeping and remove your products [/PARANOIA]

 

[SvenVlad]

Yup, looks like they will not be providing 'Pro' Bundles.

I acquired all of the above in 'Pro' Bundles ...

An example of the changes for Calypso 9:

The Pro bundle had these additional items

You must be registered to see the links

You must be registered to see the links

You must be registered to see the links

You must be registered to see the links

You must be registered to see the links

The 'Starter' Bundle had

You must be registered to see the links

which seems to be replaced by

You must be registered to see the links

in the new

You must be registered to see the links

, got this as one of the out of bundle add-ons with

You must be registered to see the links

which are both are in the "new''

You must be registered to see the links

; the later includes / included

You must be registered to see the links

and

You must be registered to see the links

neither available individually ...

Confused? you will be...

[EDIT] looks like they have deleted the Readme for the Pro, Starter and other 'deleted' products too, I can only see their details in my 'Product Library' [/EDIT]

[PARANOIA] Make sure you backup to DIM files regularly, just in case the new always on-line DAZ Studio decides to do some housekeeping and remove your products [/PARANOIA]

Today was poor Josie's turn.



The new bundles:

You must be registered to see the links

You must be registered to see the links

At least I had her other bundle, but this is just ridiculous. Now I have items owned and not-owned in both bundles.
I wouldn't be surprised if there's more.