The Calibrator Toolset | Houdini Toolkit | Controls based on camera proximity

Version Updates:

• v0.0 - included supports for Houdini 19.5.493 python 3.7 & 3.9
• v1.0 - included supports for Houdini 20.0.547 python 3.9 & 3.10.10
• v2.0 - included supports for Houdini 20.5.278 python 3.11.7, support for Houdini 19.5 discontinued.

Are you frustrated with intrusive particles invading the camera space?

Are you tired of dust sims covering up the entire shot?

Here is the answer! Get our toolkit and let's calibrate your shot now! 1 week free trial available with Membership.

About:

The Calibrator Toolset is a comprehensive HDA (Houdini Digital Asset) designed for intricate attribute and field control based on camera proximity. Its primary functionality includes dynamically scaling particles or reducing density as they approach or move away from the camera and can be customized to adapt to any attribute or field. It operates seamlessly with animated cameras, facilitating complex visual adjustments.

Key Features:

1. Dynamic Controls: The Calibrator Toolset enables precise data manipulation. This functionality works seamlessly across different attributes and volumes, allowing for versatile adjustments in visual compositions.
2. Camera-Based Clip Adjustment: It provides the capability to adjust far and near clip planes dynamically based on the camera's position. Users can adjust settings on individual attributes and volumes as well as enable global settings for all.
3. Adaptability with Animated Cameras: The tool seamlessly integrates with animated cameras, maintaining functionality and accuracy even in complex animation setups.
4. Custom Clipping per Input: The tool allows users to customize settings based on the input attribute/field or use a global clipping setting throughout the tool. This gives artists control to adjust values based on requirements of the shot.
5. Easy to Use: Includes Users benefit from user-friendly functions and accessible guides within the viewport for easy preview. The same HDa can be used for particles and volumes/vdbs for easy use.

License Types:

1. Houdini Apprentice: Allows a single user (machine-locked) license for Houdini Apprentice (Non-Commercial) Only.
2. Houdini Indie: Allows a single user (machine-locked) license for Houdini Indie Only.
3. For Houdini FX & Studio Licenses please contact support@chakshuvfx.com.

We offer subscriptions for monthly, quarterly and yearly users.

What do you get after subscribing:

1. Calibrator Prep: A tool that defines what type of input is being used, particle or vdb/volume.
2. Calibrator Setup: The main tool that calibrates the output based on the user input camera and settings.
3. Calibrator Shelf Tool: A simple shelf tool that allows users to select a node in a network and create the calibrator network to be used.
4. Calibrator Menu: Additionally users can select a node to calibrate and press TAB and select "Calibrator" which will then lay out the node network required.

Note: All HDAs are blackboxed.

FAQ:

1. How do I install the tool?
   We use the Houdini Packages system for users to enable the tool in their Houdini Session. Place the ".json" file provided with our download as per the Houdini Docs Link: https://www.sidefx.com/docs/houdini/ref/plugins.html
   
   Houdini will scan the following directories on startup (if they exist) for package files:
   • $HOUDINI_USER_PREF_DIR/packages
   • $HSITE/houdinimajor.minor/packages (for example, $HSITE/houdini18.0/packages)
   • $HOUDINI_PACKAGE_DIRHoudini will process the package files directly in the directory specified in HOUDINI_PACKAGE_DIR, do not add a packages directory under these folders.
   • $HFS/packages
   $HSITE and $HOUDINI_PACKAGE_DIR must be set prior to start Houdini. Houdini does not scan subdirectories inside packages.
2. How do I activate my tool?
   Once you have subscribed to our tool, please download the ".zip" file and follow the instructions on the download page. A Gumroad License Key will be provided to you on the download page as well on email, please copy the License Key and once you have installed the tool, load it inside Houdini and Click on "Activate". A window will prompt you to enter the License Key, once entered it will enable all Calibrator related tools.
3. Do I need an internet connection to run the tool?
   You require an internet connection to run the tool.
4. Why can't I dive inside the nodes?
   All HDAs are blackboxed and are not editable.
5. What versions of Houdini do you support?
   The Calibrator Toolset works in Houdini 20.0.547 and up (python 3.9 & python 3.10.10) & Houdini 20.5.278 (python 3.11.7) & up.
6. Does it work with Solaris?
   Yes. There is a method to use the tool with Solaris. We are working on an HDA which can directly work within the Solaris environment as well.
7. Can I request for special features?
   Yes! If you need the setup to be customized to your needs or implemented in your scene, please contact us at sharan@chakshuvfx.com and we can debug/modify the setup accordingly.

   Thank you for visiting!

Please read the Terms of Use and License Agreement.

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For any queries please email us at support@chakshuvfx.com

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