This page provides information on the Live-Link feature from Maya to Chaos Vantage.
Overview
The Live-Link feature makes it possible to instantly see changes made in Maya without the need to export and import .vrscenes in Chaos Vantage.
Live-Link Setup
For Live-Link to function properly, please follow the steps below:
Vantage Live-Link only works with Windows® operating system.
Installation
Live-Link works only with V-Ray 5, update 2.2 or newer.
1. Download and install the latest official V-Ray for Maya build from the download button. Make sure you have appropriate licenses. If you experience problems, please contact Chaos Support using the online form.
2. Download the latest Chaos Vantage build from the download button. Make sure you have appropriate licenses. If you experience problems, please reach us using the Support Form.
After installation, Live-Link can be initiated:
Live-Link to Vantage
Use the Live-Link to Vantage button in Maya from the V-Ray shelf or V-Ray menu. Click the button and a Live-Link session is initialized between Maya and Chaos Vantage. It automatically:
- Starts Chaos Vantage if it is not already running.
- Sends the scene to Chaos Vantage on 20701 port.
When Vantage is initiated:
- This temporarily changes the render settings of the scene.
- Distributed rendering is enabled.
- All IP addresses are replaced with a single local Vantage host.
- The Vantage window opens, if it is not opened already.
- The Vantage server starts and you can now make changes to the Maya scene and they will be visible in Vantage.
Live-Link cannot start while a render is running and vice versa - a render cannot start while Live-Link is running. In these cases, an error message appears in the Script Editor.
Once a Live-Link session is started, the scene is transferred to Chaos Vantage, a blue outline appears in the Vantage viewport and a message is displayed at the top of the Maya viewport saying Vantage live-link running. Use the V-Ray shelf to stop.
The Pause when app loses focus option in the Preferences menu is ignored when in a Live-Link session.
To stop a Live-Link session, click again the Live-Link to Vantage button in the V-Ray shelf. Once the session is stopped, all render settings go back to their original state.
Supported Features
Not all V-Ray for Maya and Maya plugins are supported. For a full list, please visit the Supported Features page.