Shrubs & Conifers Additions to RPC All Access

August 22, 2011 Leave a comment

We are pleased to announce the addition of new hi-res Shrubs and Conifers to the RPC All Access Exchange. This addition includes Euonymous [2], Euonymous [3], Flowering Shrub and Flowering Shrub [2]. Use the ArchVision Dashboard to download these today. Search for these in Dashboard using Keyword: august 2011 shrubs

Not an RPC All Access user?  To get started, download ArchVision Dashboard for free today.  From there you can browse and download RPC Plug-ins and Content.  Note:  RPC All Access content renders watermarked without a license.

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Help on Managing Firewall Issues

August 15, 2011 1 Comment

One of the top challenges for developers today is building software that will compliment restrictive corporate firewall and security implementations (software and hardware). Applications want to take advantage of a the dynamic content of the web, while IT Departments want to control what data is going into or coming out of their network. Understandably there is a need to control the flow of this data to protect the network. Unfortunately, when a network is overly restrictive it can lose the power of the Internet and access to all of the data outside of a network. ArchVision is actively working to address this need with future versions of our products.

The ArchVision Content Manager (“ACM”) and ArchVision Dashboard are two applications which actively rely upon the Internet. These software tools enable users to access a growing database of RPC Content (33GB+) and drag and drop RPCs into scenes of various applications or download them to local drives. The only thing standing between this conduit of RPC content and plug-ins is a firewall. It is helpful to understand how our applications behave so that they can function in harmony within your IT department’s defined parameters.

Like an Internet browser, the ACM and ArchVision Dashboard communicate accross port 80, a common Internet port, to access the following sites:

Usually opening communication ports enable the ArchVision Content Manager and ArchVision Dashboard should be able to coexist with Firewalls and Internet Security and function as intended. However, sometimes the IT department may restrict permissions for applications themselves. Make sure that Internet Security software is not blocking the ArchVision Content Manager application (rpcacmapp.exe) located in C:\Program Files (x86)\ArchVision\ArchVision Content Manager or ArchVision Dashboard (dashboard.exe) located in C:\Program Files\ArchVision\Dashboard.

Feel free to contact me if you have firewall experience, or feedback to share.

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Take ArchVision’s New Cars for a Test Drive.

August 10, 2011 1 Comment


ArchVision’s cars are fast. How fast? They go 0 to rendered in seconds. August’s addition of a Honda Insight and Lexus HS 250 will add some additional flair to your arsenal of RPC Parking Lot Cars. Drive the sleek new fuel-efficient Honda Insight or step into the luxury of the Lexus HS 250. Each is a perfect addition to a parking lot, roadway or anywhere else photorealistic cars are needed for a rendering. These are just a small sample of the plethora of other RPC Parking Lot cars you will find when searching the ArchVision Dashboard with keyword “cars.”

View all of the latest additions by clicking on the “Recently Added” button when viewing search results in the RPC Channel. This view shows the recent content additions in the order that they were made available.

These two new additions are available exclusively to users with ArchVision’s RPC All Access licenses. Take them for a test drive with the trial version of RPC All Access:
http://www.archvision.com

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The Power to Create: Rock on with RPC Creator

July 27, 2011 Leave a comment


It’s free and it’s easy. RPC Creator software enables you to create custom RPC Content. Two versions are available, RPC Creator and RPC Creator Pro. The free version, RPC Creator, can be downloaded and authorized via the following link http://www.archvision.com/products/plugin#rpc-creator-pro. RPC Creator enables you to create 2D RPC objects that always face the camera. Users who desire greater flexibility with their RPCs opt for RPC Creator Pro ($399.00) which is able to create 2D, 2.5D, 3D and 3.5D RPCs.

The RPC format is easy to use and incorporate into the workflow. With RPC Creator, creating custom RPCs is a breeze. You can learn more about using the RPC Creator here:
http://help.archvision.com

Want to try it out? All you need is an RGB (red,blue,green) and Alpha image (opacity map). If you don’t have one handy, I’ve got one you can have below featuring one of favorite activities. Simply right click to save these to your computer.

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The New ArchVision Support Manager

July 19, 2011 Leave a comment

As the Customer Service Manager of ArchVision (for nearly a decade), I am very excited to announce a new channel for customer service interaction. The ArchVision Customer Service channel offers more support options than ever before to keep our users connected to the information that they need to get the most out of their products. Here users can chat with live customer service representatives, submit support tickets, browse frequently asked questions, search a knowledge base, access help documentation, access tutorials, watch videos and even interact with social media like Facebook, Twitter and Google+.

Support tickets help us to log data and better assist product design and development as well provide you with answers as quickly and efficiently as possible. ArchVision also incorporates the use of Go to Meeting software to assist in troubleshooting technical support issues. We offer “live” support via desktop meeting, chat and phone Monday through Friday 9am-5pm EST, excluding holidays.

Serving nearly every inch of the globe ArchVision is a customer-centric company that is here to help. We value your business and will work to keep it.

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Getting to Know the Revit Family

July 13, 2011 1 Comment

Family means something different to everyone. For Revit users “families” are how parts of a building are arranged in a meaningful way. There is a hierarchy of properties that define how families behave. For example, a window can be a family and types might describe the width, shape, materials and appearance of the window. The data contained in the family is one of the keys to Revit being such a useful tool for Building Information Modeling (BIM).

I was searching for some good info on Revit families when I discovered this useful video that explains how Family files are used in Revit. It was created by Chris Fox of 4D Technologies for their CADLearning series for Autodesk Revit Architecture. This is a great place to learn about family files:


RPC objects are placed via the template RPC.rfa family file. This file is located in the Entourage folder under the Imperial Library. The RPC Family file defines the properties for the RPC. Family files can be customized with paths to different content categories. New family files can be created to further customize how the RPCs are described in a scene. You can learn more about using RPCs in Revit and view more videos here: http://help.archvision.com

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User Spotlight: Insight Architectural Group

July 5, 2011 Leave a comment

Last month, we showed you a project using RPCs that was led by architectural powerhouse HOK. While virtually every Top 250 Architecture Firms uses our software, we also have great relations with firms that focus on servicing local and regional projects and clients.

As many of you know, I spend quite a bit of time interacting with our users. I’m always here to help users troubleshoot and ensure the RPC workflow is “flowing.” Every time I speak with our users, I am always impressed by the vast depth of projects that include RPCs.

Last week, Architect Stephen Helmey of Insight Architectural Group in Hendersonville, Tennessee shared some project work: a proposed Student Services and Classroom building and several national Subaru dealership visualization projects. In practice in Tennessee since 1980, Stephen has a Master of Architecture from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich. Having worked in the 3D industry for more than 20 years now, his range of project experience is diverse. Here are a few samples of his recent project work:


The Subaru dealership shown is part of a national account. The use of RPC Trees and Shrubs help convey the desired look. The below project, completed using Revit Architecture, is part of a proposal for a university student center.

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RPC Creator: Where Did You Get That RPC?

June 28, 2011 1 Comment

Every few days, we receive a customer submitted project that include unique “new” RPCs. My typical response is: “Cool, that’s a new RPC!” Where do you get these “new” RPCs — you create them yourself! Sure, we have thousands of RPCs available but, sometimes, you or more likely your client want custom content. For years, we’ve distributed a free tool to create 2D RPCs for your own use and a paid tool that enables you to create 3D RPCs. For RPC 2D Content, all you need is our ArchVision Creator software (free) and a matted out image (RGB and alpha).

My favorite summer inspired RPC is from WATG (Irvine). Expert, Scott Brown, used ArchVision’s RPC Creator to make custom RPC dolphins to enhance a project. (Dolphins remind me of the beach. I love vacationing at the ocean with my family and this time of the year is great for dolphin watching in South Carolina).

It’s a pretty easy process to make your own custom RPCs. We’ve seen branded coffee baristas and fast food counter clerks to IKEA chairs and a client’s dog. And, I also have users tell me how much they love adding their clients into their renderings.

Thousands of new RPCs are sitting on servers around the planet. And again, I say, “Cool!” Of course, I’m a little biased when it comes to RPC Content.

How do you get a copy of RPC Creator to create your own 2D RPCs for Free?

You can download the RPC Creator here. (Editor’s note: This product is currently under development for enhancement and will be released as a feature in ArchVision Dashboard in the near future, 8/12/2013). Once installed this tool creates an authorization request code. Send this to support@archvision.com and the Customer Service team will send you an authorization code.

Getting Started is Easy
All that you need is a photo editing software (to create the alpha mask), a photo, and the RPC Creator. You can view a usage tutorial here: Getting Started

Just a few steps in RPC Creator and you can output an RPC file that will work with all of the RPC tools, cross platform just like the 2D RPCs you purchase from ArchVision.com.

Beyond creating cool content, there are some other benefits that come along with creating custom RPCs. Complex 3D models can be rendered and turned into RPCs making them use much less memory and render faster as a planar RPC object instead of a high poly model. All of the Mass Edit and Population features can also be applied to the RPC format unlike other object formats.

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ArchVision RPC License Plans: Which One is Right for My Firm?

June 23, 2011 Leave a comment

Lately I’ve received a lot of questions about the differences between the ArchVision Software License and the RPC All Access Ultimate License. I wanted to take a moment and try to elaborate on the two of these.

We’ve streamlined our product line and now offer two annual license plans. The ArchVision Software License is designed for customers who prefer to purchase RPC Content separately and / or create their own RPC Content and only require an RPC Plug-in for their application. The RPC All Access Ultimate License is designed for users who want on-demand access to every RPC Plug-in (3ds Max, Photoshop, AutoCAD, etc) and RPC People, Tree, Vehicle and Object we offer.

What do I need to start using RPC Content in my projects?

  • RPC Content
  • RPC Plug-in (licensed)


    • I already own RPC Content
    You need a licensed RPC Plug-in(s). ArchVision RPC Content requires a licensed RPC Plug-in (versioned) or enabled licensed application to place and render RPC Content. Many users prefer to purchase RPC Collections for specific projects and / or create their own custom RPC Content using ArchVision’s Creator Software — those users need only purchase the ArchVision Software License (single seat) which includes RPC Plug-ins for 3ds Max, 3ds Max Design and Photoshop and does not include RPC Content.

    I need RPC Content and RPC Plug-ins
    The RPC All Access Ultimate License includes every RPC Plug-in and RPC Content object we create — and is a floating license. This is the “everything-you-need” package. Sold for $499 per year. If you purchased this separately, it would be well over $25,000 in RPC Content and Plug-ins.

    I hope this quick overview helps you decide which license plan is right for you. No matter which plan you select, you will need to download and install your RPC Plug-ins using ArchVision Dashboard (RPC All Access Ultimate users get their RPC Content here too).

    Here’s a 2 minute ArchVision Dashboard usage video to help you further:

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    RPC Mass Populate Feature: How to Fill a A Large Space Fast

    June 20, 2011 1 Comment

    Mass Population

    If you’ve ever worked on filling a parking lot and had to place content one-by-one, you know the time it takes. The RPC Plug-ins for 3ds Max and AutoCAD solve that dilemma with the Mass Populate feature.

    It’s an easy-to-use feature which allows you to place RPC Proxies (place holders) and then easily populate them with RPC Content. The features enables you to control distribution and randomization of RPC Content placement enabling you to get “the right feel” required for your project.

    Customers routinely share renderings and animations with us (we invite you to share your work). One project that took advantage of the Mass Populate was for one of Disney’s Florida PGA Golf Courses. Renderings and animations included heavily populated tree lined fairways. In a matter of a few clicks, they achieved the desired look using the Mass Populate feature and RPC Trees. And, so can you!

    Ready to give it a try? I’ve got an easy step-by-step tutorial video for you below and more information in our help documentation.

    Spacing Trick

    When I was planning my blog post, I started looking back at some of our archives. ArchVision introduced the Mass Populate feature in the early ArchVision days. When it was first introduced, the feature added immediate value to end users. Today, it continues to do so. I still enjoy some of our ‘vintage’ tutorials – I reformatted one so I could share it with you:

    Spacing Trick

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