ProMaterials and .png files
In case you haven't noticed, there's some fairly extensive .mat collections for the ProMaterials
available in 3ds Max 2009. I've noticed some of the .PNG texture maps used in these collections act "weird" in 3ds Max 2009 in terms of gamma. I'll show the issue & explain further below.
If you've enabled 3dsmax's gamma options (like using gamma 2.2 for system, input & output) then you'll probably see something like this when using some of the ProMaterials:
(click image to enlarge)
Note: This only affects the .PNG maps. Some of the ProMaterial libraries use .jpg's and they load as you'd expect.
I corrected the display issue by applying a double gamma curve (4.4) to the .PNG maps by using the gamma/gain utility shader.
I've gone through the hardwood .mat collection and modified the ProMaterials that use .PNG maps to adjust for my own use. I figured I'd post the .mat file for anyone else that has encountered this. Just a word of caution: Since I primarily do not use the 'real world scale' option I have reconfigured these to eliminate that.
I've also configured these materials to display in the viewport when applied, however in the viewport they will probably still appear washed out...but at least the maps are visible. I also reduced the blur value to make the textures nice and crisp looking.
(click image to enlarge)
So now when I use a ProMaterial from the hardwood collection that is configured with one of the .PNG files, I get the result I'm expecting:
(click image to enlarge)
(click image to enlarge)
(click image to enlarge)
You can download my reconfigured ProMaterial Hardwood collection here:
http://jeffpatton.net/blog-images/Promats_Hardwoods.rar
Note: Bitmaps aren't included as you should already have those with your 2009 installation.
A note from the http://www.mrmaterials.com/ front. A huge thank you goes out to those that have contributed so far! Although I have to say that I've been a bit surprised to see the lack of participation from the mental ray community.
We have grown to over 3000 members in a short amount of time, which is awesome (thanks for the support). However, uploading/sharing of materials has been very limited so far. Different story with downloads of course, but that's to be expected.
So I have to ask, what's the hold up? If there's something about the site that you don't like, or something that just doesn't work for you, let us know so we can make any needed adjustments. There's a forum here: http://www.3dallusions.com/forums/mental-ray/ where you can post comments, questions, etc..
