9.5.2

358 • CHAPTER 7
OBJECTS MENU • LIGHTING • 359
The area shadow is produced by a virtual Area light source (independently of the actual light source).
The Area Shadow Width determines the size of this surface. The higher you set this value, the more
the light is scattered and the softer the shadow becomes. However, as the value is increased, this adds
to the render time, sometimes substantially so.
Area Shadow Samples
If you lower this value, the quality of the area shadow is reduced, but it is calculated more quickly.
Caustics
These settings will be available only if the Advanced Render module is
installed. For more details about Advanced Render, please contact your local
MAXON representative or visit maxon.net.
Advanced Render is an optional module that includes global illumination, caustics, enhanced depth
of eld, enhanced glow and a highlights lter.
The caustics feature improves the realism of scenes that use reective or transparent objects that are
curved in some way and focus light patterns, such as the patches of light a wineglass focuses onto a
table. The Advanced Render module gives you an easy way to recreate these effects.
Noise
Type
Noise produces dark and bright areas. Chose from four types, including three types of turbulence that
produce cloud-like effects.
Noise. Soft Turbulence.