Zerouni Craig. Houdini on the spot

Focal Press, 2007. — 320 p. — ISBN: 978-0-240-80862-8.Power users tips and techniques
Over 250 professional techniques to improve your Houdini workflow.
Product Description
Packed with more than 350 techniques, this book delivers what you need to know-on the spot. Its concise presentation of professional techniques is suited to experienced artists whether you are:
Migrating from another visual effects application
Upgrading to Houdini 9
Seeking a handy reference to raise your proficiency with HoudiniHoudini On the Spot presents immediate solutions in an accessible format. It clearly illustrates the essential methods that pros use to get the job done efficiently and creatively. Screenshots and step-by-step instructions show you how to:
Navigate and manipulate the version 9 interface
Create procedural models that can be modified quickly and efficiently with Surface Operators (SOPs)
Use Particle Operators (POPs) to build complex simulations with speed and precision
Minimize the number of operators in your simulations with Dynamics Operators (DOPs)
Extend Houdini with customized tools to include data or scripts with Houdini Digital Assets (HDAs)
Master the version 9 rendering options including Physically Based Rendering (PBR), volume rendering and motion blur
Quickly modify timing, geometry, space and rotational values of your animations with Channel Operators (CHOPs)
Create and manipulate elements with Composite Operators (COPs); Houdini's full-blown compositor toolset
Make your own SOPs, COPs, POPs, CHOPs, and shaders with the Vector Expressions (VEX) shading language
Configure the Houdini interface with customized environments and hotkeys
Mine the treasures of the dozens of standalone applications that are bundled with Houdini
Boost your efficiency and creativity
Find immediate solutions in an accessible format
Unleash the power of Houdini with unpublished techniquesThe User Interface
SOPs: The Foundation of Houdini
POPs Hacks
DOPs Tips
Digital Assets
Rendering
CHOPs Tricks
VEX and VOPs
COPs Hacks
Configuration Details
Miscellaneous Tips
Standalone Tools