Hardware

Nuke Stage is Windows only and runs on the typical virtual production hardware used by other virtual production solutions.

There is no need for specialist media servers or bespoke equipment. Nuke Stage is designed to run on commodity hardware in line with specifications below.

For synchronisation between RenderNodes, Nuke Stage utilizes the hardware based sync solution from NVIDIA.

Hardware Requirements

Machines and Equipment

• Control machine - you’ll need a Control machine to install and operate the Nuke Stage editor application, with Windows 10 or 11. The Control machine can be a lower specification than the RenderNodes but for the best performance in preparing and editing content it is recommended to match them.

• Relay machine - a “Relay” process runs in the background, which does all the network communication between the RenderNodes and the NukeStage Editor, and receives and distributes the tracking data. This network communication can be the same machine as the Control machine or a different one.

• RenderNodes - you’ll need machines to run the RenderNodes, see requirements below.

• Tri-/Bi-level sync generator.

RenderNodes

• RenderNodes should use Windows 10 or 11.

• An NVIDIA Quadro Sync II card is needed for every RenderNode. For single RenderNode setups, where sync isn’t needed, these are unnecessary.

• GPUs for each RenderNode that are compatible with Quadro sync. A list of compatible GPUs can be found on the NVIDIA Quadro Sync page. For high resolution image playback and compositing please use a high-end GPU such as an A6000.

• All RenderNodes should have identical specifications, including GPUs.

Drivers

• Latest drivers from NVIDIA, version R538.95 or later. There are known issues with R538.78 and previous versions.

SSD

• For playback of high resolution images you will need at least an SSD with M.2 connector and transfer speed of 7.5GB/s+ plus PCIe 4.0. For very high resolution playback (> 7.5GB/s throughput) you can use an SSD array in x16 PCIe raid configuration where all M.2 SSDs are balanced, plus at least PCIe 4.0.

Network

• All machines on the same network with Relay ideally connected directly to RenderNodes. Cat 6 ethernet cables or higher are recommended.

• If content is stored on a shared network then 40GbE / 100GbE is recommended.

Synchronisation

For Synchronisation, please ensure you have a correctly configured Extension Display Identification Data (EDID) on all RenderNodes. This means you should use a resolution marked as (native) or alternatively create a custom resolution using a native one via the Customise button and then change the frequency and resolution to what’s needed. More information on EDIDs can be found on NVIDIA Help.

For Sync, you will also need to ensure each Window Output in Nuke Stage is created with Borderless enabled and ensure the Output fills the full monitor resolution. For validating Sync in Nuke Stage you can use the RenderNode Sync debug mode. See Debug Views.

Other Devices

For a full virtual production set up, you’ll need further equipment, based on your own production requirements, such as:

• LED Screens

• LED Processor/ Video Controller

• Cameras

• TimeCode

• Genlock (Tri-/Bi-level sync generator)

• Tracking System

Basic Setup Example

Here is an example of how you can use Nuke Stage alongside the above required hardware, plus your own configurations of devices for a full virtual production set up: