Shadow Subdivision, what does it do?

[nycL45]

Looking at these images, what difference does Shadow Subdivision make? I am missing something.

http://aycu35.webshots.com/image/30874/2003131904815698236_rs.jpg (http://allyoucanupload.webshots.com/v/2003131904815698236)
Source: http://www.spot3d.com/vray/help/150R1/examples_vraysun_sky.htm
Excellent graphic explanations!

[Tong]

they clickable on site, look closer ;-)

Shadow subdivs - this controls the number of samples for the area shadow of the sun. More subdivs produce area shadows with better quality but render slower.

[Fluffy]

Yes, this is the difference if you look at the bigger images.
Shadow subdivision 8:
http://www.spot3d.com/vray/help/150R1/images/examples/vray_sun_sky/06_render_Z_1200_S10H8.png

Shadow subdivision 48:
http://www.spot3d.com/vray/help/150R1/images/examples/vray_sun_sky/06_render_Z_1200_S10H48.png

[nycL45]

Thanks Tong. Edit: And, Fluffy.

That is what I thought but, is the quality increase worth the render time hit?

I still do not see even a subtle difference. The lower left and right corners are a good range of shadows.

http://aycu23.webshots.com/image/28342/2005749083430847828_rs.jpg (http://allyoucanupload.webshots.com/v/2005749083430847828)

[Tong]

look to the shadow of the most distant object

shadow with noise and without it, it`s more soft

[Fluffy]

Can't you see the noise in the low subdivided shadows?

[nycL45]

Okay Tong and Fluffy, I see it in Fluffy's post. The noise can be seen in the shadow cast by the little guy in the right-of-center background.

Got it. Thanks guys.