New NVIDIA Gelato® 2.1 Beta Software Delivers Robust 3D Rendering Enhancements and Introduces Support for Maya 8
Gelato Zone Builds Online Rendering Community for 3D Artists and Animators
BOSTON, Aug. 1 // -- SIGGRAPH 2006 -- NVIDIA Corporation (NASDAQ:NVDA), the worldwide leader in programmable graphics processor technologies, today unveiled a new beta program for the Company's Gelato 2.1 final-frame rendering software, which includes next-generation features such as texture baking, enhanced raytracing performance, and improved lighting functionality for 3D rendering. Coinciding with the announcement of the Gelato 2.1 beta is the launch of Gelato Zone, (http://nvidia.com/gelato) a new online community for artists and animators utilizing NVIDIA Gelato final-frame rendering software for 3D content creation. Gelato 2.1 rendering software will be demonstrated at the NVIDIA booth #1017 at SIGGRAPH 2006, August 1-3 at the Boston Convention Center.
Gelato software is GPU-accelerated, final-frame rendering software for the creation of high-quality computer-generated images. Originally developed to render film and broadcast visual effects and animation, Gelato software is well-suited for any 3D software application that requires advanced rendering such as game development, CAD, industrial design, and architecture. Gelato software ships with plug-ins for Autodesk Maya and Autodesk 3ds Max.
New features in Gelato 2.1 software include:
o Easier texture baking and full support for Maya bake sets
o Faster raytracing -- an average 30% improvement over Gelato 2.0 with a smaller memory footprint for dense polygon meshes
o Improved stereo rendering features a new off-axis projection mode and a better anaglyph (red/blue) display in the image viewer
o A modified Mango plug-in supports Maya 8, 64-bit Maya, additional Maya shader nodes and volumetric effects from spotlight cones, texture bake sets and rendering of components
o Windows 64-bit support for Gelato Pro rendering software
o Powerful Sorbetto(TM) technology relighting feature in Gelato Pro software now offers interactive adjustment of camera parameters, including depth-of-field and stereo controls, and support for dynamic shadows
Gelato 2.1 software is currently in beta testing, with commercial release planned for Fall 2006. As with earlier versions of Gelato software, the basic version of Gelato 2.1 software will be available at no charge to users. The Gelato 2.1 Pro software, which incorporates advanced scalability and support features for advanced production pipelines, is available for purchase.
The new Gelato Zone web site (http://nvidia.com/gelato) offers visitors valuable support and training information for Gelato software, tips and tricks to optimize and enhance the product, and technology blogs from the Gelato software development team, providing firsthand advice and advanced 3D rendering tips and techniques for Gelato rendering software.
Pricing and Availability
Gelato 2.1 and Gelato Pro software currently support the Windows XP and Linux operating systems and run on NVIDIA GeForce® 5200 or higher graphics, or any NVIDIA Quadro® FX solution. Gelato Pro software, however, is certified and supported only on NVIDIA Quadro® FX boards.
Gelato software is available for download at nvidia.com/gelato; Gelato Pro software is priced at $1500 and available from NVIDIA at store.nvidia.com/ and from authorized regional resellers. Maintenance and support contract renewals are $300 per license at the end of the first year of ownership.
Those interested in joining the Gelato 2.1 software beta program should email gelatoinfo@nvidia.com.
NVIDIA Corporation
NVIDIA Corporation is the worldwide leader in programmable graphics processor technologies. The Company creates innovative, industry-changing products for computing, consumer electronics, and mobile devices. NVIDIA is headquartered in Santa Clara, CA and has offices throughout Asia, Europe, and the Americas. For more information, visit www.nvidia.com.
Source: NVIDIA Corporation
CONTACT:
Kelly Dove,
NVIDIA Corporation,
Tel:+1-512-401-4514
kdove@nvidia.com
Web site: http://nvidia.com/gelato
http://www.nvidia.com/
