The new version comes in two flavors: Gelato 2.0 software, a no-cost version of the renderer that can be downloaded from www.nvidia.com as of today, and Gelato Pro 2.0 software, which offers advanced production-grade rendering functionality and comprehensive support, is available for purchase from Nvidia and authorized regional resellers, states an official release.

Gelato 2.0 software and Gelato Pro 2.0 software currently support Windows XP and Linux operating systems. Gelato software runs on Nvidia GeForce 5200 graphics processing units or higher, or any Nvidia Quadro FX solution, Gelato Pro software is certified and supported on Nvidia Quadro FX boards only.

Gelato software is available for download at http://www.nvidia.com/get_gelato. Gelato Pro software is priced at $1500 and available from Nvidia and authorized regional resellers. Maintenance and support contract renewals are $300 per license at the end of the first year of ownership.

"Both the no-cost and the Pro versions of Gelato 2.0 software include advanced rendering features such as high-quality anti-aliasing, smooth motion blur, raytracing, global illumination and the inclusion of plug-ins for Autodesk's Maya and 3ds Max software, all of which make Gelato software a powerful complement to any rendering pipeline," said Nvidia Gelato software chief architect Larry Gritz. "Combine these features with the advanced functionality of Gelato Pro 2.0 software and we now offer a version of Gelato software for every user."

Gelato software is GPU-accelerated, final-frame software that renders 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, including game development, CAD, industrial design and architecture.

Gelato 2.0 software incorporates Frantic Films' Amaretto plug-in for advanced rendering functionality with Autodesk's 3ds Max software, complementing the existing Mango plug-in for rendering with Autodesk's Maya software, the release adds.

By offering a complementary version of Gelato software to customers, Nvidia extends the feature set of its GPU products and provides studios and professional artists with the high-performance rendering tools they need to produce compelling 3D content. Professionals in need of premium features and support options now have a compelling upgrade path to Gelato Pro software.