NVIDIA Expands Suite of High-Quality Rendering Software and Releases Free Version of Gelato Renderer

Offers Two Versions of GPU-Accelerated Software for High-Performance Rendering

SANTA CLARA, CA—MAY 2, 2006—NVIDIA Corporation (Nasdaq: NVDA), the worldwide leader in programmable graphics processor technologies, today announced it is making the process of high-quality rendering affordable with two new versions of Gelato software, the company’s premium rendering solution for digital content creation.

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.

“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 Larry Gritz, chief architect of Gelato software, NVIDIA. “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 Rendered Train
Image © Ethan Summers and Shiew Yeu Low

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.

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.

“This is great news for the 3ds Max community,” said Chris Bond, president of Frantic Films. “Max has a tradition of plug-ins and third party developers writing great tools to extend the feature set, and the addition of a renderer with the firepower of Gelato software is big news. However, having it offered at no cost is fantastically great news!”

Gelato software expands the functionality of and market for NVIDIA® GPU products. By lowering the barrier to entry for high-end rendering, NVIDIA is providing another compelling benefit for end users, both professionals and consumers alike, who have an NVIDIA GPU in their PC. The no cost version also provides an easy upgrade path to Gelato Pro software.

Gelato Pro software offers customers advanced features such as the Sorbetto™ interactive relighting engine, network parallel rendering, multithreading, 64-bit support, DSO shadeops, and a comprehensive support program, which are valuable additions to the professional production environment.

Pricing and Availability
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.

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, California and has offices throughout Asia, Europe, and the Americas. For more information, visit www.nvidia.com.

Certain statements in this press release including, but not limited to, the features, benefits, and capabilities of Gelato 2.0 and Gelato Pro 2.0, uses of Gelato 2.0 and Gelato Pro 2.0, impact on NVIDIA GPU products and the availability and expected cost of Gelato Pro 2.0 are forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause results to be materially different than expectations. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, software defects, loss in performance when Gelato is used with other products, changes in customer preferences or product uses, development of new technologies by our competitors, manufacturing defects, the impact of competitive products and pricing alternatives, and other risks detailed from time to time in the reports NVIDIA files with the Securities and Exchange Commission including its Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 29, 2006. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date hereof. NVIDIA disclaims any obligation to update these forward-looking statements.

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Copyright® 2006 NVIDIA Corporation. All rights reserved. All company and/or product names may be trade names, trademarks and/or registered trademarks of the respective owners with which they are associated. Features, pricing, availability, and specifications are subject to change without notice.

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Contact Information

Kelly Dove

NVIDIA Corporation

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