Render (RNDR) is a distributed GPU rendering network that operates on the Ethereum blockchain. It strives to connect artists and studios in need of GPU compute power with mining partners willing to rent out their GPU capabilities. The network was conceived in 2009 by OTOY, Inc. CEO Jules Urbach and launched in 2017. RNDR is an ERC-20 utility token used by artists on the network to exchange for GPU compute power from GPU providers, also known as node operators. The network utilizes a combination of manual and automatic proof of work system, or in this case, proof of render, to verify all art has been successfully rendered prior to payment disbursal and art release.

Render operates by allowing artists to use RNDR tokens to exchange for GPU compute power from GPU providers. The network uses a combination of manual and automatic proof of work system, known as proof of render, to verify that all art has been successfully rendered before payment is disbursed and the art is released. The Ethereum blockchain's properties are utilized to hash proprietary assets upon upload and send them to nodes piecemeal for rendering. All RNDR payments are stored in escrow during rendering and are released to node operators upon manual verification by the commissioning artist of successful work. To prevent malicious actors, all assets rendered on the network are watermarked until payment is successfully disbursed.

Render seeks to democratize GPU cloud rendering, making next-generation 3D rendering widely accessible for the content demands of immersive media. It provides a platform for a wide array of computation tasks, from basic rendering to artificial intelligence, which are facilitated swiftly and efficiently in a blockchain-based peer-to-peer network. Render is designed to connect users looking to perform render jobs with people who have idle GPUs to process the renders. The network can be used by artists, animators, designers, architects, and engineers, providing unprecedented creative freedom, new levels of realism, and new economics in content creation and distribution powered by the cloud.

Render was first conceived in 2009 by OTOY, Inc. CEO Jules Urbach and was launched in 2017. The first public token sale of RNDR took place in October of that same year, followed by a private sale period lasting from January 2018 to May 2018. During the private sale period, early adopters were onboarded onto the RNDR Beta Testnet, where beta node operators and artists worked collaboratively with the RNDR team in building and testing the network, up until its public launch on April 27th, 2020. The RNDR team is based out of Los Angeles, with team members throughout the world. The RNDR advisory board includes individuals such as Ari Emanuel, JJ Abrams, and Brendan Eich, who have all advised RNDR in various capacities in bridging the gap between creating a system that appeals to both cryptocurrency communities and Hollywood studio production pipelines.

Render Network maintains job quality and reliability through its Proof-of-Render (PoR) governance system. This system uses a combination of automated and manual inputs to determine user reputation scores. Node Operators, who provide the computational power for rendering tasks, receive reputation scores based on feedback from Creators (customers). These scores influence how quickly their requested tasks may be completed and determine their eligibility to process different tier jobs. Render Network also uses a multi-tier pricing (MTP) protocol that assigns jobs based on users' reputation scores and job requirements, aiming to maintain service quality as only Node Operators with suitable reputation scores are assigned different tier jobs. Render Network uses the Ethereum blockchain and OctaneRender, a rendering application developed by OTOY, for data verification, payment processes, and 3D rendering work, aiming to maintain the reliability and quality of jobs on the Render Network.

To become a node operator in the Render Network, certain hardware requirements need to be met. These are the requirements for registering a node on the Render Network. They include having a CUDA-enabled NVIDIA® GPU with a minimum of CUDA® 10.1 drivers that support compute capability 3.0 or higher. The minimum driver version required is 419. The requirements include having at least 8 GB VRAM and 32 GB RAM. Strong network connectivity is essential for downloading and uploading assets, and at least 100 GB of free disk space is needed. Work assignment in the Render Network is not through a bidding process; it considers factors such as tier allocation, reputation score, and availability. The 'proof-of-render' system, involving human job confirmation and algorithmic rendering checks, is used to calculate the reputation score.

Within the Render Network, creators are not typically subject to penalties. However, it's important to note that the network operates on a system of trust and reputation. Creators, referred to as artists, submit rendering tasks to the network, these tasks are processed by providers, known as miners. The completion of these tasks builds trust within the network, enhancing the reputation of the miners. If a creator confirms that a task was executed as expected, the miner gains trust. This process, known as Proof-of-Render, is crucial for the functioning of the Render Network. Therefore, while there are no explicit penalties, maintaining a good reputation and trustworthiness is essential for all participants in the network.

Node operators receive tokens for their services in various ways, depending on the specific cryptocurrency network they are part of. For instance, in the Chainlink network, node operators receive LINK tokens for providing reliable and accurate data to the network. Similarly, in the DFINITY network, node providers receive ICP tokens. The tokens received are often linked to a stable currency like USD or SDR, and the quantity of tokens they receive may fluctuate based on the current token value. In the Polymesh network, node operators receive POLYX tokens for validating new blocks and maintaining the network's security. The tokens received are typically a combination of transaction processing incentives and staking incentives. However, it's important to note that the model can vary significantly across different networks, and it's beneficial for potential node operators to familiarize themselves with the specific terms and conditions of the network they are considering.

RNDR Credits and RNDR tokens are two distinct forms of payment used on the Render Network. RNDR tokens are an ERC-20 utility token intended for use within the Render Network. Node Operators may receive these tokens for work rendered on their nodes. Conversely, RNDR Credits are another form of payment within the Render Network. They can be acquired using PayPal and Stripe, presenting an alternative payment method for non-crypto users to access the Render Network. However, unlike RNDR tokens, RNDR Credits are non-exchangeable and are strictly for use on the network. Therefore, while RNDR tokens are a form of exchange within the Render Network, RNDR Credits serve as an alternative for non-technical creators to access these decentralized services.

Render Network, a project that provides decentralized GPU-based graphic rendering solutions, has integrated with Apple's technology through OctaneX, an app available for M1 and M2 iPads. OctaneX is a product of OTOY, the company behind Render Network, and it gives users access to Render Network's decentralized grid of GPU processing units. This enables digital creators to utilize the Render Network for their graphic processing requirements. The integration with Apple has led to a noticeable rise in the usage of Render Network's native cryptocurrency, RNDR. The Render Network strives to connect users who need to perform render jobs with individuals who have idle GPUs to process the renders. This integration seeks to expand its reach once OctaneX becomes available on iPhones, allowing a larger number of users to access the interface and utilize the Render Network for their graphic processing requirements.

Render Network intends to tackle the issue of idle GPUs worldwide, providing a scalable, efficient, and cost-effective solution for complex 3D rendering tasks. Render Network's solution is designed to minimize GPU waste and provide affordable, fast, on-demand parallelized rendering. Developers with idle GPUs can contribute their spare capacity to the network and receive RNDR tokens, which they can then use when their rendering demands exceed their local infrastructure. Render Network uses blockchain technology to facilitate efficient, reliable, and reward-based rendering of time-stamped tasks on a peer-to-peer basis. This approach seeks to improve the current system, which often leaves developers' GPUs idle.