The scene has one sphere, one Grid and one light. All three have linked to a shader each. And In light, I setup

Depth Map : Auto- Generate(mid-pointZ)
Z-Depth Map: c../../ xxx.shad

and RIB shader of the light, I put the same path into shadowname field.

After I render the scene, I got a shadow, but it is too artificial and sharp.

How can I give the smoothness or gradation on it?

Please help.

Toj

it looks fairly dated, maybe it'll help?

http://www.accad.ohio-state.edu/~smay/DigitalLighting/Houdini/houdini.html [accad.ohio-state.edu]