Irish firm bridges the gap between 2D and 3D for Sony PSP gamers

20 Dec 2011

The V-Screen in 3D action with a humpback whale. Image created by Jared Earle. Courtesy of Realview

Based in Roscommon, Irish start-up Realview Innovations has developed a disruptive multi-dimensional experience technology for gamers, a handheld V-Screen that aims to bring the PSP to life in 3D.

With a passion for 3D tech, optical engineers Eamonn Ansbro and John Braithwaite set up Realview in 2001 and since then the duo have been busy making huge strides in optical technology enhancement, working behind the scenes from their Kingsland base in Boyle, Co Roscommon.

A recent winner of the InterTradeIreland Innovation Challenge in November, as well being chosen by the Washington Post as ‘Hot Gadgets at the Show’ at the CES in Las Vegas, Realview is an Enterprise Ireland high-potential start-up (HPSU), which employs eight people in Roscommon.

Speaking today, executive director Eamonn Ansbro said the company’s patented depth-enhancing technology was first developed for the medical industry to enhance depth cues hidden in existing images.

He said the team then set out to mould the technology the V-Screen, which Realview has made compatible exclusively with the Sony PSP.

And the aim? “We want to provide gamers with greater depth and richer environments than the standard 2D. The product is ready-to-use and is also compatible with all existing PSP titles,” added Ansbro, today.

Catherine Overhauser and Eamonn Ansbro, executive directors, Realview Innovations, which has developed disruptive 3D V-Screen for Sony PSP

Catherine Overhauser and Eamonn Ansbro, executive directors, Realview Innovations, which has developed disruptive 3D V-Screen for Sony PSP

Multidimensional experience

With 3D now being in demand, CEO Seya Mahvi said today that the ultimate aim of the V-Screen is to bridge the gap between 2D and 3D without the need for gamers to wear glasses or special software.

The V-Screen is now available from e-tailers in Ireland and the UK. Realview’s V-Screen for the Sony PSP video-game console is already sold in EU, North America, South Africa, India and Asia.

Mahvi himself has just joined the company. He has had a track record of developing companies to self-sustaining profitability as well as negotiating launches on the New York Stock Exchange.

Up to now Realview has specialised in optical production, thin-film technology, advanced industrial and military optics, and scientific instrumentation. Its current focus is on the personal entertainment and video game markets.

“We’re also planning to integrate technology into other areas including mobile phones, televisions, arcade games, ATM-‘s, and flight simulators,” said Mahvi today.

Carmel Doyle was a long-time reporter with Silicon Republic

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