ANAHEIM, CA (PTC Live Global 2013), June 12, 2013 - You would think Paul Ewing's job at Virtalis would be easy. All he has to do is let people know that computer-generated virtual worlds in which you can immerse yourself -- a concept we have been promised since the onset of computers and by countless sci fi books and movies -- have arrived. And he can deliver it to you and set it up. Shouldn't that make us all reach for our wallets?
Virtalis is in the business of selling a system that, depending on how immersed in 3D you want to go, will let you feel like you are in a virtual world. This virtual world will appear in 3D in varying degrees of believability, ranging from a wall with a 3D image to a 6-sided "Cube" that you step inside for a "fully immersive" effect. This is the world of virtual reality, or VR. It's here, not just in movies, and Virtalis will sell it to you.
Users at CNH interact with the Virtalis ActiveWall, a virutal reality display, like the one shown at the PTC annual user meeting (image by Virtalis)
The fact that you don't know a company exists that actually makes virtual reality real for you is what makes Paul's job hard.
"We met a company that said they were going to try to build their own VR system," says Paul. "They would have had to buy the projectors, the screens, build the room...they would have to research how to set it up, what to buy, how to get all the different parts speaking to each other and how to get their software working. And this is an industry that is moving fast. What if you need a new 3D projector after a few years? Would you know the best one to get?"
I get it. Virtalis has been building 3D immersive environments for years. Wouldn't a company want that expertise and get a turn-key VR environment, made by one-stop shop experts who know about the hardware needed, the software, the integration, the interior design, etc., rather than having people figure it out by themselves?
I'm reminded of my first furniture project 20 years ago. We needed a folding futon couch but I got sticker shock in the showroom. "I can make that," I said. Ten months and thousands of dollars of shop equipment later, a couch was actually delivered.
Behind the curtain. Virtalis assembles the machinery required to show the VR, a combination of 3D projectors, screens, other hardware.
Maybe Virtalis' high-end ActiveCube systems, which can cost $150,000 up to $1,000,000+, inspire the same sticker shock but Virtalis will send their people to your location, help you design your VR room, do the installation and training and hand you over a working system. So reassuring… Entry level ActiveWall/ActiveMove systems can be had for as little as $25-30K and their experience means that it’s almost as simple as plug-and-play.
If your company wants to immerse and interact in 3D and virtual worlds, swallow your DIY urge and give Virtalis a call.
For more information visit www.virtalis.com
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