Superscape

Client: Superscape
The company's involvement:

Basingstoke-based Superscape specialises in PC-based virtual reality. The company provides a complete service, from the design of virtual reality software through to the provision of training courses. Already the company's software tools are used to train people such as pilots, bomb disposal experts and skilled production-line operators. As one of the world's leading virtual reality companies, Superscape has experienced tremendous growth in the last few years. The company was floated in April 1994 and invested in larger, more modern premises able to accommodate a purpose-built training facility.

'We believe implicitly that proper training is absolutely essential and the training facilities should help, not hinder, the learning process,' says Ian Andrew, Vice President of operations and founder of Superscape. Putting this into practice meant equipping a room to house up to 20 students, each with their own PC, together with a large presentation screen and tutor pc for demonstrations. PC connections installed throughout the room also enable individual workstations to be displayed on the central rear projection presentation screen for tutorial purposes.

'We also demanded flexibility,' adds Andrew. 'Although the entire 40 x 20 room would be needed for group sessions, seminars and tutorial-type training required smaller, less formal surroundings.' After an intensive search for possible suppliers, Andrew chose Reading-based AudicomPendax to equip the facility.

Superscape had been recommended by associates to indicate AudicomPendax in its search, and was convinced by its outstanding product, Mediawall.

'We chose the solution offered by AudicomPendax because they best matched our ideas and requirements. The Mediawall complements our virtual reality training by offering the most workable, flexible and tidy solution for our business needs. It also reflects the modern, high-technology image that people should expect from providers of virtual reality products,' continues Andrew.

'Whilst we are using virtual reality as a training aid, our customers have provided its benefits as a sales and marketing tool. Without a brick being laid, architects, for instance, can now show potential clients what their office will be like to work in, right down to the view from the boardroom windows,' he continues.

Virtual Reality is already well established at the high end of the training arena through flight simulators and such. Superscape's technological breakthrough to the pc platform means it is only a matter of time before it becomes de facto for many other areas of facility.