# Jeri Ellsworth

> American entrepreneur and self-taught computer chip designer

**Wikidata**: [Q34965](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q34965)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeri_Ellsworth)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/jeri-ellsworth

## Summary
Jeri Ellsworth is an American entrepreneur and self-taught computer chip designer known for her work in hardware engineering and virtual/augmented reality. Born on August 14, 1974, in Georgia, she gained recognition for projects like the Commodore 64 Direct-to-TV and the castAR augmented reality system. Ellsworth has contributed to companies such as Valve Corporation and founded ventures like Tilt5, blending retrocomputing innovation with modern tech development.

## Biography
- **Born**: August 14, 1974, in Georgia  
- **Nationality**: United States  
- **Education**: Walla Walla University  
- **Known for**: Designing retrocomputing hardware and pioneering augmented reality (AR) devices  
- **Employer(s)**: Valve Corporation, Tilt5, Individual Computers, Rapport Inc  
- **Field(s)**: Computer science, electrical engineering, virtual/augmented reality  

## Contributions
Jeri Ellsworth has developed several influential hardware projects, including the **C64 Direct-to-TV** (2003), a self-contained Commodore 64 clone, and the **C-One** (2004), a modular computer inspired by 1980s designs. At Valve Corporation, she worked on early virtual reality (VR) prototypes before departing in 2012. She later co-founded **castAR** (2013), an AR gaming platform using projection technology, and **Tilt5** (formerly castAR), which focuses on holographic gaming. Her work emphasizes accessibility and innovation in both retro and emerging tech spaces.

## FAQs
### Q: What is Jeri Ellsworth’s most famous invention?  
A: Her **C64 Direct-to-TV** (2003), a miniature Commodore 64 replica, is widely recognized for reviving interest in retrocomputing.  

### Q: Where did Jeri Ellsworth work before founding Tilt5?  
A: She was employed at **Valve Corporation**, where she contributed to early VR research, and later led projects at **castAR**.  

### Q: Is Jeri Ellsworth self-taught?  
A: Yes, she is noted for her self-taught expertise in computer chip design and hardware engineering.  

## Why They Matter  
Jeri Ellsworth’s career bridges retrocomputing nostalgia and cutting-edge AR/VR innovation. Her self-taught approach and hands-on engineering have democratized access to complex technologies, inspiring hobbyists and professionals alike. Projects like the C64 Direct-to-TV preserved computing history, while castAR and Tilt5 pushed boundaries in interactive gaming. Her work at Valve also influenced the trajectory of consumer VR, contributing to the broader adoption of immersive technologies.

## Notable For  
- **First self-contained Commodore 64 clone** (C64 Direct-to-TV, 2003).  
- **Co-founder of castAR/Tilt5**, developing holographic AR gaming systems.  
- **Early VR research at Valve Corporation** (pre-2012).  
- **Prominent female engineer** in male-dominated hardware and gaming industries.  
- **Roller derby athlete**, reflecting her diverse interests beyond tech.  

## Body  
### Early Life and Education  
Born in Georgia on August 14, 1974, Ellsworth studied at **Walla Walla University**, a Seventh-day Adventist institution in Washington. Her self-directed learning in electronics and chip design formed the foundation of her career.  

### Career  
- **Individual Computers (2002–2003)**: Contributed to retrocomputing projects like the **C-One**.  
- **Valve Corporation**: Worked on VR and hardware prototypes, though she left in 2012 before the company’s major VR releases.  
- **castAR/Tilt5**: Founded the AR gaming company in 2013, focusing on projection-based holographic systems.  

### Notable Projects  
- **C64 Direct-to-TV (2003)**: A plug-and-play Commodore 64 replica sold as a joystick, introducing retro gaming to new audiences.  
- **C-One (2004)**: A modular computer designed for hardware experimentation, compatible with 8-bit systems.  
- **castAR (2013)**: An AR platform using lasers and projectors for tabletop gaming, later rebranded as **Tilt5**.  

### Personal Life  
Ellsworth is known for her red hair and participation in **roller derby**, showcasing her eclectic blend of technical and athletic pursuits. She maintains an active online presence through platforms like YouTube and Twitter, sharing engineering projects and industry insights.  

### Legacy  
Ellsworth’s ability to merge nostalgic hardware with futuristic concepts has made her a unique figure in tech. Her DIY ethos and perseverance as a self-taught engineer have encouraged diverse participation in STEM fields, while her companies continue to explore uncharted territories in interactive entertainment.

## References

1. [Source](https://www.engadget.com/2014/10/17/castar-augmented-reality/)
2. [Source](https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeriellsworth/)
3. Google Knowledge Graph
4. [Source](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClTpDNIOtgfRkyT-AFGNWVw)
5. [Source](http://wireless2.fcc.gov/UlsApp/UlsSearch/license.jsp?licKey=3859543)
6. YouTube API