Technical Remote Viewing (TRV) is a proprietary and trademarked remote viewing methodology developed by Ed Dames in the late 1980s as a modified version of Coordinate Remote Viewing (CRV). TRV represents a systematized approach to remote viewing that builds upon the military protocols while incorporating Dames’ own modifications and training structures.
The main differences between Technical Remote Viewing (TRV) and Coordinate Remote Viewing (CRV) lie in streamlining, Stage 6 tools, and operational focus, though both share the same foundational structure developed by Ingo Swann. TRV represents a streamlined and simplified version of the original military CRV protocol in Stages 1–3. Ed Dames removed certain features characteristic of CRV, apparently to make the methodology more easily commercialized through video tapes and DVDs. This minimalist approach resulted in a method that, while visually producing similar-looking transcripts, differs significantly in execution from traditional CRV.
The most significant development in TRV is the expansion of Stage 6 to include standardized “tools”—a collection of specialized cueing and notation processes designed to achieve greater time efficiency during sessions and address specific operational issues. These tools have been expanded over the years, including specialized tools for tasks like locating missing persons.
Development and Origins: Ed Dames, a former military intelligence officer who participated in the U.S. Army’s remote viewing program, founded his company PSI TECH Inc. in 1989 to commercialize remote viewing training and provide RV services to clients. He developed TRV by modifying the original CRV protocol created by Ingo Swann for the military program. Dames obtained Swann’s permission to adapt the CRV methodology, which became the foundation for his Technical Remote Viewing system. The method was trademarked as Technical Remote Viewing™ to distinguish it from other remote viewing approaches and protect PSI TECH’s commercial training materials.
Current Rights Ownership: Following a legal dispute in 2000, Ed Dames was forced to resign as president of PSI TECH after a California court judgment of $435,000 against him and the company for breach of contract. Dane Spotts, who became CEO, purchased Dames’ shares, and his former partner Jonina (Joni) Dourif took control of the company. The rights to TRV currently remain with Joni Dourif as owner of PSI TECH Inc., which continues to offer TRV training and services.
After losing intellectual property rights to TRV in the early 2000s, Ed Dames developed a new training program called “Learn Remote Viewing”. This course was “built entirely from the ground up; utilizing the latest protocols and methods” and represents an altered form of remote viewing training distinct from the original TRV. He also developed a separate method called GeoFix in the late 2000s for pinpointing geographic locations using map work in combination with an RV-based approach.