Company co-founder David Cole didn't mince words, calling it the "next step towards creating a holodeck," and combined with what we've seen over the last few years we're inclined to believe him. In the existing NextVR demos and live broadcast, they already include depth information used to create the 3D effect that really brought the "you are there" feeling, as shown in recent tests with the NBA and NHL.

Watching 3D sports broadcasts has always been a neat trick, but some of the restrictions of 3D killed the immersion. Sure when it's working correctly it looks great, but when you catch the edge of the display boom -- you're back in your living room. Wearing a VR headset ups the awkwardness factor, but has the added benefit of putting you actually in the scene you're watching, where you can look in every direction without losing the effect. Now, what NextVR is promising with Light Field means you could actually look around that ref standing in front of the camera, or get a better angle on a play happening across the court, just like if you were really there. Well, not like if you were really there, since at home you probably won't be paying $12 for terrible beer -- but you get the point.