Quantum Leap VR camera aims to make live streaming VR in HD simple for producers

This year’s CES is not only turning out to be focused in large part on virtual reality as a platform, but the supporting hardware behind the platform is welcoming a good deal of exciting new hardware.

One of the coolest new VR cameras we’ve seen yet is the new Quantum Leap VR system, a small, cylindrical device that houses 16 high definition cameras.

Teased at the Digital Hollywood event last October, the Quantum Leap is specifically designed to support the emerging category of live streaming virtual reality broadcasts. We saw a high-end version of what’s possible with live streaming VR last year during a presidential debate and an NBA game, two events produced by NextVR.

Because the commercial VR space is so new, companies like NextVR and others have an early lead on potential competing VR production houses. The Quantum Leap looks to open that market up by offering the VR camera system as a solution to VR startups as opposed to amateur and prosumer buyers.

What makes the Quantum Leap special is that it renders real-time video, largely eliminating the need for VR post-production, a dynamic that could push real-time VR events into the mainstream even quicker.

The system also has the ability to insert three-dimensional virtual objects and animations into the VR live stream, adding a kind of augmented reality layer to VR that transcends some of the non-interactive 360-degree video being produced by many studios.

Perhaps the best aspect of Quantum Leap is that it will stream to existing VR headsets, including the Oculus Rift and the Samsung Gear VR.

Founded by Halsey Minor, the founder of CNET, the Quantum Leap VR system is being demonstrated at CES this week, however, a price and release date have yet to be announced.