Barco and IMAX Corporation have announced a continued partnership to collaborate on optimizing the use of Barco’s latest cutting-edge laser light source technology to help power IMAX systems globally, further enabling IMAX to convert its over 1,000 systems to laser over time. An additional multi-year support agreement will enable not only the brightest but also the most reliable performance for IMAX laser theaters across the world.

IMAX and Barco’s international partnership dates back to 2012. Together, they have been frontrunners in the cinema industry when it comes to providing laser projection cinema and immersive cinematic experiences. The larger screens in the global IMAX multiplexes were already powered with Barco’s RGB laser technology. This new upgrade agreement will enable IMAX in its ongoing transition to an all laser global installed base.

The new Barco laser light source technology delivers crisp and laser-sharp images that remain constant over a longer lifetime. They reduce power consumption, simplify operations and help further the efficiency of lamp use. The IMAX theaters therefore can also enjoy significant maintenance cost-savings, energy efficiency advantages and a reduced carbon footprint. In addition to the technology collaboration, a long-term support agreement will also help assure efficient performance with outstanding cinema experiences for its audiences.

IMAX with Laser provides audiences with crystal-clear and vivid images. The next-generation 4K laser projection system features a new optical engine and suite of proprietary IMAX technologies that delivers increased resolution, sharper and brighter images, deeper contrast as well as the widest range of colors available to filmmakers. The new system will also feature IMAX’s 12-channel sound technology that incorporates new side and overhead channels to deliver greater dynamic range and precision for ultimate audio immersion and sound you can feel.

The ongoing pandemic has made for a rough year for the cinema industry, but through this agreement both IMAX and Barco show their unconditional commitment to the Digital Cinema community. To date, IMAX has signed agreements for more than 200 of its new IMAX with Laser systems worldwide.

PMA Research provides market analysis with their Projector Census and Forecast family of publications, which provide detailed worldwide quarterly updates (historical data and forecasts) on front projector markets, with commentary on key industry developments – including Digital Cinema.