IMAX testing prototype laser projector

April 25, 2012

Imax Corp. (IMAX) (IMAX), the pioneer of large- screen cinema, has begun testing a prototype laser-projection system, based on patents licensed from Eastman Kodak Co. (EKDKQ) (EKDKQ), that improves picture quality with brighter light.

The system, which uses two projectors and incorporates Mississauga, Ontario-based Imax's image-enhancing technology, will allow movies to be shown on screens 120 feet wide or more. It will be available in the fourth quarter of 2013, said Greg Foster, chairman and president of filmed entertainment. The company demonstrated the prototype to studios last week, using clips including Warner Bros.' The Dark Knight Rises, the final Batman movie from director Christopher Nolan.

The new system gives Hollywood studios and cinema chains another potential tool to keep moviegoers in theaters as competition mounts from large-screen televisions and Web-based options. With the additional horsepower provided by laser's focused light, theaters can improve the picture quality, including in newer formats such as 3-D.

We're very pleased with where we are at this point, and pleased with the reaction from our key partners, Foster said in an interview.

Originally Posted by Dbuudo07

Thanks Lee.

Any word on the aspect ratio? The link doesn't work on my phone. I really want 15/70mm IMAX theaters to have digital projectors capable of 1.44:1 aspect ratio.

Originally Posted by RobertR

I wish the article had furnished tech details (resolution, etc.) instead of business details, but it's unsurprising that Business Week would focus on the latter.

Originally Posted by RobertR

Thanks for that, although it still seems rather conceptual--no real specs of an actual working device.