Barco, Imax Expand Relationship, Plan Full Laser Conversion

Bookmark and Share

Mon, 04/12/2021 - 14:06 -- Nick Dager

Barco and Imax Corporation have announced the further expansion of their long-standing relationship. As part of the expansion of their ongoing partnership, the companies will now collaborate on optimizing the use of Barco’s latest laser light source technology to help power Imax systems globally, further enabling Imax to convert its more than 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 theatres across the world.

Barco and Imax Corporation have announced the further expansion of their long-standing relationship. As part of the expansion of their ongoing partnership, the companies will now collaborate on optimizing the use of Barco’s latest laser light source technology to help power Imax systems globally, further enabling Imax to convert its more than 1,000 systems to laser over timeImax and Barco’s international partnership dates back to 2012. Since then, the companies have successfully forged awe-inspiring, immersive cinematic experiences on the world’s largest screens. Together, they have been frontrunners in the cinema industry when it comes to providing exceptional 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.

“This new agreement with Barco is a strong endorsement of our joint continuous commitment to laser innovation in a mission to deliver the most immersive cinema experiences in all of our theatres,” said Mark Welton, president of Imax Theatres. “Barco’s laser light source technology combined with Imax’s proprietary sound and projection technology further enables us to give our audiences an unforgettable all-round moviegoing experience that is also better for the planet.”

The new Barco laser light source technology delivers crisp and laser-sharp image performances that remain constant over a longer lifetime. They reduce power consumption, simplify operations and help further the efficiency of lamp use. The Imax theatres 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.

“It’s been a rough year for the cinema industry, but through this agreement both Imax and Barco show their unconditional commitment to the theatres worldwide,” said Nicolas Vanden Abeele, senior vice president for Barco Entertainment. “We are honored to continue our relationship with Imax as their long-standing laser technology partner, enabling them to deliver exceptional cinema experiences.”

Imax Corporation www.imax.com

Barco www.barco.com