Barco and IMAX Corporation have announced the further expansion of their long-standing relationship. The goal is to reinforce the provision of exceptional laser cinema experiences to audiences worldwide. As part of the expansion of their ongoing partnership, the companies will now 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. 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.
Premium laser experiences with an eye for sustainability
Laser light source technology is seen as a significant part of the future of the theatrical experience. Its numerous benefits enhance viewing experiences for spectators and provide peace of mind for exhibitors.
“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 theaters,” says Mark Welton, President of IMAX Theaters. “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 theaters therefore can also enjoy significant maintenance cost-savings, energy efficiency advantages and a reduced carbon footprint.
Long term outcome-assured support
In addition to the technology collaboration, a long-term support agreement will also help assure efficient performance with outstanding cinema experiences for its audiences.
A bright future with new visual standards
“It’s been a rough year for the cinema industry, but through this agreement both IMAX and Barco show their unconditional commitment to the theaters worldwide,” concludes Nicolas Vanden Abeele, SVP 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.”
About IMAX Corporation
IMAX, an innovator in entertainment technology, combines proprietary software, architecture and equipment to create experiences that take you beyond the edge of your seat to a world you’ve never imagined. Top filmmakers and studios are utilizing IMAX theaters to connect with audiences in extraordinary ways, and, as such, IMAX’s network is among the most important and successful theatrical distribution platforms for major event films around the globe.
IMAX is headquartered in New York, Toronto, and Los Angeles, with additional offices in London, Dublin, Tokyo, and Shanghai. As of December 31, 2020, there were 1,650 IMAX theater systems (1,562 commercial multiplexes, 12 commercial destinations, 76 institutional) operating in 84 countries and territories. Shares of IMAX China Holding, Inc., a subsidiary of IMAX Corporation, trade on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange under the stock code “1970.”
About Barco
Barco designs technology to enable bright outcomes around the world. Seeing beyond the image, we develop visualization and collaboration solutions to help you work together, share insights, and wow audiences. Our focus is on three core markets: Enterprise (from meeting and control rooms to corporate spaces), Healthcare (from the radiology department to the operating room), and Entertainment (from movie theaters to live events and attractions). In 2020, we realized sales of 770 million euro. We have a global team of 3,300 employees, whose passion for technology is captured in 430 granted patents.
