Europe introduced its first IMAX laser projection system to the public at the Empire Cinema in Leicester Square, providing the most vivid digital images combined with immersive audio.
As the name implies, the optics involved in projecting the IMAX film use a laser light rather than a powerful (15kW) xenon arc lamp, which results in a brighter, sharper picture with a wider color scale and darker blacks. The Walk and Star Wars: The Force Awakens are amongst the first to be shown by the Empire Cinema.
The IMAX with laser is powered by two side-by-side 4K projectors, that use “sub-pixel alignment” to produce one big image at up to 60fps. The system has “50 percent greater” brightness than the DCI spec (the current standard/spec that digital cinemas adhere to) and its contrast ratio is “double” that of IMAX 15/70mm film projection and “higher” than the 2500:1 contrast ratio of IMAX's xenon lamp-based projection systems.
When it comes to color, the full Rec. 2020 gamut/space is available. And because IMAX with laser uses high-resolution 4K, 3D has “unparalleled” brightness and looks impressive, compensating for the dimness caused by the 3D glasses.
Inside each projector resides “an open-frame technology” made of invar, a nickel-iron alloy. Its stability, plus the fact that there's no glass to lead beams of light amiss, increases image clarity and provides blacker blacks.
Some IMAX with laser theaters will also feature a new 12-channel sound system, which will add two side speakers and four ceiling speakers.
Lastly, the Empire Cinema is equipped with black chairs and walls to reduce any reflections that may impact contrast or color accuracy.
Via ArsTechnica
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