Future IMAX deployments to utilize DLP Cinema projectors

Electrosonic's MS9600 isn't the only thing flying out of ShoWest this week -- oh no, we've also learned that Texas Instruments will have quite a bit to do with forthcoming IMAX deployments. Apparently, the aforementioned outfit has inked a deal that will land its DLP Cinema projectors in "each IMAX Digital projection system to be deployed to commercial exhibitors around the world from mid-2008." Unfortunately, all the gory details we crave were left out -- starting with a list of cities in which to expect these DLP-powered venues -- but thankfully, the release did manage to spare the whole "it's the mirrors" tagline when getting the point across.

[Via AboutProjectors, image courtesy of Pathe-IMAX]

[(Unverified) Posted Mar 13th 2008 12:19PM]

I want to hear what resolution they're going to use, and how they will be doing it. Existing 2K DLP digital cinema projectors certainly won't cut it for IMAX, and I don't even think 4K would do that monster screen justice.

[(Unverified) Posted Mar 13th 2008 12:29PM]

my guess is they would go 8k for imax projection 16k would be the best. but 8k should work, commerical screans are smaller than the ones u see in educational venues. but still fn huge :)

[(Unverified) Posted May 3rd 2008 7:43PM]

What will the aspect ratio be of the new digital IMAX experience? Their 15/70mm screens are 1.44:1. The HDTV digital ratio is 1.78:1 and I believe the digital cinema ratio is closer to 1.85:1. These are the pixel figures I came up with from searching the internet for information:

HD TV (Based on 60p or 30i frames per second)
2K, 1920 x 1080 = 1.78:1
4K, 3840 x 2160 = 1.78:1 (Doesn't exist yet for broadcast TV.)

Digital Cinema (Based on 24 frames per second - 48p? 72? 144p?)
2K, 2040 x 1080 = 1.89:1 (Close to 1.85:1 35mm Cinema Standard)
4K, 4080 x 2160 = 1.89:1 (Close to 1.85:1 35mm Cinema Standard)

Another Digital Cinema Figure I came across:
2k, 1996 x 1080 = 1.85:1

The IMAX screens to be placed in existing multiplex theatres are supposed to be 25% larger. The AMC theatres already have 1.85:1 wall to wall screens--will IMAX Digital screens increase the height of the screens by 25% to achieve that 1.44:1 IMAX standard picture?

Are there DLP chips with a 1.44:1 ratio, or how is this ratio dilemma be solved? Current IMAX DMR 15/70mm releases of Hollywood films often or always letterbox the image to achieve the cinema standard? Grant.

[(Unverified) Posted May 7th 2008 6:24PM]

Thank you.