Brian Dobbs
Ambassador
I had an email discussion with Dean Fick, Theater Technical Manager of the Washington, D.C. Smithsonian IMAX Theaters and Planetarium.
Here's what I learned, at least as it relates to the 3 D.C. area 15/70mm film-based IMAX projection theaters.
We can expect these changes to come around 2015, after IMAX has fully developed the system. They've allotted 50 million dollars for development.
Sounds promising.
If they can retain the film quality, might this allow more films to be shot in the native IMAX aspect ratio ala TDK, TDKR and STID?
Here's what I learned, at least as it relates to the 3 D.C. area 15/70mm film-based IMAX projection theaters.
- A laser-illuminated digital projection system will be installed in tandem with the film-based system. They are to be used interchangeably.
- The new digital projectors will be 4K and 3D capable, using two interlaced projectors.
- The new digital projectors will be "as bright or brighter" than the film projectors, and are able to exceed the contrast ratio of film.
- IMAX film aspect ratio to be preserved with new digital projectors
- New screens will be installed. Floor to ceiling intact.
- New IMAX sound system to be installed when screens are replaced. Similar to Dolby Atmos.
We can expect these changes to come around 2015, after IMAX has fully developed the system. They've allotted 50 million dollars for development.
Sounds promising.
If they can retain the film quality, might this allow more films to be shot in the native IMAX aspect ratio ala TDK, TDKR and STID?