California Science Center to Convert to IMAX with Laser

April 26, 2017—IMAX and the California Science Center today announced an agreement to install IMAX’s next-generation digital laser projection system—IMAX® with Laser—at the California Science Center’s IMAX® theatre. The groundbreaking new laser technology will replace the current IMAX film projection system and further enhance The IMAX Experience® for guests.

IMAX with Laser represents a quantum leap forward in cinema technology—providing audiences with the sharpest, brightest, and most vivid digital images ever, combined with a whole new level of immersive audio. The technology will enable the California Science Center to deliver the full array of the highest-quality IMAX digital content available and lead the industry with new kinds of cutting-edge education experiences. 

“Our IMAX theatre has inspired and  engaged millions in science-learning, taking audiences over oceans, across continents, and beyond the stars on a movie screen seven-stories high,” notes  California Science Center President Jeff Rudolph.  “We look forward to the ways this extraordinary laser system will enable us to build on that success and open up new worlds, experiences and ideas to our community.”

“We are extremely pleased to continue our 33-year partnership with the iconic California Science Center, which has played an important role in supporting our growth over the years,” said IMAX CEO Richard L. Gelfond. “We share its commitment to innovation excellence, and together look forward to ushering in a new era of immersive cinematic experiences for the museum’s patrons.”

Designed from the ground up for IMAX's largest screens, the dual 4K laser projection system is equipped with a new optical engine and suite of proprietary IMAX technologies capable of projecting an image with up to a 1.43:1 aspect ratio with maximum resolution and sharpness, unparalleled 2D and 3D brightness, industry-leading contrast and an expanded color gamut that will allow filmmakers to present more vivid and exotic colors than ever before.

The new system also includes IMAX's next-generation sound technology that delivers even greater power and precision for ultimate audio immersion. It has been upgraded to 12 discrete channels plus sub-bass, and includes additional side channels as well as new overhead channels that will improve the system's ability to position sounds around the audience and further ensure every seat is the best in the house. 

Some of the world’s most iconic venues have installed IMAX with Laser including the Smithsonian’s Air and Space museums (Washington, DC and Chantilly, VA), the Pacific Science Center’s Boeing® IMAX Theatre (Seattle), the Montreal Science Centre, the Auto & Technik Museum Sinsheim (Germany) and the Museum Victoria IMAX Theatre (Australia).

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Source: IMAX Corporation