Barco, a worldwide leader in the Digital Cinema industry, has announced that it has been selected by IMAX Corporation as the exclusive, worldwide projection technology partner for its IMAX® theaters for the next seven years.
Through its selection of Barco's Guinness World Record winning Xenon lamp-based digital projectors, IMAX will immediately enhance The IMAX Experience® in its global cinema network. In addition, IMAX theaters will benefit from a new generation of high-performance, laser-based projectors, which are expected to be deployed in 2013.
“Being selected by IMAX as the exclusive supplier for the world's most immersive cinema experience is a strong endorsement of our leadership in the Digital Cinema projection business,” explains Wim Buyens, Senior Vice President of Barco's Entertainment Division.
“This partnership will strengthen our position as the premium provider of state-of-the-art cinema technologies that provide the perfect match for every screen, whether small or large. What's more, it will enable us to further ramp up our manufacturing scalability and to continue setting the standard for future technologies.”
“As we continue to expand globally, it is critical that our technology partner keeps pace with our ambitions around innovation and growth,” said IMAX Chief Business Development Officer Robert D. Lister.
“Barco is that partner. A leader in advanced digital and laser technology, Barco is well-known for its quality and integrity. We believe the result of this collaboration will further differentiate The IMAX Experience® for consumers, strengthening our value proposition for studios and exhibitors.”
Todd Hoddick, Vice President for the Barco Entertainment Division in North America, adds: “We are honored to have been selected by IMAX as their worldwide and exclusive digital projection technology partner. We are both excited and committed to bring the full weight of Barco's operational excellence, integrity and ability to deliver on the ideals of the IMAX brand. Together we are determined to redefine the immersive cinema experience.”
The agreement with IMAX underscores Barco's commitment to offer exhibitors the most comprehensive suite of products and solutions to create a premium movie experience in their auditoriums at the lowest cost of ownership. This is exactly what has made Barco a valued technology leader, – as illustrated by its long list of industry firsts and its Guinness World Record for the brightest projector – as well as a global market leader – reflected in the company's 40% worldwide market share, market leadership in China and a strong global customer base.
