Texas Instruments Announces IMAX(R) Digital Projection System to be Powered by DLP Cinema

http://www.imax.com/corporate/content/investor/intro.jsp

 

2008 marks the 10th Anniversary of digital cinema led by DLP Cinema

 

LAS VEGAS, NV, March 11 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ - Texas Instruments (TI) (NYSE: TXN) DLP Cinema(R) announced today at ShoWest that IMAX(R) Corporation (Nasdaq: IMAX) will incorporate the DLP Cinema projector solution. Under the terms of the agreement, each IMAX(R) Digital projection system to be deployed to commercial exhibitors around the world, scheduled to begin mid-2008, will be powered by DLP Cinema projectors.

 

"We are excited to formalize our partnership with DLP Cinema, and believe their technology will help ensure that our digital projection system delivers the best cinema experience available to audiences," said IMAX Co-Chairmen and Co-CEOs Richard L. Gelfond and Bradley J. Wechsler. "We've evaluated competing cinema projection technology and found DLP Cinema to be the ideal match for the launch of the IMAX Digital projection system."

 

IMAX's highly anticipated digital projection system integrates a suite of proprietary IMAX intellectual properties with the DLP Cinema projector solution in a way that creates The IMAX(R) Experience in a digital format.

 

IMAX's transition to digital will help to drive profitability for studios, exhibitors and IMAX(R) theatres by virtually eliminating the need for film prints, increasing program flexibility and ultimately increasing the number of films shown on IMAX screens. With the implementation of DLP Cinema technology, IMAX moviegoers will experience precise, lifelike images in vibrant colors, delivered through the millions of microscopic mirrors on the DLP Cinema chip.

 

"We are proud to work with IMAX in its development and rollout of the best digital cinema experience in the market," said Nancy Fares, Business Manager for DLP Cinema Products Group. "DLP Cinema projectors are the heart of every digital 2D and 3D movie experience for traditional and now large format venues. We look forward to participating in their move to digital in the months ahead."

 

Digital cinema installations continue to be catalyzed by the increasing release of 3D film. The 3D movie format is severing as a revenue driver for the film industry overall, and has gained a resurgence of interest by moviegoers. IMAX has been a leader in 3D content, especially since the overwhelming box office success of The Polar Express: An IMAX 3D Experience, which has grossed more than $65 million in IMAX theatres around the world since it opened in 2005. More recently, Beowulf: An IMAX 3D Experience grossed $25 million, representing a per screen average of more than $185,000.