News Stories

IMAX Partners With Barco to Co-Develop Next-Generation Laser Projection Technology

2.10.2012

[Press Release]

IMAX Corporation today announced it selected Barco (nyse euronext brussels:BAR) to co-develop ground-breaking new laser projection technology for IMAX® theatres. The new IMAX digital laser projector will present greater brightness and clarity, a wider color gamut and deeper blacks, and consume less power and last longer than existing digital technology. This state-of-the-art solution, which will implement the patents IMAX exclusively licensed from Eastman Kodak Co. last year, will allow IMAX’s entire global theatre network to show the highest-quality digital content available.

Under the 7-year agreement, Barco will be IMAX’s exclusive worldwide partner in the development of digital projection technology for use in IMAX theatres. As part of the partnership, the companies will collaborate to co-develop cutting-edge, next-generation laser projection technology based on IMAX intellectual property in image quality, Barco’s unique laser innovations and the Kodak digital laser patents, which IMAX will sub-license to Barco.

The companies expect to deliver a joint solution to the market in the second half of 2012 for use in IMAX’s current backlog and new system signings. Simultaneously, the companies will work together exclusively to manage the transition from Xenon-based to high-performance, laser-based projectors, which are expected to be deployed in 2013.

“As we continue to expand globally, it is critical that our technology partner keep 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.”

“We are honored to have been selected by IMAX as their worldwide and exclusive digital cinema technology partner,” said Wim Buyens, Senior Vice President of Barco’s Entertainment Division. “Together, we are committed to bringing the full weight of our operational excellence, integrity, and ability to deliver cutting-edge technology to bear in order to redefine the movie-going experience.”

See the original press release here: http://www.marketwatch.com/story/imax-partners-with-barco-to-co-develop-next-generation-laser-projection-technology-2012-02-07

Penetration rates of 3D and LED TVs continue to rise in January

2.10.2012

[Philip Lelyveld comment: these numbers seem incredibly high.  Has anyone seen data to corroborate them?]

[Digitimes]

Market research showed that the penetration of 3D TV and LED TV reached 40% and 70% respectively in January 2012.

Taiwan-based brands such as Sampo, Chimei, and Tatung all believe 3D display technology for TVs is not difficult, in addition, the technology costs have decreased. Hence there will be more 3D-featured TVs in the market in 2012.

Digitimes Research indicated that the global penetration rate of 3D LCD TVs in January 2012 grew to 39.2%. The penetration rate of 3D TVs under 46-inch was 33%. The penetration of models above 46-inch (47-,52-, 55-, and 60-inch) reached beyond 50%.

Global penetration rate of LED-backlit TVs was 67% in 2011 and increased to 76% in January 2012. The same trend applies that LED TV penetration rate is higher in large-size models.

Industry sources are optimistic about direct-lit LED TVs due to low prices.

See the original post here: http://www.digitimes.com/news/a20120207PD213.html

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Specification for Naming VFX Image Sequences Released

ETC’s VFX Working Group has published a specification for best practices naming image sequences such as plates and comps. File naming is an essential tool for organizing the multitude of frames that are inputs and outputs from the VFX process. Prior to the publication of this specification, each organization had its own naming scheme, requiring custom processes for each partner, which often resulted in confusion and miscommunication.

The new ETC@USC specification focuses primarily on sequences of individual images. The initial use case was VFX plates, typically delivered as OpenEXR or DPX files. However, the team soon realized that the same naming conventions can apply to virtually any image sequence. Consequently, the specification was written to handle a wide array of assets and use cases.

To ensure all requirements are represented, the working group included over 2 dozen participants representing studios, VFX houses, tool creators, creatives and others.  The ETC@USC also worked closely with MovieLabs to ensure that the specification could be integrated as part of their 2030 Vision.

A key design criteria for this specification is compatibility with existing practices.  Chair of the VFX working group, Horst Sarubin of Universal Pictures, said: “Our studio is committed to being at the forefront of designing best industry practices to modernize and simplify workflows, and we believe this white paper succeeded in building a new foundation for tools to transfer files in the most efficient manner.”

This specification is compatible with other initiatives such as the Visual Effects Society (VES) Transfer Specifications. “We wanted to make it as seamless as possible for everyone to adopt this specification,” said working group co-chair and ETC@USC’s Erik Weaver. “To ensure all perspectives were represented we created a team of industry experts familiar with the handling of these materials and collaborated with a number of industry groups.”

“Collaboration between MovieLabs and important industry groups like the ETC is critical to implementing the 2030 Vision,” said Craig Seidel, SVP of MovieLabs. “This specification is a key step in defining the foundations for better software-defined workflows. We look forward to continued partnership with the ETC on implementing other critical elements of the 2030 Vision.”

The specification is available online for anyone to use.

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