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Definition
The IMAX (Image Maximum)
system has its roots in Canada where multi-screen films were the hit of the fair.
A small group of Canadian filmmakers Graeme Ferguson, Roman Kroitor and Robert
Kerr decided to design a new system using a single, powerful projector, rather
than the cumbersome multiple projectors used at that time. The result is the IMAX
motion picture projection system, which would revolutionize the giantscreen cinema.
IMAX delivers just that on a screen four times the size of conventional movie
screens. Multi channel digital sound with excellent picture quality gives the
viewers the feeling of being present. IMAX
was premiered at the Fuji Pavilion, EXPO '70 in Osaka, Japan. The first permanent
IMAX projection system was installed at Ontario Place's Cinesphere in Toronto
in 1971. IMAX Dome (OMNIMAX) debuted at the Reuben H. Fleet Space Theatre in San
Diego, CA in 1973. Sonics Associates of Birmingham, Alabama developed the IMAX
digital sound system. In 1993, Sonic introduced the IMAX 3D sound system with
10 channels. IMAX -3D is a new motion picture process that creates the illusion
of depth (or 3D) by projecting on the screen an image for the right eye, then
an image for the left eye (30 times per second). Special goggles allow only one
eye at a time to see the screen. The liquid crystal goggles are in sync with the
projector via infrared signals beamed at the goggles on your head. Theater
speakers produce 8 channels from 4 CD disks synchronized with the15-perforation
70mm filmstrip running through the projector horizontally past a 15,000-watt lamp
at 48 frames per second. The 3D headset has 2 additional channels for the binaural
Personal Sound Environment (PSE). Binaural sound emanates from the headsets' two
small speakers, just above and slightly in front of your ears; they cover all
but the frequencies below 100 Hz. Low bass is handled by a pair of subwoofers
behind the giant screen. Four full-range speakers, also behind the screen, keeps
sound tied solidly to the films image even if you turn your head; if you have
trouble imaging binaurally (as some people do), these speakers will prevent front
sounds from seeming to come from the sides or rear. Two more speakers, in the
rear of the theater, carry only surround ambience; the headset's binaural speakers
carry sounds that are supposed to originate behind you. Eight
channels of an 18,000-watt, 10-channel amplification system feed the speakers;
the other two channels feed the binaural signals to the headsets. These amps are
fed from four audio CDs, computersynchronized with one another and with the projectors.
The headsets can receive four separate soundtracks, so a movie could be presented
in different languages simultaneously if the theater provides enough channels.
The difference between the IMAX sound system
and the surround systems in conventional theaters is that the typical IMAX screen
is close to a conventional 4:3 aspect ratio, but much, much bigger. So you have
a great deal of vertical, which gives you the opportunity to do a 'voice-of-God'
loudspeaker. IMAX system power varies depending on the size of the room, but it
is typically in the range of 12,500 watts. The power is not there for the loudness;
it's there for clarity and freedom from distortion. The enclosures are three-way
systems using components custom-designed and manufactured to specifications
and combines four low-frequency loudspeakers in each cabinet with nested high-
and mid-frequency horns.
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