Imax Corp. announced that it will partner with global technology company Barco to develop new laser projection technology for its Imax theaters. The collaboration will implement the patents that Imax exclusively licensed from Eastman Kodak Co. last year. The new digital laser projector will deliver greater brightness and clarity, a wider color gamut and deeper blacks, and will consume less power and last longer than existing digital technology, Imax reported. Under the seven-year agreement, Barco will be Imax’s exclusive worldwide partner in the development of the digital projection technology. As part of the partnership, the companies will collaborate to co-develop the projection technology based on Imax intellectual property in image quality, Barco’s laser innovations and the Kodak digital laser patents, which Imax will sublicense to Barco. (See: Kodak Licenses Laser Projection Tech to Imax) 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 systems signings. Simultaneously, the companies will manage the transition from xenon-based to laser-based projectors, which are expected to be deployed in 2013. Barco designs and develops visualization products for a variety of selected professional markets. Entertainment and technology company Imax develops digital projection and sound systems to the entertainment industry. For more information, visit: www.imax.com