Knowing that the vast majority of people can’t afford such a setup, IMAX is focusing on lowering that cost and has teamed up with DTS for a home theater certification program officially labeled as IMAX Enhanced.
What Is IMAX Enhanced?
IMAX Enhanced represents specific changes to existing video and audio processing techniques. To qualify as an IMAX Enhanced device, select high-end 4K Ultra HD, OLED, and LED/LCD TVs, projectors, soundbars, home theater receivers, and AV preamp/processors must go through an evaluation procedure. The submitted TVs and components must meet specific performance standards established by IMAX in partnership with DTS and select Hollywood Studio technicians. IMAX determines whether components meet video certification standards, while DTS evaluates audio performance. To make things easy for you, IMAX certified home theater components feature an IMAX Mode that activates automatically when official enhanced content is detected.
IMAX Video Enhancements
For video, the IMAX Mode provides the following enhancements:
Content or portions of content originally filmed in IMAX cue the TV or video projector to display that content according to the IMAX aspect ratio used (1.44:1 or 1.9:1). Maximum Brightness from HDR content based on IMAX standards and the TV or projector’s light output capability. The HDR10 and 10+ formats are used, but Dolby Vision could be included later. Improved image clarity by precise detection of noise and artifacts and reducing unwanted effects. This means more pinpoint brightness of small bright objects such as stars or distant lights, fewer halos or buzzing around circular edges, and straighter lines. Also, the effect of grain is reduced on content originally shot on film rather than IMAX Digital.
IMAX Audio Enhancements
For audio, IMAX Mode enables the following:
IMAX Mode activates a variation of the DTS:X immersive audio format that closely matches the surround sound experience in IMAX cinemas. IMAX Mode can adapt to deliver immersive surround sound, including overhead effects from a variety of speaker setups. Although IMAX Enhanced Mode is compatible with 5.1, 7.1, or more channel setups, IMAX recommends a 5.1.4 or 7.2.4 channel setup for an optimum listening experience.
What You Need
To take advantage of the IMAX Enhanced experience, you need an IMAX certified or compatible component from each of the following categories:
4K Ultra HD TV or video projector with a screen.Home theater receiver or AV preamp/processor with a power amplifier.Speakers and subwoofers to accommodate your desired setup. (Brand and models not specified.)Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc player.Content on an Ultra HD Blu-ray disc. IMAX Enhanced content is delivered through select 4K Ultra HD discs. Other content source options may be added.
IMAX Enhanced Certified TVs
Sony A1/A1E, A8F/AF8, A9F/AF9 4K OLED, X900F/XF90, and Z9F/ZF9 4K LED/LCD TVs. More to come from TCL.
IMAX Enhanced Certified Video Projectors
Sony ES 4K projector models VPL-VW285, 295, 385, 675, 695, 885, 995, 5000, and VZ1000.
IMAX Enhanced Certified Home Theater Receivers
Denon AVR-X4500H, AVR-X6500H, and AVR-X8500H. Marantz SR-6013 and SR7013 (may require a firmware update). Sony STR-ZA5000ES, ZA3100ES, ZA2100ES, and ZA1100ES (via a firmware update Spring 2019). More to come from Onkyo/Integra, Pioneer/Elite, and Arcam.
IMAX Enhanced Certified AV Preamp Processors
Marantz AV7705 (may require a firmware update) and AV8805.
IMAX Enhanced Certified Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Releases
Mill Creek Entertainment: A Beautiful Planet and Journey to the South Pacific. Sony Pictures: IMAX-enhanced versions of Venom and Alpha. More to come from Mill Creek, Paramount, and Sony Pictures, as well as streaming offerings from FandagoNow and, for compatible Sony TVs, through the Privilege 4K app.
