▶ Imax to use laser projectors for Hobbit

Imax Corp., the pioneer of large- screen cinema, plans to use the next Hobbit instalment in December to introduce a laser projection system based on technology licensed from Eastman Kodak Co. in 2011. The projectors will used with the release of The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies, on Dec. 17, according to CEO Rich Gelfond. The Warner Bros. fi lm, directed by Peter Jackson, will be shown in one or two theatres with the new system, as well as the entire Imax circuit. Metro- Goldwyn- Mayer Inc. shares rights to the fi lm. Laser projection delivers a brighter picture and greater resolution than current digital projection, Gelfond said.