History:
The IMAX Dome Theatre at MOSI, opened in Tampa on July 1, 1995. It is the only IMAX Dome Theatre in the state of Florida. The IMAX system has its roots in EXPO '67 in Montreal, Canada, where a multiscreen production was the hit of the fair. A small group of Canadian filmmakers/entrepreneurs (Graeme Ferguson, Roman Kroitor and Robert Kerr), who had made some of those popular films, decided to design a new system using a single, power projector, rather than the cumbersome multiple projectors used at that time. The result, the revolution of the giant-screen cinema: The IMAX motion picture projection system which would revolutionize giant-screen cinema.

IMAX 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 technology debuted at the Reuben H. Fleet Space Theatre in San Diego in 1973.

The Experience:
IMAX motion picture systems, invented and developed by Imax Corporation (Imax), are the finest motion picture systems in the world. Images of unsurpassed size, clarity, and impact, enhanced by a superb specially-designed six-channel, multi-speaker sound system, are projected onto a 10,500 square foot dome shaped screen.

The 15/70 image is ten times larger than a conventional 35mm frame and three times bigger than a standard 70mm frame. The sheer size of the film frame, combined with the unique projection technology, is the key to the extraordinary sharpness and clarity of a 15/70 film.

Sound:
Sound is critical to The IMAX Experience™. The six-channel, high fidelity motion picture sound system, with sub-bass, is manufactured by Sonics Associates Inc., a world leader in sound design. This allows every member of the audience to experience superb sound quality regardless of their seat position.

The Projectors:
IMAX projectors are the most advanced, highest-precision and most powerful projectors ever built. The key to its superior performance and reliability is the unique "Rolling Loop" film movement. The Rolling Loop advances the film horizontally in a smooth, wave-like motion. During projection, each frame is positioned on fixed registration pins, and the film is held firmly against the rear element of the lens by a vacuum. As a result, the picture and focus steadiness are far above normal standards and provide outstanding image clarity.

Quick Turn Reel Unit:
In January 2001 the IMAX Dome Theatre at MOSI upgraded its projection booth with a QTRU - Quick Turn Reel Unit. The 2,000 pound, state of the art film transport system:

• Eliminates the need to rewind films. The unit plays the films from the center of the reel. Most of the wear and tear on the film occurs during the rewind cycle so this allows films to look better, longer.
• Enables the IMAX Dome Theatre at MOSI to show the same film back to back on the hour, since there is no rewind cycle.
• Uses the newest film transport technology, virtually eliminating reel unit crashes.
• Can accommodate up to four films. In conjunction with the existing Mark II reel unit, the IMAX Dome Theatre at MOSI can now have six films loaded and ready to go at a moments notice.
  

General Information:

• To date more than 600 million people have had an IMAX experience since it premiered in 1970 with more than 70 million customers worldwide in 1999 alone.
• There are currently more than 220 permanent theatres operating in 22 countries.
• There are 160 films in the medium's film library. Educational and entertaining, these films take viewers where they are unable to go: to explore the hidden secrets of natural wonders like the Grand Canyon, the inside of an atom, or the magic of space.
• In 1997 Imax Corporation won an Oscar®, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences' highest honor, for scientific and technical achievement.