With a wide range of different screen sizes and technologies in the market, distinguishing them from each other can be technically challenging. For instance, how do you distinguish typical screens, Giant, and IMAX? In this post, we share valuable insights on the Giant Screen vs IMAX and much more!
Giant Vs IMAX – Key Differences
The most noticeable difference between the typical screens and large screens such as GIANT and IMAX are their sizes.
For Giant screens vs IMAX screens, the other difference lies in their projection requirements which are explained later in this post.
When shopping for the most suitable screen size for your home entertainment, outdoor, or indoor advertising, your choice should be determined by:
- Installation Space
- The aspect ratio of the screen
- Viewing distance
- Target Viewers
- Intended Purpose
- Budget Allocation
Note: For the standard or smaller theater screens, sizes are described in inches while for Giant screens, the sizes are expressed in either meters or feet.
Giant screens such as Giant LED displays, refer to any type of screen that is much larger than the standard screens which are computer monitors, home television screens, or home theater screens.
In terms of design, what shape can you find Giant screens? The standard giant screens often have rectangular shapes with either flat or curved designs.
Some giant screens come with hemispherical screens for enhanced viewing angles.
Their larger-than-life sizes are meant to provide target viewers with high-resolution images, wider viewing angles, and an immersive viewing experience.
Giant screens vary in size. However, a typical Giant flat screen is about 21.30 meters wide. Now, assuming an aspect ratio of 2.39:1, this translates to about 11.5 meters in height.
For a standard dome screen, the diameter can be about 18.28 meters
Large Screens – Application Areas
Below are some of the areas where you will find Giant screens installed.
1. Theaters, Outdoor Movies, Events, & Exhibitions
High-resolution Giant screens such as 8K Giant LED displays are a perfect choice for immersive indoor or outdoor cinema-viewing experiences, “premium” events, and high-value exhibitions
2. Advertising
Giant screens such as large LED screens, are used for modern advertising on strategically located buildings, in high-traffic cities, airports, shopping malls, and open public areas.
3. Corporate Presentations
Large corporations use giant screens to communicate with large target audiences such as employees, shareholders, or other target stakeholders.
They are used to convey certain information such as sales reports, customer ratings, or performance indicators among others.
4. Video Conferencing
Organizations or companies find giant screens suitable for video conferencing as they enable participants to remotely interact and to feel each other’s presence
5. Learning Purposes
In large classrooms or halls, a giant screen display can be used for teaching complex topics that need digital illustrations, especially in large classrooms.
6. CCTV Surveillance In Real-time
In companies or institutions where security is critical, giant screens can be used to monitor installed CCT cameras in real time.
7. Skiing Facility Display
Ski resorts are often in expansive mountain locations.
And so, Giant screens are used to help skiers to get vital information such as maps of routes and weather updates among others.
8. Major Sporting Events
Giant screens are also used to broadcast live matches to ensure that fans do not miss what matters to them the most!
You can imagine the feeling sports fans have as they watch themselves on Giant screens during a World Cup match? Sensational!
9. Live Shows and Concerts
In major live-performance events, huge screens are used to bring audiences much closer to where actions happen in real-time for the ultimate immersive experience.
What is an IMAX Screen?
If you are a giant screen enthusiast with a hunger for new innovations, then the IMAX screen will instantly blow your mind away with its size and unforgettable viewing experience.
In terms of size, IMAX screens come in different sizes and they are massive compared to standard screens.
A standard IMAX screen stands at about 22.1 feet in width and 52.4 feet in height.
What is IMAX?
IMAX as a brand name, stands for “ Image Maximum”. This refers to a high-resolution film format from IMAX Corporation.
The company utilizes large film formats and is also specialized in the design of IMAX theaters.
IMAX screen venuses are large in design. Their curved IMAX screens, seats, and enhanced audio systems provide viewers with an unforgettable immersive experience.
Types of IMAX Screens
In terms of design, there are two major types of IMAX screens which are:
1. Standard IMAX Theater Screens
These are found in standard IMAX theaters and are rectangular.
They are much larger compared to the other screens you find in standard cinema theaters.
2. Dome IMAX Screens
These are designed with hemispherical screens that perfectly cover the entire theater for a complete view and an amazing immersion experience. They can span up to 30 meters in diameter
Application of IMAX Screens and Technology
The following are the key application areas of the massive IMAX Screens:
1. Used In Large Educational Institutions
IMAX screens are used for educational purposes in large learning institutions.
Their massive sizes coupled with high-quality images and superior sound quality help in bringing education to life!
2. Film-making Industry
IMAX Screen technology is used by filmmakers during their filmmaking processes to ensure that viewers have a larger-than-life experience.
They achieve this by using special cameras to capture high-definition images. Further, filmmakers can also produce amazing 3D sound effects for a unique sound experience
3. Museums, Cultural Centers, Theme Parks, & Science Centers
You will also find IMAX display screens in some museums, cultural centers, theme parks, and science centers.
In such facilities, visitors have an opportunity to view educational documentaries touching on historical events or people, nature, or space exploration.
Visitors can also sample factual films and feature films.
With the large IMAX screen, high-resolution displays, and superior sound system, visitors are carried into a virtual world of exploration, adventure, and learning experience.
4. Outdoor Event Shows
During special events or festivals, IMAX screens are used for audiences to enjoy cinema or other relevant content outdoors.
For such locations, temporarily inflated screens or fixed-frame displays are set up for IMAX’s outdoor treatment!
Giant Screen Vs IMAX – Differences in Image Projections’
Giant screens use standard projection technology to display images in giant screens.
IMAX screen relies on double projection on massive screens and works with three types of IMAX projections namely:
- IMAX 70mm
- IMAX with Laser
- IMAX Digital.
Leading the pack with its unmatched high-quality image and superior cinema sound experience is no doubt IMAX 70MM
Giant Screen vs IMAX – Difference in Viewing Experience
f you are used to standard home cinema and keen on exploring what a giant theater screen has to offer, you will be captivated by the size difference.
This is because giant screens are much larger compared to regular home theater screens. They also project higher-quality images.
Now, stepping inside an IMAX screen venue is taking your movie or content viewing experience to a new high level.
You will be blown away by the IMAX screen’s gigantic size and its superior sound quality.
And before you know it, you will be swallowed in the screen’s detailed, realistic, immersive, and memorable viewing experience
Comparison Table of Giant Screen vs IMAX
| Comparison Features | Giant & IMAX Screen | |
| Giant Screen | IMAX Screen | |
| Size | There are giant screens that are larger than the standard theater screens.
A typical giant screen measures about 21.3 meters to 12.1 meters in width |
Standard IMAX screens are much larger compared to standard cinema screens.
A typical IMAX screen measures about 21 meters in width and ) X 16 meters in height |
| 3D Technology | Image projections are not always in 3D | Has 3D projection technology making viewers feel they are right in the middle of the movie scene |
| Aspect Ratio | Typically have an aspect ratio of 1.85:1 which is comparable to a size 16:9 screen. Their widths however, are a few feet wider. | Have a typical aspect ratio of 1.43:1, and 1.90:1 for special screening locations. This translates to bigger frames and bigger cinema pictures, and more visible actions |
| Resolution | Has a resolution of 2K to 4K resulting in large images, enhanced contrast, and clear images | Can have resolutions of up to 8K for superior clarity, top color accuracy, and sharper images |
| Brightness and Image Sharpness | Are less brighter because the projectors used are not very powerful. Images are not as sharp as those on anIMAX screen. Colors too may not be as vibrant as in IMAX theater screens. | The screen is brighter and both image and colors are enhanced for more viewing clarity |
| Theater Seating Arrangement/Setup | Has a lower seating capacity | Has more seating capacity because of the massive theater screen |
| Costs & Ticket Prices | The screens are more affordable making cinema tickets less expensive for large-screen movie lovers | IMAX theater screens are generally more expensive. Ultimately, IMAX theater tickets are more expensive |
| Viewing Area | May have either a flat or curved screen design. | Has a wider viewing angle because of the curved screen |
| Projection Film | Uses a standard film | Uses a special 15/70 film format or film stock leading to superior image clarity. |
| Projection Booth | Requires a much larger projection booth | Require a large projection booth |
| Design | Flat screen design which results in a narrow viewing angle | Available in rectangular and curve designs.
The curved screens ensure that light is uniformly reflected to the viewer for an enhanced angle of view and an immersive experience |
| Number of Projectors | Requires a single projector | Works with double-system projectors, namely IMAX 70mm, IMAX with Laser, and IMAX digital |
| Sound System | Less advanced sound system | More advanced sound system |
| Immersive Experience | Provides an immersive experience due to its large size | Provides a superior immersive experience due to its massive size, high-resolution images, and advanced sound system |
| Technology Used | Use a wide range of technologies | Adopts “The IMAX Experience” which is a proprietary technology |
| Theatres Design | Installed in general theaters | Installed in IMAX-built theaters |
| Screen Lenses | Uses a specialized screen lens | Uses regular screen lens |
| Brightness | Standard screen brightness | The screen is much brighter with IMAX with Laser projector |
| Screen Theater Seats | Served by standard cinema seats with high capacity | Have specialized and branded IMAX seats |
| Movie Format Limitations | You can watch virtually all standard theater movies on a Giant theater screen | The selection of movies you can watch on the IMAX screen is limited. This is because movies or documentaries, or other produced content have to be specifically tailored for IMAX screen viewing |
Giant Screens Vs IMAX – Key Similarities
Some of the similarities you will find between Giant displays and IMAX include but are not limited to:
i. Large Image Display – Both the Giant screen and Imax project larger and clearer images than standard screens.
ii. Immersive viewing experiences – They both come with robust sound systems that create a more refreshing and realistic audience viewing experience
iii. Digital Projection Technology – Both Giant screens and IMAX work with digital projectors to display bigger, sharper, and more vibrant images compared to standard screens.
iv. High Image Resolution – Giant screens and IMAX display high image qualities ranging from 4K to 8K resolutions
Key Benefits of IMAX Screens
Below are some of the benefits you derive from being an IMAX screen fan:
- Large Viewing Area
With its typical size spanning about 22 meters in width, IMAX provides you with a large viewing area and angle.
This ensures you capture more content details irrespective of your sitting position. Watching a movie feels like you are right in the movie scene!
- Value for Money!
Even though IMAX screens will cost you more bucks, the viewing experience it provides is worth the cost.
- Unparalleled Sound System
IMAX screen delivers a life-like and innovative high-quality sound system that gets you hooked and lost in the screen! This is made possible by its Dolby surround sound system.
- Superior High-Quality Images
IMAX screen content is created using special camera lenses. It also uses double and advanced projectors with higher resolutions.
With IMAX, 12K image resolution is a new reality!
These guarantees you super clear and brighter images for a captivating viewing experience.
- IMAX 3D For Immersive Experience
With IMAX 3D, you will feel like you are right inside the movie.
For your home-viewing experience, it is equipped with multiple 3D viewing settings to suit your preference.
- IMAX Venues Are Spacious and Comfortable
IMAX screen content or movies are watched in specially built IMAX venues or theaters. They come with spacious and adjustable seats for maximum comfort.
IMAX screen venues are also equipped with special lighting systems. These can be adjusted to suit your viewing flavor!
Giant Screen vs IMAX – The Drawbacks
The differences between Giant Screens and IMAX can also be assessed based on their drawbacks.
Let’s expose the limitations of each of these large screens…
Drawbacks of Giant Cinema Screens
- They Are Costly
Giant screens are expensive in terms of purchase and installation.
- Space Limitation
Installation of a giant screen requires a large and suitable space which is difficult to find in many cities or urban centers
- Available in Limited Locations
Giant screen displays are limited to specific locations within some major cities. Therefore, not everyone wishing to have a giant-screen feel can access it.
- High Maintenance Costs
Because of their massive sizes, routine maintenance to ensure they are in perfect condition and free from dust is time-consuming and costly.
Further, troubleshooting and resolving technical problems such as image projection, or sound system problems can be challenging due to the screen’s size.
- Low Sound Quality
Giant screens require large rooms and so your distance from the screen will be longer.
As a result, sound quality from giant screens is often not as good as those from standard screens.
- High Power Consumption
Jumbo screens require more power because of their large sizes, and brightness needed for their operation. And so, with a giant screen, you will be incurring higher power bills.
Drawbacks of IMAX Cinema Screens
- Cost Limitations
You will note that IMAX screens are more expensive compared to both standard and giant screens.
They also work with specialized and costly projectors that require large spaces and other installation components. These push the cost even further.
Therefore, they are beyond reach for many individuals, companies, and institutions.
Further, for movie lovers, cinema tickets for IMAX movie theaters are much higher compared to standard theaters.
- Limited Movie Locations
Being an expensive investment, IMAX screens are normally installed in large cities.
And so, if you live in a small city, or in the countryside, you cannot experience the charms and thrills that the IMAX screen promises and delivers due to limited access.
- Poor Sound Quality
IMAX sound technology works well only in large spaces. When used in small areas or theaters, the desired high-quality audio will not be experienced
- Technological Challenge
IMAX screens rely on new technology. As such, getting support may be a challenge.
- Content Availability
IMAX screen only works with movies or content that have IMAX format. Adapting movies or content for IMAX screen viewing also takes time.
Giant vs IMAX Screen – Which One Should You Choose?
Both the giant and IMAX screens have unique features that make them both worth experiencing.
Deciding to either go for Giant Screen or IMAX may be determined by the specific movie format you wish to watch among other personal factors.
For instance, if the movie or documentary you want to watch is IMAX-ready, you will have no option but go for an IMAX screen.
If you are used to standard home screens and you just need to dive into an immersive cinema world for a change, a giant screen is your better option.
However, if you want viewers to experience super-high image quality with amazing sound experience, IMAX is your magical screen of choice!
And given that some facilities such as theaters may have viewing options for both giant screens and IMAX screens, your choice is fully based on your preference.
Conclusion
In comparing giant screens vs IMAX, it is evident that you will be captivated by the immersive cinema experience that both screens provide.
Compared to IMAX, Giant screens are generally budget-friendly when it comes to purchase price, installation, and ticket costs.
IMAX screens are driven by innovative technology that delivers super-clear and sharp images with impressive sound quality for a unique and specialized viewing experience.
Choosing either a giant screen or IMAX for personal use should be based on your personal preference.
However, for advertising or other corporate needs, your decision should be determined by where you want to install it, the target viewers, what you wish to achieve, and the budget.
