Arcam joins IMAX Enhanced home cinema certification program

In September, IMAX announced a new licensing and certification home entertainment program, IMAX Enhanced, designed to create the very best AV experience in the living room.

The program has considerable industry support to gain if it wants to compete with the likes of Dolby’s Vision and Atmos technologies, but it looks to be making a promising start.

Four Arcam AV receivers (the AVR390, AVR550, AVR850 and AV860) will be the first in the brand’s IMAX Enhanced line, and will be available to buy imminently.

Arcam’s compatible AV amps will shortly be joined by several from other brands. Marantz’ AV8805 was due to receiver a free update for IMAX Enhanced in October, while its SR6013, SR7013, SR8012 and AV7705 models are due it in January 2019. The timeline for Denon’s AVR-X4500H and AVR-X6500H AV amps getting support for the IMAX technology is similar.

So what will owners of these receivers be able to play? Titles haven’t been announced yet, but IMAX says it’s working to make a ‘steady stream’ of IMAX Enhanced blockbusters and programming available, with 'content announcements to follow shortly'. Considering the backing from Sony Pictures and Paramount pictures, as well as the recent announcement of IMAX’s ongoing partnership with Sony Pictures, we expect there will soon be plenty.

Becky is a hi-fi, AV and technology journalist, formerly the Managing Editor at What Hi-Fi? and Editor of Australian Hi-Fi and Audio Esoterica magazines. With over twelve years of journalism experience in the hi-fi industry, she has reviewed all manner of audio gear, from budget amplifiers to high-end speakers, and particularly specialises in headphones and head-fi devices.

In her spare time, Becky can often be found running, watching Liverpool FC and horror movies, and hunting for gluten-free cake.