IMAX Virtual Reality Centre opens in L.A.

The first IMAX Virtual Reality Centre opened its doors in Los Angeles in January. The opening was almost secretive by comparison. According to VRScout However, over 5,000 visitors have already tested the new centre. The Los Angeles IMAX VR Center is the first of 6 pilot locations. Five more are planned for this year. Some of these will be upgrades to existing IMAX cinemas. If the pilot projects are successful, the whole model will be implemented globally.

VR for the masses

The concept is relatively banal. On the one hand, the centre wants to appeal to local residents, and on the other hand, it should also become an attractive tourist spot. The ticket prices are relatively suitable for the masses, if you compare it, for example, with the pricing model of the Red or Blue Labs in Zurich. Tickets cost from $7 to $10 at IMAX L.A. for a 5 to 12 minute experience.

The IMAX VR Center offers single or multi-player VR applications, some of which are shown exclusively there. Even with the hardware currently in use, one can say: Great cinema! In addition to VR glasses, visitors can use the motion-tracked MP-5 submachine gun and the DBox Try out the chair, which moves, or also the Subpac Waistcoats - immersive and tactile audio waistcoats where you are supposed to feel the music.

Business model that works?

This will probably also be important for the business model in the future. Visitors should be able to try out new technologies, hardware and exclusive software at low cost without having to invest in their own equipment. A business model that will initially work. But over time, as prices fall, it could become increasingly difficult. That's where centres like our VR Center in Dietlikon, about which we reportedThey probably offer something that you can't replicate at home. They probably offer something that you can't replicate so quickly at home.

Nevertheless, IMAX currently offers a cool experience. According to VRScout, 75% of the previous visitors had never had another VR experience before. And then, from experience, it doesn't take very much to amaze people.

We are curious when the first centre will come to Switzerland.

Source: VRScout