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Imax and Hoyts Cinemas, one of Australia's largest exhibs, Thursday announced a joint venture to install Imax digital theaters in Perth, Melbourne and Sydney.

The first three theaters will open at the Entertainment Quarter 12 in Sydney, the Highpoint 17 in Melbourne and the Carousel 16 in Perth to coincide with the local launch of "Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince" in December. The fourth theater will be installed in Melbourne in 2009.

This will double the number of Imax screens currently operating Down Under.

"Imax theaters offer a cinematic experience that people can't get at home or in a conventional theater," said Hoyts CEO Delfin Fernandez. "The Imax Digital projection system eliminates the need for film prints, which significantly lowers operating costs and enables us to offer our customers a wider range of Imax content."