THX

THX is an attempt to quantitatively certify the end-to-end performance quality of media (DVD, Blu-Ray, HD DVD etc .) and the equipment that will be used to play back the media content (Receivers, Amplifiers, Pre-amplifiers, DVD players, Blu-Ray and HD DVD players, as well as speakers, interconnecting wiring and even HD displays). THX has defined stringent standards governing film to VHS, DVD, Blu-Ray and HD DVD transfers. Media that has met the standards will bear the “THX Certified” stamp. The same kind of ridged performance standards are used to test and certify AV playback equipment.

The THX tests are conducted against exacting performance criteria as well as the usability of a particular product.  The usability tests are conducted to ensure that when a piece of equipment is calibrated to the manufacturer’s instructions, play back is at the same levels as the original movie theater experience.  With receivers, they must be able to meet the same volume levels that a movie was original mixed at, without distorting, to pass the THX tests, and achieve THX certification.

There is a surround format that bears the THX label, THX Surround EX. THX Surround EX is identical to Dolby Digital EX, this format was jointly developed by Lucasfilm THX and Dolby Laboratories for use in state-of-the-art movie theaters. Originally Lucasfilm THX licensed the format for use in AV stereo equipment. Dolby Laboratories now licenses the format under its own name.

There are 5 different categories of THX certification where AV equipment is concerned. With regard to receivers there are 2 relevant certifications; THX Select2 which covers small to medium sized home theaters, and THX Ultra2 which is designed for large home theaters. The viewing distances are approximately 10 feet/3 meters from the TV for THX Select2 standard and approximately 12 feet/4 meters from the TV for the THX Ultra2 standard.

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