THX is a company that was founded by none other than the legendary filmmaker George Lucas. His fans will probably recognize the companys name from Lucas first film, THX 1138. However, many claim that THX is an acronym for Tomlinson Holmans eXperiment. In the early 1980s, Lucas was dissatisfied by the audio and visual experience in theaters, so he had Holman, a sound engineer at Lucasfilm, develop new acoustic standards for movie theaters.
It is a common misconception that THX refers to some recording technology or a sound recording format. In its truest sense, THX is a standard mainly associated with high-quality sound reproduction for movie theaters, home theaters, gaming consoles, car audio systems, screening rooms, and computer speakers. In other words, THX certification is a quality assurance system for audio and video playback. If an audio device is THX certified, you will be able to listen to the audio exactly as the sound engineer intended it to be head. Sound recorded in any format, be it digital (Dolby Digital, SDDS) or analog (Dolby Stereo, Ultra-Stereo) is compatible with a THX system.
THX works with several manufacturers to develop products that enhance a viewers entertainment experience as well. THX certified devices include flat panel TVs, projectors, home theater systems, and more. A THX certified video device offers higher fidelity when it is in THX mode. The THX certified Panasonic TC-P50G10 Flat Panel Plasma TV is a fine example of a product that delivers noticeably better video output when it is set to THX mode. Both its reproduction of shadow details as well as primary colors and grayscale are so realistic; youll feel like you are looking at the real thing rather than watching it on your big screen.
Onkyo was the first manufacturer to release a THX certified integrated home theater system. Since then, other top brands have jumped on the bandwagon and now several manufactures offer home theater receivers with THX technology. The THX certified Pioneer Elite SC-09TX A/V Receiver, for example, has THX Ultra2 Plus and THX Loudness Plus. THX Loudness Plus uses a combination of two other THX technologies, THX Multi-channel Spectral Balancing and THX Dynamic Ambience Preservation, to ensure that the original sound mix is maintained at all volume levels. The end result is that the Pioneer receiver provides a more accurate listening experience. The receiver is also designed with Neural-THX Surround. This technology is especially important for gamers who seek the most immersive game play experience. It can take the audio of a next-gen game title and reproduce it in 7.1 surround.
Whether you are a videophile, music lover, or hardcore gamer, you should always get electronics with THX certification. They offer the highest levels of audio and video fidelity, hands down.
