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THX is Giving Away Blu-ray Players, Receivers and More Through the Holidays
Thu Dec 01, 2011 at 02:00 PM ETTags: THX, Giveaways, Blu-ray Players, Receivers (all tags)
You can even get yourself a full THX Certified system by authorizing their Facebook page.
What's better than getting a new piece of gear for your home theater? Getting free gear for your home theater. THX is offering it up through their Facebook page and there's plenty to be had.
From now until January 13th, THX will be giving away prizes to those that visit, 'like,' and authorize the page. The current prize is a $100 gift certificate to an AMC theater, but future giveaways will include Blu-ray players, receivers, and an integrated system - all THX certified of course.
Swing on over to the THX Facebook page and register if you want to get in on the potential swag. Of course, authorizing THX to post to your Facebook wall is a bit of a strange request, so make sure you read up on what you're authorizing before clicking.
Source: THX Facebook
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JVC's New Projectors Get THX 3D Certified
Mon Nov 15, 2010 at 12:00 PM ETTags: JVC, 3D, THX (all tags)
After a lengthy testing process, they get the stamp of approval.
3D certification from THX is still relatively new, but it's impressive nonetheless that JVC's projectors – the DLA-RS60, DLA-X9, DLA-RS50 and DLA-X7 - are the first to earn it.
The process involves over 400 laboratory tests to determine a projector's worth. THX deals with color accuracy, viewing angles, video processing and perhaps the most important thing of all – cross-talk. After these tests, if the projectors are up to snuff, THX gives it the go-ahead.
In addition to rooting out the best of the best, THX certification gives you the option of THX Cinema Mode, a setting designed to bring out the best in your projector without you having to root around in the video menus. THX Cinema Mode can even be tuned further by THX professional calibrators.
The DLA-RS60 and DLA-X9 projectors will hit pro and consumer markets later this month at a price of $11,996 while the DLA-RS50 and DLA-X7 come in at $7,995.
Source: Audio Video Revolution
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LG's PX950 is the First THX 3D Certified TV
Thu Sep 09, 2010 at 02:00 PM ETTags: LG, THX, 3D, Industry Trends (all tags)
Criteria include color accuracy, cross-talk, and processing performance.
The latest television from LG is also the first to earn 3D certification from THX. It's THX certified in the traditional two dimensions as well, but that's far less exciting.
"THX spent more than a year in the lab developing our certification criteria and testing methodologies for 3D TVs and content," explains THX VP Rick Dean. "A THX 3D Certified TV must be capable of delivering consistent stereoscopic images with accurate color and clean processing."
LG's PX950 plasma uses the TruBlack Filter to block reflection while creating deeper blacks, and the Dual XD engine to upscale standard definition content to HD with ease. The sets also offer NetCast access, letting you watch content from Netflix, Vudu, YouTube and more.
The PX950 series is available now in two sizes. At 50 inches, you'll be shelling out $1,999 while the 60 inch set has an MSRP of $2,999.
Source: Market Watch
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Onkyo Announces a Flagship THX Certified Blu-ray Player
Wed Sep 01, 2010 at 02:00 PM ETTags: Onkyo, Blu-ray Players, THX (all tags)
The BD-SP808 launches this September at $599.
Back in 1994, Onkyo came out with the world's first THX certified A/V receiver. Needless to say, it went over well, and Onkyo's engineers have been working closely with THX since. The BD-SP808 is the latest Blu-ray player to come out of Onkyo, and THX certification is among its many features.
The player is capable of just about everything you'd expect a flagship player from Onkyo to do. It decodes the latest in high definition audio formats, plays back Blu-rays at 1080p, and upscales standard definition DVDs thanks to a Marvel Qdeo scaler.
It's incredibly slick looking, featuring a strong and rigid chassis that helps to minimize the effects of vibrations. The drive mechanism is mounted right in the center for the same reason.
You'll find an HDMI output on the back of the BD-SP808, as well as stereo, optical and coaxial audio outputs. There's a component output too, and even one for composite video – just in case you want to go standard definition with your beautiful new Blu-ray player.
The BD-SP808 launches this September at a price of $599 along with Denon's other THX certified separates.
Source: eCoustics
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Onkyo Debuts a THX Certified Preamp/Processor and Amplifier
Wed Sep 01, 2010 at 10:00 AM ETTags: Onkyo, Amplifiers, THX (all tags)
Both of Onkyo's massive new flagship models sport THX certification and more.
The PR-SC5508 is the latest preamplifier/processor to come from Onkyo. This 9.2 channel controller is the new flagship for the company and it's clear why. It's got a few web based features like Pandora and Napster capabilities and DLNA 1.5, but that's not where it really shines.
Inside the unit you'll find HQV Reon-VX processing that will take even the saddest resolution up to 1080p and ISF calibration abilities for each individual video source. It's also packed with features like Audyssey MultEQ XT 32 for the best possible sound in your room. Onkyo's PR-SC5508 will be out in September for $2,199.
The PA-MC5500 is a nine channel analog power amplifier that shares the same THX-Ultra2 Plus certification as the preamplifier it's made to complement. It's 8 ohm rated at 150 watts per channel, and can kick out as much as 400 watts at 3 ohms.
Onkyo's new flagship amplifier sports WRAT technology that keeps distortion low and frequency response wide. It's got custom transistors, a massive power supply with a toroidal transformer and a pair of 22,000 µF storage capacitors. You can pick up the PA-MC5500 when it launches this September for a price of $1,699.
Source: eCoustics
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THX Certification Goes 3D
Wed Aug 11, 2010 at 10:00 AM ETTags: THX, 3D Blu-ray, 3D, Industry Trends (all tags)
In combination with BluFocus, THX has created standards and certification for 3D Blu-ray discs.
It was only a matter of time until THX got into the 3D space, but it's there now. 3D Blu-ray discs being tested by THX will be held to a number of different standards.
THX-BluFocus AV Certification is the sort of stuff you're used to seeing from THX. It ensures that the detail of both audio and video haven't been lost in the transfer.
THX-BluFocus Interoperability ensures that you'll be able to play your disc in both 2D and 3D on any Blu-ray player around. Over 100 Blu-ray players will be tested during the process, including Blu-ray players from different reigons.
THX-BluFocus Creative Certification is probably the most important when it comes to 3D presentations. This is the process where THX testers make sure that the 3D is working right. They ensure that background elements don't pop to the foreground and make sure that subtitles are readable.
Source: PR Newswire
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So What Exactly is a THX Certified Display Anyway?
Fri May 07, 2010 at 02:00 PM ETTags: THX, High-Def Retailing, Industry Trends (all tags)
There's been a lot of contention about THX certification recently, especially in the wake of the whole Lexicon/Oppo debacle. THX has decided to answer the questions by finally disclosing some of what goes into the certification process.
THX didn't give full disclosure, mind you, but they did allow for the publication of some of their specifications. Among the requirements for THX specification are low reflectance from the panel, brightness uniformity, and off axis color accuracy.
The guys at HD Guru, who got to see the testing process hands on, were given a complete copy of the specifications, but were only able to publish certain parts. THX says that this is for competitive and business reasons.
If you want to dig deeper into the specifics, you can find a more detailed list of the specifications directly from THX at the link below.
Source: HD Guru
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Lexicon Accused of Selling Repackaged Oppo BDP-83 at a $3000 Markup
Mon Jan 18, 2010 at 01:45 PM ETTags: Lexicon, Oppo, THX, High-Def Retailing (all tags)
The Lexicon BD-30 is a $3,500 Blu-ray player, but some disassembly reveals that it may be nothing more than an Oppo BDP-83 with a shiny new case.
The front panel may say Lexicon, but it’s got Oppo guts. Those familiar with the much beloved Oppo BDP-83 may notice that the back panel of the Lexicon BD-30 uses the exact same layout. The buttons on the front panel are in the same configuration as well.
It’s not entirely uncommon for players to look the same, but the good folks over at Audioholics opened the units up side by side and took a look. The two players are almost completely identical. In fact, the only real difference found was in the color of the caps on the power supply board.
Looking at the base of the BD-30, you can see vent holes that were cut out to make room for the vents of the BDP-83. From what it looks like, Lexicon took a BDP-83, put it in a Lexicon chassis and sold it. The going price of a BDP-83 is around $500, but the BD-30 runs $3,500.
The BD-30 is THX certified, but benchmarks reveal the same crossovers, frequency response and distortion amounts as the non THX certified BDP-83. THX has responded to questions of the legitimacy by stating that the BD-30 was thoroughly tested. Strangely though, you’ll no longer find reference to THX anywhere on Lexicon’s page.
Home Theater Review has a different take on the player, stating that “there is no comparison between the build quality of the two players,” and that “the Lexicon had a more natural contrast and color palette than the Oppo.” It was also noted that Lexicon’s player was much quieter than the BDP-83 when loading discs.
This is a development sure to raise a lot of questions, not only for Lexicon, but for Oppo and THX as well. We expect to hear more in the coming weeks.
Source: Audioholics
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THX Says Properly Calibrated TVs Save Money
Wed Sep 02, 2009 at 01:00 PM ETTags: THX (all tags)
A study conducted by THX recently discovered a secondary benefit to high def display calibration. When comparing professionally calibrated pictures to the Vivid or Dynamic settings commonly used by consumers, the energy savings was as high as $50, or 50 percent.
In all cases, a properly calibrated viewing mode saved at least 15% in energy costs. Older plasma TVs, those manufactured before 2008, saw the most benefit from calibration with newer models generally seeing less.
"Newer HDTV models are using less energy than ever before as a result of advances in panel manufacturing,” stated THX Director of Education John Dahl. "While the U.S. Department of Energy's ENERGY STAR standard is driving manufacturers to reduce on-mode energy consumption, both new and older plasma and LCD HDTVs can experience additional energy savings as a result of professional video calibration."
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LG’s LH90 Named First THX Certified LCD HDTV
Thu Jul 23, 2009 at 10:00 AM ETTags: LG, THX (all tags)
Just like the headline reads, the LG LH90 has been named the first THX Display certified LCD television.
There’s no two ways about it, LG’s having a good year. Their sales are at a record high across the board, profits increased in their home entertainment department, where many other companies are suffering, and according to a press release sent out earlier today, the LH90 has been named as the first THX Display certified LCD television.
The 240hz capable LH90 features LED backlighting with local dimming for precise picture control and a 2,000,000:1 contrast ratio ensuring a ridiculously good picture. According to Peter Reiner, VP of marketing , “LG's advanced LED Backlight technology precisely controls the brightness of specific areas of the screen, providing crisper, clearer pictures while using less energy than traditional LCD models.” Additionally, the THX Movie Mode offers customers a one button solution to getting the best color, black levels and a nice clean signal.
Ranging between $1900 for a 42” model and $3200 for a 55”, the LH90 is in stores now.
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