Jon Cielo talks with THX Senior VP, Rick Dean about the exciting news surrounding THX Media Director at CES 2012.

THX Senior Systems Engineer, Jon Cielo talks with Paul Wasek from Onkyo about their new lineup of THX Certified AVRs being showcased at CES 2012.

Until now, smaller, more compact speaker systems have been about convenience and form factor rather than performance. Well, times are changing, and recent advances in technology and design have challenged this precedent. Today, it’s quite possible for smaller speaker systems to deliver excellent sound experiences.

THX is here to make sure you get the best performance for your buck by unveiling the THX Compact Speaker System certification program.

For many people, even a THX Select2 Certified system (speakers designed to power rooms up to 2,000 cu/ft) would be overkill given the size of their room. However, up until now the market for smaller spaces has been saturated by underperforming, highly promoted products – leading many people to believe that the best they could get was tinny sound, no bass, and limited upgrade options.

The goal at THX is, and has always been, to bring the best possible sound and video quality to the consumer. Speaker designs, build materials, components, amplifier power, and other factors have prevented smaller, less expensive systems from being able to pass the strict certification performance benchmarks.

With recent technology advancements in the audio world, THX has been able to develop a certification program, without lessening the criteria, for smaller systems that perform well above what their diminutive size would imply.

The Room

Now of course no small system could fill a big room, nor should it ever be asked to. Rather, the THX Compact Speaker System certification program is designed and engineered to power rooms up to 1,000 cu./ft. – for example, rooms that are approximately 13.5-feet long by 10-feet wide with 8-foot ceilings.

Just because the speakers power smaller rooms doesn’t mean the certification criteria isn’t asking them to do a lot. THX demands high output (up to 105 dB) with low distortion. In a radical change from many other small speakers, THX also requires a flat frequency response, just like all THX Certified speakers.

Understanding not all small rooms can fit a full surround sound system, the THX Compact Speaker System Certification program is flexible in that it will be found on 2.1 systems (two speakers and a sub) as well as up to 7.1 systems.

MK Sound M Series Speakers

The first THX Certified Compact Speaker System is based on the popular MK Sound M7. These speakers feature a two-way bookshelf design with 1-inch silk dome tweeters and a 4-inch polymer-coated pulp cone. Neodymium magnets drive the tweeters. Frequency response is 80 Hz to 20 kHz +/- 2 dB.

With the THX Certified Compact Speaker System program, it’s now possible to find speakers to fit any size room or application, from desktop systems (THX Certified Multimedia Products), to sound bars (THX Speaker Bar), to small-room integrated systems (THX I/S Plus Systems), to mid-sized (THX Select2) and large rooms (THX Ultra2).

For more information about the different Certification Performance Categories, click here.

Jon Cielo talks to Bard Williams from TiVo about the THX Certified TiVo Premiere Elite DVR being showcased at CES 2012.

Peter Vasay talks to THX Senior VP, Laurie Fincham about the new THX amplifier technology being showcased at CES 2012.

THX Senior Systems Engineer, Jon Cielo reports on JVC’s THX Certified projectors from CES 2012.

For decades, many consumers have struggled with the incredibly complex audio and video gear that populates the average living room. As technology advances, products have gotten harder, not easier, to use. The VCR that blinks “12:00” may be obsolete, but that doesn’t mean everything in a modern system is set correctly.

THX Media Director, now available in many devices, bypasses all the confusion, preserves the content creator’s artistic intent and enables the consumer to get the most out of their hard-earned home theater system. No menus, no buttons, just put in a Blu-ray and CE devices automatically select the most appropriate audio and video settings – allowing consumers to sit back and enjoy the show.

What do you need for a complete THX Media Director enabled system? Funny you should ask…

The Hardware

From the source to the display, companies are rolling out products that are THX Media Director enabled.

• The Dune HD Max and the Dune HD Smart B1 are the first Blu-ray players to integrate THX Media Director. If you already own a Dune HD media player, an automated firmware update will automatically add THX Media Director (it doesn’t get much easier than that).
• One of the bestselling projector brands worldwide, Epson, is being used for THX Media Director demonstrations at the THX suite at CES 2012. Epson is planning to offer THX Media Director in forthcoming models.
• Sharp is the number one selling TV brand for 60” plus screen sizes. The Elite LED LCD, a joint venture with Pioneer, offers some of the best picture quality available in a TV today. Elite TVs were the first displays to demonstrate THX Media Director technology, and will be shown in the THX suite and on the show floor at CES. Although current Elite models aren’t THX Media Director enabled, Sharp intends to integrate THX Media Director in future models.
• On the audio side, Indy Audio Labs’ stunning Acurus Act 4 is the first THX Media Director enabled preamplifier. The 7.1-surround preamp/processor has five HDMI inputs, high-rez audio decoding, and will be available in Q2 of this year.

The Software

The THX Media Director environment begins with the content itself. To that end, several of the largest authoring facilities have signed on to deliver THX Media Director enabled content.

• BluFocus Inc. is a premier facility to create content-related information, or “smart content,” required to support THX Media Director. Its clients include Fox Home Entertainment, Lionsgate, Sony Pictures Home Entertainment, Walt Disney Home Entertainment, and many others. BluFocus is the first THX Media Director quality control facility.
• Deluxe Digital Studios was the first authoring facility in the U.S. to offer THX Media Director encoding with the THX Certified and THX Media Director enabled Star Wars: The Complete Saga. It is also the world’s largest Blu-ray and DVD authoring facility, a highly respected Hollywood institution for nearly a century.
• re:fine is the first THX Media Director partner in the U.K.. It authors content for 3D Blu-ray Discs and delivers digital content to BT Vision, Hulu and iTunes. Truth or Dare re:fine’s first THX Media Director enabled Blu-ray title, will be released next month.

2012 looks to be an exciting year for THX Media Director, and for consumers everywhere who want optimal performance from their home theater devices with as little hassle as possible.

“In the last few years, we’ve seen increased consumer demand for high-quality sound. Yet consumers don’t want to sacrifice space or design in order to get top audio performance,” said Brent Butterworth, contributing technical editor and home entertainment technology expert. “Thanks to the emergence of technologies such as high-efficiency amplifiers, it’s now possible to get outstanding performance from decor-friendly products such as desktop systems, sound docks and compact audio electronics.”

THX amplification technology addresses these demands by enabling consumer electronics manufacturers to create audio amplifiers that require a fraction of the power typically needed for such a device while still delivering premium quality, richly detailed audio performance.

“Having spent nearly 30 years measuring and setting audio and video standards that are difficult yet achievable, THX has developed an original approach to amplifier design to produce high performance sound quality while being energy efficient,” said Laurie Fincham, senior vice president of audio research and development, THX Ltd. “This unique patented combination of a flexible format using low-profile components which allows for compact designs presents new opportunities for CE manufacturers, enabling them to be highly innovative in creating powerful and cool audio designs for consumers in the home, in the car and on the go.”

THX at CES 2012

THX will be showcasing the new analog amplifier technology at CES 2012 in the Renaissance Hospitality Suites, as well as making some additional announcements at the show. For the latest THX news from CES 2012, please visit the THX Compact Speaker System™ and THX Media Director™ press releases.

About THX 

From the big screen to your screen, THX ignites your passion for exciting entertainment experiences. Founded by George Lucas and recognized by audiences around the globe, THX is synonymous with the design and certification of world-class cinemas, premium audio systems, 3D HDTVs and blockbuster movies. Products featuring THX technologies defy convention and define quality in their class, whether in the cinema, in the home or on the road.

“Consumers are using an increasing number of complex and sophisticated media devices, with content coming from an ever-expanding list of services. There is no way for consumers to individually manage the playback details of each piece of content, on each particular device,” said Gerry Kaufhold, principal analyst with In-Stat, based in Scottsdale, Arizona. “THX Media Director makes it easy for consumers to get the optimal user experience, allowing them to take advantage of all the great features that come loaded on CE devices these days. It gives device manufacturers a way to genuinely differentiate their products from the mass market, and it allows the content owner and artist to deliver their work to consumers just as they intended it to be heard and seen. THX has done everyone a great service with this technology.”

How it Works

THX Media Director technology can be encoded into nearly any CE device or form of media – including streaming content, Blu-ray and DVD discs, CDs, audio files, downloads and more. From lens to post-production, THX Media Director captures specific creative and technical characteristics of audio and video content, such as:

• Content type (i.e., game, movie, photograph, etc.)
• Aspect ratio or size (to determine how the content should fit the display screen)
• Film grain (for effect)
• Whether the content is 2D or 3D (and which form of 3D)
• Room size (to determine optimal audio)
• Surround sound

Creators and content editors are able to record these specifics according to how the content was intended to be seen and heard, allowing THX Media Director enabled devices—such as Blu-ray players, set-top boxes, AVRs, HD displays—to automatically select the most appropriate playback settings. For example, as users change from playing a game to watching a movie, THX Media Director communicates this and enables the devices to automatically select the right settings. From an experiential perspective, it also allows post-production teams to set specific color parameters to ensure that a dark movie utilizes the appropriate black levels, allowing viewers to differentiate images amongst the various blacks vs. just seeing a black screen.

This ability to turn any kind of digital media into “smart content” represents a significant leap ahead for the industry and for consumers who are looking for a much simpler, yet richer, more immersive home entertainment experience.

THX Media Director Achievements

THX spent the better part of 2011 signing up additional partners and executing licensing deals to implement THX Media Director in everything from the silicon chips that power CE devices, to streaming media content and Blu-ray discs.

“In continuing to partner with leading CE manufacturers, chip developers, content creators and authoring facilities, THX is delivering on its promise to bring this technology to consumers’ living rooms,” said Rick Dean, senior vice president, THX Ltd.  “THX Media Director technology is a key contributor to the CE ecosystem, enabling the newest CE devices to deliver on the ‘wow factor’ that consumers demand when they invest in home entertainment equipment. THX technologies aren’t just about making things easier for the consumer. Our goal remains to deliver an experience beyond consumers’ expectations.”

New THX Media Director Devices

Dune HD products are widely recognized as best-in-class for quality, flexibility and performance. THX selected Dune HD media players—the Dune HD Max and the Dune HD Smart B1—as the first to integrate THX Media Director technology, as they support nearly every audio and video format type. Existing Dune HD media players are able to add THX Media Director Technology through an automated firmware upgrade process. Future Dune HD products will support THX Media Director in their original firmware.

• Epson is the best-selling projector brand worldwide. From its early beginnings as a projection pioneer, Epson continues its full commitment to offering projectors that lead in technology, innovation and quality. THX will be demonstrating THX Media Director capabilities on an Epson model in the THX suite at CES 2012, highlighting Epson as the first projector manufacturer to showcase this technology. While existing Epson projectors are not yet THX Media Director Enabled, Epson is planning to offer THX Media Director in future models.
• Indy Audio Labs delivers convenience, capability and power in one satisfying state-of-the-art AV system. Its Acurus products are recognized for audiophile performance and features at a high-value, affordable price point, making the Acurus ACT 4 a natural choice for the first THX Media Director enabled preamplifier. Designed to be the headquarters of a modern high definition home theater, the ACT 4 is a powerful, sleek hub when combined with Indy Audio Lab’s recently released Acurus A2000 series multi-channel amplifiers. THX Media Director Enabled 7.1 surround preamp preprocessor is expected to be available to consumers Q2 2012.
• Sharp is known worldwide for its unique electronic products, with the number one selling TV brand for 60” plus screen size classes. Elite LED LCD TVs provide discerning technology enthusiasts, audiophiles, videophiles and luxury consumers an unparalleled home theater experience. The Elite TVs were the first displays to demonstrate THX Media Director technology at CEDIA 2011 and are being exhibited this week in the THX suite and on the show floor at CES 2012. Elite TVs feature innovative technologies, including THX certification, excellent black levels, amazing detail and incredible depth. Although current Elite models are not THX Media Director Enabled, Sharp intends to integrate THX Media Director in future models.

New THX Media Director Authoring Facilities

Having established traction in the CE industry, THX Media Director is also being widely supported by the entertainment industry, with signed agreements from the largest and most prestigious content preparation service providers in the industry. As a result, consumers will see more THX Media Director enabled Blu-ray, DVD and streaming titles in stores and over electronic delivery services in 2012.

BluFocus Inc., with offices in Los Angeles and London and clients including Fox Home Entertainment, Lionsgate, Sony Pictures Home Entertainment, Walt Disney Home Entertainment, Warner Brothers Home Video and others, is a premier facility to create content-related information, or “smart content,” required to support THX Media Director. As a leader in quality assurance and certification, BluFocus is also the first THX Media Director quality control facility, adding to its current menu of services for apps, digital downloads, Blu-ray, DVD and more

Deluxe Digital Studios is the first authoring facility in the U.S. to offer THX Media Director encoding with the delivery of the THX Certified and THX Media Director Enabled, Star Wars: The Complete Saga on Blu-ray in September 2011. As the world’s largest Blu-ray and DVD authoring facility, Deluxe has been an integral and reliable partner for filmmakers and the Hollywood Studios for over 95 years

re:fine is the first THX Media Director partner in the U.K., authoring content for 3D Blu-ray Discs and delivering digital content to BT Vision, Hulu and iTunes. re:fine’s first THX Media Director Enabled Blu-ray title, Truth or Dare, by Showbox Media Group, is scheduled for release in February, 2012 


Additional THX Media Director enabled devices and content are expected to launch throughout 2012.

THX Media Director 2011 Highlights

In January at CES, THX announced THX Media Director partnerships with Epson, JVC, LG and Onkyo
In April at NAB, THX announced that THX Media Director is enabled in more than 10,000 streaming media titles available to millions of subscribers via Rovi’s RoxioNow streaming media service

In September at CEDIA, THX announced support from leading chip manufacturers, including Analog Devices and Silicon Image, making it easy for CE device manufacturers to implement THX Media Director functionality into devices; in addition, continuing its partnership with Quantum Data Inc., together they announced THX Media Director compatible functions in Quantum Data’s line of test equipment

Also announced in September, THX joined forces with Lucasfilm on the first THX Media Director Enabled Blu-ray Disc title, “Star Wars: The Complete Saga,” which is also THX Certified. The Saga broke global sales records and is the bestselling catalog Blu-ray Disc of all time.

THX at CES 2012

THX will be showcasing THX Media Director at CES 2012 in the Renaissance Hospitality Suites, as well as making some additional announcements at the show. For the latest THX news from CES 2012, please visit the THX Compact Speaker System™ and THX Amplifier Technology press releases.

About THX

From the big screen to your screen, THX ignites your passion for exciting entertainment experiences. Founded by George Lucas and recognized by audiences around the globe, THX is synonymous with the design and certification of world-class cinemas, premium audio systems, 3D HDTVs and blockbuster movies. Products featuring THX technologies defy convention and define quality in their class, whether in the cinema, in the home or on the road.

“THX” and “THX Media Director” are trademarks of THX Ltd. THX is registered in some jurisdictions. All rights reserved.
Sharp and all related trademarks are trademarks or registered trademarks of Sharp Corporation and/or its affiliated entities.

“The move to smaller speaker systems and more compact form factors is one of the most significant trends in mainstream consumer audio today. Though they provide an improvement over audio in today’s televisions, the sound quality of these solutions varies widely due to the limitations imposed by a small form factor and a lack of common performance standards. Certification standards in this market would help ensure consistent quality at the product level and assurance at the consumer level,” according to Paul Erickson, senior analyst at IMS Research.

THX Certified Compact Speaker System Program Specifics

THX engineers conducted numerous audio tests on various, currently available speaker systems designed for smaller room environments, and developed difficult – yet achievable – performance specifications to meet consumer expectations:

• Designed for rooms up to 1,000 cubic feet (13.5-feet long by 10-feet wide by 8-feet tall) with a recommended listening distance of up to 8-feet/2.4 meters from the screen
• Stereo (2.1 – two speakers and one subwoofer minimum requirement) up to a full home theater (7.1) system quality sound for smaller (1,000 cubic foot) playback environments
• High output and low distortion for accurate sound reproduction (up to 105 dBC SPL)
• Flat frequency response for better dialog clarity across a wide, optimized listening area
• A low frequency system crossover for consistent, lifelike audio playback with richness and depth
• Extended subwoofer low frequency output for enhanced bass performance with tailored equalization for an overall smooth, well-balanced sound when combined with the satellite speakers
• Integrates with current and future THX Select2 Plus or Ultra2 Plus Certified AVR products (using standard THX 80 Hz crossover settings)

“For nearly 40 years, MK Sound products have enjoyed an unchallenged reputation as the world’s finest, delivering the highest levels of performance to both consumers and professionals,” said Asger Bak, CEO, MK Sound. “When THX approached us with the idea for the Compact Speaker System program, we were excited because we share similar philosophies in terms of exceeding user expectations and standards. By achieving THX Compact Speaker certification, MK Sound customers are assured that their speaker systems will reproduce professional quality sound exactly as the audio engineer intended – never falling short of extraordinary.”

MK Sound M Series

With the M Series, MK Sound establishes a new performance standard for affordable, compact home entertainment systems. Featuring the same richly-detailed, dynamic sound that defines every MK Sound loudspeaker, the M Series delivers realistic high quality sound for music and movie soundtracks in an elegant, room-friendly package.

“Consumer demand for high-quality sound systems that fit the aesthetics of smaller home theaters or dedicated media rooms continues to increase,” said Peter Vasay, vice president of technology operations, THX Ltd. “Designed specifically for limited spaces, the THX Compact Speaker System Certification offers consumers the same promise of high-fidelity sound expected from any THX Certified home entertainment product, and performance above typical smaller speakers that are on the market.”

THX at CES 2012:

THX will be showcasing the THX Compact Speaker System Certification Program at CES 2012 in the Renaissance Hospitality Suites, as well as making some additional announcements at the show. For the latest THX news from CES 2012, please visit THX Media Director and THX Amplifier Technology.

About THX:

From the big screen to your screen, THX ignites your passion for exciting entertainment experiences. Founded by George Lucas and recognized by audiences around the globe, THX is synonymous with the design and certification of world-class cinemas, premium audio systems, 3D HDTVs and blockbuster movies. Products featuring THX technologies defy convention and define quality in their class, whether in the cinema, in the home or on the road.