The growing popularity of mobile devices is changing the landscape of consumer entertainment. With 50 percent of adult Americans owning either a smart phone or a tablet or both, according to a recent Pew Research report, the television is rapidly ceding ground as the device of choice for entertainment. Video on small, portable and mobile consumer electronic devices has improved tremendously over the past few years. Unfortunately, audio has largely been left behind, caught between two opposing demands, more output power and smaller size – until now.

At CEDIA 2012, THX announced a partnership with Sontia, an audio technology company that has developed several audio processing technologies, including Sontia SPT – an innovative sound processing technology designed to enhance the acoustic performance of some of today’s most widely used consumer electronics. The technology allows for high-quality sound (with reduced development/production costs) in devices that rely on small, thin speakers for audio, including smart phones, headphones, speaker bars, and other compact and portable consumer devices; even cars.

Sontia and THX are working together to carefully analyze products and evaluate their capabilities, leveraging both Sontia’s critical testing lab and THX’s regime of precision tests. The goal of a two-layer testing approach is to provide the optimal audio performance relative to individual products.

THX’s partnership with Sontia helps us continue to innovate and deliver the best possible entertainment experience for both video and audio. Just because the device is tiny doesn’t mean the sound has to be – whether watching a movie on your phone or playing music through a speaker bar, we believe quality audio should be the standard on all devices.

The partnership between THX and Sontia is being illustrated through sound processing technology demonstrations at CES 2013.

Sharp THX 4K Certified ICC Purios LC-60HQ10 display

The answer to this question is largely subjective and should also encompass other factors, so THX suggests you consider your viewing habits and environment, a long with the display’s ability to present “upconverted” standard HD content as the first steps to determine if you’re likely to benefit from this new technology.

Factor 1: Screen Size

As displays grow in size, and/or viewing distance decreases, the benefits of higher resolutions such as 4K become easier to identify. This reasoning is based on the fixed number of pixels that make up a display screen. A standard 1080p HD television has a total of approximately two million pixels which together display the on-screen image. This is true regardless of screen size, meaning that a 46-inch 1080p display and a 70-inch 1080p display both have approximately two million pixels. However, when you divide these two million pixels into the surface area for a 46-inch television, you end up with approximately 2,700 pixels per square inch. When you compute the same figure for a 70-inch television, the number drops to approximately 1,780 pixels per square inch. eight,

If your eyes glazed over when reading the technical explanation above – simply put, it is easier to see pixels on a larger screen because each of the pixels is physically larger in size. The larger the screen, the more likely you’ll recognize the image clarity and sharpness benefits of Ultra HD displays.

Your eyesight, quality of the display itself and various other factors influence the point at which a person can distinguish individual pixels on a display of a given size. Nonetheless, for the overwhelming majority of consumers with a home television viewing distance of six feet or greater, the benefits of increased screen resolution will be recognized when viewing 4K content on a display 55 inches or larger.

Factor 2: Viewing Distance

On a 50-inch 1080p HD display, most consumers can begin to distinguish individual pixels only when standing within six feet of the screen. Therefore if your viewing distance is 10 feet or greater, an Ultra HD 50-inch display will likely have little perceived benefit in terms of image clarity and sharpness – which can be attributed directly to the increase in pixel count. On the other hand, if you work in a field such as graphic design and sit approximately two feet from your 32-inch display, even at a screen size of just 32 inches, the benefits of 4K resolution will likely be noticeable as a result of the narrow viewing distance.

Factor 3: 4K Content

If you’ve been keeping tabs on all the Ultra HD chatter, you’ve probably heard someone complain about the lack of native 4K content. That is, content captured at 4K resolution (3840 x 2160 or 4096 x 2160 pixels), or existing HD content that’s been digitally transferred into a higher resolution. Until the content industry catches up, consumers who invest in an Ultra HD display are reliant on displays that are able to convert and present a standard HD image at 4K resolution – a technology commonly referred to as “upscaling” or “upconverting.” But proceed with caution. Although these technologies are meant to enhance your existing HD content, they can often introduce unwanted artifacts, making images look unnatural.

To address this, THX worked with Sharp to certify its new ICC Purios LC-60HQ10 as the world’s first THX 4K Certified display, putting it through 400 laboratory tests to ensure HD and Ultra HD images are presented pristinely and to the highest standard. The new THX 4K Certification program is an assurance of image quality and consistency, confirming that a display not only meets industry 4K performance guidelines, but that it maintains content accuracy true to the original HD image. For example, THX evaluates color precision and clarity, analyzing image detail to make certain essential film elements such as grain and texture do not disappear. Sharp uses a unique technology called Integrative Cognitive Creation (ICC) to upconvert the picture into a 4K2K image by analyzing reflections of light on original content. This unique technology is capable of reconstructing 4K2K images that look more realistic than other upconverted pictures.

Conclusion

In summary, when comparing an Ultra HD TV to a standard HDTV, the higher resolution display allows you to sit closer to the screen before being able to distinguish the pixels. Or if considering the inverse, you can purchase a larger size television without having to increase your viewing distance before individual pixels can be seen.

Whether sitting closer or viewing content on a larger screen, once you’ve seen the crystal clear and lifelike quality of 4K pictures it may be difficult to go back to watching content on a standard HDTV. For those considering an upgrade to an Ultra HD display, our recommendation is that armed with the knowledge gained from reading this blog, you measure your current viewing distance and visit a local home theater retailer. Only then will you be able to stand at the same viewing distance and compare the picture quality between various sizes of HD and Ultra HD displays.

LAS VEGAS (CES 2013 – Renaissance Hospitality Suites #530 and #539) – January 8, 2013 – THX Ltd. today announced its THX® 4K Certification program, which features newly developed tests and parameters to ensure that the latest 4K HD televisions are able to present content in full Ultra High-Definition (Ultra HD) resolution with image clarity far superior to that of conventional HDTVs. THX 4K Certified televisions not only meet industry 4K performance guidelines but also present content that most accurately reconstructs the original HD master image. The new Sharp LC-60HQ10 is the world’s first THX 4K Certified display, capable of converting standard HD content into a 4K2K picture with staggering detail and precision, bringing the entertainment experience to life.

The THX 4K Certification program is the only performance standard currently available for higher resolution displays. To be awarded this certification, displays must pass up to 600 rigorous tests and measurements to ensure HD and Ultra HD images are presented accurately and to the highest standard. THX evaluates color precision, clarity, uniformity and detail to analyze how well a 4K or Ultra HD display can depict a variety of critical image elements while minimizing the perceived effects of grain and other flaws. THX Certified displays will feature a new setting, the THX 4K Movie Mode, which delivers the best possible pre-calibrated video settings for viewing Ultra HD and reconstructed HD movies right out-of-the box.

“With consumers today demanding more immersive and compelling home entertainment experiences, the industry has moved beyond HDTVs toward even higher resolution displays that offer a whole new level of entertainment realism in the home,” said Peter Vasay, vice president of technology operations at THX Ltd. “Our new THX 4K Certification process ensures that content viewed on a THX Certified Ultra HD display meets the most exacting video standards achievable in a consumer television today. Each display we evaluate must pass a stringent battery of tests to guarantee it can accurately reproduce the original HD image, in precisely the colors, tones and resolution intended.”

Sharp LC-60HQ10 Product Highlights:

The new Sharp LC-60HQ10 is the world’s first THX 4K Certified display. The 60” model features Integrated Cognitive Creation (ICC) image technology, capable of reconstructing 4K2K images that look more realistic than traditional up-conversion pictures by analyzing the reflections of light on the original content. The unit features an LCD panel specifically designed to showcase ICC image reconstruction technology. As luxury models, Sharp 4K TVs are designed to meet high-end, high-quality needs of specialty retail and custom install markets. Sharp is the number one selling TV brand in Japan for 60” plus screen size classes.

THX at CES 2013:

THX will be explaining the THX 4K Certification process, demonstrating the new Sharp display in its Renaissance Hospitality Suite at CES 2013, in addition to showcasing additional THX Certified products. THX will also be highlighting its partnership with Sontia, demonstrating an innovative sound processing technology that enhances acoustic performance and reduces development/production costs across a more comprehensive set of speaker products than what exists today.

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.

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What:

As audio and video home theater technologies continue to evolve, THX consistently updates its Certified Professional Training courses. At CES 2013, trainings will cover everything from hidden speaker installation to room EQ. The courses will keep experienced installers up-to-date on the latest technologies, and get newcomers up-to-speed on the home theater and HDTV worlds. THX Senior Fellow John Dahl will host THX Certified Home Theater trainings Levels 1 and 2.

THX Home Theater Level 1: This course covers home theater equipment selection, basic system set up, and system calibration. Topics include “The Value of Understanding Acoustics,” “Introduction to Home Theater Design,” “The Audio System,” “The Video System,” “System Set Up,” “Market Research,” “Web Sites,” and more. New to this year’s course is discussion on multi-channel movie formats for the home, designing for the latest video technologies and enhanced audio calibration techniques. Attendees will obtain the competitive knowledge and hands on practice necessary to create a premium THX home theater experience including equipment selection, room setup, calibration and acoustics.

THX Home Theater Level 2: This two-day course builds on the basics learned in Home Theater 1, and provides in-depth training on room acoustics, design, wall treatments, isolation, and AV hardware selection and placement. This comprehensive program includes extensive hands-on training, including detailed system set-up, speaker positioning and audio calibration. After this training, students will leave with an understanding of how to avoid costly pitfalls while delivering an exceptional install for their customers.

When/Cost:

January 11-13, 2013

Home Theater 1: January 11, 2013; 9 AM – 6 PM (Cost: $500)
Home Theater 2: January 12-13 (two days), 2013; 9 AM – 6 PM (Cost: $1,200)

Where:

Home Theater 1:
Las Vegas Convention Center
Winchester, NV

Home Theater 2:
Circus Circus Hotel and Casino
2880 Las Vegas Blvd S.
Las Vegas, NV

Why:

THX training gives attendees the knowledge and skills to drive new business. For 30 years, THX has been the leader in bringing the ultimate entertainment experience to the consumer, from the big screen to the home. In addition to the certification of cinemas and professional mixing studios, THX works with major electronics manufacturers to bring consumers the finest in home theater equipment.

Register:

Home Theater Level 1 and 2 Registration

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.