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	<title>THX.com &#187; Home Entertainment</title>
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	<link>http://www.thx.com</link>
	<description>Official site of THX.</description>
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		<title>Tips to Avoid a Rocky Horror Home Theater Set up</title>
		<link>http://www.thx.com/test-bench-blog/tips-to-avoid-a-rocky-horror-home-theater-set-up/</link>
		<comments>http://www.thx.com/test-bench-blog/tips-to-avoid-a-rocky-horror-home-theater-set-up/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 28 Oct 2010 21:58:04 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>rhennigan</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Test Bench Blog]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Home Entertainment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Speaker Setup]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Surround Sound]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tech Tips]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.thx.com/?p=5431</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Does the thought of setting up your home theater equipment freak you out? If so, you are not alone. Here are the Top 5 Scariest Mistakes and some remedies to make sure you hear every bump in the night this Halloween.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img src="http://www.thx.com/files/2010/10/halloween1.jpg" alt="" title="THX Helps you set up your Home Theater for Halloween" width="615" height="302" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-5434" /></p>
<p>Does the thought of setting up your home theater equipment freak you out? If so, you are not alone. Here are the Top 5 Scariest Mistakes and some remedies to make sure you hear every bump in the night this Halloween.</p>
<h3>#1: Speaker Placement</h3>
<p>Speaker placement is essential to experiencing every detail of your favorite slasher film. However, some of you might be scared off by space restrictions or room esthetics. </p>
<p>Since close to 90 percent of a movie soundtrack comes from the Center Channel, where you place it has a huge impact on your overall sound experience. Make sure the Left, Center and Right speakers are always placed to the listener’s left, center and right. Also, try to keep the subwoofer close to the TV, while making the bass as consistent as possible from seat to seat.</p>
<p>For more information on speaker set up and sub placement visit <a href="http://www.thx.com/consumer/home-entertainment/home-theater/surround-sound-speaker-set-up/">http://www.thx.com/consumer/home-entertainment/home-theater/surround-sound-speaker-set-up/</a></p>
<h3>#2: Proper AVR Set Up</h3>
<p>Choosing the wrong settings in your AVR could mean that you are not hearing the full capabilities of your speakers. And in some extreme cases, risk a blowout. </p>
<p>Most of today’s AVRs are equipped with a bass management tool. This allows you to properly set the distribution of bass between the loudspeakers and the subwoofer(s). With any THX Certified AVR, you can go into your set up menu and identify your loudspeaker(s) as either <strong>Small </strong>or <strong>Large</strong>. Since THX recommends having your sub handle bass below 80Hz, we suggest you set your speakers to <strong>Small</strong>. With this set up you will ensure that the sub is handling the majority of the low end bass, while the loudspeakers are free to handle more of the mids and highs. </p>
<h3>#3: Aiming Speakers</h3>
<p>Some of your guests could be missing out if you have poorly aimed speakers. Regardless of speaker brand or design, most speakers disperse sound forward in a rectangular pattern. If your seating position is outside of this pattern, you may experience a Halloween nightmare. </p>
<h4>Step-by-Step Speaker Aiming Guidelines:</h4>
<ul>To help properly aim your speakers use your AVRs built-in test tone and follow these steps: </p>
<li>One speaker at a time, play pink noise and listen at each seat</li>
<li>Move each speaker left/right/up/down until you get consistent sound at each seat</li>
<li>Repeat step 2 for each speaker</li>
<li>All speakers may not sound exactly the same, but try to get them as close as possible</li>
</ul>
<h3>#4: Proper Cables</h3>
<p>It is quite common to own several home theater products that have varying capabilities. Because of this, it is important to ensure you are using the best wires for the job. Using the wrong cable can often mean the difference between a full High Def Wow or a fuzzy 2 channel yawn. </p>
<h4>Always choose the best quality signal path in the following order of preference:</h4>
<ul>
<li><strong>Full HD Audio: </strong>For 7.1 audio plus HD video use HDMI cables</li>
<li><strong>5.1 Audio: </strong>Digital SPDIF co-axial (RCA) or optical (Toslink)</li>
<li><strong>2 Channel Audio: </strong> Analog RCA cable, usually red and white for right and left</li>
</ul>
<h3>#5: Out of Phase</h3>
<p>The speakers in your system should all be wired the same way. If not, one or more of your speakers may be &#8220;out of phase,” which could murder your soundtrack. </p>
<h4>Follow these simple steps to make sure your speakers are wired correctly:</h4>
<ul>
<li>Ensure each speaker is wired with the positive (red) terminal connected to the positive (red) terminal on the amplifier. Speaker wire is usually marked with a “+” symbol on the positive wire.</li>
<li>If you can’t access the wires, you can listen to a test signal, such as the phase test found on THX Optimizer.</li>
<li>Listen to the test signal in each pair of speakers.</li>
<li>If they are in phase, the test signal will appear to come from the space between the speakers. This phenomenon is called a phantom source location (it sounds scary, but it’s not). If they are out of phase, the tone will appear like it is coming from two separate locations. </li>
<li>If you need to correct the phase, reverse the wire connection for that speaker.</li>
<li>Repeat for all of the speakers in your home theater system.</li>
</ul>
<p><!-- Bonus: Aspect Ratio<br />
We've all experienced it - images that look either squashed or stretched by our tv. No matter what the issue, this usually means that your HDTV is playing back content in the wrong aspect ratio. Here are a few guidelines that can help you alleviate the problem: </p>
<p>Most made-for-tv content released on DVD is in 4:3. If your display is in the correct mode, you'll notice black or grey bars on either side of the image. If you feel this is distracting, you have the choice of going into your display's setup menu and choosing to zoom the image so that it fills the screen. However, be aware that this can slightly effect the quality of the image being presented.<br />
Most films are shot in 16:9. If your display is in the correct mode, this could mean that either the image completely fills the screen, or you are seeing black bars on the top and bottom. This is correct. If you feel you don't like the black bars and want to zoom the image to fill the screen, be aware that doing so will crop some of the image on either side.</p>
<p>--></p>
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		<title>What Size TV Should I Buy? Tech Tips from THX</title>
		<link>http://www.thx.com/test-bench-blog/what-size-tv-should-i-buy-tech-tips-from-thx/</link>
		<comments>http://www.thx.com/test-bench-blog/what-size-tv-should-i-buy-tech-tips-from-thx/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 27 Jul 2010 22:55:15 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>rhennigan</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Test Bench Blog]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Home Entertainment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[THX Tech Tips]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.thx.com/?p=4635</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Choosing the appropriate size TV size for your home comes down to seating distance—how far you sit from the screen. If you buy a massive TV and sit three feet away, you’re going to be staring at pixels and lines. If you buy one that’s too small, you won’t get an immersive visual experience in your living room.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-4636" title="What TV Size Should I Buy?" src="http://www.thx.com/files/2010/07/jon-tv-2.jpg" alt="What TV Size Should I Buy?" width="616" height="300" /></p>
<blockquote><p><strong><em>“No one ever complains about buying a TV that’s too big.”</em></strong><br />
-	John Dahl, THX Jedi Training Master</p></blockquote>
<p>According to THX Certified Professionals, most consumers regret going too small with their TV purchase. Think about it. Are you happy with the TV size you picked out? Do you dream at night about that 50-inch THX Certified, Panasonic Plasma-beauty that you left behind at Best Buy?</p>
<p>Choosing the appropriate size TV size for your home comes down to seating distance—how far you sit from the screen. If you buy a massive TV and sit three feet away, you’re going to be staring at pixels and lines. If you buy one that’s too small, you won’t get an immersive visual experience in your living room.</p>
<div id="attachment_4644" class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 510px"><a class="thickbox" href="/files/2010/07/screen-size-viewing-distance-large.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-4644      " title="screen-size-viewing-distance" src="http://www.thx.com/files/2010/07/screen-size-viewing-distance.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="334" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Click to view larger image</p></div>
<p>To determine the best seat-to-screen distance in your room, THX recommends dividing the diagonal screen by .84. For example, a plasma or LCD TV with a 65-inch screen divided by .84 equals a 77-inch viewing distance (6.5 feet). This should create a 40-degree viewing angle from your main seating position &#8211; filling your line of sight with the best visuals possible.</p>
<h5>If your TV is going in a living room with limited space, THX recommends the following guide:</h5>
<ul>
<li>32 inch class TV = 3.5-5 feet away</li>
<li>42 inch class TV = 4-6 feet away</li>
<li>50 inch class TV = 5-7.5 feet away</li>
<li>60 inch class TV = 6-9 feet away</li>
</ul>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>On the Record with Blue Microphones</title>
		<link>http://www.thx.com/test-bench-blog/on-the-record-with-blue-microphones/</link>
		<comments>http://www.thx.com/test-bench-blog/on-the-record-with-blue-microphones/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 08 Jul 2010 23:16:21 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>rhennigan</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Test Bench Blog]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Blue Microphones]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Home Entertainment]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.thx.com/?p=4541</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[THX Test Bench recently sat down with Brian Biggot, CTO and Ken Niles, Creative Czar at Blue Microphones to get the real scoop behind the company, its creative culture and new line of THX Certified Microphones. ]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div id="attachment_4554" class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 625px"><img src="http://www.thx.com/files/2010/07/yeti-ipad-616w1.jpg" alt="" title="THX Certified Blue Microphones Yeti USB Mic" width="615" height="348" class="size-full wp-image-4554" /><p class="wp-caption-text">THX Certified Yeti Microphone can turn your Apple iPad into a recording device</p></div>
<p>THX Test Bench recently sat down with Brian Biggot, CTO and Ken Niles, Creative Czar at <a href="http://www.bluemic.com/">Blue Microphones</a> to get the real scoop behind the company, its creative culture and new line of THX Certified Microphones.</p>
<h3>1. What&#8217;s the story behind Blue Microphones?</h3>
<p><strong>Brian Biggot, CTO at Blue Microphones:</strong> One of our founders, Skipper Wise, was an accomplished jazz musician and producer with over 100 albums to his credit. He had been searching far and wide for a microphone that would give him “the sound.”   A solution was born when he met Martins Saulespurens, a thirty year veteran of the recording industry and Chief Sound and Technical Engineer at the Music Academy in Riga, Latvia. Blue Microphones was founded in 1995 by Skipper and Martins from a desire to create quality, hand-built, innovative microphones for fellow musicians.</p>
<h3>2. What sets you apart from other competitors?</h3>
<p><strong>Brian Biggot, CTO at Blue Microphones:</strong> In an age of indistinguishable, cookie-cutter mics, Blue’s designs are as unique as the artists who use them.  Blue is 100% committed to getting the very best microphones in the world into the hands of those who have a passion for high-quality audio. Understanding that great sound enhances every environment, Blue has leveraged its pro-audio DNA to launch microphones catering to life outside of the studio. These include high-quality  USB products for both Mac and PC, iPhone/iPod accessories, and now the world’s first THX-certified microphone.</p>
<p>From Blue’s flagship recording tool, <a href="http://www.bluemic.com/proaudio/bottleseries.html">the Bottle</a>,  to the first THX-certified, USB mic, <a href="http://www.bluemic.com/yeti/">Yeti</a>, Blue has just the tool to capture your creativity.</p>
<h3>3. Why did you decide to seek THX certification for a USB mic?</h3>
<p><strong>Brian Biggot, CTO at Blue Microphones:</strong> Blue Microphones saw THX Certification as a great opportunity to share with our customers the story of how our USB microphones are designed, built, and used at a professional standard. Just like our professional studio microphones, our USB microphones are custom-developed from scratch, incorporating our own circuit designs and using high quality electrical and mechanical components that are combined to create a great recording tool for the user. As a result, we believe our products are capable of delivering raw performance and a user experience that exceeds other products on the market. We were excited to pursue the THX Certification as a testament to consumers that our USB microphones would provide the quality of audio experience expected from THX.</p>
<h3>4. What did you learn from THX?</h3>
<p><strong>Brian Biggot, CTO at Blue Microphones:</strong> The THX Certification process was a valuable addition to the Yeti microphone’s development cycle. THX’s holistic approach to performance evaluation, as well as their array of sophisticated testing equipment and processes, allowed us to fine tune the microphone’s performance and user experience, enabling further refinement of the microphone’s polar pattern consistency, off-axis frequency response, and tuning of capsule sensitivity across the capsule array. The sum of all this work is a product that provides the user with truly high quality recording capabilities in a convenient USB solution.</p>
<h3>5. Yeti, Snowball, where do the names come from?</h3>
<p><strong>Ken Niles, Creative Czar at Blue Microphones:</strong> One of Blue’s core beliefs is that we cater to essentially a creative audience, and our products should be as distinctive and individual as our users. Thus, unlike other microphone companies, Blue has always refused to follow accepted convention by naming its products after a series of seemingly random letters and numbers. Instead of the C110-EX, we have the Cactus. We eschewed the DT5000 Series in favor of the Dragonfly, the Mouse and the Kiwi. We named a universal shockmount (a device that suspends the mic and dampens surrounding vibrations) with the sublime moniker of “Ralph the Wonder Mount.” And so on.</p>
<p>The Yeti is the latest in a series of names that derive from cold climate conditions, beginning with our USB Snowball and Snowflake mics and again with our Icicle XLR-to-USB adapter. Naming sessions involve a select group of Blue creative-types who sit in a small room and throw out literally every name they can think of. Sometimes this involves beer. I don’t actually recall who mentioned the name “Yeti,” but it was written down and only later, after review, did it strike people as uniquely fitting the shape of the mic. It also fit nicely into the “cool” theme of names, although we did not set out to specifically to name this product in that same vein. But in retrospect, seeing as how global warming is slowly shaping our lives, I think it’s fitting that Yeti joins the ranks of nouns that are legendary, if not someday extinct.</p>
<h3>6. What do consumers think of the Yeti mic?</h3>
<p><strong>Ken Niles, Creative Czar at Blue Microphones:</strong> The Yeti is a big hit with consumers!  But don’t take our word for it, check out some of the reviews:</p>
<blockquote><p>“The Yeti sounds good, packs plenty of gain, and offers a lot of value and versatility in a $150 USB mic.”</p></blockquote>
<p><span style="margin-left: 20px;"><strong>–Macworld</strong></span></p>
<blockquote><p>“Compared with similar microphones, such as Samson G-Track or even Blue’s own $99 Snowball, the Yeti’s sound quality offers noticeably better depth and detail…the Yeti is redefining my expectations for a $150 microphone.”</p></blockquote>
<p><span style="margin-left: 20px;"><strong>–CNET</strong></span></p>
<blockquote><p>“But unlike its Himalayan counterpart, Blue Microphones newest USB podcasting mike is most definitely real. Better yet, it also soaks up fantastic, professional-quality vocal recordings, and its flexible settings make it a viable tool for a smattering of audio apps like recording music…In fact, the Yeti makes other lesser USB mikes look downright abominable.”</p></blockquote>
<p><span style="margin-left: 20px;"><strong>–Wired.com</strong></span></p>
<blockquote><p>“The first of its kind to achieve THX certification, this USB mic will make your YouTube rants about 2012 sound even more clearly insane, thanks to a triple array of premium condenser capsules. Its classic styling is great for pretending you’re a talk show host.”</p></blockquote>
<p><span style="margin-left: 20px;"><strong>–Maxim</strong></span></p>
<blockquote><p>“If the art of recording sits just outside your range of concern or abilities (but doesn’t weaken your desire for good quality), the Yeti could be your new best friend.”</p></blockquote>
<p><span style="margin-left: 20px;"><strong>–XLR8R</strong></span></p>
<blockquote><p>“I can’t believe the Yeti offers this much versatility in recording patterns and such high quality recording capabilities for only $150.”</p></blockquote>
<p><span style="margin-left: 20px;"><strong>–Ben: consumer, podcaster, musician</strong></span></p>
<h4><a href="/consumer/home-entertainment/audio/thx-certified-microphones/">Click here</a> to learn more about THX Certified Microphones</h4>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<slash:comments>16</slash:comments>
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		<title>Pioneer and THX Partnership Delivers in 2010</title>
		<link>http://www.thx.com/test-bench-blog/pioneer-and-thx-partnership-delivers-in-2010/</link>
		<comments>http://www.thx.com/test-bench-blog/pioneer-and-thx-partnership-delivers-in-2010/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 03 Jul 2010 01:00:15 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>rhennigan</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Test Bench Blog]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Home Entertainment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Pioneer]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.thx.com/?p=4512</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[THX and Pioneer have spent more than a decade bringing breakthrough THX Certified products to market. Pioneer was first with a THX Ultra2 Plus Certified AV receiver, first with a THX Select2 AV receiver and first with a THX Certified Blu-ray Disc player.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div id="attachment_4520" class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 626px"><img class="size-full wp-image-4520" title="thx-pioneer-sc-27" src="http://www.thx.com/files/2010/07/thx-pioneer-sc-27.jpg" alt="THX Certified Pioneer SC 27 AVR" width="616" height="354" /><p class="wp-caption-text">THX Certified Pioneer SC 27 AVR</p></div>
<p>THX and Pioneer have spent more than a decade bringing breakthrough THX Certified products to market. Pioneer was first with a THX Ultra2 Plus Certified AV receiver, first with a THX Select2 AV receiver and first with a THX Certified Blu-ray Disc player.  And Pioneer is the first and only AV receiver manufacturer to achieve THX certification with a <a href="http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/StaticFiles/PUSA/Files/THX%20and%20Power%20Amplifiers_final.pdf">Class D amplifier</a>.</p>
<p>Maintaining partnerships with world-renowned sound and video experts such as THX and the legendary <a href="http://www.airstudios.com/">Air Studios</a> in London has been a critical component of Pioneer’s design and manufacturing strategy. Pioneer shares THX’s belief that the key to developing products that truly capture and deliver the intent of the filmmaker or musician is through a deep understanding of how movies and music is mixed in the studio. Spending time with THX engineers helps Pioneer bridge the gap between the creative process and product design.</p>
<blockquote><p>“Through the past ten years, THX and Air Studios have become an increasingly integral part of our product development process and bringing new technologies to the market.  Their logos on our products signal to dealers, retailers and customers that Pioneer is committed to earning its title of the A/V specialist,” said Russ Johnston, executive vice president of home entertainment and business solutions group at Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc.</p></blockquote>
<p>THX specifications are considered the industry benchmark for delivering cinema performance. Achieving <a href="http://www.thx.com/consumer/home-entertainment/audio/thx-certified-receivers/">THX certification</a> for a home entertainment product is no simple task; an amplifier must pass more than 2,000 tests covering 14,000 data points, including noise, distortion, current, voltage output and many others. This certification ensures the home audience is experiencing the exact <a href="http://www.thx.com/consumer/thx-technology/thx-reference-level/">Reference Level</a> sound quality used by filmmakers to mix the movie, with the same fidelity found in the studio.</p>
<div id="attachment_4522" class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 626px"><img class="size-full wp-image-4522  " title="thx-pioneer-blu-ray-player" src="http://www.thx.com/files/2010/07/thx-pioneer-blu-ray.jpg" alt="" width="616" height="306" /><p class="wp-caption-text">THX Certified Pioneer BDP-09FD Blu-ray Player</p></div>
<p>In addition, the <a href="http://www.thx.com/consumer/home-entertainment/home-theater/thx-certification-performance-categories/">THX® Ultra2™ Plus</a> and <a href="http://www.thx.com/consumer/home-entertainment/home-theater/thx-certification-performance-categories/">THX® Select2™ Plus</a> certification categories are based on room size to help consumers select the appropriate A/V receivers for their specific listening environment. </p>
<p>Pioneer’s ongoing work with THX has fostered more than 100 THX Certified A/V receivers to date. This year’s line of Pioneer products will not disappoint. The 2010 Elite A/V receivers, Blu-ray Disc players and speaker offerings continue to provide the quality and performance worthy of the THX name. To learn more about the THX and Pioneer relationship, <a href="http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/PUSA/Products/HomeEntertainment/AV-Receivers/EliteReceivers/ci.THX+Certified+Performance.Kuro">click here</a>.</p>
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		<slash:comments>15</slash:comments>
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		<item>
		<title>The Aspect Ratio Police Take on the World</title>
		<link>http://www.thx.com/test-bench-blog/the-aspect-ratio-police-take-on-the-world/</link>
		<comments>http://www.thx.com/test-bench-blog/the-aspect-ratio-police-take-on-the-world/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 01 Jul 2010 17:18:52 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>rhennigan</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Test Bench Blog]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Home Entertainment]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.thx.com/?p=4509</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[We’ve all experienced watching movies in the wrong aspect ratio. But help may be on the way thanks to a new blog site founded by Tony Hurd, a former FX professional from Industrial Light &#038; Magic and The Orphanage. ]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-4506" title="The Aspect Ratio Police" src="http://www.thx.com/files/2010/07/dirty-harry-tv.jpg" alt="The Aspect Ratio Police" width="611" height="381" /></p>
<p>We’ve all experienced watching movies in the wrong aspect ratio. This often occurs because the movie is in standard definition, but the image is stretched by your TV to fit the screen, making the characters look like the “before image” in a bad Jenny Craig commercial. Or worse, a full screen HD version of the movie or TV program is formatted by the broadcaster or streaming service to play in widescreen—making it impossible for you to adjust.</p>
<h3>Why does the picture look weird?</h3>
<p>Why are there so many different <a href="http://www.aspectratiopolice.com/Aspect_Ratio_Police/A_Little_History.html">aspect ratios</a>? Today’s primetime television shows are shot to fill the screen of a typical 16&#215;9 (1.77) widescreen HDTV. But, many older TV programs are shot in a 4&#215;3 (1.33) because that was the typical picture size of that old CRT TV in your basement. By contrast, Hollywood typically produces films in either 1.85 (Widescreen/Flat) or 2.39 (Scope) to fit the most common movie theater screens (IMAX is a whole different story). When played back correctly in the home, most movies have letterboxed black bars on the top and bottom, letting you see the entire frame the way the director intended.</p>
<div id="attachment_4507" class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 395px"><img class="size-full wp-image-4507" title="Example of Incorrect Aspect Ratio" src="http://www.thx.com/files/2010/07/aspect-ratios-1.jpg" alt="" width="385" height="400" /><p class="wp-caption-text">Can be corrected if TV stretches image. If Broadcaster stretches image, correction is uncertain. </p></div>
<p>With many broadcasters and new streaming movie services distributing content in a variety of picture shapes and sizes, the burden is put on you to figure out how to manually adjust the aspect ratio settings on your TV. In some cases, you won’t be able to correct the picture at all because the broadcast or content source has already stretched a full screen image to fit your widescreen.</p>
<h3>A Blogger with a mission</h3>
<p>Help may be on the way thanks to a new blog site founded by Tony Hurd, a former FX professional from <a href="http://www.ilm.com/">Industrial Light &amp; Magic</a> and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Orphanage_%28company%29">The Orphanage</a>. The <a href="http://www.aspectratiopolice.com/">Aspect Ratio Police blog</a> is designed to educate consumers, broadcasters and other content distributors about the correct use of aspect ratios. In fact, Hurd plans to use his new blog to cite broadcasters and other public venues for flagrant aspect ratio abuses. And we encourage all THX Test Bench readers to send him tips to track down abusers.</p>
<p>And don’t forget, THX Media Director was created to address this very problem that frustrates so many of us.</p>
<h4><a href="/consumer/thx-technology/thx-media-director/">Click here</a> to learn how THX Media Director could simplify your entertainment experience by enabling broadcast and streaming content to communicate aspect ratio and other settings directly to your TV—automatically configuring it for the best experience.</h4>
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		<title>FIFA Debuts 2010 World Cup in 3D. But, What Can We Expect?</title>
		<link>http://www.thx.com/test-bench-blog/fifa-debuts-2010-world-cup-in-3d-but-what-can-we-expect/</link>
		<comments>http://www.thx.com/test-bench-blog/fifa-debuts-2010-world-cup-in-3d-but-what-can-we-expect/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 11 Jun 2010 17:22:44 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>rhennigan</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Test Bench Blog]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[3D Technology]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Home Entertainment]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.thx.com/?p=4473</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The world’s most popular sporting event kicks off today and for the first time in the history of the FIFA World Cup, several games will be broadcast live in 3D. So, does this mean England’s Wayne Rooney, Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo and other prominent international football stars will be bending balls to your couch?  Well, sort of, if you have the right TV and cable/satellite set-up.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img src="http://www.thx.com/files/2010/06/fifa-with-logo.jpg" alt="2010 FIFA World Cup in 3D" title="2010 FIFA World Cup in 3D" width="616" height="373" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-4487" /><br />
The world’s most popular sporting event kicks off today and for the first time in the history of the <a href="http://www.fifa.com/index.html">FIFA World Cup</a>, several games will be broadcast live in 3D. So, does this mean England’s Wayne Rooney, Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo and other prominent international football stars will be bending balls to your couch?  Well, sort of, if you have the right TV and cable/satellite set-up.</p>
<p>The new 3DTVs from <a href="http://www.panasonic.com/3d/">Panasonic</a>, <a href="http://www.lg.com/us/tv-audio-video/televisions/LG-led-tv-INFINIA-47LX9500.jsp">LG</a> and others are designed to let you experience depth in the picture when wearing their specially-made 3D glasses.  The goal of the technology, no pun intended, is to immerse you in the action onscreen. However, instead of having footballs and yellow flags flying off the screen towards you, broadcasters hope to present an experience that provides you a window into the game, making you feel like you are on the field.  </p>
<blockquote><p>“For years, TV makers have talked about the realism in their pictures. The addition of 3D takes them one step closer to putting you on the pitch,” said Rick Dean, Sr. vice president at THX and Chairman of the <a href="http://www.3dathome.org/">3D@Home Consortium</a>. “This 2010 World Cup represents one of the milestone events that will define how 3D will be broadcast in years to come, and the early adopters of 3D-ready TVs will be the first to experience the World Cup like never before.”</p></blockquote>
<h3>What Do You Need to Experience 3D?</h3>
<p>In order to view any of the World Cup games in 3D you will need to have the following:</p>
<ul>
<li>3D-ready TV</li>
<li>Either “passive” or “active shutter” glasses specific to your TV – often bundled with the TV itself</li>
<li>Subscription to one of the satellite or cable services carrying the games, such as <a href="http://www.timewarnercable.com/Corporate/about/innovations/3DTV.html">Time-Warner Cable</a>, <a href="http://blog.comcast.com/2010/06/world-cup-on-demand-and-in-3d.html">Comcast</a>, <a href="http://www.directv.com/DTVAPP/content/hd/3d">DirectTV</a> and <a href="http://www.att.com/u-verse/explore/what-is-u-verse.jsp?wtSlotClick=1-003B3A-0-1">AT&#038;T U-verse</a></li>
<li>An HD Set-top Box or HD DVR compatible with your cable/satellite provider</li>
<li>Correct Set-up— make sure your cables are hooked up correctly and the 3D-ready TV is in the appropriate 3D playback mode</li>
<p>In the U.S., ESPN 3D will be the exclusive cable broadcaster with some games being broadcast on ABC. Channel numbers will vary depending on your cable/satellite provider and some may charge an additional service fee for 3D. </p>
<p>The FIFA World Cup in South Africa runs June 11-July 11. The first 3D game will feature Mexico vs. South Africa on Friday, June 11 at 10am (EDT). </p>
<p><strong><em>Here is a complete list of games scheduled to be broadcast in 3D.<a href="http://www.livesoccertv.com/news/929/2010-world-cup-in-3d-match-list/"> Click here</a> for more details.</em></strong></p>
<h3>World Cup Matches in 3D</h3>
<ul>
<li>June 11, 2010  &#8211; Opening Game &#038; Ceremony: South Africa vs. Mexico</li>
<li>June 12, 2010  &#8211; Argentina vs. Nigeria </li>
<li>June 13, 2010  &#8211; Germany vs. Australia</li>
<li>June 14, 2010 &#8211; Netherlands vs. Denmark</li>
<li>June 15, 2010 &#8211; Brazil vs. North Korea</li>
<li>June 16, 2010 &#8211; Spain vs. Switzerland</li>
<li>June 17, 2010 &#8211; Argentina vs. South Korea</li>
<li>June 18, 2010 &#8211; Slovenia vs. United States</li>
<li>June 19, 2010 &#8211; Netherlands vs. Japan</li>
<li>June 20, 2010 &#8211; Brazil vs. Ivory Coast</li>
<li>June 21, 2010 &#8211; Spain vs. Honduras</li>
<li>June 22, 2010 &#8211; Nigeria vs. South Korea</li>
<li>June 23, 2010 &#8211; Ghana vs. Germany</li>
<li>June 24, 2010 &#8211; Slovakia vs. Italy</li>
<li>June 25, 2010 &#8211; Portugal vs. Brazil</li>
<li>June 27, 2010 &#8211; Round of 16 match</li>
<li>June 28, 2010 &#8211; Round of 16 match</li>
<li>July 2, 2010 &#8211; Quarterfinals</li>
<li>July 3, 2010 &#8211; Quarterfinals</li>
<li>July 3, 2010 &#8211; Quarterfinals</li>
<li>July 7, 2010 &#8211; Semifinals</li>
<li>July 7, 2010 &#8211; Semifinals</li>
<li>July 10, 2010 &#8211; 3rd place match</li>
<li>July 11, 2010 &#8211; World Cup 2010 Final </li>
</ul>
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		<title>Teufel Unveils “Smallest” THX Ultra2 Certified Speaker System</title>
		<link>http://www.thx.com/test-bench-blog/teufel-unveils-%e2%80%9csmallest%e2%80%9d-thx-ultra2-certified-speaker-system/</link>
		<comments>http://www.thx.com/test-bench-blog/teufel-unveils-%e2%80%9csmallest%e2%80%9d-thx-ultra2-certified-speaker-system/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 09 Jun 2010 00:59:52 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>rhennigan</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Test Bench Blog]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Home Entertainment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Teufel]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.thx.com/?p=4455</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Who says bigger is always better? The German speaker manufacturer, Teufel, has been quietly producing some of the world’s best THX Certified Speaker systems for more than a decade. Now, they are claiming a “THX world’s first”: the smallest THX Ultra Certified Speakers ever manufactured.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div id="attachment_4456" class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 628px"><img src="http://www.thx.com/files/2010/06/teufel-system-8.jpg" alt="THX Ultra 2 Certified Teufel System 8" title="teufel-system-8" width="618" height="301" class="size-full wp-image-4456" /><p class="wp-caption-text">THX Ultra 2 Certified Teufel System 8</p></div>
<p>Who says bigger is always better? The German speaker manufacturer, Teufel, has been quietly producing some of the world’s best THX Certified Speaker systems for more than a decade. Now, they are claiming a “THX world’s first”: the smallest THX Ultra Certified Speakers ever manufactured.</p>
<p>The recently announced <a href="http://www.teufelaudio.com/home-cinema-thx/system-8-thx-ultra2.html">Teufel System 8 </a>THX Ultra 2 speaker package is <a href="http://www.ubergizmo.com/15/archives/2010/06/teufel_system_8_thx_ultra_2_speaker_is_smallest_in_the_world_arrives_at_uk.html">the tiniest THX Ultra 2 Certified 5.1 system </a>on the market today. Why is this important? To accurately recreate the roar of a jet engine, THX certification requires subwoofers extend to 20Hz (-6dB) to handle the very highest bass levels. However, this often means that THX Certified Subwoofers are really large.  </p>
<p>Teufel took on this design challenge and spent several years in the laboratory developing a sub that was two-thirds the size of its previous Ultra2 system—with the same level of THX performance!</p>
<p>The Teufel System 8 is designed from the ground-up to deliver THX Reference Level sound pressure (85 dBC with 20 dB of headroom) in large home theaters with a +12 foot viewing distance from the TV or projection screen. With low distortion and crisp, clear THX Reference Level sound, Teufel and THX are delivering a smaller, more elegant design that still delivers the goods. </p>
<h4>The bad news for U.S. audiophiles? For now, the Teufel System 8 is sold <a href="http://www.teufelaudio.com/">exclusively online</a> to consumers in Europe.</h4>
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		<title>5 Reasons Why THX Certified TVs Kick Ass</title>
		<link>http://www.thx.com/test-bench-blog/5-reasons-why-thx-certified-tvs-kick-ass/</link>
		<comments>http://www.thx.com/test-bench-blog/5-reasons-why-thx-certified-tvs-kick-ass/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 09 Jun 2010 00:35:34 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>rhennigan</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Test Bench Blog]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Home Entertainment]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.thx.com/?p=4450</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[THX has been synonymous with great movie sound for decades.  Now, THX sets the bar for picture quality for the world’s top TV manufacturers, including Panasonic and LG. Here are five reasons why THX Certified TVs kick ass.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div id="attachment_4449" class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 626px"><img class="size-full wp-image-4449" title="panasonic-vt25" src="http://www.thx.com/files/2010/06/panasonic-vt25.jpg" alt="THX Certified Panasonic VT25 Display " width="616" height="330" /><p class="wp-caption-text">THX Certified Panasonic VT25 Display (Avatar image courtesy of Twentieth Century Fox)</p></div>
<p>THX has been synonymous with great movie sound for decades.  Now, THX sets the bar for picture quality for the world’s top TV manufacturers, including <a href="http://www2.panasonic.com/consumer-electronics/shop/Televisions/All-VIERA-Flat-Panel-HDTVs.list.103502_11002_7000000000000005702">Panasonic</a> and <a href="http://www.lg.com/us/infinia/index.jsp#/LED/display-better/thx-certified">LG</a>. Here are five reasons why THX Certified Displays/HDTVs kick ass.</p>
<h3>1. 200 Tests, 400 Data Points</h3>
<p>The THX certification process is like boot camp for HDTVs and projectors. It covers 30 test categories, 200 bench tests and more than 400 data points. THX video engineers analyze almost every aspect of a TV’s performance, from contrast and color to de-interlacing, jaggies and scaling. Testing is rigid, precise and only the best TVs make the cut.</p>
<h3>2. Accurate Color</h3>
<p>The very foundation of THX display certification is recreating the filmmaker’s vision in your home. THX testing and certification closely reproduces the HD Color Standard (Rec.709) used by filmmakers for Blu-ray Disc mastering. The result? Rich color and detail practically puts you in the director’s chair.</p>
<h3>3. Sharp Pictures and Clean Video Processing</h3>
<p>Jaggy lines and image blurring can occur as motion becomes too intense when watching action movies. THX improves each TV’s software to minimize these types of digital artifacts—presenting clean, vibrant pictures in every frame.</p>
<h3>4. THX Movie Mode</h3>
<p>THX Movie Mode offers the closest thing to a pre-calibrated setting out of the box. This reproduces the Rec.709 color gamut, luminance levels and other settings used by filmmakers in the mastering studio—with the push of a button. And, if you want further fine tuning, all THX Modes can be accessed by <a href="/professional/test-bench-blog/three-days-in-the-life-thx-video-tech-training/">THX Certified Professional Calibrators</a>.</p>
<h3>5. THX Certification = High Quality</h3>
<p>Navigating the &#8220;wall of HD drool&#8221; at your local electronics retailer isn’t easy. TVs from a variety of brands often line the walls, all showing stunning visuals. THX certification offers a straightforward value proposition to simplify your shopping experience…..if it’s THX Certified, it will be good.</p>
<h4>Still not convinced? Read some of the recent reviews of THX Certified Displays from <a href="http://reviews.cnet.com/flat-panel-tvs/lg-infinia-47le8500/4505-6482_7-33957045.html">CNET</a>, <a href="http://www.wired.com/reviews/product/pr_0422_thx_tv">Wired</a>, <a href="http://www.avforums.com/review/Panasonic-V20-TX-P50V20B-50V20-HDTV-Plasma-Review.html">AV Forums</a> and <a href="http://hdguru.com/wtf-is-a-thx-certified-display/1523/">HD Guru</a>.</h4>
<p><a href="/consumer/home-entertainment/thx-certified-products/?manufacturer=&#038;productType=9&#038;category=">Click here</a> find a complete list of THX Certified Displays and Projectors.</p>
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		<title>Tribeca Film Festival Screens First Ever Movie on THX Certified LG TV</title>
		<link>http://www.thx.com/test-bench-blog/tribeca-film-festival-screens-first-ever-movie-on-thx-certified-lg-tv/</link>
		<comments>http://www.thx.com/test-bench-blog/tribeca-film-festival-screens-first-ever-movie-on-thx-certified-lg-tv/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 26 Apr 2010 21:15:05 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>rhennigan</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Test Bench Blog]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Home Entertainment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[LG]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.thx.com/?p=4163</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[For the first time in the festival’s history, the Tribeca Film Festival in New York will premiere a feature film, Keep Surfing, on a television ― LG Electronics’ new THX Certified INFINIA HDTV.  ]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><object width="614" height="349"><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><param name="movie" value="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=11302609&amp;server=vimeo.com&amp;show_title=0&amp;show_byline=0&amp;show_portrait=0&amp;color=00adef&amp;fullscreen=1" /><embed src="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=11302609&amp;server=vimeo.com&amp;show_title=0&amp;show_byline=0&amp;show_portrait=0&amp;color=00adef&amp;fullscreen=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" width="614" height="349"></embed></object></p>
<p>For the first time in the festival’s history, the Tribeca Film Festival in New York will premiere a feature film, <a href="http://www.lg.com/us/tribeca/index.jsp">Keep Surfing</a>, on a television ― LG Electronics’ new <a href="http://www.lg.com/us/infinia/index.jsp#/LED/display-better/thx-certified">THX Certified INFINIA HDTV</a>.</p>
<p>Actress <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0797464/">Jamie Lynn Sigler</a>, best known for her role on “The Sopranos” and HBO’s “Entourage,” is hosting the private premiere of filmmaker Björn Richie Lob’s <a href="http://www.tribecafilm.com/filmguide/keep_surfing-film28050.html">Keep Surfing</a> tonight in the Tribeca Grand Hotel’s penthouse suite.<br />
<div id="attachment_4223" class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 626px"><img src="http://www.thx.com/files/2010/04/tribeca-rick-616.jpg" alt="Tribeca LG Event" title="Tribeca LG Event" width="616" height="302" class="size-full wp-image-4223" /><p class="wp-caption-text">Rick Dean, Senior VP of THX, with hosts Jamie Lynn Sigler, Mark Sanchez and Film Director Björn Richie Lob </p></div>Lob’s film, which chronicles river-surfing on the Eisbach in Munich, Germany, was shot in various formats including 16mm and 35mm, providing stunning shots of the landscape and river. To accompany the onscreen action, THX installed a <a href="http://www.teufel.eu/THX/System-9-THX-Ultra-2.cfm">THX Ultra2 Certified Teufel System 9</a> in the Tribeca penthouse to showcase the film’s 5.1 surround soundtrack.</p>
<h3>Why Screen a Movie on a TV?</h3>
<p>The Tribeca screening is designed to show off the quality of the new LG THX Certified TVs. <a href="http://www.thx.com/consumer/home-entertainment/partners/lg-partner-profile/">The LG INFINIA TVs</a> (models LE8500 and LX9500) are the only LED LCD TVs available in the U.S. to achieve THX display certification. This means they are built from the ground up to recreate the color, motion rendition and black levels of the filmmaker’s mastering studio, making the INFINIA TVs ideal for a festival screening.<br />
<img class="size-full wp-image-4169 alignnone" style="float: left; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 15px; margin-bottom: 15px;" title="Keep Surfing" src="http://www.thx.com/files/2010/04/ks_poster_web.jpg" alt="" width="208" height="294" /></p>
<blockquote><p>“Keep Surfing took 10 years to complete. I want the audience to experience not only the passion of the surfers, but the beauty of the river and environment surrounding them,” said Lob. “My cinematic vision for the film translates beautifully to the THX Certified LG INFINIA, just as it does in the theater.”</p></blockquote>
<p>THX is known for its design and certification of world-class cinemas, film mastering and post-production, and CE products. The <a href="/consumer/home-entertainment/video/thx-certified-plasmas-lcd-tvs-projectors/">THX Certified Display</a> program represents the first true quality benchmark to aid consumers when selecting a new HDTV.  By simply selecting one of the<a href="/consumer/home-entertainment/video/thx-certified-plasmas-lcd-tvs-projectors/"> THX modes</a> on an INFINIA model, consumers can easily turn their living room into a screening room with just the touch of a button.</p>
<blockquote><p>“We recognize more consumers are looking to create a cinematic experience in the home, which is why we continue to introduce options like Video on Demand to supplement the Festival,”<br />
said Geoffrey Gilmore, chief creative officer, Tribeca Enterprises.<br />
“And with the evolution of LG’s technology and ability to provide theater-quality images, we’re now confident that we can screen our theatrical debuts on these THX Certified LED HDTVs, and viewers will see the film as the director intended.”</p></blockquote>
<h4>Check out the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1h2yzBNgGwk">Keep Surfing trailer</a> on YouTube. To learn more about <a href="http://www.thx.com/consumer/home-entertainment/video/thx-certified-plasmas-lcd-tvs-projectors/">THX Certified Displays, click here</a>.</h4>
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		<title>Avatar Blu-ray Disc Gets THX Treatment</title>
		<link>http://www.thx.com/test-bench-blog/avatar-blu-ray-disc-gets-thx-treatment/</link>
		<comments>http://www.thx.com/test-bench-blog/avatar-blu-ray-disc-gets-thx-treatment/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 23 Apr 2010 18:56:17 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>rhennigan</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Test Bench Blog]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Certification]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Certified Releases]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Home Entertainment]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.thx.com/?p=4080</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[THX and its post-production partner <a href="http://www.blufocus.com/">BluFocus</a> were tasked with ensuring Mr. Cameron’s masterpiece maintained its artistic detail as the sound and visuals moved from mastering and encoding through the rest of the Blu-ray and DVD production chain.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div id="attachment_4089" class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 624px"><img class="size-full wp-image-4089" title="avatar-banner" src="http://www.thx.com/files/2010/04/avatar-banner.jpg" alt="" width="614" height="350" /><p class="wp-caption-text">Image courtesy of Twentieth Century Fox</p></div>
<p>James Cameron’s <a href="http://www.avatarmovie.com/">Avatar</a> shattered all worldwide box office records and set the bar for 3D performance when it was released in cinemas. Now, the blue world of Pandora is coming home on Blu-ray Disc and DVD. This week’s much anticipated 2D release of Avatar on Blu-ray and DVD also includes something special—THX certification for sound and video quality.</p>
<p>THX and its post-production partner <a href="http://www.blufocus.com/">BluFocus</a> were tasked with ensuring Mr. Cameron’s masterpiece maintained its artistic detail as the sound and visuals moved from mastering and encoding through the rest of the Blu-ray and DVD production chain. This in itself is no easy task. Anytime audio and visual materials are mastered and encoded for optical disc, many things can go wrong, resulting in degradation to image quality. This was avoided, however, through the implementation of THX quality control processes and techniques for Certifying Blu-ray Discs and DVDs.</p>
<h3>What is THX Blu-ray Disc certification?</h3>
<div style="margin-top: 20px; float: left;"><div id="attachment_4092" class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 295px"><img class="size-full wp-image-4092 " title="avatar_bd" src="http://www.thx.com/files/2010/04/avatar_bd.jpg" alt="" width="285" height="346" /><p class="wp-caption-text">Image courtesy of Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment</p></div></div>
<div>At each step in the production chain, a movie’s visual images are analyzed frame-by-frame. THX trained engineers compare them to the high definition masters to make sure they retain the sharpness and detail found in the original master elements. In addition, the audio elements are fully evaluated to make sure they meet studio reference levels and remain faithful to the master recordings.</p>
<p>The whole THX Blu-ray and DVD certification process helps pinpoint any digital artifacts or flaws long before discs hit mass production. The result of all of this work is a pristine Blu-ray Disc and DVD presentation in your home theater.</p>
<p>The BluFocus lab, which is the official Testing Center for the Blu-ray Disc Association and THX Blu-ray Disc certification, also performs Player Verification tests to ensure Blu-ray discs deliver a seamless, issue-free customer experience.</p></div>
<h3>Where is the THX Trailer?</h3>
<p>Wait until the end of the movie after the credits for the THX Amazing Life Trailer in HD and full-blown 5.1 surround sound .</p>
<p>Avatar on Blu-ray Disc and DVD is now available through major retailers and online outlets. Go out and <a href="http://www.foxconnect.com/avatar-blu-ray-2-disc-set.html">buy it today</a>.</p>
<h4 style="padding-bottom:15px;">For a full list of THX Certified DVDs and Blu-ray Discs, <a href="/consumer/home-entertainment/thx-certified-releases/">click here</a>.</h4>
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		<slash:comments>10</slash:comments>
		</item>
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