Product Spotlight: Acurus A2007 Seven-Channel Home Theater Amplifier

The Acurus A2007 (add link instead of saying below, for more info, etc.) is the latest addition to the Acurus line of multichannel amplifiers – all of which feature the same low-distortion, fully discrete amplifier designs that made Acurus famous. With the ability to disable unused channels to maximize audio performance, this amplifier—along with the A2005—are well suited for five or seven-channel applications, as well as two-channel stereo performance. In addition, Acurus’ proprietary Enhanced Ethernet Control (E2C technology) saves time and effort with audio system installation, control, customization and remote monitoring.

• THX Ultra2 Certified – Designed to recreate the cinematic or music listening experience in large home theaters of 3,000 cubic feet in size and a viewing distance of 12-feet or greater, THX Ultra2 Certified amplifiers deliver best-in-class performance out-of-the-box. THX worked closely with Indy Audio Labs to ensure its Acurus A2007 could pass the more than 500 THX benchmark tests, measuring everything from power output to dynamic range and low noise floor.
• Studio Volume – THX Certified amplifiers are also tested to confirm they meet “Reference Level” volume and fidelity. This ensures that the soundtrack is experienced at home exactly as it was produced, with matching audio levels that were used in the studio in which it was mixed.

To learn more about Indy Audio Labs and its Acurus and Aragon products please visit www.indyaudiolabs.com

Pioneer & THX

Pioneer Electronics was the first manufacturer to introduce a THX Certified Blu-Ray player (BDP-09FD) back in 2008. Its design philosophy was simple – to be the best DVD, CD and Blu-Ray player available for purchase. Today, Pioneer offers multiple THX Certified Audio/Video Receivers (AVRs) which represent top performance in their class. Regardless of room size and connection needs, Pioneer is certain to make a THX Certified AVR that will impress even the most discerning audiophile.

THX Ultra2 Plus Certified Pioneer Elite SC-68 AVR

Product Spotlight: Pioneer Elite SC-68

The Elite SC-68 is the flagship of Pioneer’s AVR lineup. It offers THX Ultra2 Plus certification reserved for the most capable AVRs. The SC-68 has advanced networking options which combined with industry leading connectivity, make this unit a serious contender for any high fidelity home theater system.

• THX Ultra2 Plus Certified – recreates the cinematic experience with dynamic reference level sound in large home theaters up to 3,000 cubic feet in size and a viewing distance of at least 12 feet
• THX Tested – 2,000 THX bench tests ensure reference level performance with minimal distortion
• THX Loudness Plus – automatically increases the level of ambient sound to deliver a more accurate listening experience at volumes below reference level
• Audiophile grade low leakage flux power transformer
• Four zone capabilities including HDMI output for zone 4

Click here to learn more about Pioneer’s new lineup of THX Certified Elite AVRs.

THX Select2 Plus Certified Pioneer SC-1522 AVR

Pioneer SC-1522

The Pioneer SC-1522 is a THX Select2 Plus Certified AVR that offers superb performance and a host of connectivity and networking features. The SC-1522 is the only Pioneer THX Certified AVR that is not a part of Pioneer’s Elite line. It does however employ many of the technologies found in the Elite line, such as Pioneers class D3 amplifier technology and 32-bit audio processing, making it a competitive candidate amongst high quality AVRs.

• THX Select2 Plus Certified – recreates the cinematic experience with dynamic reference level sound in home theaters up to 2,000 cubic feet in size and a viewing distance of approximately 10-12 feet
• THX Tested – 2,000 THX bench tests ensure reference level performance with minimal distortion
• THX Loudness Plus – automatically increases the level of ambient sound to deliver a more accurate listening experience at volumes below reference level
• Video Processing – a Marvell® Qdeo™ Scaler with 3D capabilities and 4K pass-through
• Audio Processing – 32bit DAC for supreme audio processing

Click here to learn more about Pioneer’s new THX Certified SC-1522 AVR.

Product Spotlight: TiVo Premiere Elite & XL

By being put through extensive THX image and sound testing, the TiVo Premiere Elite and Premiere XL ensure the accurate recording and playback of content with correct color, contrast and black/white levels without softening the picture or producing digital artifacts. The end result? A sharp, precise and often breathtaking entertainment experience. Features include:

Cable: TiVo DVRs connect to your cable service and replace your old cable box or DVR with something far more powerful – the most advanced and innovative DVR ever built. Search, explore and discover more of what you love on a stunning HD interface.

Movies: Now get more of the HD movies and TV shows you want from TiVo online partners like Netflix, Amazon Instant Video, BLOCKBUSTER On Demand® and more. Best of all, TiVo makes it all fast and easy.

Web: TiVo DVRs give you more entertainment possibilities than cable or satellite ever could. You’ll add YouTube™ and millions of web videos, movies and TV shows to your existing cable lineup. You can even schedule recordings remotely with your laptop or mobile phone.

Music: Experience the music like never before. Whether you’re jamming to your computer’s music library, watching free music videos on the web, or streaming your favorite music from Pandora, a TiVo DVR is music to your ears.

Optimize Your Performance

TiVo Premiere Elite and Premiere XL help you optimize image performance and sound fidelity with an easy-to-use THX calibration and tutorial video. In your “My Shows” folder you’ll find the five-minute THX Optimizer video, which requires use of THX Optimizer Blue Glasses found in your TiVo DVR packing box. This THX optimization process helps ensure you’ll experience an uncompromised and truly unique HDTV experience.

For more information about TiVo, visit www.tivo.com.

A partner since 2004, Crystal Acoustics launched its first THX Select Certified Loudspeaker with the goal of manufacturing high-quality loudspeakers for audiences around the globe.

Crystal Acoustics Loudspeakers

What sets Crystal Acoustics loudspeaker systems apart, is their innovative design coupled with their acoustically engineered frames and building materials. Starting at the top of the main towers and center speaker, the external twitter rotates, so it can be aimed towards the exact listening position. The ultra-thin protective fabric frame, allows for a wide, yet focused stereo image without drawing attention to the speakers themselves. Furthermore, the full-range nature of the main towers, allows all Hi-Fi affictionados to enjoy the benefits of THX Certified performance for serious music listening.

Crystal Acoustics now offers a range of both THX Select and Ultra2 Certified loudspeakers and subwoofers. One of their latest products to achieve THX Ultra2 certification, is the powerful TX-12SUB12”* subwoofer. Boasting 200 watts of power and a flat response between 20Hz to 200Hz, this subwoofer compliments any home theater set up.

THX Certified Crystal Acoustics Reference T3-7.4 UL Loudspeakers System

Product Spotlight: Reference T3-7.4 UL Loudspeakers System

Engineered for THX Reference Level power, the Reference T3-7.4 UL loudspeaker system delivers smooth, rich audio performance. Features include:

• THX Select Certified: With 2 subwoofers, this speaker system has achieved THX Select certification performance.
• THX Ultra2 Certified: The 3 ½-way right and left floor standing towers with 4 subwoofers, gives you THX Ultra2 certification performance. Click here to find the THX certification performance category that best fits your room needs
• Frequency Response: Flat frequency response of +/-1.5dB
• Innovative Design: Top mounted, rotating tweeter with electronic protection

*For THX Ultra2 certification performance, four TX-12SUB12” subwoofers must be used with placement in the middle of each wall. This set up helps guarantee the best possible SPL in the lower frequency range, as well as offering the most effective standing wave control. Visit the THX Home Theater Guide for more information.

For more information about Crystal Acoustics, visit www.crystalacoustics.com.

What makes JVC projectors different? They use three D-ILA imaging chips (one each for red, green and blue), to ensure natural, flicker-free image reproduction. D-ILA, or Direct-Drive Image Light Amplification, is a JVC-developed technology that delivers unprecedented picture performance.

Now, JVC has achieved an industry first. The Reference Series DLA-RS60 and DLA-RS50 and the Procision Series DLA-X9 and DLA-X7 are the world’s first THX 3D Certified home theater projectors, producing eye-popping 3D without compromising 2D performance.

Left to Right: JVC Reference Series DLA-RS60, JVC Procision Series DLA-X9

Product Spotlight: The World’s First THX 3D Certified Projectors

The DLA-RS60, DLA-RS50, DLA-X9 and DLA-X7 are THX Certified for stunning 3D and 2D performance. These four models deliver accurate color in every dimension. They incorporate a new seven-axis color management system that allows precise color tuning, especially with skin tones, and a choice of color profiles.

Reference Series DLA-RS60 and DLA-RS50 and Procision Series DLA-X9 and DLA-X7 features include:

• THX 3D and 2D Cinema Modes and a unique THX Calibrator Mode
• 100,000:1 Native Contrast Ratio (DLA-RS60/DLA-X9)
• 70,000:1 Native Contrast Ratio (DLA-RS50/DLA-X7)
• 1300 Lumens
• 3rd Generation Optical Engine with improved wire grid polarizer
• Customized Gamma Control On-screen
• Real Color Imaging Technology
• 3D Enabled Viewing with 3-chip 0.7-inch 1920×1080 D-ILA devices
• Supports Frame Sequential 3D, side-by-side 3D and top-bottom 3D methods
• Exclusive Real Color Imaging Technology with Xenon Lamp Color Presets
• 99 Custom Screen Adjustment Presets
• Adobe RGB Color Profile

For more information about JVC Home Theater Projectors, visit www.jvc.com

Runco Projectors

Runco marked the launch of the THX Certified Display program by introducing the world’s first THX Certified projector back at CEDIA 2006. Now, with a strong line-up of THX Certified projectors, Runco’s cutting-edge technology and refined craftsmanship continues to ensure sharp, vibrant pictures with every frame.

With more than 200 tests, covering 400 data points, the THX certification process evaluates a projector’s signal processing performance, color accuracy, luminance and black levels. This video testing “boot camp” results in premium projectors that are perfect for Runco custom installations.

THX Certified Runco QuantumColor Q-750 LED projector

Product Spotlight: QuantumColor™ Q-750 projector

Continuing their history of breakthrough achievements, Runco’s QuantumColor Q-750 is the world’s first THX Certified LED projector, pairing energy-saving LED technology with proprietary Runco engineering to create unsurpassed performance.

The Q-750 features include:

• THX Display certification featuring THX Movie Mode
• Runco’s revolutionary lampless InfiniLight™ LED projector
• Runco’s Personal Color Equalizer™ proprietary color management for stunning realism
• Exclusive Runco SmartColor™ hue compensation curve and gamut mapping for accurate fleshtones
• Available with CineWide™ and AutoScope™ to replicate CinemaScope 2.35:1 formatting
• Energy efficiency that cuts an estimated 70 percent less power than lamp-based projection with Runco InstantOn™ eliminating the need to leave projector in power-consuming “standby” mode

Click here to view other THX Certified Runco products. For information on getting the most out of your Runco projector, visit the Runco Resource Library.

The THX Advantage

Filmmakers work hard to bring their vision to life. When their films are mastered in the studio, the color, black levels and other video parameters are carefully monitored and adjusted so that movies play back a very specific way in the home. THX certification helps recreate the filmmaker’s vision, right down to every color and detail, in your living room.

• THX Certified image quality: Runco projectors are designed and tested to meet the rigorous THX standards for image quality and signal processing performance.
• Studio color: THX Movie Mode comes as close as possible to reproducing the HD Color Standard used by filmmakers in the studio. THX provides authorized Runco installers and THX Certified Calibrators access to fine tune THX settings to further improve performance for specific to room conditions.

Runco’s Authorized Dealer Network

THX Certified projectors from Runco are only available through Runco’s Authorized Dealer Network. These dealers are trained by Runco to design, build and integrate custom home theaters into the most discriminating homes in the world to ensure precise and pristine performance.

For more information or to locate a local Runco dealer please visit www.runco.com.

For up to date news and product information, visit the Runco Blog, or follow them on Facebook and Twitter.

Logitech Speaker Systems

A THX Certified Multimedia Speaker system is designed for those who crave the power and performance of home theater and studio sound at the desktop.

A deep understanding of the filmmaking process is at the very heart of every THX Certified 2.1 and 5.1 speaker system from Logitech. Engineered to mirror the performance characteristics of professional studio speakers, THX certification recreates peak, Reference Level quality at your desktop listening position.

Logitech Z623 2.1 Speaker System

Product Spotlight: Logitech Z623 2.1 Speaker System

THX worked closely with Logitech during product development, ensuring the two-satellite and subwoofer Z623 speaker system was meticulously mapped to THX design standards. Then, THX performed more than 400 bench tests, including frequency response, noise, distortion and power. The result is a THX Certified Multimedia Speaker system that delivers THX Reference Level sound pressure and fidelity – letting you hear every bass note, sound effect and dialogue as it was created in the studio.

Z623 Performance Benefits:

• 400 Bench Tests: THX acoustic and electrical bench tests ensure accurate and powerful audio performance.
• THX Reference Level: Designed to mirror the performance characteristics of professional studio speakers, recreating peak, THX Reference Level quality.
• Wide Bandwidth: Low frequency extension of satellite speakers ensures a smooth and balanced audio experience when sound pans from satellites to subwoofer.
• Desktop Engineered: The Logitech Z623 is perfect for PC gaming, podcast production, audio and video editing, and enjoying music and movie applications on your desktop.

Desktop Listening Recommendations

Click to view larger image

For the best listening experience, THX recommends having a 28-inch viewing distance from your speakers and desktop display to your seating position. If you have a 5.1 Logitech system, the Front Left and Right speakers should be placed to the side of your display, with the Center Channel Speaker either above or below the display —aimed at the listening position. The Surround speakers should be positioned 56 inches from your seating position. Click here to get more Speaker Setup Tips from THX.

For more information about Logitech speaker systems, visit www.logitech.com.

Onkyo & THX

THX and Onkyo® are celebrating more than 15 years of collaboration and innovation. Onkyo served as the driving force behind developing the industry’s first THX Certified audio-video receiver in 1994—the Onkyo TX-SV919THX. More than a decade later, Onkyo and THX collaboration has provided consumers numerous ground breaking THX Certified products, including Integrated Systems, AV receivers and THX Certified Blu-ray Disc players.

THX Certified Onkyo TX-NR609 7.2 Channel AVR

Onkyo TX-NR609 7.2 Channel AVR

THX Certified receivers aim to recreate cinema volume and fidelity in your living room. Through strict THX engineering standards, precise laboratory testing and proprietary DSP technology, THX certification ensures extraordinary performance.

The TX-NR609 THX Certified AV receiver from Onkyo is well equipped to provide superior music, movie and game surround sound experiences – all at an exceptional value. Packed with audiophile features, the TX-NR609 is wired for connectivity.

• THX Tested: 2,000 THX bench tests ensure Reference Level performance with no distortion.
• Connected: Six HDMI inputs (one located conveniently on the front), a Universal Port for Onkyo-branded peripheral devices, and a variety of popular digital and analog A/V jacks.
• Powered Zone 2: Allows users to play a different audio source in a second room equipped with stereo speakers.
• THX Select2 Plus Certified: Designed for home theater systems in medium sized rooms with a 10-12 foot viewing distance from the screen.
• THX Loudness Plus: Engineered with THX technology to deliver every detail of a surround sound mix when the volume is lowered.

Onkyo BD SP807 THX Certified Blu-ray Player

Onkyo BD-SP807

THX Certified Blu-ray disc players are engineered to recreate superior images that closely match the filmmaker’s mastering environment. During the THX certification process, THX engineers conduct in-depth analysis of image quality and signal processing to ensure Blu-ray disc players present accurate color, contrast, and black/white levels without softening the picture or producing digital artifacts.

The Onkyo BD-SP807 Blu-ray Disc Player provides a robust and versatile playback solution for your favorite movies and music on Blu-ray discs, DVDs and CDs.

• THX Picture Quality: Critical analysis of image quality and video processing capabilities ensures accurate color, contrast and clean processing.
• True High Definition: Playback of Blu-ray Discs with full high definition 1080p video resolution.
• Connected: Ethernet port enables interactive Profile 2.0 BD-Live features; SD card slot lets you enjoy downloaded Web content or digital photos.
• Serious Sound: Delivers a Pure Data Bitstream from Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio codecs.

For more information about Onkyo AV receivers and HTiBs, visit www.onkyo.com.

LG HDTVs

LG is reinventing the boundaries of LED LCDs and Plasma HDTVs with its expansion of new products. Combining stylish designs with enhanced connectivity options, including LG SmartTV and 3D capability, the LG LED LCDs and Plasmas deliver the perfect blend of style, sophistication and stunning visual performance.

The LG LW9500 LED LCD Series, and LG PZ750 and PZ950 Plasma Series are among the world’s top performing TVs that have what it takes to be called THX Certified. Exclusive to LG TV’s is the THX Bright Room playback mode, a setting that lets you recreate cinematic image quality in home theaters with abundant ambient light.

THX Certified LG PZ950 3D Plasma

Product Spotlight: LG PZ750 & PZ950 Plasma Series

The LGPZ750 and PZ950 Plasma Series are among the world’s first flat-panel displays to achieve THX 3D Display Certification. Features include:

• BORDERLESS™ Design: Slim depth and narrow bezel
• NetCast™ Entertainment Access: Skype, Vudu, Netflix, Youtube, Yahoo! Widgets, and more
• WiFi® Ready: Getting your LG TV connected to NetCast™ Entertainment Access and other online content is easy when you are WiFi™ Ready
• LG Magic Motion Remote
• THX 3D Display Certification: Featuring THX 3D Cinema Mode and THX Bright Room Mode

The THX Certification Advantage

Filmmakers work hard to bring their vision to life. When their films are mastered in the studio, the color, black levels and other video parameters are carefully monitored and adjusted so that movies play back a very specific way in the home. THX certification helps recreate the filmmaker’s vision in your living room.

• THX Certified image quality: LG TVs are designed and tested to meet the rigorous THX standards for image quality and signal processing performance
• Studio color, out-of-the-box: THX Movie Mode comes as close as possible to reproducing the HD Color Standard used by filmmakers in the studio
• Optimized settings for ambient room lighting: THX Bright Room Mode sets luminance, black levels, gamma and backlighting for typical bright room conditions

For more information about LG TVs, visit www.lgusa.com