“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.

SAN RAFAEL, CA. – December 14, 2011 – This year at CES 2012, THX Ltd. will be hosting its THX Certified Professional Calibration and Home Theater trainings for installers, video calibrators and retailers directly following the show, January 13-15, 2012. Continuing to help pave the way for upholding the highest quality standards in audio and video home theater entertainment, THX consistently updates its Education workshops to instruct attendees on the latest technology trends. The upcoming classes feature hands-on training of 3D audio/video and 4K video technologies to help attendees gain valuable experience and maintain a competitive edge in calibrating today’s consumer electronics.

In addition to preserving a top-notch training program, THX will be hosting a premium reception at the exclusive Foundation Room at Mandalay Bay for all students signed up for CES 2012 classes. Transportation, cocktails and premium hors d’oeuvres will be provided, as well as drawings for valuable giveaways.

What:

THX Senior Fellow John Dahl and his team of experts will host Levels 1 and 2 of THX’s Certified Professional Video Calibration and Home Theater trainings. These programs will introduce and provide in-depth instruction on designing and optimizing home theater audio and video systems, including 3D audio/video and 4K video techniques. Candidates who successfully complete each program will earn the title of THX Certified Professional.

• THX Certified Professional Video Calibration Level 1: As 3D technology continues to pervade homes and 4K resolution emerges as a standard, certified professionals need to understand how these latest developments affect calibration techniques in order to provide value to their customers. This is an introductory course that teaches best practices of basic video calibration methods through hands-on instruction working with a variety of current displays and calibration instruments.
• THX Certified Professional Video Calibration Level 2: With the film industry using a variety of new technologies and techniques when shooting content, this two-day course provides specific insight and calibration practices addressing 3D technology and CinemaScope images. Learn how these technologies are changing the industry through hands-on laboratory instruction from THX experts. Gaining practical experience across a variety of devices while using the highest-quality instruments, students will leave with applicable knowledge on how to best calibrate any display.
• THX Home Theater Level 1: As consumers continue to purchase CE devices with the latest technologies and growing multitude of features and settings, certified professionals need to understand how these affect the home entertainment experience. THX helps professionals stay ahead of the curve by including 3D audio/video techniques and instruction, providing course attendees with the competitive knowledge necessary to create a premium THX home theater experience, including equipment selection, room setup, calibration and most important, small room acoustics.
• THX Home Theater Level 2: Custom installers working on high-end home theaters understand the need to deliver demanding customers the best entertainment experience possible, down to the smallest detail. This full two-day course offers in-depth training and hands-on application in room acoustics and design, wall treatments and isolation, and AV hardware selection and placement. Through proficient guidance and preparation, students will leave with an understanding of how to avoid costly pitfalls while delivering an exceptional set-up for their customers.

When/Cost:

January 13-15, 2012

• Home Theater 1: January 13, 2012 (Sponsored by CEA); 9 AM – 5 PM
  Cost: $550
• Home Theater 2 (two days): January 14-15, 2012; 9 AM – 6 PM
  Cost: $1,200

Students save $100 on Home Theater 2 if they take Home Theater 1 at CES 2012; course total $1,100

• Video Calibration Level 1: January 13, 2012; 9 AM – 6 PM
  Cost: $599
• Video Calibration Level 2 (two days): January 14-15, 2012; 9 AM – 6 PM
  Cost: $1,599

Students save $195 towards the combined price of both Video Calibration Level 1 and 2 if they enroll in both during CES 2012; combined price $1,800

Reception:

January 13, 2011 – 6-8 PM (transportation provided)

Where:

• Home Theater 1 Training – Las Vegas Convention Center, North Hall N250
  3275 Paradise Rd, Las Vegas, NV
• Home Theater 2 and Video 1 and 2 Trainings – Circus Circus
  2880 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, NV
• Reception – Shangri-La Private Room, 43rd Floor @ Foundation Room, Mandalay Bay
  3950 Las Vegas Boulevard South, Las Vegas, NV

Why:

Don’t you want to be trained by the best? For 25 years, THX has been a 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.

Need further incentive? THX will be hosting an exclusive reception at the Foundation Room at Mandalay Bay for all students registered for CES 2012 THX training. The Foundation Room is a private, member’s only club, which provides breathtaking views of the Las Vegas Strip from the top of Mandalay Bay. CES 2012 THX Training attendees are invited to enjoy elite access to fine dining, cocktails and an overall royal treatment.

THX will also be offering valuable giveaways throughout its classes:

• Las Vegas Show Tickets (for Saturday night)
• Star Wars: The Complete Saga Blu-ray Disc Sets (THX Certified and THX Media DirectorTM Enabled)
• THX Premium Swag Bags
• Training Book Giveaways
  • Digital Video and HDTV: Algorithms and Interfaces, by Charles Poynton
  • Sound Reproduction: The Acoustics and Psychoacoustics of Loudspeakers and Rooms, by Floyd Toole

Register:

Please register for the workshops here:

• Home Theater Level 1 Registration
• Home Theater Level 2 Registration
• Video Calibration Level 1 and 2

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.

SAN RAFAEL, Calif. – November 30, 2011 – THX Ltd. today announced that it will be hosting a series of Facebook giveaways, giving current THX followers and new fans the opportunity to win a variety of the latest and greatest THX Certified offerings for a miraculous entertainment experience this holiday season.

WHAT:

Every two weeks from now until January 13, 2012, THX is working with various THX partners to spread the cheer, allowing fans that “like” THX a chance to win some incredible prizes such as:

• THX Certified Cinema gift certificate
• THX Certified Blu-ray Player
• THX Certified DVR
• THX Certified AVR
• THX Certified Integrated System (all-in-one receiver and speaker package)

WHEN:

Wednesday, November 30, 2011 – Friday, January 13, 2012. THX will announce the winner after each biweekly promotion on Facebook, Twitter and THX.com. The last winner and grand prize will be unveiled at CES 2012, where THX will be showcasing several exciting new demonstrations and announcements at the Renaissance Hospitality Suites.

WHERE:

To participate and find out what exceptional prizes loyal fans can win over the next several weeks, visit THX’s Facebook page. See the Official Rules and Regulations for details.

WHY:

With the holidays just around the corner, THX wants to thank its supporters and new enthusiasts by gifting some of the best THX Certified gear. From Blu-ray players to movies, THX Certified products ensure consumers experience every sound and visual in true cinematic style.

About THX Ltd.

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, HDTVs, and blockbuster movies and games. Products featuring THX technologies defy convention and define quality in their class, whether in the cinema, in the home or on the road.

“By partnering with THX and Datasat, we bring unique cinema audio expertise to the table that complements our suite of revolutionary solutions from Auro Technologies allowing 3D sound to be experienced for the first time in cinemas worldwide,” says Brian Claypool, senior director strategic business development at Barco. “The result is the most sophisticated and natural audio experience available.”

Auro-3D®, powered by Barco and Auro Technologies, elevates the cinema sound experience to an amazing level of auditory acuity, enabling movie-goers to hear sounds from their relative origination point in the theater, and it does so in a simple and cost-effective way. To achieve this truly enveloping experience, the system incorporates additional speakers deployed in the upper portions of the auditorium that add an extra dimension to the sound experience. The solution is 100 percent backwards and forwards compatible with existing sound systems, requiring minimal hardware investment and installation time.

“We are proud to be selected by Barco as OEM partner and supplier for the new Auro-3D® audio processing package,” comments Robert McKinley, COO of Datasat Digital Entertainment. “We have an extensive history in audio processing for feature films. The revolutionary 3D sound technology is a new chapter for us, and we’re very happy to be part of this development.”

By qualifying Auro-3D® technology from a design and technology perspective, THX recognizes Barco as developing a premium quality audio offering to already being a superior brand in digital cinema projection. “For nearly 30 years, THX has been passionate about improving the cinematic experience with its innovative THX Cinema certification program, which has been instrumental in providing audiences worldwide optimized picture and sound in designated THX Certified Cinemas,” says Rick Dean, senior vice president, THX Ltd. “This is a groundbreaking, yet logical next step for THX and we are excited to be a part of this next-generation theater audio technology.”

Auro-3D® is quickly gaining traction with leading exhibitors on three continents. The system has already been installed at Jam Hall Cinemas (St. Petersburg, Russia); Regal Cinemas (Los Angeles, US); and Wangfujing Cinema (Changsha, China) with additional installations in progress around the globe.

About Datasat

Datasat Digital Entertainment is a pioneer in digital cinema technologies for the motion picture industry. Datasat securely delivers content to over 30,000 cinema screens in over 100 countries. Its digital sound technology, which debuted with Jurassic Park in 1993, won an Academy Award. Today, Datasat Digital Entertainment continues to define the future of sound by providing digital surround sound and digital cinema hardware products to the cinema industry.

About THX Ltd.

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, HDTVs, and blockbuster movies and games. Products featuring THX defy convention and define quality in their class, whether in the cinema, home or on the road.

About Auro Technologies

Auro Technologies (www.auro-3d.com; www.auro-technologies.com) is a spin-off of the Galaxy Studios Group and owner of the Auro-3D® Technology Suite. The Auro-3D® system is designed by Wilfried Van Baelen, founder of Galaxy Studios. Galaxy Studios is worldwide renowned for its state-of-the-art leadership in audio innovation for music and film sound. The Auro-3D® suite offers ground-breaking, easy-to-use and unprecedented levels of sound reproduction capabilities to the professional, automotive, broadcast and consumer electronics (such as gaming, smartphones, multimedia PC, notebooks, tablets, audio players, digital TV, media libraries and packaged media) markets.

About Barco

Barco, a global technology company, designs and develops visualization products for a variety of selected professional markets. Barco has its own facilities for Sales & Marketing, Customer Support, R&D and Manufacturing in Europe, North America and Asia Pacific. Barco (NYSE Euronext Brussels: BAR) is active in more than 90 countries with about 3,500 employees worldwide. Barco posted sales of 897 million euro in 2010.

© Copyright 2011 by Barco
THX is a trademark of THX Ltd. which is registered in some jurisdictions. All rights reserved.

HOLLYWOOD (SMPTE 2011 – Stand 504), October 25, 2011—THX Ltd. today announced the THX cineSpaceTM Partner Program, a growing ecosystem of experts in the content production space, with a common goal of offering products that ensure quality end-customer experiences and effective color management throughout the production chain. Representing Digital Intermediate grading and restoration systems used in major facilities all over the world to finish feature films, television shows and commercials, the new program promotes proper implementation and use of the THX cineSpace color management software. It enables partner companies to access development versions of new THX cineSpace products for alpha and beta testing, and to use THX cineSpace in end-user training programs to ensure customers get the most out of the combination of THX cineSpace and their products.

“The systems manufacturers participating in the THX cineSpace Partner Program are some of the world’s leading firms in the business, responsible for producing major feature films, prime time television shows and commercials,” said Rick Dean, senior vice president, THX Ltd. “With this new program, THX is facilitating communication between production and post-production organizations to ensure facilities and artists are getting the best possible results onto the screen.”

Partner products support THX cineSpace LUTs which enable the systems to accurately emulate virtually any display target during the creative processes of grading and restoration. Colorists and other artists use the partner systems together with THX cineSpace to complete deliverables intended for display using Rec 709 video, digital cinema, and any film stock.

THX cineSpace partners include:

• ASSIMILATE Inc. – the developer of SCRATCH® and SCRATCH Lab™; the SCRATCH data-centric DI system is the most comprehensive, end-to-end cinema and broadcast imaging tool for playback, conform, editing, color grading, compositing and finishing for digital workflows. SCRATCH Lab delivers a comprehensive toolset for the review, versioning, color correction, conform, and output for production and VFX dailies for features, such as Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2, Xmen: First Class and Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides. ASSIMILATE has remained an innovator in digital cinema since its inception more than eight years ago and has been an ongoing, critical partner of RED, another industry groundbreaker.
• Image Systems – a worldwide leader in high resolution image processing and film scanning for the media and defense companies, as well as high speed motion analysis solutions for industrial applications. Its Nucoda products comprise a suite of color grading and finishing solutions that have been used on many of the best known films, commercials, documentaries, music videos and television programs across the globe, such as the Emmy Award winning TV series Californication, Pixar’s Cars 2 and upcoming feature Brave, Game of Thrones and The Chronicles of Narnia: Voyage of the Dawn Treader (the highest grossing film of 2010). Its Phoenix range offer the ultimate in image restoration tools for film archives and content owners. Its Golden Eye film scanners provide optimal high resolution scanning for DI, archive and restoration, handling negative, print and intermediate in all major film formats.
• Pandora International – offers the new Pluto multi-purpose display management system for use in production and post applications. This hardware platform handles THX cineSpace LUTs and incorporates a 3D and 1D LUT manager, a cursor generator and a stereoscopic processor. THX cineSpace customers use the Pluto as a fully integrated hardware solution for monitor profiling, calibration and look management. Facilities like The Mill, MTI Film and Park Road Post use Pluto devices to emulate a huge variety of target display types. They profile their displays and targets with the THX cineProfiler application and control Pluto over Ethernet; the THX cineCube Visual software generates emulation LUTs for the Pluto to apply to the video stream.
• Quantel – delivers the Pablo color correction and finishing solution for HD, 2K, 4K and Stereoscopic 3D. It has been proven on thousands of movies, commercials and programs including Avatar, the new documentary film Dragonslayer and The Social Network. Pablo’s powerful color tools all run in a non-linear environment – where changes are easily accommodated at any stage. It also means that the colorist and client can view every shot in its correct editorial – and even compositional – context, transforming the entire post workflow into a fast, collaborative and creative process.

As part of its partner program, THX also works closely with the International Colorist Academy (ICA), a collective of freelance colorists and color scientists led by well-known colorist and trainer Kevin Shaw. THX receives input and advice on best practices and development priorities based on ICA real-world experiences working on a wide variety of material in top facilities all over the world. In addition, the ICA uses THX cineSpace as the preferred color management tool for its colorist training programs, which help engineers and artists implement and use THX cineSpace color management properly.

THX is exhibiting its latest version of THX cineSpace color management software at the SMPTE National Conference October 25-27, at Stand 504. In addition, Michael Chenery, senior color scientist, THX, will present a paper at SMPTE on “The Validity and Relevance of Reference Displays” on Tuesday, October 25. Michael will address a host of color science issues related to replacing the once ubiquitous CRT display in professional environments and discuss alternatives to dealing with the problem of “what is the best reference monitor,” given the current state of display technology.

About THX Ltd.

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, HDTVs, and blockbuster movies and games. Products featuring THX defy convention and define quality in their class, whether in the cinema, home or on the road.

THX’s new Room Certification will comprise a set of standards for critical viewing room layouts of all sizes, including specifications for lighting systems selection and placement, wall coverings and equipment. The service will ensure that facilities are able to provide the best possible 2D and 3D viewing environments for creatives making critical color and image decisions for motion pictures, TV and commercials. Creative intent will be maintained as projects are transferred between different studio locations.

“The goal of THX’s new Room Certification is to provide post-production facility operators a way to differentiate their services. Projects will be truly portable, as clients will be able to hire the best creative talent for the job and be assured that the viewing environment is entirely consistent as the project moves through its various phases,” said Jerry Zernicke, director, Professional Services, THX. “We will be working directly with architects and designers throughout the facility setup process to ensure that every room detail is held to THX performance standards so clients will be able to offer absolute quality assurance to content producers.”

THX will be exhibiting at IBC and executives will be at the THX booth, located at Hall 7, Stand 7.K01.

For the latest THX Media Director and THX cineSpace technology announcements, please visit THX Media Director Momentum Release 9/8/11 and THX cineSpace Updates Release 9/9/2011.

About THX Ltd.

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, HDTVs, and blockbuster movies and games. Products featuring THX defy convention and define quality in their class, whether in the cinema, home or on the road.

AMSTERDAM (IBC 2011 – Hall 7, Stand 7.K01), September 9, 2011—THX Ltd. today announced enhancements to its popular THX cineSpaceTM color management software, the de facto standard in film and television post-production for image color accuracy and consistency, with support for 64-bit operating systems on Windows, Mac and Linux platforms, in addition to 64-bit support in cinePlugin versions for Adobe Photoshop™, Apple Shake™, Eyeon Fusion™, Nucoda Film Master™ and Nuke™.

The plugins are tightly integrated into the workflow and functionality of the associated systems and enable highly efficient display calibration and LUT selection. The latest THX cineSpace offerings also add support for the new X-Rite i1 Display Pro colorimeter and the Datacolor Spyder line of colorimeters, providing facilities with more choices in terms of price, quality, accuracy and functionality for display calibration devices.

THX cineSpace products are used in major post-production, visual effects and animation facilities worldwide to calibrate monitors and projection systems, and establish an end-to-end color pipeline. It ensures that visual artists are able to see how an image will appear in a wide range of target environments, including film projection, digital cinemas, plasma monitors and LCD consumer displays. The THX cineSpace product line includes software programs optimized for use in animation and visual effects workstations as well as products for use in Digital Intermediate and mastering facilities.

“The combination of our new color science tools, THX Media DirectorTM and critical viewing Room Certification are key components in our initiative to help post houses optimize workflow and ensure that artists are working in room environments that support their best creative efforts,” said Rick Dean, senior vice president, THX Ltd. “THX cineSpace is one of the most advanced and flexible color management systems on the market and is used by leading facilities all over the world.”

THX cineSpace Customer Examples

As one of the oldest and most well-respected effects facilities in the world, Tippett Studio, produces highly complex animation and visual effects sequences for major feature films ranging from fantasies, such as Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 and The Smurfs, to dramatic productions, like the upcoming film, Hemmingway and Gelhorn.

“Realism is key to producing compelling effects sequences. It’s absolutely critical that our artists know that what they see on their workstations translates well and tells the story properly when it makes it to the big screen, and then later to the home environment. It’s a non-trivial technical challenge and a requirement for success,” explained Page Frakes, color pipeline supervisor for Tippett Studio. “The THX cineSpace color management software gives us the tools we need to calibrate our displays accurately and also emulate virtually any target viewing environment, from 2D and 3D digital cinema to LCD flat screens used in the home.”

NYC-based Nice Shoes is a full service, artist-driven design, animation, visual effects and color grading studio specializing in high-end commercials, web content, film, TV and music videos. Nice Shoes grades and finishes commercials for brands, such as Adidas, Cartoon Network, Coca-Cola, Ford and Google. Its work is seen in digital signage, on movie theater screens and in hundreds of millions of homes.

“The market for post services in New York is extremely competitive and one of the ways Nice Shoes has maintained its edge is by adopting THX cineSpace. It’s our standard color management tool,” said Chris Ryan, partner, colorist and head of technical operations, Nice Shoes. “THX cineSpace makes it easy for us to emulate every possible viewing environment and we depend on the precision of its 65-point LUTs to ensure our clients that they are reviewing work on the most accurately calibrated displays possible.”

MTI Film provides a complete range of post-production services for film restoration and television, such as the new Sarah Michelle Gellar show, “Ringer” and the TNT series, “Rizzoli and Isles.” The Hollywood facility was built from scratch in late 2010 and utilizes the best technologies currently available, such as Avid editing systems, dailies processing by Control Dailies, Convey and Nucoda Film Master.

“It’s a time-critical business with tight deadlines and hectic schedules. We know that our deliverables will be seen in millions of homes with every possible type of display technology—from high end projection systems to old CRT-based TVs,” said Larry Chernoff, CEO, MTI Films. “We have been using the THX cineSpace color management system extensively since we started the business. THX cineSpace supports the quality, efficiency and flexibility we need for our color pipeline; it’s essential to our workflow.”

With continued investment in THX cineSpace, the growth of its THX Media Director ecosystem and forthcoming critical viewing Room Certification services, THX is providing the tools and expertise to preserve artistic intent and produce an exceptional consumer entertainment experience.

THX is exhibiting its new THX cineSpace color management software at IBC this week, located at Hall 7, Stand 7.K01. For the latest THX Media Director technology and new critical viewing Room Certification announcements, please visit THX Media Director Momentum Release 9/8/11 and THX New Room Certification Release 9/9/11.

If you are interested in evaluating THX cineSpace products, please contact cinesupport@thx.com

About THX Ltd.

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, HDTVs, and blockbuster movies and games. Products featuring THX defy convention and define quality in their class, whether in the cinema, home or on the road.

INDIANAPOLIS (CEDIA 2011 – Booth # 1543), September 8, 2011—THX Ltd. today announced that Analog Devices, Sigma Designs, Silicon Image and Quantum Data, are providing industry-leading silicon solutions and HDMI protocol testing platform support that now make it easier for CE manufacturers to implement THX Media Director™ into Blu-ray players, AV receivers, TVs and projectors. THX’s unique technology transforms movies, music and other digital media into metadata or “smart content” that enables A/V components to auto-select the most appropriate audio and video playback settings, preserving the content creator’s artistic intent.

Audience Benefits:

• CE manufacturers can rapidly introduce THX Media Director enabled products to consumers, with the new chip and testing platform partner support of this technology
• THX Media Director enabled devices give installers flexibility in configuring systems, with higher assurance that playback settings will remain correct as viewers switch between content
• Adding THX Media Director metadata to titles, studios improve the consumer entertainment experience; producers and directors can be assured their creations will be played back the way they intended
• As the THX Media Director ecosystem continues to expand, consumers benefit from an overall enhanced entertainment experience – home entertainment products that simply deliver movies, games, TV programming and more, as the artist intended

“With support from worldwide leading chipmakers Analog Devices, Sigma Designs and Silicon Image, THX is further extending the foundation of its THX Media Director platform,” said Rick Dean, senior vice president, THX Ltd. “CE manufacturers will now be able to source these chips for THX Media Director enabled devices, such as Blu-ray players, AV receivers, TVs and projectors.”

Semiconductor Chip Partner Support and Significance

Analog Devices, Sigma Designs and Silicon Image have contributed significantly to the initial implementations of THX Media Director and have enhanced their products that support industry standards (CEA-861 and HDMI) and features (multiple Vendor Specific InfoFrame (VSI) processing), facilitating easy implementation by CE manufacturers.

• Analog Devices, a global leader in high-performance signal processing and supplier of Advantiv® advanced TV solutions for the world’s largest consumer OEMs, recently announced its ADV7850 HDMI Complete AV Front-end chip, which supports the implementation of THX Media Director along with all commonly used interfaces associated with HDTVs and home theater applications. At CEDIA 2011, part of THX’s demo will show how ADI’s ADV7850 HDMI Complete AV Front-end can support, detect and process THX Media Director’s special embedded VSI codes from a variety of sources (Blu-ray player, game platform, set-top-box, HD camcorder, etc.) to the display
• Sigma Designs – As the leading provider of system-on-chip (SoC) solutions for both video and media processing, Sigma Designs’ SMP864x, SMP865x and SMP8910 family of chips power Connected Media players, Set-top-boxes and AVRs from leading CE brands, and now makes it easier for CE manufacturers to rapidly introduce THX Media Director enabled products directly to consumers
• Silicon Image – As a leading provider of wired and wireless connectivity solutions that enable the reliable distribution and presentation of high-definition content for consumer electronics, mobile and PC markets, Silicon Image has announced THX Media Director support in seven HDMI® port processors and transmitters; these can be implemented into end-to-end solutions for a variety of digital TVs and home theater consumer devices

In addition, Quantum Data, a worldwide provider of video test equipment, has joined THX Media Director’s growing list of partners to provide an additional layer of support for any chip maker or CE manufacturer looking to implement THX Media Director technology. Working with THX to develop and implement Media Director compatible tests, Quantum Data can verify, test, simulate and validate that manufacturers’ products are in full compliance with THX’s technology.

Star Wars: The Complete Saga on Blu-ray – First THX Media Director Enabled Blu-ray Disc

With the THX Media Director foundation in place, THX also announced that the soon to be released Star Wars: The Complete Saga on Blu-ray will be the first Blu-ray disc with THX Media Director enabled content on discs 1-6, available across several territories, including USA/Canada. Marking an almost 30 year relationship, THX worked closely with Lucasfilm to identify and preserve the best possible picture and sound playback settings so fans can sit back and experience Star Wars as it was intended. THX will introduce additional THX Media Director enabled titles, for the highest-quality 2D and 3D home entertainment experience possible, in Q4’11 and into 2012.

With the growth of THX’s Media Director ecosystem along with continual investment in its THX cineSpace™ Color Management Software and upcoming critical viewing Room Certification services, THX is providing the tools and expertise along the full production chain, resulting in an exceptional consumer entertainment experience.

THX is also exhibiting at IBC this week, with a THX booth located at Hall 7, Stand 7.K01. For the latest THX Room Certification and THX cineSpace technology announcements, please visit THX New Room Certification Release 9/9/11 and THX cineSpace Updates Release 9/9/2011.

About THX Ltd.

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, HDTVs, and blockbuster movies and games. Products featuring THX defy convention and define quality in their class, whether in the cinema, home or on the road.

About Star Wars: The Complete Saga on Blu-ray

Relive the unforgettable moments and experience the spectacular adventure of STAR WARS The Complete Saga in a way only Blu-ray can deliver. This incredible collection unites all six Episodes together for the first time in stunning high definition with the purest digital sound in the galaxy. With over 40 hours of thrilling special features, including all-new content created exclusively for this release, you can journey deeper into the Star Wars universe and discover more than ever before. Feel the Force of STAR WARS The Complete Saga on Blu-ray this September!