THX Certified Video Calibration 2 is the industry’s most hands-on training available for video calibration professionals today. This course is geared to advanced students who have already completed THX Video Calibration 1 or an equivalent calibration course recognized by THX. With two full days of hands-on laboratory instruction, candidates will gain an in-depth understanding of video calibration techniques using a variety of video testing and calibration instruments.

THX Certified Video Calibration 2 course registration is $1,599.00.

To achieve the title of “THX Certified Professional Calibrator” candidates are required to successfully finish the course, pass the exam and complete a number of calibrations under the supervision of THX instructors. They can then begin generating revenue by offering THX Certified Calibrations to customers. THX Certified Professional Calibrators also gain access to a private forum and other THX marketing and online services.

Course curriculum includes:

• Calibration Process and Integration of Signal Generators
• Advanced Grayscale and Gamma
• Software and Hardware Choices
• Competing Display Technologies
• Scaling Technologies
• Processing Issues; Progressive/Interlace
• De-interlacing with Examples from HD and DVD Benchmark Discs
• Environmental Issues
• Color Science and Color Standards
• Day & Night Modes
• Calibrating to Black & White Films
• 3D Color Management Systems – Color Standards and Science
• The Business of Calibration – Customer Management

THX Certified Video Calibration 1 is a one-day introductory course designed for those looking to join the ranks of professional calibrators. The course also serves as a prerequisite for THX Video Calibration 2, which is required before you are able to offer your clients THX Certified Video Calibrations.

Candidates who successfully complete the coursework and score at least 85 percent on the THX exam will achieve the title of “THX Certified Professional.” They will also be listed on the THX directory of Certified Professionals, among other marketing support materials.

Course curriculum includes:

• History of TV Technology
• Why We Calibrate
• What Makes a “Good Image”
• Signal Path and Optimization Strategies
• Calibration Process
• Contrast Ratios and Screen Uniformity
• Geometry & Convergence
• Contrast and Brightness
• Introduction to Grayscale/White Balance
• Color, Tint and Color Decoding
• Sharpness and Enhancement Controls
• Introduction to 3D Color Management

Born out of the Star Wars legacy and tied to world’s most acclaimed filmmakers and premium home entertainment products, no other brand resonates with consumers as deeply, and with greater trust than THX.

For 25 years, THX has been a leader in bringing the best 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 the major electronics manufacturers to bring consumers the best in home theater equipment.

THX Certified Professional Home Theater 1 & 2 Advantage

At its core, THX is about recreating the cinematic experience in the home, through new technology development, product design, certification and educational programs. By participating in a THX Certified Professional Home Theater 1 or 2 workshop, you walk away with knowledge to propel your business to the next level.

The THX brand is known and trusted by consumers, and is sought out when they choose equipment and professional installers. Achieving THX Certified Professional status at either level establishes you as an elite member in your field. And, all THX courses are CEDIA CEU accredited.

Hear what CE Pros have to say about the THX Home Theater 1 & 2 programs.

THX Certified Professional Video Calibrator Advantage

The THX Certified Professional Video Systems Calibration course provides professional video calibrators the most in-depth and comprehensive calibration training available today. THX training workshops are based on years of expertise in the physics of video and psycho-visual perception. Proven facts, solid concepts and decades of expertise come together in this unique, top rate workshop.

The three-day course includes classroom instruction and two full days of hands-on training. Students will gain an understanding of video calibration using a variety of video testing and calibration instruments, in addition to knowledge of consumer projector and flat panel display operation, performance and maintenance.

Once certified, THX trained Professional Video Systems Calibrators are able to offer THX Calibrated Display services to their customers as a premium offering.

Check out the detailed agenda for THX Home Theater 1, Home Theater 2 and Video Calibration courses.

The THX Certified Home Theater 1 Workshop provides consumer electronics professionals with the knowledge and training to assist end users with the selection of home theater equipment, basic system set up and calibration.

Register now or contact THX for additional information.

General Course Information

The cost for this single day hands-on workshop is $500. This includes practical home theater design information, a comprehensive course book, a certificate of completion and discounts on THX merchandise. Attendees must cover their own travel costs including airfare, hotels, parking, transportation and some meals.

Course Requirements

Course Duration

One day, 9am to 6pm. Plan travel generously to allow for possible traffic or other delays.

Detailed Agenda

• Introduction to THX
• Roots of the THX Performance Standards
• THX Certified Display Program
• THX Certified/Approved products
• THX Technologies
• THX Certified Venues
• THX Certified Games Program
• THX Certified Car Audio Systems
• THX Optimizer
• Introduction to the Behavior of Sound in Small Rooms
• The Value of Understanding Acoustics
• Room Reflections
• Bass Modes
• Noise Control
• Room Isolation
• Introduction to Home Theater Design
• The Audio System
• The Video System
• System Set Up
• System Verification and Calibration
• Marketing your THX Certification
• Market Research
• Web Sites
• Business Cards
• Company Vehicles
• Advertising

Check out the upcoming training events.

Building upon the Home Theater 1 Workshop, this Home Theater 2 course provides in-depth training on room acoustics and design, wall treatments and isolation, and AV hardware selection and placement. Hands-on training techniques are incorporated into this comprehensive program – detailing system set up, speaker positioning and audio calibration.

Register now or contact THX for additional information.

General Course Information

The cost for this 2 day hands-on workshop is $1,200. This includes interactive exercises using state-of-the-art equipment, a comprehensive course book, a certificate of completion and discounts on THX merchandise. Attendees must cover their travel costs including airfare, hotels, parking, transportation and some meals.

Course Requirements

• Home Theater 1 certification (can be taken concurrently with Home Theater 2).
• Attend the entire Home Theater 2 Workshop.
• Pass the Home Theater 2 online exam within 3 weeks of your course date.

Course Duration

Two days, 9am to 6pm. Plan travel generously to allow for possible traffic or other delays.

Detailed Agenda

Day One

• Home Theater Design
• Performance Goals
• Designing the Room for Sound Quality
• Room Dimension
• Sound Isolation Strategies
• Noise Control
• Vibration Control
• Model Decay Time
• Determine Absorption Area
• Determine Diffusion Area
• Determine Treatment Locations
• Treat Echoes
• Place Listener
• Place Sound System
• Design Integration
• Designing the Room for Picture Quality
• Light Control
• Picture Location
• Sight Lines
• Audio Component Selection
• Electronics
• Loudspeakers
• Audio Component Placement
• Electronics
• LCR vs. Surround Speakers
• Relative to Screen and Listeners
• Height
• Spread
• Video Component Selection
• Projectors
• Projection screens
• Screen Size and “Gain”
• Direct View Sets
• Video Placement
• Heat Dissipation
• Noise Control
• Seating Placement
• Relative to Screen
• Relative to Room Modes
• Control System Design
• Theater Only
• Whole House Systems
• Project Management
• Planning and Design
• Costing
• Relationships with Clients and Contractors

Day Two

• Preparing the Tools & System Configuration
• Acoustic Design
• Speaker Location
• Listener Location
• Signal Assignment
• System Verification
• Signal Level
• Signal Bandwidth
• Signal Purity
• Aiming Satellite Speakers
• Position Subwoofers
• Acoustic Room Treatment
• Audio Calibration
• Source Products
• Controller
• Equalization
• Final Reporting

Check out upcoming training events.

Q & A Session with Jeff Alegria of Audio Video Dimensions

Q: How long have you been in business?
A: I have been in business since 1995.

Q: What areas of the custom install market do you specialize in?
A: I specialize in Home Theater Systems and Acoustic Treatment.

Q: Why did you become a THX Certified Professional?
A: I became a THX Certified Professional because installing Home Theaters is my passion, and it’s my favorite thing to do in the custom install market. I was drawn to THX because I wanted to learn best practices and industry standards for room design and installation from the industry’s top experts. The THX logo is well known and trusted by most consumers, due to its roots in movies. I knew potential clients would also trust what THX had to say about home theater design, acoustics and equipment selection. Over the years, I have taken many classes, through other well known industry associations. None of them compare to the training I received from THX….it was far superior.

Q: Has your THX certification and training helped drive business?
A: Yes, THX training has helped drive business and close many sales. Being THX Certified helps potential clients better understand my skill set and abilities, as well as makes them confident in the job I am doing. In fact, not long after receiving my THX training and certification, I was hired by a new client because they saw my business posted on the THX Web site. Not only did they hire me to install a home theater, but they also hired me to wire their home and provide a whole house audio system.

Q: What new THX Certified products do you recommend? And Why?
A: I highly recommend the new THX Certified JVC DLA-HDRS20 Projector because of its superb video quality. This projector offers accurate, true to life colors, the deepest blacks and has very clean processing which results in sharper images. As with all THX Certified products, I know it meets the highest standards for quality. It also provides peace of mind to the end-user. If the THX logo has been placed on a product, they are provided the confidence that it’s good enough for George Lucas himself.

Q: How do you differentiate from competitors?
A: Attention to detail and superior service differentiates us from our competitors. Because I turned a hobby into a career, I really take great pride in my work and love what I do. And my technicians and electricians are some of the best in the business. Our goal is to treat your project and home, with the highest regard, as if it were our very own home.

It’s also important to note that I am the owner / operator of my business. This means that I am at the project site 99 percent of the time. This is not always the case with many A/V contractors. Generally, a crew of employees is sent to complete the project—not the owner himself. Most of my competitors also have banker’s hours. By contrast, I offer my clients customer service from 6:30am to 11:30pm Monday – Saturday. I am also available Sundays if the client requires special assistance.

Q: Where is the custom install industry heading in the next 12 months?
A: The Custom Installation industry will become more connected. There will probably be more devices produced with the capability of being IP addressable. Clients will want the ability to connect their home theater products online to download content, check out YouTube, view pictures and buy things online.

About Jeff Alegria & Audio Video Dimensions

Jeff has been a part of Audio Video Dimensions since the mid-1990s when he apprenticed with the company’s original founder. Jeff transitioned into the ownership position a few years later, and has since overseen every aspect of the business. Jeff is so passionate about his vocation that he feels a sense of destiny regarding it, and is deeply satisfied when he is able to see his clients thoroughly enjoy their home theaters. Licensed by the State of California as a General Contractor, he serves at the highest level of professionalism and greatest degree of personal service.

Audio Video Dimensions
33 Karen Drive
American Canyon, CA  94503-3089
Bus: (707) 557-9902
Mobile: (415) 328-0249
Web Site: www.audio-video-dimensions.com
E-mail: av_dimensions96@hotmail.com