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| Company type | Subsidiary |
|---|---|
| Industry | Motion picture industry |
| Founded | May 20, 1983; 42 years ago (1983-05-20) |
| Founders | George Lucas Tomlinson Holman |
| Headquarters | , U.S. |
Key people |
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| Services | |
| Parent |
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| Website | thx |
THX Ltd. is an American audio company based in theSan Francisco Bay Area founded on May 20, 1983. It is known for its suite of digitalhigh fidelity audiovisual reproduction standards formovie theaters, screening rooms,home theaters,computer speakers,car audio systems,video game consoles, andvideo games. The THX trailer that precedes compliant films is based on theDeep Note, with a distinctiveglissando up from a rumbling low pitch.
THX was developed byTomlinson Holman atGeorge Lucas's companyLucasfilm in 1983 to ensure that thesoundtrack for the thirdStar Wars film,Return of the Jedi, would be accurately reproduced in the best venues. THX was named after Holman's initials, with the "X" standing for "crossover"[2] or "experiment". The name is also an homage to Lucas's first film,THX 1138 (1971). Deep Note was created by Holman's co-workerJames A. Moorer.
THX is aquality assurance system, not arecording technology. All sound recording formats, whether digital (Dolby Digital,DTS,SDDS) or analog (Dolby Stereo,Ultra Stereo), can be reproduced in a THX system. THX-certified theaters provide a high-quality, predictable playback environment to ensure that any film soundtrackmixed in THX will sound as near as possible to the intentions of the mixing engineer. THX also provides certified theaters with a specialcrossover circuit whose use is part of the standard. Certification of an auditorium entails specific acoustic and other technical requirements; architectural requirements include afloating floor,baffled andacoustically treated walls, non-parallel walls (to reducestanding waves), a perforated screen (to allowcenter channel continuity), and NC30 rating for background noise ("ensures noise from air conditioning units and projection equipment does not mask the subtle effects in a movie's soundtrack").[3]
On June 12, 2002, THX wasspun off as a separate company from Lucasfilm[4] and sold to thesound card manufacturerCreative Technology Limited, which held a 60% share of the company.[5] Under Creative Technology, the company developed several further innovations, such as the first THX-certified audio card for computers, theSound Blaster Audigy 2. In 2016, THX was acquired by American-Singaporean video game hardware companyRazer Inc.[1][6]
On September 12, 2024, THX announced Tuyen Pham as chief executive officer.[7]
Tomlinson Holman, an audio engineer and scientist, had become an employee of Lucasfilm in 1980. In the process of enhancing the setup for the newSprocket Systems theater, Holman, who was largely responsible for the theater's design, and Lucas invented a complex system that arranged speakers to best fit the architectural space. Using an intricate crossover network that integrated equipment with the room's unique acoustics, it was observed to be the highest quality theater sound system in existence. Sprocket Systems mixed theReturn of the Jedi sound in the room, the first Lucasfilm production mixed inNorthern California. Visiting filmmakers and studio executives were astounded at what they heard. Jim Kessler, who hired Holman, thought of calling the system "Tomlinson Holman's Crossover", or, as originally abbreviated, "XVR". He then changed the "VR" to "TH", but he realized that was the name for George Lucas's first film,THX 1138, and found that would be a fitting name. They eventually changed the "X"'s meaning to "experiment".[8]
Four movie theaters in the United States fully installed THX sound systems, becoming the first THX-certified theaters. To introduce the new system,James A. Moorer created an ear-catching sound called theDeep Note.[9] THX was dedicated on May 20, 1983, and the first trailer and Deep Note debuted on time with the release ofReturn of the Jedi in theaters five days later. It was billed as the first advance in motion picture loudspeaker systems since 1948.[10]
In 1990, Lucasfilm unveiled the Home THX Audio System at theConsumer Electronics Show inChicago.[11] That year, a demoLaserDisc dubbedWow! was unveiled. It featured various clips fromStar Wars,Indiana Jones, andWillow.[12] Three years later in 1993, the Special Edition cut ofThe Abyss became the first laserdisc to receive the THX certification.[13] In 1995, theStar Wars trilogy became the first THX certifiedVHS release.[14] In 1997,Twister became the first digitally mastered THX release on the newDVD format.[15]
In early 2002, it was announced thatLincoln became the first auto company to offer THX-certified premium car audio systems. A concept sound system for theLincoln Blackwood showcased the potential for in-car multi-channel surround sound, demonstrated at the THX booth at the Consumer Electronics Show inLas Vegas. The license ensured that high-performance audio systems in Lincoln vehicles met the exacting sound quality and performance standards of its new THX Ultra Premium Car Audio program, beginning with the 2003 Lincoln LS, which was introduced later that year.[16]
THX separated from Lucasfilm and became a new independent company in June 2002.[17] The company's headquarters continued inMarin County, California, with offices inBurbank and plan for international expansion. It expanded into gaming and car audio systems. On the professional front, THX planned to continue the expansion of its theatrical certification programs as it became more involved in digital theater.[4]
On September 30, 2003, THX announced its seal of approval for video game audio.Electronic Arts became the first company to achieve the game certification. This helped improve game sound, measuring the credibility of games at a time when the industry became important to the entertainment market. Five games by Electronic Arts, includingNeed for Speed: Underground,Medal of Honor: Rising Sun andThe Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King carried logos on their box and pre-game trailers.[18] In 2020, THX Certified Game Mode was introduced, with enhanced contrast and color, and reduced input lag, and greater accuracy to the producers' intentions.[19][20] It has judder and smear reduction, meaning that the picture remained crisp with a quick rise time between dark-to-light transitions.[21] On August 3,TCL Technology revealed the first television to include THX Certified Game Mode, a 6-Series TCL Roku TV.[22]
In 2006, THX began to certify new high definitionBlu-ray discs, starting withTerminator 2: Judgment Day.[23]
A 3D product certification called THX 3D Display debuted in 2010. The first3D television to feature this technology is theLG Infinia PX950 Plasma HDTV series. To earn the new THX 3D Display Certification, the PX950 passed more than 400 laboratory tests evaluating left and right eye images for color accuracy, cross-talk, viewing angles, and video processing performance. The PX950 had to pass THX certification for picture quality in 2D, which is required for THX 3D certification. Viewers can select THX 2D or 3D cinema modes for 2D or 3D movie experiences from broadcast sources and Blu-ray discs.[24] Four new THX-certified 3DJVC projectors were unveiled during this time. These were the Reference Series DLA-RS60 and DLA-RS50, marketed by JVC's Professional Products Company, and the Precision Series DLA-X9 and DLA-X7.[25]
In early 2013, THX unveiled a new app called THX Tune-Up in time for theSuper Bowl, available on the AppleApp Store andGoogle Play. It was billed as the company's first mobile app.[26]
On March 14, 2013, THX filed a lawsuit againstApple Inc., alleging patent infringement, in a federal court in Northern California.[27]
THX expanded toChina in 2014 with new offices inBeijing and a partnership withChina Film Group Corporation to redefine the cinema experience. The first THX Certified China Giant Screen (CGS) auditoriums opened inShanghai in September.[28]
In December 2014, THX collaborated withWarren Theatres, opening a large theater complex opened inBroken Arrow, Oklahoma on December 23. Each of the 18 auditoriums in this theater was THX certified and two new Grand Infinity Auditoriums were introduced. They were designed by Bill Warren to revolutionize the large format movie-going experience. These auditoriums featured THX Certification, patented deep curved screens, 64-channelDolby Atmos immersive surround sound and the first 4K laser projector in the United States.[29]
The company was acquired byRazer Inc. in October 2016.[1]
The first THX-certified laptop was released in 2017, the Razer Blade Pro.[30]
THX introduced Spatial Audio in 2018, a new positional audio solution for an immersive 360-degree sound experience through headphones and speakers.[31] The technology was used on the Kraken gaming headset for simulated 7.1 surround sound. These headphones were included with a Spatial Audio app. This would be later used onWindows 10 devices.[32]
On May 2, 2018, it was announced that over 200Cinemark XD locations in the United States andLatin America would feature a THX sound system. These auditoriums featured large wall-to-wall screens, 2D and 3D digital projection, immersive, surround sound, premium seats with Luxury Lounger electric recliners, and THX Certification.[33] Both companies had first announced the partnership one year prior in 2017.[34] The first THX Ultimate Cinema debuted atRegency Westwood Village inLos Angeles in 2019. This theater provided exhibitors with a branded and differentiated PLF offering that included projection technology from Cinionic, and an immersive audio system, acoustics, and auditorium specifications that met THX certification standards.[35]
In September 2020,Walmart stores began to sellGateway laptops and tablets, which were tuned by THX, ensuring brighter contrast with more rich vibrant screen colors. They combined style, performance, and value in a wide range of products for consumers, students, and creators. The laptops featured THX Spatial Audio that delivered an authentic 7.1 surround experience through built-in speakers and attached headphones.[36]
THX premiered its first consumer electronic product called the Onyx in 2021, a mobile headphone DAC and amplifier using THX AAA technology.[37]
The first THX theater is theUniversity of Southern California's Eileen L. Norris Cinema Theatre, a part of USC'sfilm school.[38]
THX has created a certification process for additional products including home audio, home theater, video, and automotive sound components and products. THX certification extends to home audio receivers, speakers, desktop systems,soundbars, acoustic materials, microphones, and HDMI cables.[39]
THX Certified Ultra products are for larger home theaters, 3,000 cu ft (85 m3) in size, with a viewing distance of 12 foot (3.7 m) or greater from the screen.
THX Certified Select products are for medium-sized rooms, up to 2,000 cu ft (57 m3) in size, with a 10–12 foot (3.0–3.7 m) viewing distance from the screen.
THX Certified Compact products for smaller sized rooms, up to 2,000 cu ft (57 m3) in size, with an 8 foot (2.4 m) viewing distance from the screen.
THX Certified Dominus products are for expansive home theater spaces, 6,500 cu ft (180 m3) in size, with a 20 foot (6.1 m) viewing distance from the screen.
THX's I/S Plus systems include an AV Receiver + Speaker Bundle and are certified to fill a small home theater or dorm room where the viewing distance from the screen is 6–8 feet (1.8–2.4 m). These THX certifiedhome theater in a box systems are so far exclusively made byOnkyo.[40] and Enclave Audio.[41]
THX Certified Multimedia Products are designed and engineered for PC gaming and multimedia on the desktop.
THX CertifiedDVD andvideo displays (plasma display andLCD orLED flat panels andprojectors) including THX Optimode and Optimizer which allows users to see a program or the movie as originally intended. Some tests required the use of special "blue filter glasses," which would either be included with the Optimizer disc, or on the THX website at the time.[42]
The first DVD release to include the THX Optimode is20th Century Fox'sFight Club, which was released on June 6, 2000.[43]
THX's mascot is arobot named Tex.[44] He first appeared in the original and extended Tex trailer (simply known asTex 1 EX orTex EX), which debuted in theaters withIndependence Day on July 3, 1996, in which he fixes up the THX logo.[44] A second trailer,Tex 2: Moo Can, in which he uses amoo can to perform the Deep Note, debuted in theaters on November 26, 1997, withAlien Resurrection.[44] A later trailer featuring Tex titledTex vs. the Robot, in which Tex and another robot named Bob try to place an orb into a socket in a spaceship, debuted on THX'sYouTube channel on June 25, 2020, as a demo for the company's Spatial Audio technology.[45]
TheDeep Note is thesound trademark of THX, being a distinctivesynthesizedcrescendo thatglissandos from a relatively narrow frequency spread (about 200–400 Hz) to a broader frequency spread (of about three octaves). It was created byJames A. Moorer,[46] a former employee ofLucasfilm's Computer Division (later known asPixar Animation Studios) in late 1982.[47] The sound is used ontrailers for THX-certifiedmovie theaters,home video releases,video games, andin-car entertainment systems.
The Deep Note was partially previewed on the opening track of the 1983 albumThe Digital Domain: A Demonstration, where it was included among sound effects that were combined with the Deep Note itself. The Deep Note debuted later that same year at the premiere ofReturn of the Jedi in L.A.[47]
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)THX Deep Note was composed by Lucasfilm sound engineer Dr. James 'Andy' Moorer and was screened at the start of the 1983 premiere of Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi.
