THX Certified = What does this mean ??

[thatsright]

Bedsides sending a check to THX company, what does a audio manufacturer need to do to their products to get the THX logo?

It seems like nearly half of all Receivers and speakers out their carry the THX (Ultra) Certification. Is there really any specific engineering process; design requirements; or testing criteria that companies have to go through to get this logo?

I don't think I have ever seen any true explanation about what justifies getting the logo, beyond the normal PR hype that I read in brochures. Nothing ever mentiones what the product had to show or test to get the logo.

Can anyone offer what is really going on to get this, or have a link that explains the process. Thanks

 

[MikeMike]

you dont HAVE to have it on a receiver. but it might be nice.

MIKE

 

[MercenaryForHire]

pure Marketing BS

 

[Dacalo]

Originally posted by: MercenaryForHire

pure Marketing BS

Roger that.

But seriously, THX is just another standard not much unlike Dolby Digital, except that THX also includes video "certification."

 

[MercenaryForHire]

Originally posted by: nourdmrolNMT1
you dont HAVE to have it on a receiver. but it might be nice.

MIKE

THX is just the LucasFilm "spec requirements" - think back to MPC and MPC-II for Ye Olde PCs.

THX Theater is the only one that's worth getting, and that's because it requires a flat response curve down to 20Hz.

- M4H

 

[Hayabusa Rider]

THX is a performance standard that many companies meet. Harman/Kardon and some others don't pay Lucas the royalty for the badge. They make quality units anyway.

In other words, it doen't automatically make one receiver better than another. It's best to look at a particular model and judge on the merits of that particular unit, and not get hung up on THX.

Lots of people can help you regarding a specific model as to quality.

 

[thatsright]

Originally posted by: Dacalo

Originally posted by: MercenaryForHire

pure Marketing BS

Roger that.

But seriously, THX is just another standard not much unlike Dolby Digital, except that THX also includes video "certification."

Yes, but Dolby Digital is a actual standard that also requires the necessary hardware from Dolby laboratories, as well as DTS. Seems like the only requirement for THX is a 1/2" inch square of free space on their product to slap on a logo.

 

[Hayabusa Rider]

Originally posted by: thatsright

Originally posted by: Dacalo

Originally posted by: MercenaryForHire

pure Marketing BS

Roger that.

But seriously, THX is just another standard not much unlike Dolby Digital, except that THX also includes video "certification."

Yes, but Dolby Digital is a actual standard that also requires the necessary hardware from Dolby laboratories, as well as DTS. Seems like the only requirement for THX is a 1/2" inch square of free space on their product to slap on a logo.

Correct

 

[MercenaryForHire]

Originally posted by: thatsright
Seems like the only requirement for THX is a 1/2" inch square of free space on their product to slap on a logo.

Again, that's what most of THX certification is - a label to make the uninformed buy the product. Only when you get to the high-end do you get features that are worth paying a premium on - and you get those a lot cheaper on any other brand.

To give you an idea of how worthless THX is, consider this - if I recall correctly, Jensen has a THX-branded unit.

- M4H

 

[thatsright]

Originally posted by: WinstonSmith
THX is a performance standard that many companies meet. Harman/Kardon and some others don't pay Lucas the royalty for the badge. They make quality units anyway.

In other words, it doen't automatically make one receiver better than another. It's best to look at a particular model and judge on the merits of that particular unit, and not get hung up on THX.

Lots of people can help you regarding a specific model as to quality.

FYI: I'm not looking to buy a new receiver or speakers, etc. right now. I would just like to know what is the actual process that it takes for companies to get the THX logo. Just because something has the THX logo, doesn't mean it's any better than the same item without it.

 

[MikeMike]

Originally posted by: MercenaryForHire

Originally posted by: nourdmrolNMT1
you dont HAVE to have it on a receiver. but it might be nice.

MIKE

THX Theater is the only one that's worth getting, and that's because it requires a flat response curve down to 20Hz.

- M4H

but that also require 110 or so decibels at the listening refernce point to obtain. which is NOT easy.

MIKE

 

[Hayabusa Rider]

Originally posted by: thatsright

Originally posted by: WinstonSmith
THX is a performance standard that many companies meet. Harman/Kardon and some others don't pay Lucas the royalty for the badge. They make quality units anyway.

In other words, it doen't automatically make one receiver better than another. It's best to look at a particular model and judge on the merits of that particular unit, and not get hung up on THX.

Lots of people can help you regarding a specific model as to quality.

FYI: I'm not looking to buy a new receiver or speakers, etc. right now. I would just like to know what is the actual process that it takes for companies to get the THX logo. Just because something has the THX logo, doesn't mean it's any better than the same item without it.

Jump through these hoops and pay the royalty

It's probably hard for a crappy unit to pass, so it gives a minimum level of performance, but even then caveat emptor.

This may be what you are looking for.