038 REPORT
systems. In 2001, the current THX span off from Lucasfilm Ltd to become an independent organisation. There are currently around 2,000 THX approved cinemas throughout the world. THX defines quality and performance for the world’s premiere movie theaters. Not to be confused with the surround sound technologies from Dolby Labora- tories and DTS, THX Certified Cinemas provide standards and best practices for architectural design, acoustics, sound isolation and audio-visual equipment performance. The goal of THX cinema certification is to reproduce the acoustics and ambi- ence of the movie studio, allowing audiences to enjoy a movie’s sound effects, score, dialogue and visual presentation with the clarity and detail of the final mastering session.
By creating these design standards and enforcing performance criteria for speakers and other cinema audio and visual equipment, THX provides directors and sound artists the confidence that the hours spent toiling over sound and visual design elements in the studio will be realized by audiences around the globe.
THX Cinema Certification is concerned with various components of design. Ele- ments it focuses on includes speaker layout, the baffle wall, auditorium isolation, measurement of background noise, screen placement, the projected image and calibration of the sound and projection system. As well as training and certification, THX offers a list of THX Approved Manufacturers. That list currently includes names like Crown Audio, EAW, Electro-Voice, JBL, Martin Audio, Meyer Sound, Pioneer / TAD and QSC. The THX testing process usually begins early in product development. Manu- facturers ship samples to the THX Testing Lab in Northern California where a team of expert technicians carefully analyzes each sample and produces reports on their findings. Big reports! They cover hundreds of data points and virtually every aspect of the product’s operational performance.
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These findings are then sent to the manufacturer with suggestions for fixing any problems that could prevent certification. In many cases, THX requires the manufacturer to adjust the product’s design or firmware and integrate THX playback features to improve performance and meet the THX spec. Further testing, modifications, tweaks and upgrades are done, and the manufacturer sends back the product for final evaluation. THX certification is either pass or fail. And product pricing is never a driv- ing factor. If a product meets the THX testing standards, then certification is granted. With all of this testing from THX, the consumer is assured that the TV, receiver or speaker system they are purchasing meets the highest standards for quality and compatibility right out of the box. Entertainment technology should be inspired, and designed by those who appreciate and understand the creative process. THX is at the intersection of art and entertainment, collaborating with filmmakers, CE manufacturers and cinemas chains to develop Certified products and THX technologies that tell stories and stir emotions.
We spoke to THX’s Jerry Zernicke, Director, Professional Services and Steve Martz, Sr. Design Engineer, to find out more.
In terms of professional cinema, in 2012, what does THX do? Since its inception in 1983, THX sets standards and specifications that help cinema owners design high quality theatres and deliver the best possible entertainment experience. This is achieved through a unique combination of architectural analysis, equipment validation and the configuration of the theatre itself. Built from the ground up, THX certifies the performance of the cinema, including room acoustics, equip- ment choice, design and electronics that go into the booth. THX’s goal with its Cinema Certification program remains, to ensure that the audio and video elements are identical to how the filmmaker created the film in the studio
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