THX?s renowned set of standards has undergone an overhaul. The American company, known for working with movie theaters to ensure optimized audio quality?beginning with Star Wars: Return of the Jedi?has revamped its labels. Today?s AV receivers and speakers will need to meet strict new standards in order to receive the precious THX label.
THX Compact
The brand new THX Compact label is given to AV receivers and speakers whose approach to axial, vertical and horizontal dispersion ensures perfectly natural sound. In a room measuring 100 ft2 (28 m3), speakers should be capable of reaching 105 dB at a distance of 6.5 feet (2 m) from the screen while ensuring very low distortion levels. This sound level corresponds to a standard ceiling height of 8.2? (2.5 m) and a surface of about 118 ft2 (11 m2).
THX Select
The THX Select label replaces the THX Select2 label. It also guarantees 105 dB, but at a distance of 10 feet (3 m) from the screen in a room measuring 158 ft2 (56 m3). This sound level corresponds to a standard ceiling height of 8.2? (2.5 m) and a surface of about 237 ft2 (22 m2).
THX Ultra
The THX Ultra label replaces the THX Ultra2 label. It also guarantees 105 dB, but for 11.5 ft (3.5 m) from the screen in a room measuring 208 ft2 (85 m3). This sound level corresponds to a standard ceiling height of 8.2? (2.5 m) and a surface of about 377 ft2 (35 m2).
THX Dominus
The THX Dominus label is brand new. It also guarantees 105 dB, but at 20 ft (6 m) from the screen in a room measuring 350 ft2 (185 m3). This sound level corresponds to a standard ceiling height of 8.2? (2.5 m) and a surface of about 807 ft2 (75 m2).
These four new standards are meant to simplify the process of finding the right AV equipment for your system.
