THX
has been called by one British journalist "... possibly the best thing to
happen to home cinema since microwave popcorn." Nice words. It's taken us
almost 20 years to earn them. As a filmmaker who scrutinized every aspect
of production and post-production, George Lucas was not satisfied with the
sound he heard in most movie theatres. He noted that each theatre was different
and very few reached the highest professional standards So, in 1980, Lucas
set out to develop and implement a set of quality control criteria for theatres.
His goal was to ensure that his films, as well as those of other filmmakers,
would be accurately reproduced for moviegoers for whom sound was an important
part of their overall film enjoyment.
Three years later
THX, named after Lucas' first feature film, THX 1138, had been developed
and THX systems were installed in two theatres for the premiere of RETURN
OF THE JEDI. Today, more than 2000 theatres and dubbing stages around the
world meet THX requirements.
As a further boost to film presentation quality, the
THX Theatre Alignment Program (TAP) was created in 1983 as a service to
filmmakers and studios. TAP is the industry's most comprehensive quality
assurance program whose services include reviewing release prints for image
and soundtrack quality, distribution to theatres of technical facts about
a film and proper equipment alignment, on-site equipment alignment, and
a toll-free phone number and web site that theatre patrons can contact to
report presentation problems.
Lucasfilm began research on the Home THX audio system in 1986; it
would take four years of work before the Home THX Program would be introduced.
Today, there are more than 45 licensed manufacturers producing THX Certified
components for Home Theatre.
THX also certifies home video software through the
THX Digital Mastering Program, ensuring that DVD software, laser discs and
VHS videotapes provide the best image and sound quality possible through
the use of patented THX technology and our unique quality control expertise.
Based in Marin County, California, Lucasfilm Ltd. is now one of
the leading film and entertainment companies in the world, with a list of
all-time movie favourites that includes the STAR WARS and INDIANA JONES
trilogies. Combined, these features have won 16 Oscars and garnered many
more Academy Award nominations.
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www.thx.com |
1982
George Lucas requests a state-of-the-art post production facility. After
extensive research, Lucasfilm engineers develop the ideal environment for
mixing rooms, from which the THX System is developed. First THX mixing room
opens at Lucasfilm.
1983
THX Division of Lucasfilm, Ltd is created. THX System is unveiled to, and
adopted by, the Hollywood community. Two THX theatres open in time for the
release of RETURN OF THE JEDI.
1990
Home THX Program is introduced; Lucasfilm engineers work with leading A/V
manufacturers to incorporate Home THX technologies into consumer equipment.
1993
THX Laser Disc Program is created; quality control services are offered
to studios for films during video disc production.
1994
Complete Home THX System demonstrates the 5.1 digital format at the Winter
Consumer Electronics Show.
1996
Laser Disc Program expands to include videotape and DVD. Name is changed
to THX Digital Mastering Program.
1997
More than 1,600 certified movie theatres and mixing rooms are created around
the world; some 250 certified Home THX products appear on the market.
1998
THX announces certification standard for DVD players.
1999
THX develops Surround EX in conjunction with Dolby Laboratories. We should
mention our breakthrough work on Digital Cinema. Together with Lucasfilm
Productions, THX mastered and supervised the first digitally projected image
onto the silver screen with the release of Star Wars Episode 1.
2000
More than 2,700 THX Certified movie theatres worldwide.
2001
THX introduces THX Multimedia. The world's first fully certified THX Multimedia
System debuts.
2002
New THX ULTRA2 products debut at consumer electronics show.
LAS VEGAS, January 8, 2002 - The roster of THX® ULTRA 2 products is growing, with new entries from THX licensees making
their debut at this month’s Consumer Electronics Show (CES).
2002
Warner Bros. International Theatres to add THX certification to 250 screens in worldwide circuit.
SAN RAFAEL,CA, October 9, 2002 — THX Ltd. today announced that Warner Bros. International Theatres (WBIT) has
committed to installing 250 THX-certified screens throughout its worldwide circuit over the next three years.
2003
THX SHOWCASES NEW PRODUCTS, PROGRAMS AT CES
Highlights Include New THX Certified Home Theatre and Multimedia Products. Plus First THX Certified Car Audio System
CES 2003, LAS VEGAS, NV, Jan. 9, 2003 - THX Ltd., the founder of quality assurance programs for superior cinema presentation
and the leading provider of product certification and venue design for the entertainment and consumer electronics industries,
announced that 30 new Home Theatre and MultiMedia products earning THX Certification and the first Certified Car Audio System
presented in the 2003 Lincoln LS will be showcased at the Consumer Electronics Show, beginning today in Las Vegas.
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