THX - Necessary? - Blu-ray Forum

SS316SRV · 10-09-2007, 12:26 PM

I have my own opinion, but how important is it that home theater equipment be THX certified. From what I know, there are a lot of things that need to be involved. If I understand right, all of the components need to be THX certified, or nothing is. Walls can't be parrallel, there has to be a THX crossover circuit, ect. It just seems like a lot of work, and a lot of money.

ground chuck · 10-09-2007, 12:38 PM

hey, if you have the time and money, why not do it right? and only if you have a theater room in your house.

SS316SRV · 10-09-2007, 12:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ground chuck

hey, if you have the time and money, why not do it right? and only if you have a theater room in your house.

Oh I agree, if I had $40,000+ to spend I would have a pretty balls to the wall home theater. I guess how necessary is THX certified equipment for most people even on this forum?

The Guardian · 10-09-2007, 01:32 PM

Truth is it's not necessary at all... although it's nice when shopping to see something meets THX specs, really if you do proper research you should know that yourself hehe.

Also some companies refuse to pay royalties for THX, so their product might meet the standards but isn't actually certified.

Go Blu · 10-09-2007, 01:37 PM

I've experienced THX both in theaters and in home theaters.
in a word AMAZING!

BUT unless you have money growing on trees you prob don't need it.
Secondly the acoustics in 99% of our homes isn't correct anyway.

Just get a descent receiver and surround speakers and CRANK IT UP!

SS316SRV · 10-09-2007, 01:42 PM

If you were confronted in a store to buy a receiver, one was THX certified and $50-$100 more than a non-THX certified receiver - which would you purchase. Does THX certification factor into your buying?

Go Blu · 10-09-2007, 01:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SS316SRV

If you were confronted in a store to buy a receiver, one was THX certified and $50-$100 more than a non-THX certified receiver - which would you purchase. Does THX certification factor into your buying?

Actually YES depending on how much more.

I am a big fan of THX. Lucasfilm, skywalker sound etc.
For 50-100 more I'd def go that direction.

And am I the only one who LOVES the THX intros!
I always get yelled at from the wife cuz you gottah crank it up when you see it!

MouseRider · 10-09-2007, 01:47 PM

Well, first of all, nothing is "necessary", it's all about choices.

Next, you should understand what exactly THX-certification mean at their various levels.

At the most basic, THX-certification just means that the equipment or interconnects are built to a set of standards defined by THX. Those standards are there to help ensure everything from consistent labeling to specific technical performance.

Now this doesn't mean that a THX-certified item is better than one that is not, all it means is the manufacturer designed their product to THX standards or exceed it and then sent it through to be certified.

There are many items that do meet THX standards but because the manufacturer did not choose to have their equipment certified, it doesn't bear the logo.

What are the standards for?

When THX first started for theaters, it was basically to put a set of standards in place for the equipment and environment of a theater to ensure that what the audience hears is what the sound engineer hears in their mixing theater.

When THX was brought to home theater equipment, the principle was the same.

THX has also developed technologies for theaters and home theaters like THX Surround EX, Re-EQ, Timbre Matching, and Adaptive Decorrelation.

Rather than turn this thread into a THX primer, I suggest you head over to the THX site (www.thx.com).

In a manner, you can think of THX certification as a form of "Good Housekeeping" seal for design and performance as you know they've at least met the standards set by THX.

Beyond that, if you're looking into reproduction accuracy, IMO, you will need to have dedicated home theater where you can get THX equipment and have the room designed by a THX-certified installer to get maximum reproduction accuracy.

Just so you know where I'm coming from, a long time ago I did take the THX installation course and work with a partner that is still holds a valid installer THX-certification.

I do have a dedicated home theater equipped with THX-Ultra and Ultra II certified equipment and speakers. The room is very close to THX certifications limited by the original architecture of the house.

SS316SRV · 10-09-2007, 01:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Go Blu

And am I the only one who LOVES the THX intros!
I always get yelled at from the wife cuz you gottah crank it up when you see it!

I have noticed that most of the good stuff is THX certified anyways.

I also love the THX intros. My favorite is with the "cow shaker".

MouseRider · 10-09-2007, 01:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SS316SRV

If you were confronted in a store to buy a receiver, one was THX certified and $50-$100 more than a non-THX certified receiver - which would you purchase. Does THX certification factor into your buying?

I would listen to both before I decide.

If I had to buy blind and untested, I would buy the THX certified one.

MouseRider · 10-09-2007, 01:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SS316SRV

I have noticed that most of the good stuff is THX certified anyways.

I also love the THX intros. My favorite is with the "cow shaker".

My favorite is the one that was in an episode of The Simpsons.

MacDaddyOJack · 10-09-2007, 01:53 PM

THX certified uses some pretty cool stuff, some of which I do not fully understand. I do know that I have never heard anything THX certified that sounded bad!! If the difference is only 50-100$ then get the THX certified. The new Onkyo TX-SR805 is THX certified and is a pretty incredible reciever for $800 bucks. I don't think you can go wrong with the certification, its more than likely worth the extra few dollars.

SS316SRV · 10-09-2007, 01:57 PM

I do know what it means to be THX certified. I am aware of everything that is involved with it. I am just curious how important it is to other blu-ray.com users? And if it is a consideration to the consumers here.

Hayashi · 10-10-2007, 02:04 AM

There is a DVD out there that has every THX intro every made on it. You can't buy it though =(

jdc115 · 10-10-2007, 02:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SS316SRV

I do know what it means to be THX certified. I am aware of everything that is involved with it. I am just curious how important it is to other blu-ray.com users? And if it is a consideration to the consumers here.

Personally, I don't consider it when purchasing equipment. I have 2 power amps in my setup (one 5 channel and one 2 channel) from the same manufacturer but the 2 channel is not THX certified. I am assuming it probably meets the requirements but the manufacturer just didn't bother to pay to get it certified as they assumed it would be used for 2 channel audio where the 5 channel is certified as it would most likely be purchased for Home Theater.

For my speakers, I primarily selected a set that I liked for 2 channel audio and then started to build the home theater around those. But my main focus when I selected them was listening to music so I never considered if they were certified or not until I answered this thread.

JaysDomain · 11-12-2007, 05:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hayashi

There is a DVD out there that has every THX intro every made on it. You can't buy it though =(

Wow you suck; any other cool stuff I cant buy that you can make me want more!

JK

MouseRider · 11-13-2007, 04:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JaysDomain

Wow you suck; any other cool stuff I cant buy that you can make me want more!

JK

If you're lucky, you'll find it on eBay, they surface once in a while.

They are pretty awesome.

MaleManGuy · 11-13-2007, 04:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SS316SRV

I have my own opinion, but how important is it that home theater equipment be THX certified. From what I know, there are a lot of things that need to be involved. If I understand right, all of the components need to be THX certified, or nothing is. Walls can't be parrallel, there has to be a THX crossover circuit, ect. It just seems like a lot of work, and a lot of money.

Still seems a little confusing to me... the thx certification. I have seen logitech speakers that are thx certified for $400... so some how I don't think it's something that is a measurement of best quality. THX is basically just a quality assurance system used to provide predictable playback. I would think this certification system is voluntary too... no manufacturer has to do the certification nor may they even care about it perhaps. My Denon 3808 is not THX. THX will probably try to give you a large theatre sound in your living room
I don't think I will miss it personally.
Jeff

PeterTHX · 11-13-2007, 07:46 AM

2 words: THX Cinema.

http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/volum...06-part-2.html

This article does a decent job of explaining why THX certified receivers have additional advantages over non-certified ones. I have an Onkyo TX-NR905 myself.

10-09-2007, 12:26 PM	#1
SS316SRV Blu-ray Guru Member since:Sep 2007 Location:Appleton, WI Blu-ray collection:74	THX - Necessary? I have my own opinion, but how important is it that home theater equipment be THX certified. From what I know, there are a lot of things that need to be involved. If I understand right, all of the components need to be THX certified, or nothing is. Walls can't be parrallel, there has to be a THX crossover circuit, ect. It just seems like a lot of work, and a lot of money. Last edited by SS316SRV; 10-09-2007 at 12:30 PM.

10-09-2007, 01:47 PM	#8
MouseRider Active Member Member since:Aug 2007	Well, first of all, nothing is "necessary", it's all about choices. Next, you should understand what exactly THX-certification mean at their various levels. At the most basic, THX-certification just means that the equipment or interconnects are built to a set of standards defined by THX. Those standards are there to help ensure everything from consistent labeling to specific technical performance. Now this doesn't mean that a THX-certified item is better than one that is not, all it means is the manufacturer designed their product to THX standards or exceed it and then sent it through to be certified. There are many items that do meet THX standards but because the manufacturer did not choose to have their equipment certified, it doesn't bear the logo. What are the standards for? When THX first started for theaters, it was basically to put a set of standards in place for the equipment and environment of a theater to ensure that what the audience hears is what the sound engineer hears in their mixing theater. When THX was brought to home theater equipment, the principle was the same. THX has also developed technologies for theaters and home theaters like THX Surround EX, Re-EQ, Timbre Matching, and Adaptive Decorrelation. Rather than turn this thread into a THX primer, I suggest you head over to the THX site (www.thx.com). In a manner, you can think of THX certification as a form of "Good Housekeeping" seal for design and performance as you know they've at least met the standards set by THX. Beyond that, if you're looking into reproduction accuracy, IMO, you will need to have dedicated home theater where you can get THX equipment and have the room designed by a THX-certified installer to get maximum reproduction accuracy. Just so you know where I'm coming from, a long time ago I did take the THX installation course and work with a partner that is still holds a valid installer THX-certification. I do have a dedicated home theater equipped with THX-Ultra and Ultra II certified equipment and speakers. The room is very close to THX certifications limited by the original architecture of the house. Last edited by MouseRider; 10-09-2007 at 01:49 PM. Reason: Typo in the first line

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10-09-2007, 12:38 PM	#2
ground chuck Power Member Member since:May 2007 Location:Charm City Blu-ray collection:75 Blu-ray reviews:48 Trading Score:18	hey, if you have the time and money, why not do it right? and only if you have a theater room in your house.

10-09-2007, 01:32 PM	#4
The Guardian Expert Member Member since:Aug 2007 Location:Kitchener, ON Blu-ray collection:9 Trading Score:1	Truth is it's not necessary at all... although it's nice when shopping to see something meets THX specs, really if you do proper research you should know that yourself hehe. Also some companies refuse to pay royalties for THX, so their product might meet the standards but isn't actually certified.

10-09-2007, 01:37 PM	#5
Go Blu Special Member Member since:Feb 2007	I've experienced THX both in theaters and in home theaters. in a word AMAZING! BUT unless you have money growing on trees you prob don't need it. Secondly the acoustics in 99% of our homes isn't correct anyway. Just get a descent receiver and surround speakers and CRANK IT UP!

10-09-2007, 01:42 PM	#6
SS316SRV Blu-ray Guru Member since:Sep 2007 Location:Appleton, WI Blu-ray collection:74	If you were confronted in a store to buy a receiver, one was THX certified and $50-$100 more than a non-THX certified receiver - which would you purchase. Does THX certification factor into your buying?

10-09-2007, 01:53 PM	#12
MacDaddyOJack Blu-ray Guru Member since:Sep 2007 Location:Richmond, VA PSNetwork: MacDaddyOJack Trophy Level: 12(4%) Home Theater Gallery:12 Blu-ray collection:71 Blu-ray reviews:23 Trading Score:4	THX certified uses some pretty cool stuff, some of which I do not fully understand. I do know that I have never heard anything THX certified that sounded bad!! If the difference is only 50-100$ then get the THX certified. The new Onkyo TX-SR805 is THX certified and is a pretty incredible reciever for $800 bucks. I don't think you can go wrong with the certification, its more than likely worth the extra few dollars.

10-09-2007, 01:57 PM	#13
SS316SRV Blu-ray Guru Member since:Sep 2007 Location:Appleton, WI Blu-ray collection:74	I do know what it means to be THX certified. I am aware of everything that is involved with it. I am just curious how important it is to other blu-ray.com users? And if it is a consideration to the consumers here.

10-10-2007, 02:04 AM	#14
Hayashi Member Member since:Sep 2007 Location:Hawaii	There is a DVD out there that has every THX intro every made on it. You can't buy it though =(

11-13-2007, 07:46 AM	#19
PeterTHX Banned Top contributor Member since:Sep 2006 Blu-ray collection:563 Trading Score:14	2 words: THX Cinema. http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/volum...06-part-2.html This article does a decent job of explaining why THX certified receivers have additional advantages over non-certified ones. I have an Onkyo TX-NR905 myself.

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