Video Asylum

Posted by audioNeil (A) on April 28, 2003 at 17:13:42

In Reply to: THX Question posted by Fishstink on April 27, 2003 at 19:17:10:

There are a number of components to THX certification. One is the THX equalization. That's the most important, but a non-THX receiver might have a different name for a similar equalization feature (like cinema equalization).

Other parts of THX, THX Ultra, and THX Ultra2 certification apply to features like bass management, time delay and speaker volume options, and appropriate levels of amplifier power. It can also apply to 7.1 capabilities.

By having the certification, you are assured that all these features are available, but the manufacturer pays quite a bit of royalty for the "name" THX. Your receiver may have most of the necessary features. By adding outboard amplifiers, you will likely improve your sound. You just need to do a bit of research to figure out if your receiver does everything you want it to. If it does, then you are fine!! I'll bet your outboard amplifiers aren't THX certified, but that's likely because they don't have a 12V trigger to turn them on and off via the receiver. Who cares -- it just means you use up a bit more power by keeping them on.