Editing THX (section)

==History==
[[Tomlinson Holman]], an audio engineer and scientist, had become an employee of Lucasfilm in 1980. In the process of enhancing the setup for the new [[Skywalker Sound|Sprocket Systems]] theater, Holman, who was largely responsible for the theater's design, and Lucas invented a complex system that arranged speakers to best fit the architectural space. Using an intricate crossover network that integrated equipment with the room's unique acoustics, it was observed to be the highest quality theater sound system in existence. Sprocket Systems mixed the ''Return of the Jedi'' sound in the room, the first Lucasfilm production mixed in [[Northern California]]. Visiting filmmakers and studio executives were astounded at what they heard. Jim Kessler, who hired Holman, thought of calling the system "Tomlinson Holman's Crossover", or, as originally abbreviated, "XVR". He then changed the "VR" to "TH", but he realized that was the name for George Lucas's first film, ''[[THX 1138]]'', and found that would be a fitting name. They eventually changed the "X"'s meaning to "experiment".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.svconline.com/news/qa-tomlinson-holman-pioneer-thx-370712|title=Q&A with Tomlinson Holman, Pioneer of THX|date=3 April 2008 }}</ref>

Four movie theaters in the United States fully installed THX sound systems, becoming the first THX-certified theaters. To introduce the new system, [[James A. Moorer]] created an ear-catching sound called the [[Deep Note]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.lucasfilm.com/news/lucasfilm-originals-thx/|title=Lucasfilm Originals: THX|date=18 August 2021 }}</ref> THX was dedicated on May 20, 1983, and the first trailer and Deep Note debuted on time with the release of ''Return of the Jedi'' in theaters five days later. It was billed as the first advance in motion picture loudspeaker systems since 1948.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.dailyhindnews.com/star-wars-return-of-the-jedi-a-new-thx-experience/|title=Star Wars - Return of the Jedi: a new THX experience|date=25 March 2021 }}</ref>

In 1990, Lucasfilm unveiled the Home THX Audio System at the [[Consumer Electronics Show]] in [[Chicago]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1990-05-30-ca-266-story.html|title=The Home Audience Is Listening : Technology: George Lucas' THX sound system has made its way from movie theaters to living rooms. Cheap it's not. - Los Angeles Times|website=[[Los Angeles Times]] |date=30 May 1990 }}</ref> That year, a demo [[LaserDisc]] dubbed ''Wow!'' was unveiled. It featured various clips from ''[[Star Wars]]'', ''[[Indiana Jones]]'', and ''[[Willow (1988 film)|Willow]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://originaltrilogy.com/topic/THX-WOW-Laserdisc-Star-Wars/id/11749|title=THX WOW Laserdisc Star Wars - Original Trilogy}}</ref> Three years later in 1993, the Special Edition cut of ''[[The Abyss (film)|The Abyss]]'' became the first laserdisc to receive the THX certification.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://ew.com/article/1993/04/23/abyss-special-edition/|title=The Abyss Special Edition|magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]] }}</ref> In 1995, the ''Star Wars'' trilogy became the first THX certified [[VHS]] release.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.starwars.com/news/collectibles-from-the-outer-rim-star-wars-vhs-releases|title=COLLECTIBLES FROM THE OUTER RIM: STAR WARS VHS RELEASES!}}</ref> In 1997, ''[[Twister (1996 film)|Twister]]'' became the first digitally mastered THX release on the new [[DVD]] format.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://archive.thedigitalbits.com/reviews/twister.html|title=DVD Reviews - Twister (original & SE) - The Digital Bits}}</ref>

In early 2002, it was announced that [[Lincoln Motor Company|Lincoln]] became the first auto company to offer THX-certified premium car audio systems. A concept sound system for the [[Lincoln Blackwood]] showcased the potential for in-car multi-channel surround sound, demonstrated at the THX booth at the Consumer Electronics Show in [[Las Vegas]]. The license ensured that high-performance audio systems in Lincoln vehicles met the exacting sound quality and performance standards of its new THX Ultra Premium Car Audio program, beginning with the 2003 Lincoln LS, which was introduced later that year.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theautochannel.com/news/2002/01/03/034029.html|title=Lincoln to Be the First With THX(R) Certified Premium Car Audio Systems}}</ref>

THX separated from Lucasfilm and became a new independent company in June 2002.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.awn.com/news/lucasfilms-thx-goes-its-own|title=Lucasfilm's THX Goes On Its Own}}</ref> The company's headquarters continued in [[Marin County, California]], with offices in [[Burbank, California|Burbank]] and plan for international expansion. It expanded into gaming and car audio systems. On the professional front, THX planned to continue the expansion of its theatrical certification programs as it became more involved in digital theater.<ref name="NewGalaxy" />

On September 30, 2003, THX announced its seal of approval for video game audio. [[Electronic Arts]] became the first company to achieve the game certification. This helped improve game sound, measuring the credibility of games at a time when the industry became important to the entertainment market. Five games by Electronic Arts, including ''[[Need for Speed: Underground]]'', ''[[Medal of Honor: Rising Sun]]'' and ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (video game)|The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King]]'' carried logos on their box and pre-game trailers.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.itweb.co.za/amp/content/raYAyqoVdAdMJ38N|title=Movie sound company THX steps into video games|date=30 September 2003 }}</ref> In 2020, THX Certified Game Mode was introduced, with enhanced contrast and color, and reduced input lag, and greater accuracy to the producers' intentions.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.whattowatch.com/news/thx-certified-game-mode-tvs-debuts-ces-2020|title=THX Certified Game Mode for TVs debuts at CES 2020|date=6 January 2020 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.takesontech.com/thx-intros-new-certified-game-mode-for-large-televisions-at-ces|title=THX Intros New Certified Game Mode For Large Televisions At CES}}</ref> It has judder and smear reduction, meaning that the picture remained crisp with a quick rise time between dark-to-light transitions.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.engadget.com/tcl-6-series-tv-certified-gaming-mode-233740912.html|title=TCL's next 6 Series TV has a THX-certified gaming mode|date=3 August 2020 }}</ref> On August 3, [[TCL Technology]] revealed the first television to include THX Certified Game Mode, a 6-Series TCL Roku TV.<ref>{{cite press release|url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/tcl-to-launch-worlds-first-television-with-thx-certified-game-mode-301104525.html|title=TCL to Launch World's First Television with THX Certified Game Mode}}</ref>

In 2006, THX began to create new high definition [[Blu-ray]] discs, debuting with ''[[Terminator 2: Judgment Day]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.highdefdigest.com/news/show/THX/Industry_Trends/THX_Certification_of_High-Def_Discs_Comes_to_Europe_Is_US_Next_Updated/681|title=THX Certification of High-Def Discs Comes to Europe; Is U.S. Next? (Updated)}}</ref>

A 3D product certification called THX 3D Display debuted in 2010. The first [[3D television]] to feature this technology is the [[LG Electronics|LG]] Infinia PX950 Plasma HDTV series. To earn the new THX 3D Display Certification, the PX950 passed more than 400 laboratory tests evaluating left and right eye images for color accuracy, cross-talk, viewing angles, and video processing performance. The PX950 had to pass THX certification for picture quality in 2D, which is required for THX 3D certification. Viewers can select THX 2D or 3D cinema modes for 2D or 3D movie experiences from broadcast sources and Blu-ray discs.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://hometheaterreview.com/lg-introduces-first-3d-tv-with-thx-3d-certification/|title=LG Introduces First 3D TV With THX 3D Certification|date=9 September 2010 }}</ref> Four new THX-certified 3D [[JVC]] projectors were unveiled during this time. These were the Reference Series DLA-RS60 and DLA-RS50, marketed by JVC's Professional Products Company, and the Precision Series DLA-X9 and DLA-X7.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pro.jvc.com/pro/pr/2010/releases/thx-3d.html|title=JVC Announces World's First THX 3D Certified Home Theater Projectors}}</ref>

In early 2013, THX unveiled a new app called THX Tune-Up in time for the [[Super Bowl]], available on the Apple [[App Store]] and [[Google Play]]. It was billed as the company's first mobile app.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.engadget.com/2013-01-30-thx-tune-up-calibration-app-ios.html|title=THX releases iOS app for calibrating your home theater's visuals and audio|date=30 January 2013 }}</ref>

On March 14, 2013, THX filed a lawsuit against [[Apple Inc.]], alleging patent infringement, in a federal court in Northern California.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.idownloadblog.com/2013/03/15/thx-sues-apple/|title=George Lucas-founded THX takes Apple to court|date=15 March 2013 }}</ref>

THX expanded to [[China]] in 2014 with new offices in [[Beijing]] and a partnership with [[China Film Group Corporation]] to redefine the cinema experience. The first THX Certified China Giant Screen (CGS) auditoriums opened in [[Shanghai]] in September.<ref>{{cite press release|url=https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20140829005153/en/Official-Debut-of-THX-in-China-Launches-a-New-Era-of-Movie-Viewing|title=Official Debut of THX in China Launches a New Era of Movie-Viewing|date=29 August 2014 }}</ref>

In December 2014, THX collaborated with [[Warren Theatres]], opening a large theater complex opened in [[Broken Arrow, Oklahoma]] on December 23. Each of the 18 auditoriums in this theater was THX certified and two new Grand Infinity Auditoriums were introduced. They were designed by Bill Warren to revolutionize the large format movie-going experience. These auditoriums featured THX Certification, patented deep curved screens, 65-channel [[Dolby Atmos]] immersive surround sound and the first 4K laser projector in the United States.<ref>{{cite press release|url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/thx-certification-featured-in-groundbreaking-debut-of-first-ever-grand-infinity-auditoriums-at-warren-theatres-broken-arrow-300011020.html|title=THX Certification Featured In Groundbreaking Debut Of First Ever Grand Infinity Auditoriums At Warren Theatres Broken Arrow}}</ref>

The company was acquired by [[Razer Inc.]] in October 2016.<ref name="Razer buys audio-visual firm THX to cash in on growing Chinese cinema market" />

The first THX-certified laptop was released in 2017, the Razer Blade Pro.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cnet.com/reviews/razer-blade-pro-2017-preview/|title=Razer's new Blade Pro is the world's first THX-certified gaming laptop}}</ref>

THX introduced Spatial Audio in 2018, a new positional audio solution for an immersive 360-degree sound experience through headphones and speakers.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.highdefdigest.com/news/show/THX/Qualcomm/mobile-world-congress-2018/thx-announces-new-spatial-audio-platform/40997|title=THX Announces New Spatial Audio Platform}}</ref> The technology was used on the Kraken gaming headset for simulated 7.1 surround sound. These headphones were included with a Spatial Audio app. This would be later used on [[Windows 10]] devices.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.engadget.com/razer-thx-spatial-audio-app-windows-10-150000557.html|title=Now any Windows 10 user can grab Razer's THX spatial audio app|date=16 June 2020 }}</ref>

On May 2, 2018, it was announced that over 200 [[Cinemark]] XD locations in the United States and [[Latin America]] would feature a THX sound system. These auditoriums featured large wall-to-wall screens, 2D and 3D digital projection, immersive, surround sound, premium seats with Luxury Lounger electric recliners, and THX Certification.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://celluloidjunkie.com/wire/thx-and-cinemark-announce-certification-of-over-200-cinemark-xd-screens-in-the-united-states-and-latin-america/|title=THX and Cinemark Announce Certification of Over 200 Cinemark XD Screens in the United States and Latin America}}</ref> Both companies had first announced the partnership one year prior in 2017.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thx.com/blog/cinemark-partners-thx-certify-xd-auditoriums/|title=Cinemark Partners with THX to Certify XD Auditoriums|date=4 May 2017 }}</ref> The first THX Ultimate Cinema debuted at [[Fox Theater, Westwood Village|Regency Westwood Village]] in [[Los Angeles]] in 2019. This theater provided exhibitors with a branded and differentiated PLF offering that included projection technology from Cinionic, and an immersive audio system, acoustics, and auditorium specifications that met THX certification standards.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.highdefdigest.com/news/show/THX/thx-ultimate-cinema/cinionic/worlds-first-thx-ultimate-cinema-set-to-open-at-regency-westwood-village-theater/43845|title=World's First THX Ultimate Cinema Set to Open at Regency Westwood Village Theater}}</ref>

In September 2020, [[Walmart]] stores began to sell [[Gateway, Inc.|Gateway]] laptops and tablets, which were tuned by THX, ensuring brighter contrast with more rich vibrant screen colors. They combined style, performance, and value in a wide range of products for consumers, students, and creators. The laptops featured THX Spatial Audio that delivered an authentic 7.1 surround experience through built-in speakers and attached headphones.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thx.com/blog/iconic-gateway-pc-brand-returns/|title=Iconic Cow-Spotted Gateway PC Brand Returns with Full Line of Laptops Sold Exclusively at Walmart.com}}</ref>

THX premiered its first consumer electronic product called the Onyx in 2021, a mobile headphone DAC and amplifier using THX AAA technology.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thx.com/blog/thx-onyx-brings-hifi-audio-to-the-masses/|title=THX Onyx brings portable hi-fi audio to the masses|date=14 April 2021 }}</ref>