Editing THX

{{short description|Theater standard and American audio company founded in 1983 by George Lucas}}
{{Other uses}}
{{Infobox company
| name = THX Ltd.
| logo = [[File:THX logo.svg|frameless|class=skin-invert]]
| logo_alt = The logo, depicting the underlined capital letters "THX", with a taller "T" top extending over the other two letters.
| type = [[Subsidiary]]
| founders = [[George Lucas]]<br />[[Tomlinson Holman]]
| key_people = {{Unbulleted list|Tuyen Pham ([[Chief executive officer|CEO]])|Aaron Endo ([[Chief financial officer|CFO]])|[[Tomlinson Holman]] (original developer)|[[George Lucas]]}}
| industry = [[Motion picture industry]]
| services = {{Unbulleted list|[[Sound recording and reproduction]]|[[Quality assurance]]|[[Audio crossover]]}}
| revenue = 
| num_employees = 
| parent = {{Plainlist|
* [[Lucasfilm]]<br />(1983–2002)
* [[Creative Technology]]<br />(2002–2016)
* [[Razer Inc.]]<ref name="Razer buys audio-visual firm THX to cash in on growing Chinese cinema market">{{Cite news|url=http://www.scmp.com/business/article/2028759/razer-buys-audio-visual-firm-thx-cash-growing-chinese-cinema-market|title=Razer buys audio-visual firm THX to cash in on growing Chinese cinema market|newspaper=South China Morning Post|access-date=2016-10-17}}</ref><br />(2016–present)
}}
| homepage = {{URL|thx.com}}
| foundation = {{start date and age|1983|5|20}}
| location_city = [[San Rafael, California]]
| location_country = U.S.
}}

'''THX Ltd.''' is an American audio company based in the [[San Francisco Bay Area]]. It is known for its suite of digital [[high fidelity]] audiovisual reproduction standards for [[movie theater]]s, screening rooms, [[home theater]]s, [[computer speaker]]s, [[video game console]]s, [[car audio system]]s, and [[video game]]s. The THX trailer that precedes compliant films is based on the [[Deep Note]], with a distinctive [[glissando]] up from a rumbling low pitch.

THX was developed by [[Tomlinson Holman]] at [[George Lucas]]'s company [[Lucasfilm]] in 1983 to ensure that the [[soundtrack]] for the third ''[[Star Wars]]'' film, ''[[Return of the Jedi]]'', would be accurately reproduced in the best venues. THX was named after Holman's initials, with the "X" standing for "[[audio crossover|crossover]]"<ref>{{cite book |last1=Rinzler |first1=J.W. |title=The Sounds of Star Wars |year=2010 |publisher=Chronicle Books |location=San Francisco |isbn=978-0-8118-7546-2 |page=146}}</ref> or "experiment". The name is also an homage to Lucas's first film, ''[[THX 1138]]'' (1971). Deep Note was created by Holman's co-worker [[James A. Moorer]].

THX is a [[quality assurance]] system, not a [[recording technology]]. All sound recording formats, whether digital ([[Dolby Digital]], [[DTS, Inc.|DTS]], [[Sony Dynamic Digital Sound|SDDS]]) or analog ([[Dolby Stereo]], [[Ultra Stereo]]), can be reproduced in a THX system. THX-certified theaters provide a high-quality, predictable playback environment to ensure that any film soundtrack [[Audio mixing (recorded music)|mixed]] in THX will sound as near as possible to the intentions of the mixing engineer. THX also provides certified theaters with a special [[audio crossover|crossover]] circuit whose use is part of the standard. Certification of an auditorium entails specific acoustic and other technical requirements; architectural requirements include a [[floating floor]], [[Sound baffle|baffled]] and [[acoustical treatment|acoustically treated]] walls, non-parallel walls (to reduce [[standing wave]]s), a perforated screen (to allow [[center channel]] continuity), and NC 30 rating for background noise ("ensures noise from air conditioning units and projection equipment does not mask the subtle effects in a movie's soundtrack").<ref name="THXatCC">{{Cite web| title= THX Certified Cinemas| url=http://www.thx.com/professional/cinema-certification/thx-certified-cinemas/| publisher=THX, Ltd.| access-date=2013-07-29}}</ref>

On June 12, 2002, THX was [[Corporate spin-off|spun off]] as a separate company from Lucasfilm<ref name="NewGalaxy">{{cite web |url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hollywoodreporter/convergence/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1513406 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020811013001/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hollywoodreporter/convergence/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1513406 |archive-date=2002-08-11 |work=[[The Hollywood Reporter]] |title=Lucas' THX stakes out new galaxy |first=Sheigh |last=Crabtree |date=2002-06-12 |access-date=2013-04-19}}</ref> and sold to the [[sound card]] manufacturer [[Creative Technology Limited]], which held a 60% share of the company.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.maclife.com/article/columns/law_apple_ifone_defeats_iphone_thx_targets_apple |title=Law & Apple: iFone Defeats iPhone, THX Targets Apple |first=Adrian |last=Hoppel |publisher=[[MacLife]] |date=2013-03-20 |access-date=2016-10-25 |url-status=bot: unknown |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150907061706/http://www.maclife.com/article/columns/law_apple_ifone_defeats_iphone_thx_targets_apple |archive-date=2015-09-07 }}</ref> Under Creative Technology, the company developed several further innovations, such as the first THX-certified audio card for computers, the [[Sound Blaster Audigy 2]]. In 2016, THX was acquired by American-Singaporean video game hardware company [[Razer Inc.]]<ref name="Razer buys audio-visual firm THX to cash in on growing Chinese cinema market"/><ref name="Razer buys THX">{{Cite web|title=Razer buys THX|date=17 October 2016 |url=https://www.theverge.com/2016/10/17/13309346/razer-buys-thx-lucasfilm}}</ref>

On September 12, 2024, THX announced Tuyen Pham would lead the subsidiary as chief executive officer.<ref>{{Cite web |date=12 September 2024 |title=Immersive Audio Industry Leader, Tuyen Pham, Named as THX Ltd. Chief Executive Officer |url=https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240912122385/en/Immersive-Audio-Industry-Leader-Tuyen-Pham-Named-as-THX-Ltd.-Chief-Executive-Officer }}</ref>

==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>

== Applications ==
[[File:052707-022-NorrisCinema-USC.jpg|thumb|right|Norris Cinema Theatre, on the University of Southern California campus, is where THX was first developed and installed.]]
The first THX theater is the [[University of Southern California]]'s Eileen L. Norris Cinema Theatre, a part of USC's [[USC School of Cinematic Arts|film school]].<ref name="USCselftour">{{cite web |title= Self-guided tour |url= http://www.usc.edu/admission/undergraduate/private/0809/USC_self_guided_tour0809.pdf |access-date= 14 January 2013 |url-status= dead|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20121014041257/http://www.usc.edu/admission/undergraduate/private/0809/USC_self_guided_tour0809.pdf |archive-date= 14 October 2012 }}{{Failed verification|date=October 2018}}<!-- WHEN? No date in ref. Not in reference, it was the first --></ref>

== Certifications ==
[[File:THX_certified_game_logo.png|thumb|THX Certified Game logo is commonly used on THX-certified video games.]]
THX has created a certification process for additional products including home audio, home theater, video, and automotive sound components and products. THX certification extends to home audio receivers, speakers, desktop systems, [[soundbar]]s, acoustic materials, microphones, and HDMI cables.<ref name="THX_cert_perf_cats">{{cite web|title=THX Certification Performance Categories|url=http://www.thx.com/consumer/home-entertainment/home-theater/thx-certification-performance-categories/|publisher=THX Ltd.|access-date=9 March 2013}}</ref> <!-- NOT TO BE ADDED YET UNTIL A REF IS FOUND - PRELIMINARY CONTENT: "For many years, they also certified various home media releases of movies, games, and other mediums; which is noted by trailers at the beginning (or in the program's later years, after the credits) of each release they certified. However, in late 2012, it was announced that they would cease this certification process for individual releases; with the final release being Lucasfilms' Red Tails in January 2013." -->

=== THX Certified Ultra ===
THX Certified Ultra products are for larger home theaters, {{cvt|3,000|cuft}} in size, with a viewing distance of {{convert|12|foot}} or greater from the screen.

=== THX Certified Select===
THX Certified Select products are for medium-sized rooms, up to {{cvt|2,000|cuft}} in size, with a {{convert|10–12|foot}} viewing distance from the screen.

=== THX Certified Compact ===
THX Certified Compact products for smaller sized rooms, up to {{cvt|2,000|cuft}} in size, with an {{convert|8|foot}} viewing distance from the screen.

=== THX Certified Dominus ===
THX Certified Dominus products are for expansive home theater spaces, {{cvt|6500|cuft}} in size, with a {{convert|20|foot}} viewing distance from the screen.

=== I/S Plus Systems ===
THX's I/S Plus systems include an AV Receiver + Speaker Bundle and are certified to fill a small home theater or dorm room where the viewing distance from the screen is {{convert|6|-|8|ft|m}}. These THX certified [[home theater in a box]] systems are so far exclusively made by [[Onkyo]].<ref name=Onkyo>{{cite web|title=Onkyo HT-S9300THX Integrated System review|url=http://www.soundandvision.com/content/onkyo-ht-s9300thx-integrated-system|website=Sound and Vision|date=13 December 2010 |access-date=19 November 2014}}</ref> and Enclave Audio.<ref>{{cite web|title=Enclave Audio CineHome PRO Wireless Home Theater System Review|url=https://www.soundandvision.com/content/enclave-audio-cinehome-pro-wireless-home-theater-system-review|website=Sound and Vision|date=13 May 2020 |access-date=13 May 2020}}</ref>

=== Multimedia products ===
THX Certified Multimedia Products are designed and engineered for PC gaming and multimedia on the desktop.

=== THX Certified Optimode and Optimizer ===
THX Certified [[DVD]] and [[VHS|video]] displays ([[plasma display]] and [[LCD]] or [[LED]] flat panels and [[projectors]]) including THX Optimode and Optimizer which allows users to see a program or the movie as originally intended. Some tests required the use of special "blue filter glasses," which would either be included with the Optimizer disc, or on the THX website at the time.<ref>{{cite web
|url=http://www.losangeleshometheaterinstallation.com/should-you-consider-thx-certification-for-your-home-theater-display/
|title=THX Certified Plasmas, LCD TVs & Projectors
|work=Home Entertainment
|publisher=thx.com
|access-date=2012-09-11
|archive-date=2015-06-06
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150606204606/http://www.losangeleshometheaterinstallation.com/should-you-consider-thx-certification-for-your-home-theater-display/
|url-status=dead
}}</ref>

The first DVD release to include the THX Optimode is [[20th Century Fox]]'s ''[[Fight Club]]'', which was released on June 6, 2000.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.soundandvision.com/content/lucasfilm-thxrsquos-optimode-makes-ht-system-calibration-easy|title=Lucasfilm THX's Optimode Makes HT System Calibration Easy|date=19 July 2000 }}</ref>

==Mascot==
[[File:THX Tex the Robot.png|thumb|170x170px|Tex the Robot]]
THX's mascot is a [[robot]] named Tex, created and voiced by [[John Lasseter]], the ex-CEO of [[Pixar|Pixar Animation Studios]].<ref name="ToyBox">{{cite web|url=https://www.cinenow.fr/articles/5258-the-ultimate-toy-box|title=THE ULTIMATE TOY BOX: - CineNow}}</ref>  He first appeared in the original and extended Tex trailer (simply known as ''Tex 1 EX'' or ''Tex EX''), which debuted in theaters with ''[[Independence Day (1996 film)|Independence Day]]'' on July 3, 1996, in which he fixes up the THX logo.<ref name="ToyBox" />  A second trailer, ''Tex 2: Moo Can'', in which he uses a [[moo box|moo can]] to perform the Deep Note, debuted in theaters on November 26, 1997, with ''[[Alien Resurrection]]''.<ref name="ToyBox" /> A later trailer featuring Tex titled ''Tex vs. the Robot'', in which Tex and another robot named Bob try to place an orb into a socket in a spaceship, debuted on THX's [[YouTube]] channel on June 25, 2020, as a demo for the company's Spatial Audio technology.<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7P3ez0m9DAs |title=TEX vs The Robot – THX Spatial Audio demo (Listen over headphones) |language=en |access-date=2024-03-29 |via=www.youtube.com}}</ref>

== Deep Note ==
{{Excerpt|Deep Note|files=0}}

== See also ==
{{Portal|San Francisco Bay Area|Companies}}
* [[Home cinema]]
* [[AV receiver]]
* [[Surround sound]]

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
* {{Official website}}
* [http://www.audioholics.com/cedia/cedia2004/THXcertifiedhometheater.php Home Theatre Program launch]

{{George Lucas}}
{{Lucasfilm}}
{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Thx}}
[[Category:Film sound production]]
[[Category:Companies based in San Francisco]]
[[Category:Electronics companies established in 1983]]
[[Category:American companies established in 1983]]
[[Category:1983 establishments in California]]
[[Category:Privately held companies based in California]]
[[Category:George Lucas]]
[[Category:Lucasfilm]]
[[Category:2016 mergers and acquisitions]]
[[Category:Razer Inc.]]