Originally posted by: Apex
Originally posted by: bentwookie
I thought lucas sold thx
Creative Labs purchased some of THX (becoming the largest investor).
You're really talking about different issues.
THX certifies hardware, setting a certain minimum standard, and goals for sound.
THX is also a steering algorithm for multichannel sound (THX EX), which can be processed over a standard say, 5.1 or 6.1 source.
Two very different things.
The certification is good for creating a baseline for how things "should" sound. THX certified products are not necessarily better than non-certified, but it will tell you a little bit about the product. For instance, for THX home theater products, there's a limited vertical dispersion, so less sound bounces off the floor and ceilings. This is good in that it lowers the requirements of the room design.
In terms of THX as a surround channel steering algorithm, I think it's mediocre. Logic 7 is far better, IMHO. I do like it better than Circle Surround, and a few of the others though.