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THX Adds Certification For Compact Speakers

LAS VEGAS —

THX launched a certification
program for compact speakers intended
for use in small rooms, including
home-theater rooms, gaming rooms, and
living rooms in homes and apartments.

THX said it created the Compact
Speaker System Certification program
because of a major trend in mainstream
consumer audio to more compact speaker
systems.

Though small speakers perform better
than flat-panel TV speakers, the sound
quality of existing small speakers varies
widely because of limitations imposed
by their small size, THX said. Certification
standards will ensure consistent
quality and raise customer confidence,
THX explained.

The new standard is designed for
speakers intended for use in rooms up to
1,000 cubic feet, or 13.5 feet long by 10
feet wide by 8 feet tall. The recommended
listening distance is up to 8 feet from the
screen. A 2.1-speaker system with one
subwoofer is the minimum requirement,
but the standard includes 7.1-channel
speaker systems. High output up to 105
dBC SPL is also required, among other
things.

THX already offers two tiers of certification for speakers.
THX Ultra2 Certified products are intended for larger
home theaters of 3,000 cubic feet in size with a viewing
distance of 12 feet or greater from the screen, THX’s
website says. THX Select2 Certified products are for
medium sized rooms, up to 2,000 cubic
feet in size, with a 10- to 12-foot viewing
distance from the screen.

The new standard also calls for:

• flat frequency response for better
dialog clarity across a wide, optimized
listening area;

• a low-frequency crossover for consistent,
lifelike audio playback with richness
and depth;

• extended subwoofer low-frequency
output for enhanced bass performance
with tailored equalization for an overall
smooth, well-balanced sound when
combined with the satellite speakers;
and

• integration with current and future
THX Select2 Plus or Ultra2 Plus Certified
A/V receivers using standard THX
80Hz crossover settings.

The first THX-certified small speaker
is from MK Sound, the direct seller of
speaker systems. The speaker is based
on the M Series MK M7 speaker.

“Consumer demand for high-quality
sound systems that fit the aesthetics
of smaller home theaters or dedicated
media rooms continues to increase,”
said Peter Vasay, THX technology
operations VP. “The THX Compact
Speaker System Certification offers consumers the
same promise of high-fidelity sound expected from
any THX Certified home entertainment product, and
performance above typical smaller speakers that are
on the market.”

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