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THX Adds Certification Standard 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/2.4 meters 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 web
site says. THX Select2 Certified products are for medium sized rooms, up to
2,000 cubic feet in size, with a 10-12 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 will be from MK Sound, the direct seller of speaker
systems The speaker, whose certification is pending, 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
VP of technology operations. “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.”

THX is
showcasing the program at the Renaissance Hospitality Suites.

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