 THX Tech Pages |
| CES : THX System Requirements |
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One of the most important tests conducted is the measurement of all sources that relate to a theatre's background noise. Noise sources include such items as HVAC units, projectors, exhaust fans and transformers. An auditorium cannot exceed NC-30 in any octave band. |
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The auditorium must be adequately isolated from external noise sources, including sound leakage from adjacent auditoriums or noise from outside the auditorium. |
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The reverberation time must be within required limits calculated for the volume of the auditorium. Direct reflections such a "slap echoes" should not be audible during a film presentation. |
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The recommended crudience viewing angle for the Cinemascope image (2:35:1) from the farthest seat in the center of the cruditorium is 36" with 26" as an acceptable minimum. |
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Projectors must be placed on center with the image (+/-3% preferred, +/-5% allowed). All SMPTE projection standards must be met. In addition, screen illumination must also conform to SMPTE standards of 16 foot lamberts (+/-4 foot lamberts). |
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Equipment approved for use in THX theatres is listed on the THX Approved Equipment List. Components for each installation are selected from the list following consultation with the THX Design Office. |
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Layout and installation of equipment must be in accordance with the specifications provided by the THX Design Office. |
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These guidelines represent the basic sleps in the installation process for a THX certified theatre for either new construction or retrofit sites. The earlier we are involved in your project, the better we can asssist you in meeting the THX cetified theatres criteria as effectively as possible. |
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Before we begin design services for a project, we submit the THX
License Agreement for your review and signature. Usage of the Lucasfilm THX
trademark and patented THX technology is outlined in the THX License Agreement.
A standard trademark license fee. which includes cost for the use of the
Lucasfilm THX trademark, our custom design services, certification labor and
the lease of the THX electronic crossover cards is chcnged for each
installation. The THX booth monitor for the crossover cards is a seperate fee.
An annual THX License Renewal Fee is issued each year on the anniversary date of the theatre's certification. This renewal fee is required for the use of the Luccrsfilm THX trademark leasing of the THX electronic crossover cards, and promotional materials. |
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In order to determine the auditorium's feasibility to become THX
certified, our THX Design Office will review architectural drawings and
materials' specifications prior to or during construction of the theatre. If
the auditorium does not meet preliminary requirements, we will provide you with
recommendations to be implemented during construction.
In the case of a retrofit installation for an existing cinema, acoustical test measurements and a: complete survey oi the projection and sound systems are also required. |
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Once a project has been approved, the THX Design Office will begin working directly with your staff or project architects, acoustical consultants, contractors, and equipment installers to ensure all elements of the system receive proper attention. We provide technical information and drawing details to the appropriate project staff, and maintain constant communication with these individuals throughout the installation process. |
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Based upon the drawings submitted, the THX Design Office will determine the specific power-handling and sound coverage requirements for your cinema, and coordinate the selection and installation of approved components with your staff or equipment supplier. With the exception of the THX Monitor 3417 (combination booth monitor/crossover power frame), THX does not manufacture or sell equipment, Rather, we conduct formal testing of manufacturers' equipment using THX performance specifications to determine the acceptability of installation in ct THX certified theatre. |
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A THX engineer will test the completed installation to determine compliance with the THX environmental technical criteria. Upon acceptance of the test measurements, your theatre is granted certification and permission to advertise the Lucasfilm THX trademark. Per the THX License Agreement, your THX certified theatre is required to be tested annually by either a technical representcrtive from your company or an independent technical, both of whom must have successfully completed a THX technical seminar. The purpose of the recertification test is to verify maintenance of the original certification criteria. The THX office offers continuous technical support through technical taining courses for your staff and through the availability of our engineers to troubleshoot problems and to answer your technical questions. |
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Once your theatre has been awarded THX certification, you will receive at THX Promotional Kit which provides you marketing materials to use in promoting and advertising your THX certified theatre. In addition to receiving the popular THX trailers your theatre will also receive THX posters and buttons. A variety of other materials and special presentations are available through our THX Marketing office. |
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In addition to the certification of commercial theatres. we offer
consulting services for the building of screening rooms, home theatres,
post-production facilities and other environments where feature films are
presented.
The THX Consulting group manages and simplifies the entire process, from overseeing the design of the project to the specification of equipment , and recommendation of suppliers and installers. In addition. our THX consultants offer the skills to optimize the presentation of digitally linked screening rooms to other facilities anywhere in the world. As a result, mixing dubbing and ADR sessions can be monitored from a screening room at home or at a remote facility without compromising sound quality. |
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The Lucasfilm THX trademark is recognized worldwide. It has become known as representing the most exciting and highest quality theatre sound experience. Your audience will appreciate your efforts to provide them with the best, and they will show their appreciation by returning more often to your theatre and bringing their friends with them. Effective promotion of the Lucasfilm THX trademark can significantly increase your box office revenue THX theatres regularly report higher revenues than their competition -up to 25% and more. We encourage you to use the Lucasfilm THX logo in newspaper advertising, marquee and box office signage, lobby displays and by consistent running of the THX trailer on your screens. Utilizing the THX trailers recorded in the digital sound formats provides a great opportunity to show how well THX theatres and digital sound work together to provide the finest in film presentcrtion. |
1997 Lucasfilm ltd. All rights reserved. THX is a registered trademark Lucasfilm Ltd
THX Division
P.O. Box 10327
San Rafael
CA 94912
415.492.3900 Tel
415.492.3973 Fax
Los Angeles Office
818.295.2430
World Wide Web
www.thx.com
| Thanks to THX We would like to thank THX for allowing us to place this information on our website. Any reproduction of information from this page must go through THX for permission. Contact THX by following the link to their website or by calling 415-492-3900. |