Key Consumer Electronics Manufacturers To Market THXÆ Select Products In ë99

Lucasfilm THXÆ announced at the International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) an expansive roster of key consumer electronics manufacturers who will be marketing THX Select receivers and speakers this year. Among the licensees that have announced plans for THX Select receivers are Denon, Onkyo, Pioneer and Marantz. THX licensees that will market THX Select speaker systems include Atlantic Technology, Klipsch, Magnat - a new THX licensee, M&K and Teufel. Introduced last October, THX Select sets a new THX performance benchmark for mid-priced home theatre products, including both electronic components and speakers. THX Select is based on the same basic values as the original Home THX specification, now called THX Ultra. Both standards are part of the Home THX Program and offer consumers THX certified product assurance, regardless of price point. ""Weíre very pleased with our licenseesí response to THX Select,"" said Monica L. Dashwood, General Manager, Lucasfilm THX. ""They immediately recognized it as an opportunity that allows them to offer the benefits of THX certification to a broader customer base.""Several THX licensees were at the International CES with their THX Select products. M&K was demonstrating its speaker system, comprised of the LCR-750THX front speakers, Center 750THX, Sur-550THX surround speakers and Sub V-1250THX powered subwoofer. The system is now available at an estimated suggested retail package price of $2,150. Teufel of Germany was also there with a THX Select system, its three-way M400. Other speaker system manufacturers with plans for THX Select certified products are Atlantic Technology, with its 270 System, and Germanyís Magnat. ""We have always been strong believers in the THX concept,"" asserted Chuck Back, Executive Vice President of M&K. ""Now, with the availability of THX Select products, we can offer THX performance assurance to a larger audience. Whatís more, I think THX Select will draw a new group of customers into audio specialty stores, which will further help brands like M&K.""On the electronics side, both Marantz and Onkyo will market THX Select A/V receivers later this year. Onkyo had a sample on display at the THX CES booth. ""For us, THX Select provides an opportunity to capitalize on the prestigious THX brand name with more competitively-priced high-performance products,"" said Mark Stein, Director of Marketing for Marantz. ""Weíre very excited that weíll be able to add THX Select to our product mix in time for the fall selling season."" The THX Group of Lucasfilm Ltd. is dedicated to ensuring excellent film presentation quality in theatres and homes through a series of specialized services. The THX Theatre Program works with the exhibition and post-production community around the world to deliver the THX cinema experience. Home THX allows consumers to replicate that experience at home through more Certified THX home theatre products available from leading audio/video manufacturers.