New THXÆ Ultra Products Debut In Abundance At CES 2000
A host of new THXÆ Ultra products made their debut at the International Consumer Electronics Show. Many of the new certified products feature THX Surround EXô, a new enhancement to digital sound that decodes a back surround channel in a film soundtrack. ""More and more people are experiencing the latest digital sound systems when they go to the movies, and at the same time they're hearing all about the improvements in sound and picture that DVD delivers at home,"" observed Monica L. Dashwood, General Manager, Lucasfilm THX. ""This heightened awareness of what's possible has made home theatre customers far more demanding. In response, an increasing number of manufacturers are turning to THX Ultra certification to reassure their consumers that they are buying the best performance possible."" New THX Ultra controllers include the B&K Reference 30 Series II, which features THX recently-introduced Integra Research RDC-7, JBL Synthesis SDP3, Lexicon MC-1 and Mark Levinson No40 controllers in offering THX Surround EX. Other new THX Ultra controllers include the Bryston SP-1, the Meridian 568 and the AV-32R from new licensee TAG McLaren Audio, a brand currently available only in Europe and making its U.S. debut in the spring. Several new THX Ultra receivers make their debut at CES, all equipped with THX Surround EX. From B&K come two new models - the AVR-305 and AVR-307. Denon is introducing the AVR-4800 receiver, a CES Innovations 2000 award winner, in addition to a new THX Ultra power amp, the two-channel POA-5200. Marantz is debuting the SR-14EX receiver, Onkyo is unveiling the TX-DS989 and Pioneer is displayed a new model at its CES exhibit. ""Denon's current THX Ultra AVR-5700 receiver and DVD-5000 DVD player have been enormously successful,"" said Stephen Baker, Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Denon Electronics. ""In our view, they provide the reference standard for receiver and DVD player performance and value, and their THX Ultra certification contributes significantly to that status."" In speakers, Atlantic Technology has a pair of new THX Ultra models - the 450E and the in-wall Systems 20. At M&K the S-250 surround makes its debut, following the recent introduction of the THX Ultra 150P. Other recently launched THX Ultra speakers include a pair of surround models from Teufel - the M900M and, for use in 6,000-cubic-foot rooms, the M600D. Licensees introducing new THX Ultra DVD players include Marantz, with the DV-18, Onkyo, with the DV-S901, and the Integra Division of the Onkyo Corporation, with the RDV-1, the first THX certified DVD decks from each of these manufacturers. THX is also announcing a specification for PAL DVD players. ""Onkyo has been a supporter of THX for a very long time because working with THX allows us to produce an outstanding product,"" said Mark Friedman, Senior Vice President, Onkyo U.S.A. ""It provides a marketing advantage as well because high-end customers recognize THX as a symbol of quality."" About Lucasfilm THX Group The THX Group of Lucasfilm Ltd. is dedicated to achieving superior presentation quality in theatres and homes through its unique certification program and services. The THX Theatre Program works with the exhibition and post-production community around the world to deliver the ultimate cinema experience by building certified theatres that adhere to comprehensive and proprietary THX standards. Home THX allows consumers to replicate that experience at home through Certified THX home theatre and multimedia products available from leading audio/video and PC manufacturers. For studios and filmmakers, THX provides comprehensive quality assurance services for theatrical film releases through its Theatre Alignment Program (TAP), and for DVD, laser disc and videotape releases through its award-winning THX Digital Mastering Program.