THXÆ Announces Multimedia Speaker Specification, Marking First Entry Into New Product Category

Lucasfilm THXÆ has made its first move into multimedia with the announcement of a specification for multimedia speaker systems, bringing the company's performance guarantee to an entirely new product category. The first multimedia product to offer THX performance is a recently introduced five-piece (4.1) Klipsch speaker system available with select Compaq Presario PCs.The speaker specification represents just a first step in the companyís expansion into multimedia, with additional specifications planned for other elements in the PC sound chain. ""We plan to use patented technologies and our expertise in sound reproduction to certify a range of multimedia products, for the first time providing multimedia consumers with the assurance that theyíre getting the best performance possible, "" said Monica L. Dashwood, Lucasfilm THX General Manager. ""With THX certified multimedia speakers, consumers will be able to enjoy feature films, computer games and music on their PC with the same top quality sound offered in movie and home theatre systems.""The THX multimedia speaker specification covers sound performance, user interface and construction quality. Performance parameters include bandwidth, frequency balance, front/rear speaker matching, directional characteristics, minimum peak sound pressure level and the systemís ability to play up to its rated output level. In addition, ease-of-use is evaluated, including installation, set up and operation.The first THX certified multimedia speaker system to be available is the Klipsch ProMediaô v.2-400 ($249 MSRP), featured with Compaq Presario products and also available separately through Klipsch online. The new speaker system includes four matched two-way satellites with Klipsch MicroTractrixô Horn technology, a dedicated subwoofer and a built-in five-channel amplifier offering 400 watts of total power. ""For Klipsch, THX certification has enhanced our home theatre business by providing us with a valuable point of differentiation,"" said T. Paul Jacobs, Executive Vice President, Klipsch, L.L.C. ""As we enter the multimedia product category, we expect the THX brand to deliver the same benefit. It's a crowded field, but THX is a widely recognized standard of excellence that will set our product apart and reassure consumers that they're getting the best."" ""Our collaboration with Klipsch and THX delivers a new level of multimedia experience and value to gaming and audio enthusiasts,"" said Mark Vena, Director of Desktop Product Marketing for Compaq's Consumer Products Group. ""This package combines the multimedia expertise of three powerful brands to create the most stunning audio experience available to PC users to date.""For more information, contact Kimberly Yost, THX at 415 492 3995 or email: yost@thx.com.