THX® Unveils New THX Compact Speaker System™ Certification Program to Meet Consumer Demand for Higher-Quality Sound in Smaller Rooms

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 10, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- (CES 2012 – Renaissance Hospitality Suites #632 and #639) THX Ltd. today announced the THX Compact Speaker System™ Certification program with specifications to ensure the highest-quality and fullest sound from speaker systems designed for smaller accommodations including small home theaters, gaming rooms, living rooms, apartments and dedicated media rooms.  MK Sound, a leading direct seller of loudspeaker systems, developed the first THX Certified Compact Speaker System product based off of its popular M Series MK M7 speaker (system certification pending).

"The move to smaller speaker systems and more compact form factors is one of the most significant trends in mainstream consumer audio today.  Though they provide an improvement over audio in today's televisions, the sound quality of these solutions varies widely due to the limitations imposed by a small form factor and a lack of common performance standards.  Certification standards in this market would help ensure consistent quality at the product level and assurance at the consumer level," according to Paul Erickson, senior analyst at IMS Research.

THX Certified Compact Speaker System Program Specifics

THX engineers conducted numerous audio tests on various, currently available speaker systems designed for smaller room environments, and developed difficult – yet achievable – performance specifications to meet consumer expectations:  

• Designed for rooms up to 1,000 cubic feet (13.5-feet long by 10-feet wide by 8-feet tall) with a recommended listening distance of up to 8-feet/2.4 meters from the screen
• Stereo (2.1 – two speakers and one subwoofer minimum requirement) up to a full home theater (7.1) system quality sound for smaller (1,000 cubic foot) playback environments
• High output and low distortion for accurate sound reproduction (up to 105 dBC SPL)
• Flat frequency response for better dialog clarity across a wide, optimized listening area
• A low frequency system 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
• Integrates with current and future THX Select2 Plus or Ultra2 Plus Certified AVR products (using standard THX 80 Hz crossover settings)

"For nearly 40 years, MK Sound products have enjoyed an unchallenged reputation as the world's finest, delivering the highest levels of performance to both consumers and professionals," said Asger Bak, CEO, MK Sound.  "When THX approached us with the idea for the Compact Speaker System program, we were excited because we share similar philosophies in terms of exceeding user expectations and standards.  By achieving THX Compact Speaker certification, MK Sound customers are assured that their speaker systems will reproduce professional quality sound exactly as the audio engineer intended – never falling short of extraordinary."

MK Sound M Series

With the M Series, MK Sound establishes a new performance standard for affordable, compact home entertainment systems.  Featuring the same richly-detailed, dynamic sound that defines every MK Sound loudspeaker, the M Series delivers realistic high quality sound for music and movie soundtracks in an elegant, room-friendly package. 

"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, vice president of technology operations, THX Ltd.  "Designed specifically for limited spaces, 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 at CES 2012:

THX will be showcasing the THX Compact Speaker System Certification Program at CES 2012 in the Renaissance Hospitality Suites, as well as making some additional announcements at the show.  For the latest THX news from CES 2012, please visit THX Media Director and THX Amplifier Technology.

About THX:        

From the big screen to your screen, THX ignites your passion for exciting entertainment experiences. Founded by George Lucas and recognized by audiences around the globe, THX is synonymous with the design and certification of world-class cinemas, premium audio systems, 3D HDTVs and blockbuster movies. Products featuring THX technologies defy convention and define quality in their class, whether in the cinema, in the home or on the road.

SOURCE THX Ltd.