Hello,

This might be a stupid question, but I found some Plasmas, Receivers that are "THX Certified". Everyone heard that term before (especially in Lucas films), but what does it do? There is THX for audio, and THX for video. I am mainly interested what benefits would I get from THX Certified plasma??..

Thanx

A THX-Certified display device must meet performance standards, as decided by THX. These standards are not published anywhere, but be assured that good grayscale tracking, accurate color reproduction (i.e. REC.709) and contrast ratio are part of the equation.
A THX-Certified display does not mean that it is already in a calibrated state, only that certain performance characteristics have been met.

I believe part of the certification is that it is CAPABLE of being calibrated... within what tolerances, I don't know.

Lee,

Thank you for the explanation, do you think it is a huge improvement when buying THX certified equipment? For example plasma tvs? You know of any databases that show calibrated equipment settings for lcd tvs? I know this is against your business, but hey we all want to have a perfectly running image, max out potential from your LCD tv

Greetings

The THX certified display means that there is a specific mode in the TV that is devoid of marketing gimmicks and meets smpte specs for instance.

It is the closest any TV mass manufacturer has come to accurate out of the box settings.

Does it mean the display does not improve with professional calibration? Not at all. Calibration will definitely tweak it further since calibration accounts for more than just the display itself.

What is generally not understood about the THX certification is that it only applies to the THX mode in the tv. If you buy a set and pick the VIVID mode for instance ... then none of that THX goodness is really applicable ... nor does it have to be. One may as well buy a set without the certification.

regards

Lee,

Thank you for the explanation, do you think it is a huge improvement when buying THX certified equipment? For example plasma tvs? You know of any databases that show calibrated equipment settings for lcd tvs? I know this is against your business, but hey we all want to have a perfectly running image, max out potential from your LCD tv

The Pioneer and Samsung plasmas are the most accurate performers post-calibration. Neither are THX-Certified.
THX-Certified will let you know that the THX mode will be relatively good out of the box and may even show substantial improvement post-calibration. It doesn't mean THX displays are necessarily the best performers, but will meet certain video standards.

Gentlemen,

I appreciate your time for sharing the info. I thought I was a electronics junkie, but there is a lot to learn about displays. Seems like LCD (even the LED type) dont come close to black levels of plasma. I wish all displays were factory calibrated, or have some sort of utility to fine tune. I know everyone is different, but generally when a mass of people sees a good picture they will admit to it. For example Pioneer KURO. I saw this thing in hi end electronic store, whoever saw this thing, their jaws dropped, including mine. This thing is of a league of its own, stunning!!