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History of THX

THX has been called by one British journalist "... possibly the best thing to happen to home cinema since microwave popcorn." Nice words. It's taken us almost 20 years to earn them. As a filmmaker who scrutinized every aspect of production and post-production, George Lucas was not satisfied with the sound he heard in most movie theatres. He noted that each theatre was different and very few reached the highest professional standards So, in 1980, Lucas set out to develop and implement a set of quality control criteria for theatres. His goal was to ensure that his films, as well as those of other filmmakers, would be accurately reproduced for moviegoers for whom sound was an important part of their overall film enjoyment. Three years later THX, named after Lucas' first feature film, THX 1138, had been developed and THX systems were installed in two theatres for the premiere of RETURN OF THE JEDI. Today, more than 2000 theatres and dubbing stages around the world meet THX requirements. As a further boost to film presentation quality, the THX Theatre Alignment Program (TAP) was created in 1983 as a service to filmmakers and studios. TAP is the industry's most comprehensive quality assurance program whose services include reviewing release prints for image and soundtrack quality, distribution to theatres of technical facts about a film and proper equipment alignment, on-site equipment alignment, and a toll-free phone number and web site that theatre patrons can contact to report presentation problems. Lucasfilm began research on the Home THX audio system in 1986; it would take four years of work before the Home THX Program would be introduced. Today, there are more than 45 licensed manufacturers producing THX Certified components for Home Theatre. THX also certifies home video software through the THX Digital Mastering Program, ensuring that DVD software, laser discs and VHS videotapes provide the best image and sound quality possible through the use of patented THX technology and our unique quality control expertise. Based in Marin County, California, Lucasfilm Ltd. is now one of the leading film and entertainment companies in the world, with a list of all-time movie favorites that includes the STAR WARS and INDIANA JONES trilogies. Combined, these features have won 16 Oscars® and garnered many more Academy Award® nominations.
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