THX Theater Basics 101
By Arlen Schweiger
Looking to build a certified home theater? Here's what's involved.

Like to build home theaters that would make George Lucas proud? If you haven't already received such requests, you can jolt your theaters into hyperdrive by constructing the rooms to meet specifications set by Lucas' famed company, THX.

Maybe you've seen those cute pre-movie shorts with objects flying around the THX logo - sweet surround-sound effects, right?

A THX-certified home theater includes audio and video standards, as well as other aspects such as room shape, lighting, seating, acoustics and equipment. To give you an idea of what factors into home theaters such as the certified New Jersey room pictured, we asked THX's Graham McKenna, director of PR and communications, and Andrew Poulain, director of cinema and studio programs.



"The THX Screening Room certification process mirrors that of THX commercial cinemas and studios," McKenna says. "We focus on room design and acoustic performance, the A/V gear that goes inside, and how they all work together."

From the start, THX works with the designer and architect to ensure the space meets specs for acoustics, sound isolation, viewing angles, equipment performance and installation. If you've read the label "THX Certified" or "THX Approved" associated with speakers, projectors, receivers and such, not surprisingly those electronics are a must.

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