The THX booth at CEDIA featured two new A/V receivers that claim to improve the listening experience at lower volume levels, and the company presented its first public showing of an upcoming technology codenamed "Blackbird" that may one day make our multimedia content a bit "smarter".
THX showcased two new THX Ultra2 Plus Certified premium A/V receivers that incorporate a new volume control technology dubbed THX Loudness Plus that seeks to maintain a reference level listening experience (relatively loud) when the volume is dialed down to lower levels. THX Loudness Plus is a combination of two THX-developed technologies
Spectral Balancing increases low and high frequency sound information in all channels when volume levels are lowered – loss of bass information is usually perceived first as volume is decreased. Ambience Preservation helps insure that the detail from the surround channels is maintained as volume is decreased.
The first products to incorporate THX Loudness Plus technology are the Yamaha RX-Z11 and Pioneer SC-09TX audio-video receivers (ARVs). The SC-09TX is Pioneer’s new flagship AVR and it incorporates features such as home networking functionality, 200W x 7 simultaneous outputs, and sample rate conversion technology that is usually found in professional gear. The Yamaha RX-Z11 is also the company’s new flagship AVR that boasts 11.2 digital sound, 5 HDMI inputs, 1080p resolution support with upconversion, advanced color and sound format support, and custom installation options that includes support for multi-zone audio.
Expected to ship in late 2007, the Pioneer SC-09TX will have a suggested retail price of $7,000. The Yamaha RX-Z11 has an MSRP of $5,499.95 and is expected to ship in November.
THX also provided an overview and demonstration of its "Blackbird" technology that aims to "address user confusion" concerning the multitude of settings that need to be adjusted in order to properly and accurately enjoy the vast diversity of multimedia content that are available to home theater enthusiasts.
Blackbird starts with the addition of metadata to the multimedia content itself that describe the characteristics of the source material and can include information relating to aspect ratio, recommended video modes, and audio format type. These Blackbird "messages" are delivered via HDMI (the prototype Blackbird technology was demonstrated using HDMI v1.3) to a compatible AVR or display device whereby the equipment is automatically configured for optimal enjoyment.
THX claimed they were currently working with device manufacturers to enable Blackbird features, and THX claims that any current A/V component that supports HDMI v1.3 could be firmware updated to support Blackbird technology. THX mentioned that Blackbird product announcements would be coming in early 2008.
THX CINEMA MODE
THX Advanced Speaker Array (ASA) recreates the studio sound field in your home by digitally reconfiguring the surround channels for whatever content you are playing. This technology establishes THX Listening Modes, making it convenient to have one speaker setup for movies, music and games.
To recreate the ambiance of the movie theater, THX Select2 / Ultra2 Cinema Mode positions the 5.1 mix to immerse you in the movie’s soundtrack. This creates a surround sound playback experience – placing you in the middle of the movie.
