THX® Introduces New Speaker Bar Certification Program to Deliver High-Quality Sound and Sophisticated Design for Growing Consumer Demand

INDIANAPOLIS, Sept. 8, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- CEDIA 2011 – Booth # 1543 --THX Ltd. today announced a new Speaker Bar Certification program, with specific standards designed to enhance home display audio with the power and performance of a movie and music sound system within a convenient, integrated speaker and subwoofer combination. Teufel, Europe's leading direct seller of loudspeaker systems, will distribute the industry's first THX Certified speaker bar, the Cinebar 51 THX, across the EMEA region.

In a world of thin, flat panel displays, consumer demand for home audio components that fit their lifestyle, while still demonstrating raw audio power, is increasing sharply. The CEA predicts that in 2011, sales of speaker bar units will rise by 41 percent to $154 million in total sales.

"With the speaker bar market growing so quickly, it is critical that THX defines a performance benchmark for both quality and simplicity," said Mike Del Santo, certification testing manager at THX Ltd. "As with all THX Certified speakers, THX Certified speaker bars undergo a rigorous testing process to ensure they deliver production studio reference level sound pressure and fidelity with low distortion and noise, and only the top 10 percent of today's A/V components have what it takes to be THX Certified."

THX Certified Speaker Bar Program Specifics

After conducting various performance tests with existing top speaker bars in the industry, THX customized standards and benchmarks specific to delivering a solution to meet a growing market need. With a recommended viewing distance of up to six feet/two meters from the screen, THX Certified speaker bars offer an optimized sound experience for flat panel displays. Compared to standard speaker bars, THX Certified models provide:

• Improved spatial acoustics for wider listening area
• Flatter frequency response and lower for improved dialog clarity
• Higher acoustic output with minimal compression and limiting, for decreased distortion at higher volumes
• Proper acoustic blending between satellite bar and subwoofer components for better overall sound quality
• Lower crossover point to minimize voice/instrument location changes with frequency for improved sound stage

"From early concept to product rollout, THX worked with us during each step of development, providing an added level of R&D and quality control," said Christoph Winklmeier, senior project engineer at Teufel. "With THX certification, consumers can trust the Teufel Cinebar 51 THX delivers the highest-quality home entertainment experience in a single, sophisticated, sleek and compact device."

Teufel Cinebar 51 THX Product Highlights

The new Teufel Speaker Bar complements any flat screen TV with a powerful sound experience.  Two four-inch woofers and a one-inch titanium dome tweeter per side are integrated into a sleek, wall-mountable aluminum enclosure. A THX Speaker Bar Certified subwoofer completes the system. The Teufel Cinebar 51 THX eliminates the need to run cables to speakers in separate places and integrates well into any home entertainment environment. It has been developed with ease of use and a great out-of-box experience in mind. The THX Certified Teufel Cinebar 51 THX will be available initially across EMEA regions.

THX spokespeople will be discussing the new Speaker Bar Certification Program and showcasing the Teufel Cinebar 51 THX at CEDIA 2011 Booth #1543, September 8 – 10, 2011 in Indianapolis.

About THX Ltd.

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, HDTVs, and blockbuster movies and games. Products featuring THX defy convention and define quality in their class, whether in the cinema, home or on the road.

SOURCE THX Ltd.