Updated: The 2013 TVs will arrive in April and May and retailers are starting to clear out inventories of 2012 TVs. This means that you can save big money on the 2012 models – if you are quick. FlatpanelsHD has found some of the biggest savings on popular TVs.
The TV industry is already pushing for Ultra HD / 4K, which is the next step after Full HD. But what does it actually mean for our TVs, media boxes, movies & games? We explain why Ultra HD is important and why there is much more to it than just higher resolution.
See FlatpanelsHD's list of TV and monitor recommendations. The list is updated continuously Last update: Apirl 19, 2013.
Samsung will release new LED and plasma TVs, as well as its first Ultra HD TVs. Samsung’s OLED-TV could be released in 2013. 2013 is all about Smart TV and new smarter features but Samsung also promises improvements to picture quality.
LG has a massive line-up of TVs in 2013. The Smart TV features will be expanded to even more TVs and LG will release its first OLED and Ultra HD TVs, along with new LED and plasma TVs. Some of the new Smart TV features include Miracast and NFC.
Want to get updated on new reviews, articles and news from FlatpanelsHD? Join the free FlatpanelsHD Newsletter that is sent out 1-2 times a week.
FlatpanelsDK
You are here: Front page - Articles


THX 3D certification
THX creates 3D certification


By Rasmus Larsen
11 Aug 2010

Jump to Comments

THX is regarded as a quality certification for audio and video and the THX certification has been used in cinemas, studios and recently in flat panel TVs. THX has now created a 3D THX certification for filmmakers and content producers to ensure high quality of 3D content for us consumers.

THX-BluFocus 3D certification

THX has teamed up with BluFocus – the official Testing Center for the Blu-Ray Disc Association (BDA) – to develop a THX-BluFocus 3D Certification.

THX 3D certification
THX 3D certification


This is a necessity after the many 3DTVs that has recently been released and after the filmmakers have started to produce more 3D movies. The certification will give the content producers the right tools to optimize the 3D movies but also incorporate a stringent 3D “rule-set” to ensure good 3D effects and to prevent 3D viewer fatigue.

THX want to make sure the 3D effects on objects, characters, subtitles, special effects etc. are properly incorporated into the 3D movie to complementing the actual movie without just been fancy 3D effects with no connection to the movie.

THX 3D logo
THX 3D logo


3D Certification categories

THX and BluFocus has developed three categories together with the 3D Certification:

  • Audio Video Certification: The “AV” icon indicates that a movie’s 3D visual images have been analyzed frame-by-frame to ensure Left and Right Eye images retain the sharpness and detail of the original master video elements. In addition, the audio elements have also been fully evaluated to make sure they meet studio Reference Level and remain faithful to the master recordings. The result of all of this work is a pristine 3D Blu-ray Disc experience, free of digital artifacts.

  • Creative Certification: All 3D elements, including characters, graphics and subtitles, should enhance the storyline and visual experience, not distract from it. The “C” icon indicates that THX and BluFocus engineers have reviewed all 3D visuals to make sure they are properly focused and in the accurate “action location” onscreen. 2D-to-3D conversions are also analyzed to detect creative errors and flaws that deviate from the director’s intent or may cause 3D viewer fatigue.

  • Interoperability Certification: THX-BluFocus 3D “I” (Interoperability) certification applies to Blu-ray Discs to ensure they play seamlessly on 2D and 3D Blu-ray Players from major CE brands. More than 100 Blu-ray players, from different regions, are evaluated with each THX-BluFocus Disc to deliver a hassle-free user experience.

    We hope that this can improve the 3D picture quality in the future and that we won’t see more of those fake 3D titles such as Alice in Wonderland and Clash of the Titans. THX has not mentioned anything about a THX 3D Certification for flat panel TVs, similar to the current THX certification for 2D pictures, but it’s seems like an obvious next step.

    So, look for the THX-BluFocus 3D logo the next time you’re shopping for a 3D Blu-ray movie. Want to know more? Go to the THX website here.




  • Poll


    Join the weekly newsletter





    MOST READ

    TV recommendations
    FlatpanelsHD Awards
    Panel search
    Compare TV power usage
    TV size comparison
    Seating distance vs. TV size
    The wrong picture
    5 tips for calibration