Video Asylum

Posted by Shinto (i) on February 20, 2001 at 16:46:04:

In Reply to: THX, THX Ultra, and AC-3 Dolby Machines posted by fullspectrum on February 11, 2001 at 21:52:37:

I have a THX-Select rated Onkyo 777 Receiver. I really don't notice any difference whatsoever when listening to DD (AC-3) or DTS movies and switching the THX on and off.

BIG difference however when listening to VHS movies, television, or DVDs of older movies with 2-channel surround in ProLogic. The decorrelation is a huge plus. Almost like an artificial 5.1.

Timbre matching is very subtle - hardly noticeable. RE-EQ depends on how bright your system is whether or not you will benefit. Bass management is nice if you play things loud -- it allows you to set the maximum volume of sub 80-Hz signal to keep your speakers from distorting.

If all you watch or care about is DVD AC-3 / DTS sound with 5.1 or better encoding, then don't worry about it. If you still have a bunch of movies on VHS, old movies on DVD, or watch TV with your system, you will benefit.

My receiver allows THX to be on with RE-EQ switched out, which works out well for me. (My Transparent cables took most of the brightness out of my system, so this seems to compensate).

Just my 2 cents...