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THX Releases iPhone App to Calibrate Televisions and Surround Sound Systems

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Original poster
Apr 12, 2001
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THX, the company behind Lucasfilm's audio/visual reproduction standard for movie theaters, A/V equipment, and more, has released a new iPhone app to assist consumers with calibrating their HDTV's and home theater setups. The app is currently free for one week, but will rise to $1.99 after.

thx.jpg
THX prefers that users connect the app to their television via Apple's official HDMI adapter, but AirPlay Mirroring can also be used for the visual tests -- audio tests won't work over the AirPlay protocol.
But those that do try out THX's method will be rewarded with modest improvements. In our tests, it worked as advertised. Speaking to The Verge, company reps made clear that Tune-Up isn't meant to be a substitute for having a professional visit your home for a thorough calibration. Instead, it's a tool that can (fairly quickly) help your new TV look better than it did the first time you turned it on. And as an added bonus, you'll be able to play the famous "deep note" that moviegoers hear before THX-certified movies in lossless audio.
Click to expand...
THX tune-up is a free download on the App Store for 1 week, before rising to $1.99. [Direct Link]

Article Link: THX Releases iPhone App to Calibrate Televisions and Surround Sound Systems
 
Article Link
https://www.macrumors.com/2013/01/29/thx-releases-iphone-app-to-calibrate-televisions-and-surround-sound-systems/
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nicholc2

macrumors newbie
Nov 4, 2011
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0
This will be cool for folks to hopefully get their sets out of the default "torch" mode that most start in, but definitely doesn't replace a full calibration. I'll probably install it just to see what it says about my tv and sound, though I have a 7.1 setup, not 5.1. Should be fun, nonetheless.
 
RedTomato

RedTomato

macrumors 601
Mar 4, 2005
4,155
442
.. London ..
'Deep notes' are quite easy to produce. Getting the right vibrato does depend on what you had to eat recently.

Bonus: extra room near you.

On topic: Blazing Saddles. *That scene*.

(For the uninitiated: baked beans. Say no more.)
 
K

kolax

macrumors G3
Mar 20, 2007
9,181
115
I got bored and kept playing THX Deep Note through my 5.1 up loud. Slightly turned on right now.
 
bacaramac

bacaramac

macrumors 65816
Dec 29, 2007
1,424
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Mine settings were pretty spot on, however this app wants my brightness up higher then I had before, guess I'll try it out for a bit.
 
J

JBaker122586

macrumors 65816
Jun 21, 2007
1,378
83
Am I really the only person here who has had their TV professionally calibrated?
It makes a ton of difference in the colors.
I don't have a full surround system, so I can't comment on that.
 
canman4PM

canman4PM

macrumors 6502
Mar 8, 2012
299
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Kelowna BC
Kilamite said:
It's a gimmick and marketing ploy.
Click to expand...

Perhaps. It's probably nothing more than an advanced version of the THX calibration program that comes with all DVDs and Blu-rays that are THX mastered. Which, if it can use your i-device's camera, will probably make it easier to calibrate colour and brightness/contrast. If that is so, it's worth the $2. But free is better.
 
C

camnchar

macrumors 6502
Jan 26, 2006
434
415
RedTomato said:
On topic: Blazing Saddles. *That scene*.

(For the uninitiated: baked beans. Say no more.)
Click to expand...

"How about some more beans, Mr. Taggart?"

"I'd say you've had enough!"
 

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II BISTRO II

macrumors member
Sep 25, 2012
88
0
Just tried the app with the Apple TV. The app was simple and intuitive.

Seems my color was up too high and tint too low. Minor adjustments to brightness and saturation.
 
scirica

scirica

macrumors 68020
May 13, 2008
2,070
3
Dallas, TX
JBaker122586 said:
Am I really the only person here who has had their TV professionally calibrated?
It makes a ton of difference in the colors.
I don't have a full surround system, so I can't comment on that.
Click to expand...

You're not alone. I've had my Panasonic 65" VT50 calibrated, and also a 60" Samsung LED before that. Years ago had the Mits RPTV done also. It might be rare for those on this forum, but over on AVS Forum it's very common.
 
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