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"We're extremely pleased to be working with Altec Lansing and Dell, leading companies that share our commitment to superior performance," said Monica L. Dashwood, Lucasfilm THX General Manager. "With so many entertainment options now available through the PC, demand exists for the same 'best in class' guarantee as with our THX home theatre components."

The Altec Lansing ADA885 multimedia speaker system includes on-board Dolby Digital and Dolby Pro Logic decoding, four satellite speakers, a dedicated subwoofer and a built-in five-channel amplifier with a total power output of 120 watts. One front satellite speaker contains a control panel and LCD screen that indicates operating modes and control settings. A supplied remote control can access all functions.

In deciding to partner with THX, Altec Lansing was driven by a desire to provide a valuable point of differentiation. "We've joined forces with one of the most renowned brand names in sound to offer a bona fide performance enhancement, while providing consumers with the reassurance that they're buying a state-of-the-art system," said Chris Frey, Vice President, OEM Sales for Altec Lansing Technologies, Inc. "We've worked hard to establish a first-class reputation in multimedia speakers. The THX certification represents the highest level of performance and quality to consumers, which brings added value to the internationally recognized Altec Lansing branded products."

The THX speaker specification, the company's first foray into multimedia, was announced last summer. Plans call for the multimedia product certification program to be expanded in the future to bring the THX performance guarantee to entire desktop PC home theatre systems. The current specification covers sound performance, user interface and construction quality. Performance parameters include bandwidth, frequency balance, front/rear speaker matching, directional characteristics, minimum peak sound pressure level and the system's ability to play up to its rated output level. In addition, ease-of-use is evaluated, including installation, set up and operation.

"Certifying multimedia speakers is a challenging task," said Laurie Fincham, THX Director of Engineering. "There are many technical hurdles to overcome because you're dealing with different listening conditions, complex interactions between the PC hardware and software, all of which can greatly influence the overall sound quality. So designing a high-performance system necessitates working very closely with both the computer and speaker manufacturers to ensure that the sound system is of the highest quality".

The THX Group of Lucasfilm Ltd. is dedicated to achieving superior presentation quality in theatres and homes through its unique certification program and services. The THX Theatre Program works with the exhibition and post-production community around the world to deliver the ultimate cinema experience by building certified theatres that adhere to comprehensive and proprietary THX standards. Home THX allows consumers to replicate that experience at home through Certified THX home theatre and multimedia products available from leading audio/video and PC manufacturers. For studios and filmmakers, THX provides comprehensive quality assurance services for theatrical film releases through its Theatre Alignment Program (TAP), and for DVD, laser disc and videotape releases through its award-winning THX Digital Mastering Program.