Big Picture Big Sound

While some are busy griping about the quality of 3D content, THX and BluFocus are doing something about it. The two just combined forces to create a certification process for 3D post-production and authoring.

THX just announced THX-BluFocus 3D certification, a series of guidelines and tests that are designed to evaluate 3D Audio-Video quality, 3D Blu-ray disc and player Interoperability, and the physiological effects of 3D on home viewers.

"The long-term success of 3D in the home depends heavily on content producers and consumer electronics manufacturers delivering a comfortable and compelling experience for today's first wave of consumer adopters," said Rick Dean, senior vice president at THX. "Our partnership with BluFocus complements the work THX is doing with leading HDTV manufacturers and other industry organizations to drive standards for 3D visual quality and usability."

THX and BluFocus are constantly working with content producers to improve the testing procedure. Part of that procedure includes analyzing Left and Right Eye images frame-by-frame, as well as evaluating Blu-ray Disc and Blu-ray player interoperability. Other tasks for the duo include research on the 2D-to-3D conversion process, viewer fatigue, and long-term effects of 3D viewing.

THX-BluFocus certification is broken down into the following categories:

• AV: THX-BluFocus Audio/Video Certification indicates that sound and images have been analyzed to ensure they maintain the quality and detail of the original master elements.
• C: THX-BluFocus Creative Certification indicates that all 3D elements in the feature presentation have been analyzed to detect any creative errors and flaws that deviate from the director's intent or may cause viewer fatigue. Subtitles, menus, graphics and other elements may also be reviewed.
• I: THX-BluFocus Interoperability Certification applies to Blu-ray Discs to ensure they play seamlessly on 2D and 3D Blu-ray Players from many major consumer electronics brands. More than 100 Blu-ray Players, from different regions, are evaluated with each THX-BluFocus Certified Disc to deliver a hassle-free user experience.

Once THX-BluFocus 3D certification goes into effect, consumers can look for the THX-BluFocus certification logo and icons on packaging and digital artwork.

For More Information:

• THX-BluFocus 3D Certification at THX.com
• THX-BluFocus 3D Certification at BluFocus.com