THX

Lucasfilm era, 1983–2002

Tomlinson Holman, an audio engineer and scientist, had become an employee of Lucasfilm in 1980. In the process of enhancing the setup for the new Sprocket Systems theater, Holman, who was largely responsible for the theater's design, and Lucas invented a complex system that arranged speakers to best fit the architectural space. Using an intricate crossover network that integrated equipment with the room's unique acoustics, it was observed to be the highest quality theater sound system in existence. Sprocket Systems mixed the Return of the Jedi sound in the room, the first Lucasfilm production mixed in Northern California. Visiting filmmakers and studio executives were astounded at what they heard. Jim Kessler, who hired Holman, thought of calling the system "Tomlinson Holman's Crossover", or, as originally abbreviated, "XVR". He then changed the "VR" to "TH", but he realized that was the name for George Lucas' first film, THX 1138, and found that would be a fitting name. They eventually changed the "X"'s meaning to "experiment".

Four movie theaters in the United States fully installed THX sound systems, becoming the first THX-certified theaters. To introduce the new system, James A. Moorer created an ear-catching sound called the Deep Note. THX was dedicated on May 20, 1983, and the first trailer and Deep Note debuted on time with the release of Return of the Jedi in theaters five days later. It was billed as the first advance in motion picture loudspeaker systems since 1948.

In 1990, Lucasfilm unveiled the Home THX Audio System at the Consumer Electronics Show in Chicago. That year, a demo LaserDisc dubbed Wow! was unveiled. It featured various clips from Star Wars, Indiana Jones, and Willow. Three years later in 1993, the Special Edition cut of The Abyss became the first LaserDisc to receive the THX certification. In 1995, the Star Wars trilogy became the first THX certified VHS release. In 1997, Twister became the first THX certified release on the new DVD format.

In early 2002, it was announced that Lincoln became the first auto company to offer THX-certified premium car audio systems. A concept sound system for the Lincoln Blackwood showcased the potential for in-car multi-channel surround sound, demonstrated at the THX booth at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. The license ensured that high-performance audio systems in Lincoln vehicles met the exacting sound quality and performance standards of its new THX Ultra Premium Car Audio program, beginning with the 2003 Lincoln LS, which was introduced later that year.

Creative Technology era, 2002–2016