Razer makes third-party computer mice and alternate versions of console controllers….and now they have the authority to certify theaters. The company announced today that, unexpectedly, it just bought THX. The company, founded and formally owned by George Lucas, will continue to operate separately from Razer.
“For over 30 years, THX has maintained a proud legacy of being one of the leaders in audio technology and certification worldwide,” said Laurie Fincham, senior vice president of Audio Research and Development at THX. “With their focus on quality, design and innovation, Razer supports our vision to optimize and deliver the best audiovisual experiences to audiences worldwide.”
Razer Co-Founder and CEO Min-Liang Tan said, “Razer has a vision for innovation at every level of entertainment, a vision which THX has championed since its inception more than 30 years ago. This acquisition will allow us to reinforce Razer’s leadership in gaming and extend the brand into broader areas of entertainment, while at the same time empowering THX to develop into a global powerhouse, independently.”
Let’s define for the less educated what THX exactly is. It’s not a specific audio format or any kind of recording technology on its own. THX was conceived as a certificate of quality, a Good Housekeeping seal for sound. If movie theaters or any home video format meet the standards set by THX, they can apply for certification and earn the right to stamp the THX logo on their product. Sound has advanced so far that it’s fairly easy to get THX approval now, and a lot of companies don’t bother anymore. The label still holds power and bragging rights, though.
THX hasn’t been a part of Lucasfilm since 2002, when it was spun off from its parent company and partially acquired by computer sound card manufacturer Creative Technology Limited, who purchased 60% of its stock. That’s correct, this isn’t even the first PC gizmo company to own THX. Creative sold their stock in 2012 and THX has been independent for the last four years.
