If you like that THX stamp of approval on your hardware and software, you can look forward to seeing more on your new Blu-ray discs, whose audio and video ain’t too shabby to begin with.

Fresh on the heels of the THX-certified “Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull” release on Blu-ray yesterday, THX announced today that it’s working with BluFocus, a Blu-ray quality assurance provider, to ensure the latest titles are up to THX snuff.

BluFocus offers a suite of quality management and control services for the Hollywood studio post-production and home entertainment industries, and will be used as a testing facility for THX to ensure its standards are met for such certified Blu-ray releases.

Among the services will be BluFocus’ BD-J Application and Title Certification, to address content, feature and bonus material reliability, the interactive BD-Live content, and how the applications and limitations of Blu-ray players factor into everything.

“BluFocus has created a compelling suite of post-production and BD design and mastering services, all dedicated to improving the Blu-ray experience,” said Rick Dean, vice president of technology development at THX. “Our partnership with BluFocus aims to provide the Blu-ray content community with the tools to maximize picture and sound quality, improve device interoperability, and drive the end-user’s enjoyment of the format’s rich, interactive features.”

In other words, look for better Blu-ray discs all-around. Now if only they could improve the quality of the actual movies to make the sequels as good as the original ... in any case we look forward to the good ol’ Indiana Jones and Star Wars trilogies arriving on Blu-ray with THX certification someday.

About the Author:
Arlen Schweiger - Managing editor of Electronic House Magazine

Arlen contributes product news items to electronichouse.com along with his role on the print publication. Got a tip? Send it along!