Lincoln to Be the First With THX(R) Certified Premium Car Audio Systems
LOS ANGELES, Jan. 3 -- Lincoln will be the first auto maker to offer Lucasfilm THX® certified premium car audio systems, significantly advancing car audio the same way that THX has revolutionized sound in commercial theatres, home theatres and multimedia products, Lincoln Mercury President Brian Kelley announced at the Los Angeles Auto Show today.
Under this arrangement, Lucasfilm THX® will ensure that high-performance audio systems in Lincoln vehicles meet the exacting sound quality and performance standards of its new THX Ultra Premium Car Audio program, beginning with the 2003 Lincoln LS, which will be introduced in late 2002. In addition, THX and Lincoln have collaborated on a concept sound system for the Lincoln Blackwood to showcase the potential for in-car multi-channel surround sound, which can be seen and heard at the THX booth at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Jan. 8 - 11.
``The THX legacy is one of ensuring that people enjoy the sound and images of entertainment the way the creators intended,'' said Gordon Radley, President of Lucasfilm Ltd. ``We previously tackled that challenge in the theater, in the home and in multimedia, and we intend to do the same for the automobile, where so many of us spend so much of our time. We're especially pleased to have Lincoln be the first to introduce this new program into the market.''
The audio systems are designed to provide outstanding performance by improving imaging and timbral balance for all seating positions and road conditions. Every system will contain customized multi-channel equalization and processing to suit the chosen speaker placement and cabin acoustics of the particular Lincoln vehicle.
``Lincoln's unique relationship with THX will help us deliver superior sound quality with total flexibility to optimize speakers, amplifiers and electronics to the listening environment of individual vehicles,'' said Lincoln Mercury Product Development Director Al Kammerer. ``Our goal is for music connoisseurs to be able to enjoy the best sound quality possible in a luxury vehicle.''
THX has long offered its consulting services and certification to major theatres and makers of home systems, but the relationship with Lincoln is the company's first effort in the automotive industry. The new ``THX Ultra Premium Car Audio'' program defines the performance benchmarks necessary to achieve state-of-the-art sound quality in an automobile. THX certification considers the entire sound system including the electronics, loudspeakers and cabin acoustics.
The program starts at the vehicle concept phase where Lincoln and THX work together to develop the system. Prior to production, the sound system for each Lincoln model undergoes a stringent evaluation by THX to complete the certification process.
``Sophisticated luxury customers know that THX-certified systems make a huge difference in sound quality,'' said Mike Crowley, Lincoln Group Brand Manager. ``This collaboration with THX will help Lincoln continue to differentiate itself as a premium brand.''
About Lincoln ...
Lincoln, based in Irvine, Calif., is introducing a series of new products in 2002 that will essentially transform Lincoln's retail showrooms. Among the new vehicles slated for introduction throughout the year are the redesigned Navigator, the all-new Aviator SUV, a refreshened LS sports sedan and a totally redesigned Town Car. In addition, Lincoln continues to offer the Continental and the segment-breaking Blackwood.
About THX ... .
The THX Division 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 maximize the 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 and videotape releases through its award-winning THX Digital Mastering Program.