Since the rapid reemergence of 3D in the cinema, many critics ranging from famous directors to hardcore audio/video enthusiasts have bemoaned spotty quality associated with some of the movie releases.

Looking to improve the quality of 3D content, THX and BluFocus are teaming up to develop best practice standards for the post production and authoring of 3D entertainment titles.

The partnership will build a set of quality assurance, testing and certification standards for the post production and disc authoring processes; 3D Blu-ray disc and player interoperability, and the physiological effects of 3D content on consumers.

"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 consumer adopters," explains 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."

One of the partnership's major points of focus will be the viewer fatigue that many people experience from watching 3D content. THX says the partnership will research the root causes of the fatigue, and they will investigate processes such as the conversion of 2D content into 3D. The two companies will also evaluate the left and right eye frame-by-frame image process to ensure the frames retain their original sharpness and resolution of the master copy. In addition, THX and BluFocus will also examine the audio content to make sure it remains true to the master recording.

The certification services will be offered to movie, game and television companies, and consumers will be able to identify THX/BluFocus certified content by looking for these logos:

THX-BluFocus AV Certification  

THX-BluFocus AV certification indicates that sound and images have been analyzed to ensure they maintain the quality and detail of the original master elements.

THX-BluFocus Creative Certification 

The 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.

THX-BluFocus Interoperability

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.

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