THX Offers Video Calibration Classes at CEDIA Expo 2010

At CEDIA 2010 Expo in Atlanta, THX will offer two levels of its THX Certified Video Calibration workshop to custom electronics professionals.

The THX courses start on Sunday, September 26 - the last day of the show - and CE Pros can register for the classes at THX's Web site.

The THX Certified Video Calibration 1 is a new one-day course that covers the basics of video calibration, from user-controls and color management to gray scale adjustments. The advanced course, THX Certified Video Calibration 2, features two-days of intense, hands-on calibration training using a variety of flat panel displays and projectors, as well as the most advanced calibration tools and software.

“THX Certified Video Calibration workshops fill a critical gap in the CE industry by providing course curriculum that goes beyond lecture format to offer real, hands-on calibration training,” says John Dahl, director of education at THX. “The expanded curriculum and addition of THX Video Calibration Levels 1 and 2 classes provides students in the CEDIA community more flexibility to attend classes at their convenience, and enables our training staff to extend lab hours to provide one-on-one instructional support.”

Here is an overview for each THX training program:

THX Certified Video Calibration 1
THX Certified Video Calibration 1 is an introductory course designed for those looking to join the ranks of professional calibrators. The course also serves as a prerequisite for THX Video Calibration 2, which is required to become a THX Certified Calibration Professional. THX Certified Video Calibration 1 registration is $599.

Course curriculum includes:
* History of TV technology
* Why we calibrate
* What makes a “good image”
* Signal path and optimization strategies
* Calibration process
* Contrast ratios and screen uniformity
* Geometry and convergence
* Contrast and brightness
* Color, tint and color decoding
* Sharpness and enhancement controls
* Introduction to THX Certified Displays and Projectors
* Introduction to 3D color management

Candidates who successfully complete the coursework and score at least 85 percent on the THX exam will achieve the title of “THX Certified Professional.” Certified installers will also be listed on the THX directory of Certified Video Professionals, among other marketing support materials.

THX Certified Video Calibration 2
THX Certified Video Calibration 2 is the industry’s most hands-on training available for video calibration professionals today. This course is geared to advanced students who have already completed THX Video Calibration 1 or an equivalent calibration course recognized by THX. With two full days of hands-on laboratory instruction, candidates will gain an in-depth understanding of video calibration techniques using a variety of video testing and calibration instruments.

The THX Certified Video Calibration 2 course registration is $1,599, and the course curriculum includes:

* Calibration process and integration of signal generators
* Advanced grayscale and gamma
* Software and hardware choices
* Competing display technologies
* Scaling technologies
* Processing Issues; progressive/Interlace
* De-interlacing with examples from HD and DVD Benchmark Discs
* Environmental issues
* Color science and color standards
* Day and night modes
* Calibrating to black and white films
* Advanced calibration of THX Certified Displays and Projectors
* 3D color management systems; color standards and science
* The business of calibration; customer management

To achieve the title of “THX Certified Professional Calibrator” candidates are required to successfully finish the course, pass the exam and complete a number of calibrations under the supervision of THX course instructors. CE Pros can then begin generating revenue by offering THX Certified Calibrations to customers. THX Certified Professional Calibrators also gain access to a private forum and other THX marketing and online services.