The Dolby and DTS logos typically mean that it will pass a DD and DTS digital signal. Most do not contain onboard decoding -- anymore, only DVD-Audio or SACD players include it, because they already have the analog outputs required by an onboard decoder (and in those cases, you are only getting the DD and/or DTS decoding as an afterthought; I still let my 950 handle it even though my DVD-A player has DD & DTS decoders). If you're looking for DVD-A, you'll end up with DD and DTS decoding as well -- it's pretty unavoidable -- but you don't have to use it.

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gonk -- Saloon Links | Pre/Pro Comparison Chart | 950 Review

My old Onkyo TX-SV919 reciever was THX Certified, and it seriously KICKED BOOTY!!!!

THX doens't mean quite what it meant back then. Back in the days when Dolby Digital was brand new, the addition of stereo ("decorrelated") rears to a DPL signal was a Big Deal™. Believe me the difference between ProLogic and THX enhanced ProLogic was dramatic, and my LaserDiscs all sounded magnificent.

It took a long time for DPLII to bring this technology to the masses, and for people who listen to lots of DPL material (such as most TV broadcasts), this is important.

However, nowadays the THX logo offers less than it did back then.

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Philip Hamm

i wouldnt necessarily buy anything because its thx certified, however if i had a choice between two models same price, same sound, etc., why not opt for the thx. it proves the product is at least up to their standards, gives you some sound modes. of course the situation above would never happen, so that point is moot. thx as it applies to equipment is not all hype, but some companies opt out of it for cost reasons, and im sure other opt out because their product may not meet specs. with an internet only product, im surprised outlaw didnt opt for it considering word of mouth is there best advertising.... im sure more people would feel comfortable with thx stamped on the product, considering most have not seen or heard it when they order. as far as dvds, thx is gunk, there are a few other dvd standards that give you better quality, superbit is one, but ive seen lots of movies with thx and lots without and i have never seen any difference. i have even seen the same movie with and without and didnt see a difference..... anyway, im gonna invent a certification up to my standards and then sell it. itll be at the consumer level though, so if you feel your equipment isnt up to par id come and verify that for you. lol.. j/k.

Based on some discussion in older newsletters, it seems clear that Outlaw considered it, but for the price range they were trying to complete in (alongside the Rotel RSP-1066, for example, which also excludes THX) they felt that the additional cost to go through THX certification was too significant for too little performance return. (I just noticed that Rotel's got a big new pre/pro coming out soon that also omits THX.)

The online market is definitely a different environment than the storefront, as several companies have been proving in recent years. Look at companies like SVS, BetterCables, or AV123 (with their distribution of the Swan and Rocket speakers) and the success that they've had. Or look at other markets -- Baen Books (a science fiction publisher), for example, maintains a forum similar to the Saloon and makes many of their books available for free download (a behavior that is in direct opposition to the policy of other publishers); by offering a book free online, they typically see sales of that book, its sequels, and other books by that author increase. In Outlaw's case, one could make a case that Outlaw relies on venues like this forum (and the 30-day return policy, of course) to offer a sense of reassurance to potential buyers, as opposed to pursuing THX certification as an indicator of quality. It's in some ways a riskier approach -- you can see a lot more honest picture of user satisfaction with the Outlaw products here, foibles and all, than would be visible with THX certification -- but judging by their success in the last couple years I'm guessing that it has paid off.

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gonk -- Saloon Links | Pre/Pro Comparison Chart | 950 Review

I think the THX certification has been diluted recently with their "2nd tier" HT components (ultra vs select or whatever) and their certification of computer speakers, car equipment etc. A THX certified popcorn machine doesn't seem too far fetched! It gives me the impression that they are more concerned with making money than keeping a lofty standard alive. At one time, the THX logo meant only one thing (highest quality), now it seems to mean whatever their creative marketing department would like it to mean to enhance profits.

A moving "standard" is no standard at all.