Hey Bloggingitguy,
To tug on software updates and hopes.... check out the very upper top left of your 990 when it arrives ( btw - congrats on your new purchase. it is a cool peice of equipment)....
The display has the capability of lighting up "THX" symbol.
I took a double take when i saw it and dove in the manual for some hidden paragraphy ... but to no avail.

And to further the flame, i found this on Cirrus Logic's web site: This is under the CS49400 digital signal processor (DSP) used in the 990.
Quote:

"The CS49400 features a comprehensive audio framework including customizable programming and certified software applications that enable manufacturers to quickly and cost effectively design solutions that meet worldwide compatibility standards and provide consumers with an enhanced audio experience. Included in the framework’s certified application portfolio are state-of-the-art audio decoders and sound enhancement programs, such as DTS 96/24, Dolby Digital™, AAC, and THX™."

You are a software upgrade away from enjoying THX products from the 990.

BTW, thanks for the links to THX. good stuff.

Actually, it's likely that there's also some hardware specs and required testing missing from the equation. This unit's "platform" is used by several other brands, so the option is in the display in case any of them decide to go the certification route. Of course, the hypothetical difference from going that way with the 990 could keep this thread going on and on...

Maybe Outlaw can offer THX certification as a $1K option on the 990 and turn on the little THX display.

Exactly, but you need a cart/plow/disc so the horse can pull it. Again, the chip set is capable of performing THX correlations/corrections. As they say ….. Its all about the chips.
If Outlaw wanted to go down that path, yes the hardware would have to be on level of the required specifications.

Does the Sherwood variant of the 990 claim THX certification?

No, it doesn't, although Etronics clearly hadn't eliminated it as a possibility when they laid out the front panel display.

Historically they have to put that boilerplate in to claim ownership. It in no way voids your right to fair use. But this isn't the thread to discuss copyright law.

"The 1961 Report of the Register of C...ions; ...."

Click to read more.

I would be enormously shocked if the 990 hardware wasn't able to pass THX certification. I strongly suspect that what we'd get for our $$$ is a few more processing options, a THX light and some extra silk-screening.

And decorellation...don't forget the decorellation.

But yeah, if a product is already quality and known by the public at large to be so, THX cert won't provide much other than the things you just mentioned.

And of course, I highly doubt Outlaw could continue to offer the 990 at the current price point if they got it THX certified.

Hehe. I think that's under "a few more processing options" ....