I agree that DVD sucked, I own it and it is shameful, but as you said it was at the beginning of DVD releases and who knows. I think the THX ultra2 certification is a gold standard though. Onkyo, Marantz, Pioneer Elite...those are some the top names in the game. That onkyo was referred to, in 3 different reviews I've read, as the best sounding ever used...and it was ultra2 certified. While many things now are "THX"... having some certification is better than not and knowing there is levels of certification helps as to the quality of the wiring, equipments, etc. you are buying.