Apple hires THX inventor to head up audio projects

Apple has reportedly hired the inventor of THX to head up all its audio projects, Leo Laporte said. Earlier today Laporte tweeted "I have it on good authority that Tomlinson Holman (of THX fame) is joining Apple to run audio. Major upgrade."

Holman is a legend in the audio industry. Among his achievements are winning an Academy Award for Technical Achievement in 2002 and inventing the first 10.2 surround sound system. However, Holman is best known for being the chief inventor of Lucasfilm's THX theater sound system. No word yet on what specific projects Holman will be working on at Apple, but I, for one, would love to see the Apple startup chime replaced with the THX sound effect.

Is it a coincidence that this move of a former Skywalker Ranch-hand comes to light on Star Wars Day? Hard to know, but all we can say to Tom Holman is "May the Fourth be with you."

[via GigaOM]