Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion Meridian - Systems Firmware no longer available

I am fine with M doing my software upgrades. Distributor did my V3 and V4 upgrade in my home.
I think my dealer would also come to my home and do upgrades here, he gives great service.

Agreed, but the dealer-only upgrade route would be a deal breaker for many people. If there is the intent for user upgrades via an alternative mechanism why can't that intent be stated now.

Communication, communication.....

The point and fear I think is from the folks that didn't buy their equipment from a dealer. No one will come to their home to make an upgrade. It will never get upgraded.

Also those living far from a dealer is probably in danger here as well.

But let's not draw hasty conclusion. Meridian should be capable enough to offer downloadable software updates like Lexicon or any other premium brand which has a working second hand market.

Not offering an end user the chance to upgrade the units themselves does crush the second hand market a lot, and this is a worry, I bought my 5200s as a stepping stone, as I did the G61r and the 568.2mm before that, and I have over the years upgraded, knowing that I will get good money back on the items already purchased, I doubt many walk in and buy a pair of 8000s as their first step into the world of Meridian?

Just wondering, my main board from my new 5200s is at Meridian at the moment being reapired as it was DOA, what will happen if it comes back with a different firmware as to when it left and now doesn't match the other speaker??

Will I have to lug the whole speaker back to the dealer again to update it??

It was 100 miles to buy them, 100 miles to take them back, will be 100 miles to collect them once repaired and so I do have my fingers crossed that it won't be another 100 miles and more time off work to get the firmwares right. If it is I will be selling them and moving in a different direction.
There have been a few times over the years that my system has had a wobbly and I have had to reinstall firmware to correct it, an hour doing it all in the evening is a pain, days without the system and time off work to sort the issue is just not doable for me.


You can see why people have concerns.

Let's remember Gerry's earlier comment as he is clearly speaking with knowledge we do not have.
I don't believe Meridian will expect owners to transport equipment to dealers for firmware upgrades, for all the reasons outlined in this thread.

Mat

I just heard this from a reliable source... The Director of Business Development. I am sure the dealers will confirm.

From now on Meridian will be directing customers to their local Meridian Partner for product firmware and support with these updates. Meridian believe that this will provide their dealers with an increased opportunity to build closer relationships with existing Meridian customers, to enhance the quality of information on dealers customer databases, and to ensure that customers have registered their products for the full warranty. It is believe that this will provide customers with added value and encourage them to support their dealers with on-going business.

Specifics are still unknown, except that firmware is now password protected available to dealers only. The mechanism for distributing it from there is unknown and I suspect, it being a knee-jerk reaction, has not been carefully thought through.

Just don't shoot the messenger.

Do I understand correctly that in order to update the 861v6 that I bought in England after the Bristol show with M's representatives blessing that it is ok for a Canadian to buy in England, will have to be returned to England to get updated?

And for the rest of my gear I will pack it up and take it on the ferry to the mainland?

I am trying not to overreact here and not do a kneejerk reaction, but I have asked "my" England dealer to hold my order until this is clarified.

Not much aloha at the moment.

Dolf,
No, I think this means that you have to contact the dealer and they will send you the firmware. This is the way that Sim2 operates (although they will supply it directly if you ask them). As far as I know Sim2 firmware is not freely available to download.

Hi Dolf,

In the 21st century I am sure that dealers will be using a tried and tested distribution method....like email. I will be astonished if we need to use time, fuel and money and risk damage to kit to get these 1's and 0's updated into equuipment. Makes no sense.

I'm asking Richard to confirm this when he gets chance and I'm sure your concern will be at the forefront of his mind also.

Perhaps Gerry or Rick might want to comment here also.

Cheers,
Nick

Hi Guys,

Well we don't know all the details yet, other then it is looking like the new apodising/Trifield firmware to upgrade/fix speakers and surround processors is getting closer.
I'm sure this is all inter-related.
Perhaps there is a little more to the upgrades than before, and there needs to be some dealer involvement to evaluate the system prior to upgrade to ensure the process goes smoothly.

What we certainly haven't been told, is that equipment must be returned to dealers for firmware upgrades.
I'm sure that there will remain a mechanism for allowing customers to undertake their own upgrades, but under dealer 'supervision'.

If you're the kind of hitchhiker who has succesfully updated firmware yourselves in the past then I'm sure that there will be nothing to worry about.

Rick

I suppose as long as firmware is emailed from dealers, this is all something of a tempest-in-a-teacup. It removes a bit of the instant gratification appeal, but given the frequency of firmware upgrades, not a big deal really.

For me, the dissapointing inference is that an apodizing firmware update to the 800 appears not to be in the cards. Which is too bad, as while use of 'rogue' firmware has detrated in some areas from the sound of the 800, it has significantly improved fine details.

Email makes sense to me � I would be very unhappy if I had to take my gear over to England. �200 ferry trip plus hotel bills, frankly this isn�t going to happen. I could post some of it over but no carrier on the island will take my speakers.

I strongly believe Meridian understands this; it is in their interest to help or people may move on, which doesn�t make any sense. Meridian would lose a customer and the customer would have the hassle of trying to find an alternative.

I have �been� with Meridian for years � 207, 205�s for example. Meridian has also had sales through my recommendations but they don�t know that.