Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion Meridian - Systems Call all G98DH owners

Hi All,

It's been a very long time since I posted here (mainly because I have been extremely happy with everything Meridian).

The only thing that has gone wrong was that my 596 needed a new DVD drive, mediain replaced free of charge even though the unit was out of warrently (thanks guys).

So I bought a new HD ready Plasma screen recently (Hitachi), the 596 provides a wonderful picture which looks great on the Hitachi. This got me thinking - how much better does an HDMI delivered picture look?

I have a first generation 596 and have not had it modified (still a great bit of kit and I don't have money burning a whole in my pocket to get rid of it).

Look forward to hearing your opinions.

Thanks in advance.

Martin.

What Hitachi panel have you bought?

When I was choosing large format displays, I nearly went for a Hitachi but when I discovered that it used an Alis display, I choose not to add it to my short list due to this and some niggling faults that were at that time affecting Hitachi owners. At that stage I had not got around to auditioning, but I was really concerned that the interlaced technology used in Alis panels would somehow negate the progressive output of my G98.

So as usual, I would always suggest trying finding a dealer that would allow you to try your proposed combination. As your are happy with the picture that you have with the 596, and from what I saw the Hitachi (and Fuji) could give some great results with Alis technology, you may find that the move to HDMI is not as great as you would expect.

During my brief time with an ALIS Fuji screen (same as Hitachi I think) I found that it was poor with a progressive feed and very good with interlaced.

Your 596 is interlaced only I guess so you're probably not impacted.

Whether HDMI (or SDI/DVI for that matter) is any better depends on how well the digital side has been implemented. There are a few dealers/ISF calibration type chaps on the AVforum who have concluded that component into some screens is better than DVI.

SO, Ian's advice to take your unit to a store and test it for real is the only way. If you can't do that practically, then digest the avforum threads for while and see what the average or consensus is there is next best.

Hi Martin
I have a G91DAB and Hitachi 42" ALIS screen. Nick is right about progressive, as I juct can't seem to get progressive to work. However, 1080i from HDMI to DVI is fabulous. I also have a component feed, so can easily compare. The digital feed is miles better.
Do as Nick says try it out. It can take a bit of work to set it up but it's worth it.

My screen is a non Alis Fujitsu (XHA40). The picture on HDMI via my G98 is slightly better than Component but its pretty marginal. They are both excellent. For some reason I cant actually get any picture on 1080i but 720p is great.

Thanks all,

It looks like I should stick with my 596 then. I thought that there would be a noticable difference given that there would be no analogue conversion on HDMI. Just proves that Meridian's video stage is extremely good.

Money will therefore be staying in my pocket.

Martin.