Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion Meridian - Systems Just once I would like to able to.......

Just once, turn on my G98DH without problems. Just once, experiece the $4,500 plus DVD player start up and not lock up. Just once, not show me a DHxx error, just once, not have to reach in the back (remove the cabinet's back panel) and power the player down. Just once, when my friends and family are here, open the disc tray and wait less than 3 minutes for sound and picture, all at the same time. Just once, I do not hear comments about their $99 players, thatare easy to use and fast. Just once, my wife will not ask me, "Why don't you just use the Oppo".

To think, that after this frustration including the player`s three trips to the factory, that I would consider a new expenditure for Meridian`s HDMI and or Blu-Ray solution.

The only saving grace is that I managed to persuade the G98DH to operate; Meridian's superb live like audio can be enjoyed and even acknowledged, unsolicited, by all. However, I do not see how I can purchase another Meridian player, unless Meridian solves my G98DH issues.

Brad

PS: Meridian service has been great. The guys in Atlanta have done everything they can including paying for shipping to and from and turning the repair service around to less than a week. The problem clearly is design, not something the service guys can change.

I apologize for an edgy post this Sunday morning.

Have you tried a different HDMI cable? I had similar, after 9 months, and both the TV company and Meridian looking into the problem, a new HDMI cable sorted the problem much to my embarrassment. My saving grace was it was early HDMI/DVI days, and as I went through different versions of the firmware, things did work better and that earlier problems could be recovered from. The other saving grace was that a genuine technical issue was found with some cables by the TV manufacturer in tests. Out of a good number of cables tested, I was recommended the only one that prooved 100% reliable in the TV manufacturers tests - luckly a cheapie. It was not as much a cable fault as an incompatibility with certain types of plugs - which would have affected many different cables across all price ranges. The fault was actually with the DVI end of the cable, but when I swapped it out for the rcommended cable, the HDMI end was a much firmer electro mechanical connection - so that could not have helped.

So worth a try. Just make sure the plugs fitted to the cables are made by Molex.

Ditto, hence my switch from a 596 to an Oppo and have not looked back since!

The cable and more robust versions of the firmware totally sorted the issue. I was really very early in the HDMI timescale so I was initially using the first released firmwares - the changes to link handling came around V1.73 of the firmware - that was ages ago.

Mine was a specific problem tracked down to the electro mechanical connection between the DVI connector and my TV (made my Leowe) - the problem affected other high end DVD players too but not others - it was really odd, especially as some cables worked and others did not.

In the end, the recommendation was to go with a cable with Molex made plugs - both ends as the sockets on both pieces of kit were made by Molex too so the likely hood was that a molex to molex connection would be best - and indeed, with the G98, a molex plug was a much better fit.

The symptom was that the HDCP handshake appeared to fail and the G98 had a spasm and often locked up, needing to be turned off for a day or so before the HDMI link became usable again. It was really odd and even odder that a simple cable change was all that was required to fix.

I could have tried a dozen different cables an still had the same problem.

Recommendation for cable - one made by Molex are you will be pretty sure that it has Molex plugs on the end. As mine was a short run, the quality of the cable would have made little difference, it was all down to the design of the plugs, specifically the DVI plug that mated with my TV set.

My 800 is connected to a Sony SXRD by a double ended HDMI from Blue Jeans Cables. On some, but all DVDs, the video refuses to play on the Sony and the 800 displays HDCP Error 2. Do you guys think this could be the cable?

My trouble shooting included using an audioquest HDMI cable and also a different display. No change in result. I sent the 800 to Atlanta three times. Twice I received a new 800, which I was very pleased about, but no change in result. Has anyone ever seen an HDCP error message?

I finally ended up running a component connection between the 800 and the Sony so I could watch those discs that wouldn't work via HDMI cable. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

Tim

Mr.Aginglawyer, I am wondering what 800 version do you have that has HDMI out???
I would like to upgrade my ver 4 to that if possible. I never knew that you could get a 800 that had HDMI out {or is it ver 5 or 6?) I am not being smart with you but I guess I am ignorant of the fact of the lastest and greatest. So if it has HDMI out maybe soon DVD/Bluray???
Thanks

V4 has HDMI output.

Tim/Aging Lawyer:

I'm guessing that you have a longer run and you could be running into issues with the cable length.

There are a few options as possibilities:
1) Go Fiber
2) Go Cat 5 extension.

I chose option 2 and am happy I did so.

Cheers,

First I want to say thanks to Mr.Aging Lawyer and also to John for info that led me to examine my 800.My first dissapointment was I don't have HDMI out. The second is after checking my display in standby I only have version 8003_251. I went and looked at my upgrade papers and I see that I upgraded from ver.2 to ver.3 so that I would be able to do DVD Audio this was done back in 2003 so I did my upgrade I would imagine before HDMI came on the scene. Now for the 64 dollar question. Should I upgrade to ver. 4 or wait until there is possible movement to Blu-Ray with the 800 and higher upgrades? Is it still possible to upgrade to ver. 4 from ver. 3? Thanks John for your input Thanks Aging Lawyer for making me aware.
Greg

US HQ will have to answer you on whether or not you can still upgrade from V3 to V4. I don't know if that upgrade option has retired or not.

Waiting to upgrade to an HD version of the 800 series player is potentially a very long wait. I have no idea if or when M might enter this field when the current market seems very much to be a race to the bottom.


Cheers,

Thanks John, How well I know about the race to the bottom. I dread the bill that I just looked at for my 861/800 DVD-Audio upgrade, money wasted!!!! I got hooked at that Cedia red carpet invite show and took the bait hook line and sinker. I was sitting right next to you that Sunday in the Meridian booth. My screen name has changed but if I were to tell you you would remember me. You helped me out with a Hi-Rez disk purchase once too.Thanks I will give M a call,I am still on the hook. You ever seen a Sail fish on the hook!!!!! that's me, I can't shake it M is still reelin' me in :>) I'm fussin' but wow do I love there product.
Thanks Greg

Greg, thanks for the kind words. This is just the best community of passionate, devoted and knowledgeable A/V addicts.

If an upgrade to V4 is available and passes your cost benefit ratio test, go for it. You won't be disappointed.

Tim

I recently posted a rant asking for my G98DH to operate properly "just once" without having HDMI handshake errors that required powering off the unit for a reset.

Meridian USA stepped and replaced a board and returned the G98DH to me all without any charges including shipping.

I am very happy to report my HDMI problems are solved and my G98DH operates without any problems.

Thanks Shane.