Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion Meridian - Systems Chroma Bug in Version 3

After waiting in anticipation (for over a year) for a player that fixes the chroma bug issue, I have now heard through the grapevine that the 800 revisions do nothing to fix the chroma bug problem. If this is the case, I will be looking for a new DVD player. This is simply the most irritating problem, especially given the high cost of the 800. Other more subtle refinements are so small in comparison to this glaring problem.

Really is a shame given the players great sonic attributes; however, as a DVD- Video player, this problem just precludes the use of the player for serious video.

I understand the issues surrounding the decoder chip and that Meridian is slave to LSI, but again a $17,000 player should possess the engineering backing to figure it out. Although a pain, if Meridian can't get the attention of LSI to fix the problem (I really find this a little hard to believe), then change the decoder chip.

Anyone have any recommnedations on a new high end player? Any experiences with the Tag DVD?

Wow - if true, this would be a substantial error on Meridian's part IMO. There are players without this problem. Clearly it's a fixable problem (albeit perhaps painfully -but at $17K a pop, the pain shouldn't be too horrible!).

As I've stated before, Meridian should consider sticking to the audio business - it does not seem to have the resources it needs to be as good at the video side of the equation as it is at the audio side (that's a TALL order.

SAB

Sony was unable to do it! (Although this was before LSI purchased C-Cube.)

I won't defend the bug as I am sure I dislike it more than anyone, but if you want the problem fixed, you are going to have to complain to a company who has some serious pull with LSI.

Samsung is one of their larger customers and they displayed at least 5 new DVD players at CES using the new Ziva 5. (Next gen version of decoder found in Meridian players.) Their first Ziva 5 player should be out in a few months. With the exception of the player listed below, this will probably be the first DVD player with the new chip.

There was actually a player that hit the market a few months back that had this new decoder in it. I don't believe it was the final decoder, but it still had the bug. (I hope it was not final!) This was the Panasonic RP61. A few people in Canada and Japan were able to purchase this player. It never came out in the US.

Thanks Stacy. You are really the thought leader on this. It will be interesting to see if the Ziva-5 still exhibits this issue.

Panasonic RP61. And it's not using the Panasonic chip? Interesting. So they've gone to an outsourced chip even in their own equipment...

I will be interested to see any information on the new Krell and compare to other high end players, like the Tag. I still hold out some hope for Meridian, but for now, I've given up. Gotta move on.

I had heard a rumor, nothing more, that they wanted to get out of the MPEG decoder business.

If you already own an 800, stay with it. The 800 will get fixed.

[This message has been edited by sspears (edited 01-21-2002).]

Stacy
Will upgrade to the 800 series fix the problem?

Is the MPEG decoder chip socketed, or will the fix require the replacement of the board?

But just how serious is the chroma bug in the 800 V3? I will be interersted to read about how detectable it is.

I very nearly purchased a Philips Q50. Because of slow supply I cancelled but if they have all the various problems ironed out with the Q50 it will be the bargain of the decade.

However I'm awaiting some reports of the 800 V3 before moving. The improved audio it is reputed to bring is a major attraction here.

Interesting times.

John