Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion Meridian - Systems CES 2010 speculation thread

Wait until Monday.

Kal

Ya big tease! I do wonder what there is left to do in the processors though...

Hi VK, how about:

Should Have
Built in "Sooloos" source
7.1 Input (MMHR)
7.x Output (SpeakerLink)
Apodising
DD/DTS decode with Apodising/Upsampling

Nice to Have
Improved (automatic via mic) calibration
Improved MRC
Network connection (for setup)
Network connection (for streaming)
Genuine USB computer connection (for setup)

Other Stuff
Height channels
Faster DSPs and more internal memory
New 800 cases / displays
Lower standby power requirement
Removal of analogue video switching


Regards,
Carl

We have a check-list!

Seriously though, a lot of the things you mention don't have to be v5 specific. Nor might they be desirable (e.g. SpeakerLink output card) for many customers with "old" kit. (I imagine that the G-series is stuck with SPDIF digital outputs for some time to come, unless there is a real estate shake-up on the back of the G68 - maybe a new G68 variant?).

If M is going to increase the number of output channels (i.e. allow 7.2 + height channels) then that would justify a v5 designation, but (and I hear myself sounding like Bob here) without adequate source material, height synthesis is going to be limited to not much more than is already possible with the v4.

DD/DTS decode + upsampling would be a welcome change to the architecture.

Apodizing is expected for all processors, but we need to find out whether or not there are enough MIPS for it. It is possible that M has decided that the available MIPS are not sufficient for a "reference" implementation.

The other bits and pieces are either nice to have (improved MRC *set-up* - note that notch filter MIPS requirements would not be different, USB connection, lower standby power consumption, new case, etc.).

If M puts all of this together into a v5 package I will, genuinely, be impressed. However, I remain to be impressed.

As an aside and speaking as a G68 owner, if I was M, I'd put some real mileage between the 861 and G6x offerings.

"Low standby power requirement" - isn't that now a mandatory EU requirement.

Trival I know, but I'd like a volume knob on a v5 861.

Edit - in adition to the above

Cliff

Hi again VK,

Well you did say “I do wonder what there is left to do in the processors though”

I agree that most in the “list” does not have to be v5 specific; in fact it was just my musing on what M could add to their processors be they G or 800 series, I would not expect any updates to 500 series except may be a firmware fix for the Trifield Issue.

I think most (me included) on here would like to see apodising at the top of this wish list.
If that meant say Apodising “lite” on Gxx / 861v4 and “reference” apodising on 861(v5?) fitted with faster DSP cards so be it. However, the HD621 should already be at “reference” standard (I wonder how many MIPS it has). If not, one would wish to disable upsampling in the HD621 and let the 861 do it.

After this then I`m with you, with the DD/DTS decode + upsampling.

Then I would like SpeakerLink outputs, I expect those with 7.1 system would also want MMHR input (for me it's a nice to have, but would have it fitted if it was available at same time as SpeakerLink).

The rest then drops in the nice to have category, however, I would like to see either a Sooloos MMHR source unit or 800 card.

I expect none of the above to be at CES 2010 but would love to be surprised.

Carl.

Touch�!

Well, Kal reckons he knows something!

Kal normaly has both his ears (a clever trick) to the ground, let's hope so.

Have a great 2010,
Carl

Yeah but it's hell on my nose!

I hope we all do!

Kal

Carl

this is allready implemended:

Height channels
Low standby - is 2.5 Watt not low enough ?

Whats wrong with the 800 cases & display?
What you want improve with MRC besides automatic calibration?
What do you mean with "Removal of analoge switching"-do you mean the HDMI upgrade,
so you can go over HD621 ?

The other points i agree with you.

The mc config fetch back should work on 800/861-

??? Monday 2012 ??

Improved MRC and ease of set-up seem essential when looking at what other companies provide. Other priorities for me are MMHR and SpeakerLink. This not only gives ease of connection but also greater RFI rejection.

Would MMHR be balaced digital, like SpeakerLink?