Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion HiFi & HT Chat Apple iPad

The only cleaner way of using DSPs with the Sonos is the new Sonos plugin for the Pronto remotes, but then you are talking about $1000 and you don't get the other features. Essentially you need a Pronto app, since the current remote apps are more about using a device you already own than a real competive solution to the Pronto/URC world. Of course Apple's stupid no-interpreted code rule would mean no scripting.

Thanks for alerting me to this. From their FAQ, if they follow through, this would make it perfect for me:

Apple does offer a a multi-room solution. You can add 1 Apple Express for each room (6 max). Then you can use your computer or the remote application to switch them on/off from anywhere within reach of your wifi network.

Can the iPad run Meridian configuration program? Or is the Meridian configuration program accessible through Windows only?

Windows only

Could be the opium of 'the boss'

She wants email ,google, in the kitchen ,for recipes

ie wet and floury hands

mounted on on a book stand this could be the biz

Meridian really have to develop apps for the iPad. Just think of the kind of consumer that they are marketing their products toward. The Sooloos system and the G series with its aluminium build is not a million miles away from apple hardware products. Surely the Sooloos app is more mac than PC????

As a new mac OS user I can say that I will NEVER go back to windows. I shouldn't have to pull out my antique brick of a lap top to run Mconfig program to calibrate my M gear.

I know that M would probably have to hire mac proficient specialists to develop the new software but I believe that if they are continuing the path they are with the Sooloos experience, they need to adapt and move on to offer their new customers the best possible experience. I love my macbook because it just.... works!


Just my thoughts......

Super idea:
offer new customers the best possible experience

Totally agree, and M usually does. I hope M have long term strategic plans (they'd better) for Sooloos that make it superior , but Apple have a long tradition of product interface. So why not build/enable/encourage an alternate path using Apple to build volume for M products.

Sometimes, a great strategy is to allocate resources and build what you're best at, and then use others' stuff which complements your approach. Just IMHO. JimK

I doubt that Mac support is on the horizon for Meridian.

This is a company that touts the 861v6 as having been completely rebuilt, bottom up, to take advantage of all the new technology that has emerged since the 861v4 yet doesn't offer a simple USB port for Mconfig. I haven't seen a computer in years that comes with a RS-232 port built-in.

Meridian obviously sees the custom installer as their bread and butter, not the home enthusiast. If Meridian were to make Mconfig "Mac" simple, it would have a negative impact on the custom installer's revenues.

As long as Meridian sees the custom installer as their main customer and not the end user - they will remain a niche player and a small company.

Do custom installers particularly enjoy using obsolete interfaces like RS232s?

Making an identical version of software for Mac OS and Windows is something that many companies smaller than Meridian manage. Doesn't mean they are duty bound to do it, but there isn't really any reason not to, other than how they choose to direct their resources.

At least the Meridian software is stable, which is more than can be said for a lot of Windows software (particularly legacy stuff).

There are two sides to the RS232, config and control.

A possible future would be built in 802.11 connectivity to allow these.
The config could be via a built in web server in the product. Each product would have an IP address, accessed through (any) web browser for set up.
This isn't anything difficult, every WiFi router is setup like this.
The beauty of this type of config is that it's platform independant.

Steve.

The Sooloos guys have Apple background. Ironic to see PC vs Mac banter going on between Huntingdon staff and Sooloos staff at hh2.

IMHO rs232 is a perfect interface for low level bootstrap use. USB is too complex as it's too multipurpose needing drivers and device ids for even the most basic operations. Rs232 can be communicated on with the most basic of software. The USB maintenance port was a good compromise IMHO as it offered a built in USB/serial converter using off the shelf supported parts. Can't honestly see Meridian wanting to develop and support their own USB interface when a ready made one is already available-no real world benefit other than it would not be seen as being 'obsolete'.