Hmmn, seems like a curious response .... both critical and potentially punative.

1. I totally get the comment about warranty and, frankly, if my 800 were still under warranty I'd not have loaded an 'unauthorized' firmware version. So this seems completely understandable.

2. But, owners have been modifying audio/video equipment for as long as there has been audio/video equipment. There are mod companies all over the place, and while these are mostly harware related, some impact software, and I do not recall such a severe response from Meridian.

3. The 'rogue' software has significantly improved the sound of my 800 - not sure how this is a bad thing - but I'd still very much view it as an interim solution. Should Meridian decide to offer an official upgrade (even at a reasonable charge) I'd be the first in line. The best analogy I can think of is collecting bootleg CDs. I collect them for my favorite bands because they are not officially available, but I also buy all of the official releases and would do so also for those concerts that I have on bootleg.

4. Meridian has known for years that there is a width bug in Trifield for many legacy products, yet has chosen not the fix it. There have, frankly, been mixed messages about firmware updates/upgrades.

5. The dealer network (indeed for all hi-end products) is becomming increasingly problematic - at least here in the USA. They are increasingly scarce, and where they do exist, they are either custom install shops or by appointment studios. I no longer have a local dealer I like who handles Meridian, so it becomes a problem if in fact Meridian are going to over-react.

6. My appologies, but I cannot help making one, tiny cynical comment. My 800 has proven to be somewhat less than the last word in reliablity. Within the 3 year warranty period it has gone back to Atlanta for service 3 times: one for a connector problem, a second time for a firmware problem, and most recently for a ROM drive / power supply replacement. So, if this unauthorized firmware were to require a fourth trip, that would pretty much be business as ususal.

Just my repectful thoughts!

Simon

My Kit: 861v8+ID41, 800v4, UHD722, MD600, MS600, MS200, Oppo BDP-203, Genesis 201, Genesis 350 SE, Genesis S4-8 Sub, BG 520i, VTL MB450 II, Krell Showcase 7, Genesis 928 Subs, Danley DTS10 sub, SVS Ultra 16 subs.