Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion Meridian - Systems New firmware now available

I'm sure it's a consideration for any manufacturers that issue software. I don't know how many have had software "hacked" but my guess is not just M yet few others appear to have reacted in the same manner as M.

Customers have no control over who hacks what and it's very short sighted to inconvenience and alienate (punish ?) existing customers.

Avi

How about Apple? Their iDevices are constantly hacked yet, they do not restrict updates or enforce dealer-only updates...

The sooner Meridian start putting one of these on all their new products the better (for internet connectivity, wireless would be a better option).


This way firmware updates can be detected and downloaded by the unit, the user just needs to approve the update to apply it.

The config could be done in a similar manner, each device could have a built in web server that could be accessed via any internet enabled device connected to the same local network (just like setting up a wireless router or printer).

Other services could also be provided through the internet.

All the best,

Steve.

LOL - They're probably concerned it would be hacked.

Avi

Hi Rick,

Is there any hope for a Meridian 568.2mm firmware update?
The 568.2mm isn't that much older than the 861v4 is it?

Thanks for informing us on this forum!

Cheers,
Bob

From one end of the scale to the other! I counted 73 firmware up dates from Lumagen. The last 3 to try to fix a bug!

Also look at the "new features" introduced in addition to fixes across the Lumagen updates with only the 3D software upgrade being chargeable. All via a simple download and DIY update if that's the customer preference.

In terms of customer "brand" experience I rate Lumagen as outstanding and Meridian poor.

Other companies such as Oppo also stand out in terms of outstanding support for their products including frequent software updates. They also haven't thrown their toys out of the pram when third parties reverse engineer modification to allow multi-region Blu-ray playback.

Avii

I have to admit downloading Lumagen firmware is simple, and communication is outstanding.Emails are always answered promptly and in detail.

Shaun

I think this is a great opportunity for dealers to offer free in-store upgrades, subject to registration etc. Another option is to offer unlimtited in-store firmware upgrades for a fixed price (over a period of time).

I know if I lived closer , I wouldn't hesitate to visit Rick but there aren't that many proactive dealers on this board. Is that because:

a) This board thinks to highly of itself (and dealers don't want us)?
b) Dealers are not experienced in making money from software?
c) Dealers are terrible at marketing?
d) All of the above!

Personally I would be happy to pay for the firmware although I don't see why that would change M's stance about protecting their product(s). (i.e. the reason they give for their current stand).

As an aside - wouldn't it bolsters M's point of view if the software did damage the equipment? Extra repair sales and more appreciation of what they do?

Cheers
Tom

The problem, as I and the other moderators see it, is inconsistency from dealer to dealer.

In store isn't really practical if having to take several large DSP speakers and/or disconnecting a processors that may be mounted in a rack etc. It's pain, inconvenience, time and risks damaging the products in transit, during disconnection- reconnection etc.

Also apart from software bug fixes it doesn't provide an opportunity to properly assess if a "preference" mod such as linear versus minimum phase filter or 3dB tweak versus M's change etc means keeping to re-installing previous firmware.

Ideally the customer should have the choice of DIY or using a dealer if preferred.

Avi

Are you saying that the moderators prevent/discourage this kind of thing?

Cheers
Tom