Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion Meridian - Systems New firmware release 19th May 2014

According to the information we have received, yes it represents a change, specifically a refinement. I refer you to the other recent HQ posting, here, specifically this part:

I think this means that the processors will know a lot more about EBA and make more decisions based on that information, both for the whole set-up and specific presets, depending on which speakers they are using. Less understanding of the details EBA by the user would then be necessary. It'll just be there as often as your specific system and preset usage allows it.

One more thing to add regarding this announcement. EBA, and the whole ecosystem it necessitates, means new firmware for pretty much every single product which has ever had SpeakerLink. Make a list sometime. That's a lot of work. Because of this, Meridian clearly have decided to release the firmware in "clumps" in order not to cause confusion by dribbling out bits of firmware as it's done.

(As it happens, I am not running my (legacy) rears right now, so I'll be going straight to Trifield with 3x EBA enabled 5200s on Monday. Can't wait!)

Thanks. I've been running EBA in 5.1 for a while and I can set EBA on/off whenever I want via MSR having enabled it on all presets in config, movies, surround, whatever and notwithstanding the presence of non EBA speakers on occasion. So I can do what I like. As I understand it I can currently use it in every application of the speaker and next week I won't?

Is it that the software has been told not to allow EBA if non EBA speakers are present? The software being intelligent (and me not). I suppose you could get round this by telling the processor white lies about what's connected but then not if it knows whats connected

There's no real reason why I would want to do this really but it somehow feels better if I get to choose what's using EBA as I can now rather than it being told. Is this what is meant?

(Re firmware clumps, putting a delay on 3200s doesn't sound too challenging but hopefully my clump (32002, 3300 and DSW) will be along soon. my excitement happened 14 months ago, so whats another few months...)

The posting from HQ above says that the processor firmware to complete the ecosystem is coming "at a later date". Next week is only speaker firmware allowing EBA to work in earlier SL speakers.

I'll double check about 3200/3300/DSW. I understood that at least the first two were already ready. Perhaps they're just not on the list.

Regarding what the processor will allow you to do, the idea is that it stops you switching EBA on in systems and circumstances where it will produce problems, such as half your speakers being c. 25ms behind the rest of them.

If you really want the flexibility to set up your system incorrectly in this way, just because you do, then I suggest you talk to your dealer about a custom firmware to allow you to do all sorts of undesirable things.

If the processor updates come later, then the EBA must work with current controllers firmware, so I could use my existing setup/config for my incorrect setup.

Curious now that the outstanding firmware updates are all non-display speakers? Is that right? EBA switching works on M6s so presumably current software will work the switches in 3200s, 3300s DSW (rather than needing new processor software).

We'll have to wait and see. Let us know how you get on.

Excellent point! That's presumably why they have to wait until the processors/controllers are fully ready.

I thought smaller speakers had less of a need for EBA by their very nature.
Chris

Excellent news. Might have to trade my G61R for a G65 now so I can control EBA without 'typing' the speakers...

After hearing the Effects of EBA on the SE range I was shocked at the transformation of the sound.

To now be told I can upgrade my CURRENT speakers by a firmware update, has really blown me away. (I feel the Achilles heel of my 5200's has always been in the lower frequency control... an EBA update will surely help with this).

Reading about past updates to help keep your system upto date, is partially why I took the leap 12 months ago and went to an all Meridian system (and the amazing sound).

I can't believe I'm going to be reaping that benefit so soon.

'M' this is amazing customer support.

A fellow HH mentioned about this firmware update being free. That sounds too good to be true... I guess I'll find out the costs when more info is revealed tomorrow.

A very very happy Meridian Kit owner.

Thanks Again 'M'

Does this suggest that there is a second implementation of EBA for 7200.2? If not, there is no need for new firmware?

NO! NO! NO! Please read what has already been posted.

There is ONE version of EBA.

The new 7200.2 firmware is likely to be necessary for the whole ecosystem to work together correctly. The EBA won't have changed but everything else may have...

So no need to change before controller updates. I got the impression from somewhere (Ill find it) that there were further refinements. Hey ho!