Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion Meridian - Systems CES 2007 Hitchhiker's Q&A with Meridian

Bob sent me a reply via e-mail a week or so ago that appears to have fallen into the great electron black hole; and as such I haven't posted a thread for a CES Q&A. He sent me a message this morning about a Q&A session as a followup as he hadn't heard back.

So this will be the thread for CES questions.

I will post right after this for the responses.

Sorry for the short runway, but to be included your question has to be in here by Saturday January 6th at 12:00noon EST.

Best to all for a happy new year!

Processor Issues / Questions

1. Can we please have a fix for the 568.2mm and its broken Smartlink / Frame delay feature combination?

Meridian answer:
We are planning to issue another beta version. The fix date is TBA.

2. The ability to eliminate surround options for a given input. I don't need the choice of TV Logic, for ex., when playing a CD. Currently one has to
toggle through the entire list of options for a given input when only a few might be relevant.

Meridian answer:
This option is still on the feature wish list.

3. Is the stereo PCM bit-depth auto-sensed?

Meridian answer:
This was asked and answered in the CEDIA Q&A. The answer is yes, PCM depth is auto sensed for 2-N channels depending on input type.

4. Assuming analogue or 24-bit capable speakers, are all stereo PCM inputs automatically resolution enhanced to 24-bits? (518 functionality)

Meridian answer:
This question was asked and answered at CEDIA Q&A. The answer is yes, always at 24 bits.

5. Could we be given the ability to set a custom amount of gain for each digital input (518 functionality). For instance, I listen to radio from Sky with +4dB of digital gain using my 518 and it never clips.

Meridian answer:
This is not possible due internal architecture (nor is it generally needed or wise).

6. How modular is the G series kit considering the obvious upgrades that could be offered (DAB in G68, potentially HDMI etc) are not suitable for
economic module upgrade.

Meridian answer:
The G series kit is modular, particularly the processors. When changing the appropriate card a new back panel section is installed with appropriate inputs with the change.

7. With MP2-based DAB now finally making way for AAC+ DAB, when will Meridian DAB-enabled devices (G91, G01, G51) be offered with the new
capability. Can existing Meridian (MP2) DAB equipment be upgraded.

Meridian answer:
A. DAB+ will be in some territories (e.g. Australia). In the UK it is NOT by any means agreed to offer AAC by any of the content providers. The BBC are very unlikely to make the change/addition.

B. Meridian's DAB systems are modular and in principle can be upgraded and if it were helpful we would find a way.

8. Any plans that Meridian might have for enhancement of MRC. In particular, I would like to see; (a) automation of speaker distances and size settings, (b) automatic testing of a range of different crossover settings to see which results in the 'best' response prior to MRC and (c) if it included room dimensions, suggested initial speaker placement (within constraints) and movement. EVOP from statistical design of experiments (Box, Hunter& Hunter) could be incorporated for iteration provided a suitable objective function could be defined. It would seem that this might be realistic for subwoofer placement, at least.

Meridian answer:
Meridian cannot comment on any potential future product possibilities in a public forum.

9. Has Meridian considered the addition of an Audyssey option? I've tried it and it works really well.

Meridian answer:
Meridian chose not to discuss any future product possibilities; however please read our white paper on equalization for our stance on full-range
correction.

10. Has Meridian considered the addition of a USB audio input? I'm now using a PC based hard drive solution, and it'd be nice to bypass the USB to coax converter entirely.

Meridian answer:
This is an interesting idea with merit, but it has been only very rarely requested. You can buy USB to SPDIF adapters.

11. Will there be an 861v5 with HDMI 1.3 and upgraded DSPs to handle the advanced audio codecs?

Meridian answer:
Meridian cannot discuss specific future product possibilities in a public forum.

HDMI Audio Subsection

12. When will a HDMI card for the 861 be available?

Meridian answer:
This question has the same answer as question 11.

13. Are we going to get a method of getting discrete hi resolution digital audio (ie Dolby TrueHD either as TrueHD or discrete m/c PCM) from a (third party) HD-DVD or Blu-ray player into Meridian kit.

Meridian answer:
A) Meridian is highly aware of this request but will only announce any potential upgrades when we wish to do so.
B) We have explained before in Q&A that this is an area in which we are closely involved at the development of standards stage - a process that is
ONGOING. Despite what others (including the many who seek to be our competitors) might say, this area is still evolving.
C) We do not want to subject our customers to a whole series of upgrades. Annoyingly this seems to be incorrectly interpreted by this group (HH) as Meridian falling behind or not caring.
D) As to the request regarding passing bitstream: 1) there are no players actually available that can do this; 2) no final version 1.3 receivers of suitable quality actually yet available; 3) no finalised specification for many aspects of the protocols.

14. Is this going to be retro upgradeable into existing G/8xx series kit.

Meridian answer:
This question has the same answer as question 13.

15. If HDMI input is not going to be available for G/8xx series kit, do they have plans that will not exclude existing Meridian users from enjoying the
latest HD offerings in a Meridian all digital environment. It would appear to be a retrograde step that the only way of enjoying the HD environment is an analog input.

Meridian answer:
This question has the same answer as question 13.

16. What does Meridian feel are the key challenges of audio over HDMI?

Meridian answer:
A) Audio is not helped by the mandatory association with video. As an example the 808 performs better on CD audio than the already amazing 800, in part due to the lack of video inclusion in the product.
B) The very worst combination is video processing in an audio processor. (The fact that some manufacturers seem to be distracted by that
idea we see as good news).
C) Jitter and copy-protection are issues.
D) See Question 13.

17. If one feeds one's HDMI sources directly into a video processor (to enable input-specific calibration) and said video processor delays the audio to compensate for the video processing latency, what implication might his have for audio over HDMI and clock recovery? My point is: Does Meridian need to get at the HDMI stream before anyone else messes with it? This clearly
has implications for third-party compatibility.

Meridian answer:
This has no downsides so long as the metadata is correctly handled and passed by the video processor.

18. Does Meridian consider an HDMI solution able to handle LPCM over HDMI adequate (distributed processing solution) or would the ability to decode bitstreams of the new "HD" formats also be required?

Meridian answer:
As we have said before, new format players (HD or BD) must be able to decode in the player to take advantage of all features. If only bitstreams are
transmitted then the experience may be different from the intended experience. However there will be circumstances where one or the other gives
the better result.

19. Does the architecture of the G6x/861 allow for eight-channel digital inputs? (JK edited out the rest of this question after the meeting with
JRS).

Meridian answer:
Yes, it is possible.

20. Six-channel MHR was approved by the DVD forum, but the HDMI standard is maintained by a different body. Does Meridian foresee any problems with a
potential expansion of MHR to eight channels and application to audio transmitted over HDMI? For instance, a Meridian box that accepted HDMI and
output HDMI (for video) and 8-channel MHR would seem an elegant solution.

Meridian answer:
No comment is possible on this question at this time.

Loudspeakers

21. I am interested in finding out if a new top of the line DSP or revised DSP8K is on its way. [[ This was asked in a few ways ]]

Meridian answer:
The same answer as question 11 in regards to future products.

22. Given the substantive price difference between DSP3100 and DSP5200, when will there be a replacement for the DSP 5000.

Meridian answer:
Is this a request for a loudspeaker priced between the DSP3100 and DSP5200? Would this solution be best implemented in a floorstander or a bookshelf
loudspeaker?

DVD Players

23. Would it be possible to get progressive or HD component transcoded on the HDMI output of G9x.

Meridian answer:
Not with the current architecture.

24. G9x units force switching input to DVD when the tray is closed. Is it possible to change the behaviour so that the input only changes when a disc is detected? This is probably also true for 8xx units.

Meridian answer:
This change to the user interface is not on the current wish list but could be.

25. DVD layer change removal?

Meridian answer:
Please see the DVD forum for the removal of the layer change Meridian players have very minimal layer change, in fact they are reviewed for being great in this area, while still maintaining DVD forum specifications.

Video Processors

26. Is there an all-Meridian/Faroudja video solution which will allow the display of 24fps NTSC film material at an internal display rate that's a multiple of 24 Hz. i.e. a 480i60 -> 1080p24 or 1080p48 judder reduction
solution.

Meridian answer:
MF6080 to either the MF1 or MF2 projector or suitable panel has fully motion compensated 48 and 72 Hz display capability.

Projectors

27. On their projectors, I think they should use a movable lens like Runco does. (Runco refers to this as "Cinewide with Autoscope" which moves the
lens in and out of the light path on a motorized tray).

Meridian answer:
The Schneider and Prime lens options were shown at CES.

JK Adds:
For those that don't know; a prime lens is a single focal length lens as opposed to a zoom lens. A prime lens will give better picture quality but you have a fixed throw ratio which gives you no flexibility in placing the projector relative to screen distance.

28. MF-2... will the current offering be replaced by a JVC RS-1 based unit? What enhancements over the JVC unit will M be offering (i.e. Phelps calibrations, lens, etc). What is the timing, etc of this projector?

Meridian answer:
Same as question 11, no comments on any potential future products.

Generic/unclassifiable questions

29. Are there any plans to reduce power consumption of existing kit in standby mode? (JK edited out a wordy example).

Meridian answer:
In some cases, where possible we are considering doing so via a software update. Specifics are not available at this time.

30. Can a CS (Current Status) command be supported for all products via RS-232?

Meridian answer:
This is possible with the exception of the HDMAX products.

31. Can Discrete Remote codes to access all surround modes and user defined presets be provided? This would make programming universal remotes dramatically easier.

Meridian answer:
We will check appropriate documentation and update with the required information if possible to do so.

MConfig questions

32. In MConfig the lip sync function is tricky to find, it's at the first page in the 861/G69 processor. I think this should be easier to find.

Meridian answer:
A) But you found it!
B) It is on the same page for each source and that is the right place in our opinion.

33. Would like a native macintosh version, but I really don't see why M would bother to do this, but I figure I might as well ask.

Meridian answer:
There are no plans at this point in time for a native Macintosh version of MConfig.

34. Rather than opting for native OS versions of the config software, what about Meridian offering a version that can load via a web page making it OS indendant(sic).

Meridian answer:
We feel that this would pose reliability problems.

35. OSD/User Interface... will this be improved via an OSD capability, a web based capability etc? (JK has deleted the rest of this question).

Meridian answer:
There are no definite plans to do so at this time.

36. Fix/add feature to DSP system to set the volume to a SAFE level when coming out of standby on 861 and all processors.

Meridian answer:
This is an interesting suggestion. Can you suggest a safe volume number setting?

Missing products

37. As ever, when will there be a G62 for those of us that simply want a two-channel DSP loudspeaker-based system (with a separate G07/G08)?

Meridian answer:
There are no immediate plans for a G62 product, in fact it is rarely requested. However, the MP221 can help you build a simple two-channel system.

38. Confirmation of whether the G46 will be released along with DSP versions of the Meridian in-wall speakers. When can we expect to see these available?

Meridian answer:
The G46 would make the in-wall loudspeakers a DSP loudspeaker. The G46 will be announced when it is ready for delivery.

39. Misc servers, some with internet radio capabilities, are finding favour with may people. Some high-quality manufacturers, such as Revox, have responded to the market with their Resource audio server that integrates will with their conventional audio controllers. When will Meridian respond to this market demand and produce a similar audio product?

Meridian answer:
This question was asked and answer at the CEDIA 2006 HH Q&A. New product opportunities are always being investigated; and if/when there is a product
it will be announced in due course.

40/41. Will Meridian be releasing a JVC RS-1 projector and what video processor will it come with. Will a 2.35 stretch option be included out of the box and will Meridian be going down the 2.35 path, ie ISCO II lens included with auto slider.

Meridian answer:
New product plans are not discussed in a public forum. The Schneider lens option was announced and demonstrated at CES.

42. Will Meridian consider a trade-in-option, similar to TAW, for audio and video equipment.

Meridian answer:
Who is TAW? There are no present plans to offer a trade-in option; this is left up to our dealers who wish to take current equipment in trade.


HH Guide questions / suggestions

If I were in Bob's seat, I think that I'd ask one of the tech support, development or market research folks to visit the forum periodically (once every 1-2 weeks?) I would ask of the forum that there be two sticky threads:

1. Technical Questions for Meridian
2. Product suggestions and requests for Meridian

Meridian answer:
This is a very good idea.

3. Would Meridian allow the forum to have access to electronic versions of their manuals to post on the forum. I would like to see an arrangement similar to WIkipedia whereby forum members could post enhancements, with
peer or moderated edits. I assume we'd all be happy with Meridian then using whichever pieces it saw fit in their official versions.

Meridian answer:
Meridian is planning to interact to a greater extent with the HH in 2007. We are very interested in the potential benefits of the Wiki in this regard.

Thanks John.

Can we please have a fix for the 568.2mm and it's broken Smartlink / Frame delay feature combination. It has been reported via the proper channels as requested by Bob at the last Q&A session, but no news as yet. That's a year since first verbal reporting.

Cheers

George

I am interested in finding out if a new top of the line DSP or revised DSP8k is on its way. And like many I assume, when will a HDMI card for the 861 be available? BD or HDDVD, nah, I guess I know the answer to that one...Thanks John.

That's just reminded me of the other point I wanted to raise...

A better quality tweeter throughout the DSP range, but in particular for the DSP8000. The current unit is easily bettered elsewhere. I know that DSP gets the best out of an unremarkable tweeter unit, but wouldn't DSP equally well get even more out of an intrinsically higher quality unit?

Ribbons are now shown on the in-wall range, and are used to good effect by other manufacturers, so how about it? Or the SEAS Millenium? Or berrilium? Or diamond? Tweeter design has surely advanced enough since the current unit was pressed into service to allow a range of better, yet still cost effective, options to be available?

Cheers

George

Can you also include in your request/reply any info for those of us that will actually be attending CES. I would love to have some insider info that might allow me to see some new products/ideas announced in person. (My company is involved with computers/storage not audio directly so I miss out on this info as I am essentially a consumer)

Thank you!

Usual suspects for me, but no 6 may be controversial!

1. Are are we going to get a method of getting discreet hi resolution digital audio (ie Dolby TrueHD either as True HD or discreet m/c PCM) from a third party HD-DVD or blu-ray player into Meridian kit.

2. Is this going to be retro upgradable into existing G/8xx series kit.

3. If HDMI input is not going to be available for G/8xx series kit, do they have plans that will not exclude existing Meridian users from enjoying the latest HD offerings in a Meridian all digital environment. It would appear to be a retrograde step that the only way of enjoying the HD formats is via an analogue input.

4. Would it be possible to get progressive or HD component transcoded on the HDMI output of G9x.

5. How modular is the G series kit considering the obvious upgrades that could be offered (DAB in G68, potentially HDMI etc) are not suitable for economic module upgrade.

6. Are there any plans to reduce power consumption of existing kit in standby mode. For instance, my DSP33 speakers are now permanently turned on since a firmware upgrade to fix a standby/power up issue OK, so it seems that is only an extra 2W b(9W vs 7W) but the G68 is 30W in standby and G98 is 20W so it would be beneficial to get these down to <10W. Other pieces of kit have been shown to consume significant amount of power even in standby mode. My G98 gets very warm in standby which would back this up. The eco people are concerned about leaving kit in standby that consumes only a few watts, but Meridian kit is consuming 10-20 times that amount. I have got into the habit of turning off all my kit when not in use and this limits my enjoyment of my kit if I just want to listen to a short bit of music and it takes sime to scramble around all the switches to power everything up. Maybe there could be a standby power option that allow the user to select different levels of standby so that sound quality vs. power consumption can be user controlled.

As ever, when will there be a G62 for those of us that simply want a two-channel DSP loudspeaker-based system (with a separate G07/G08)?

With MP2-based DAB now finally making way for AAC+ DAB, when will Meridian DAB-enabled devices (G91, G01, and G51) be offered with the new capability. Can existing Meridian (MP2) DAB equipment be upgraded?

Given the substantive price difference between DSP3100 and DSP5200, when will there be a replacement for the DSP5000?

Music servers, some with internet radio capabilities, are finding favour with many people. Some high-quality manufacturers, such as Revox, have responded to the market with their Re:source audio server that integrates well with their conventional audio controllers. When will Meridian respond to this market demand and produce a similar audiophile product?

How about an easy one that's been brought up for years:

- The ability to eliminate surround options for a given input. I don't need the choice of TV Logic, for ex., when playing a CD.

This would eliminate having to scroll through a thousand choices. Seems if I can create/add a surround mode, I should be able to eliminate some as well.

OK. After my Cedia "faux pas", I'm going to be as unambiguous as possible.


The following are all G68/861 processing questions:

1) Is the stereo PCM bit-depth auto-sensed?

2) Assuming analogue or 24-bit capable speakers, are all stereo PCM inputs automatically resolution enhanced to 24-bits? (518 functionality)

3) Could we be given the ability to set a custom amount of gain for each digital input (518 functionality). For instance, I listen to radio from Sky with +4dB of digital gain using my 518 and it never clips.


I'd also like to take a different tack on the HDMI issue. I accept that some or all of the following questions may be considered unanswerable for technical or commercial reasons:

1) What does Meridian feel are the key challenges of audio over HDMI?

2) If one feeds one's HDMI sources directly into a video processor (to enable input-specific calibration) and said video processor delays the audio to compensate for video processing latency, what implications might this have for audio over HDMI and clock recovery? My point is: Does Meridian need to get at the HDMI stream before anyone else messes with it? This clearly has implications for third-party compatibility.

3) Does Meridian consider an HDMI solution able to handle LPCM over HDMI adequate (distributed processing solution) or would the ability to decode bitstreams of the new "HD" formats also be required.

4) Does the architecture of the G6x/861 allow for eight-channel digital inputs? i.e. Are the current multi-channel inputs tied in firmware or hardware? Presumably increased processing power could be added to the 861 if required, but even if eight-channel inputs could be accepted by the G6x is there enough processing power in the G6x to handle eight channels?

5) Six-channel MHR was approved by the DVD forum, but the HDMI standard is maintained by a different body. Does Meridian foresee any problems with an potential extension of MHR to eight channels and application to audio transmitted over HDMI? For instance, a Meridian box that accepted HDMI and output HDMI (for video) and eight-channel MHR would seem an elegant solution.


Finally, I would also like clarification on the following question:

1) Is there an all-Meridian/Faroudja video solution which will allow the display of 24fps NTSC film material at a internal display rate that is a multiple of 24Hz. i.e. a 480i60 --> 1080p24 or 1080p48 judder reduction solution. If not, what is the possibility of enabling 480i over HDMI from Meridian DVD players?


Thanks in advance JK. Enjoy CES!
Joel

Stereo subwoofer outputs in the G68?

My suggestion: in M config the lip sync function is tricky to find, its at the first page in the 861/ G68 processor. I think this should be easier to find.

Would like a native macintosh version, but I really don't see why M would bother to do this, but I figure I might as well ask.

On their projectors, I think they should use a movable lens like Runco does.

The big question has been asked many times before: HDMI/ Next Gen formats? Any thoughts/ news they can share.

John, as usual- thank you and please pass along our best wishes to Bob and everyone at Meridian.

Happy New Year!!!
best regards,
Jerry