If custom install is the growing market they seem to think it is, and custom install is "demanding" media servers, the “880” will come sooner than we think.

For me, I don't think these are easy every day items and the issues of operating system convenience and backup are far from easy (OK raid, redundancy etc. can make life easier but at a cost - but then cost has never been a problem for Meridian I think). That`s not a problem for me; I like tinkering with this sort of thing, but for someone who has actually shelled out $thousands on an all house system having to re-boot the server to access something when it hangs will become a serious annoyance.

Wireless is the big buzzword at the moment but for quality music and video transmission wireless isn't ready yet. IMHO.

My fear and, I suspect the major problem for Meridian, is that this whole area of “entertainment” is changing so fast that it is hard for them to keep up if they are going to produce quality products that they will maintain and support many years into the future. The very features that attract many of us to the Meridian brand can actually become a millstone around their neck when the goalposts start moving as quickly as I think they are moving at the moment.

What was very clear from the visit is that Meridian are committed to quality in everything they do, that they are very clever, know what they are doing both technically and in business and that they want to grow the brand and the company significantly. I think we are in for an exciting ride over the next few years.

Regards

Chris

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