Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion Meridian - Systems 861v4 ten-channel support? (!)

The latest version (build 2978) of MConfig, the 861 supports two height channels in addition to the standard 7.1. In other words, ten independent channels in total. This configuration is not available for the G68.

Does this actually do anything or could this be in preparation for ten-channel 861 firmware?

Edit: And you can insert DSP8000s as your height channel speakers!

When are they going to provide full ambisonic capability? They are 30 speakers short of what's out there already:

http://www.msstate.edu/Fineart_Online/Backissues/Vol_16/faf_v16_n04/home.html

"The event will include ..... 32 channel / 40 speaker ambisonic sound system,"

More details of it here:

http://sparg.derby.ac.uk/SPARG/SPARG_Projects.asp#2

LOL Iwang, thats a really popular request here in the UK, 40 Cha Ambisonic.
I can see them lineing up at dealers for that.

Most people in the UK have never heard of it with 5 SPeakers.

Cheers, Chris

Let's see, forty DSP8000s at $50,000/pair = $1,000,000. Then of course you would need a room for them. How much are castles doing for these days?

Guys. Back on topic please!

Does anyone know if the height channels are implemented in 861v4.25 firmware or is the configuration option in MConfig a sign of things to come?

Thanks,
Joel

I purchased a G68ADV about two years ago becaused of the information in the Meridian literature and owner's manual that this kit would be capable of more than 8 analogue outputs with future software upgrades. Thus I would be very interested in the capabilities of the 861 V4 to produce height channels to expand the front soundstage. I would hope if the software is svailable for the 861 it would also be available for the G68 at some point in the future.

Ron

I agree Ron, but as a lowly (!) G-series owner I have no problem with the 861 getting the new functionality first. After all, it's one of the main reasons you pay for 800 series kit.

VK:

Appears your question is not getting answered - probably nobody knows. Perhaps what you are seeing are some early hints of 861v5? Height channels, HDMI input/output, discreet 7.1, new hirez codecs, etc.

One can only hope.

Simon

When we did my theater back in 03 we were told that M was considering implementing height channels for the front and maybe the rear. They felt that the best speakers they offered at the time was the 33s. We ran the wires for this and they are nice and ready..... 'come on Mothership!

best regards,
Jerry

When I built my theater in 2000 my Meridian dealer recommened and installed wiring for 2 front height channels. Nice to know that 7+ years later, I might actually get them.

There are no movie sources with height information, so this would need interpolating. I'm sure Meridian could do something interesting but I'm not sure I'd be immediately interested. There are music sources however (2+2 stuff?) so that could be more interesting.

Either way, it would mean getting "the men" back in to add support for two extra speakers and then getting those extra speakers. Not sure I like the idea of hanging extra DSP5500s off the wall/ceiling though!

I suppose the most exciting thing about this is that it seems that M are still working with the 861.

Mark

Mark

Hi,
What kind of freq. range and signal these channels are supposed to reproduce?
Are they supposed to be implemented in a digital layout only or both?
In case it's digital, maybe based on an axis style DSP?
Matrixed Fl and C for Hl and same process for the Hr with Fr and C, all of that topped with an axis setting?
Full range, "small" >80Hz? With the roll off setting 3kHz, 7kHz, 9kHz?
Whatever it'd be, very interested to know more.
If it's not critical strategic subject (read : future project or functionnality), would like very much to read some input from the Base...

Tchin!

juno