Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion Meridian - Systems 598 / 568 V2 introduced today

Mr. Doody,

Don't forget that you have two inputs on the 568 as well.

So you would have 4 in use on the 562, leaving 3 for 5.1 bypass input.

With respect to multi-channel digital standards, Mitsubishi's marketing campaign notwithstanding, the future is unclear as to whether it would be Firewire or DVI. I think DVI would be a better solution, but others would disagree I'm sure.

Regards,

John,

While there may be technical reasons for not be able to add 5.1 input, such as internal configuration, I believe there is the physical space. Click here for an example. I was even able to add two other sets of analog inputs. I agree that it would take more redesign than reassigning current inputs, but the physical space is there.

Mits is in for a world of hurt with their 1394 input. Unless they add support for MPEG4, their customers are going to be SOL.

MPEG4 is superior to MPEG2 in every way and lets hope it becomes the standard for HD-DVD. We have done tests at work with MPEG4 vs. MPEG2. We can enocde MPEG4 at 2-3 Mb that are equal to or better than MPEG2 at 7-8 Mb.

dwp,

The image has been altered, moving the video inputs over towards the center of the unit.

This could be a very minor item, it could be a drastic redesign of the chassis.

Regardless, modifying the back panel image with an image editor is a bit easier than redesigning the unit.

We haven't even touched on the space required for additional A/D convertors which isn't seen in the back panel shots

Lest we forget there's a hell of a lot going in that has nothing to do with the back panel.

Regards,

John,

Agreed, I have no idea what internal changes would need to be made, if it is even possible, or if Meridian is even considering 5.1 analog. My original point was that the 562 is a lot more crowded than the 568. I did not see how it would be possible to add 6 more inputs to the 562, but changing functions is certainly a possibility.

But it seems to be moot, anyway, at least for this upgrade.

I suppose if the demand where there, they could build and external box with both SmartLink and 6-channel ananlog inputs. This box could then switch between the two and pass a single SmartLink to the 568.2.

that's a smart idea stacey.

though i don't know that you could make real money on it given the tiny volume of 861 V3s and upgraded 568s that are likely to be out there, even a year from now.

doody.

For an 861 it makes no sense because they have multichannel analog input cards. Perhaps they can build an external box to house a multichannel input card.

dpw,

You are completely missing my point.

There are 7 analog inputs on the 562. I am proposing that instead of 7 discrete inputs, it be changed over so that 3 of the stereo analog inputs become the 6 channel input, leaving 4 inputs for stereo sources.

This would mean software changes, and the addition of DACs, but not back panel changes.

Regards,

John,

I understand your point and agree completely. Now if Meridian will agree ...

...interesting, I'm sure the guys in Huntingdon will be monitoring reaction and more importantly sales figures.

However, they may also be wondering what it takes to create a happy customer having no doubt spent the last few months working their butts off to get the latest products out in the 6 or so configs currently published......then seeing the comments about wanting more !!!

Don't get me wrong, we (the customers) should be highlighting the next set of requirements for their consideration, but, normally we moan when we don't have the next product for months/years.

Be happy, someone go raid the piggy bank and tell me how the 598/568.2 actually perform (wish I could but it'll have to be an upgrade rather than trade-in and buy new)

Has anyone ordered yet ?

Rgds

Nick

I was able to make a deal and will trade in my 568 for a v2 model.
However, since the shipping date is still not clear here (the Netherlands) I'm not sure when this will happen.

Coming back to 5.1 analogue inputs:
Since the multichannel link is a separate board in the 568, it should be possible to feed either a triple digital feed or a 5.1/7.1 analogue feed over the link. This would require adding A/D converters to the card, but would not require extra room on the back panel.
And since the current 568 has a lot of empty space inside this should physically be possible.
An added advantage would be that it could be done as a 'simple' replacement of the current multichannel board.

But this is all academic for the moment.
I will start by enjoying my 568v2 once it arrives and worry about DVD-A when (if?) there are any releases on it I cannot do without.

Regards,
Mark