Preface:
Please take in context the tense of some of the HH Q&A. This originally started prior to shipment of the HD621, so bear with the "future" references in the document.
The HD621 (aka the Magic Box):Where to begin now that the product officially exists and has a projected shipping date of Q1 2009? It definitely works and works well from a sonic perspective. Meridian was demonstrating the H621 in their room with the 810 Reference Projector and feeding audio from a Sony BDP-S550. (That isn`t a tacit endorsement of the product, I think it was purchased in LV as a demo player with all of the right audio capabilities).
Sound quality? It was a "bad" room and still the sound quality was very good. There were no issues and no loss of lock (i.e. the relay click) when chapter skip was used. As ever, the clarity of reproduction was very, very good.
The HD621 is fully HDMI v1.3 compliant and supports a wide variety of video formats, deep color, video bandwidth up to 8.16Gbps and high-resolution audio up to 8channels of 192kHz 24bit.
In line with Meridian`s philosophy on upstream decoding and the requirements of BD 2.0, the HD621 encourages decode in the player and, in fact, has no lossy or lossless decoders enabled. The HD621 can pass DD, DTS or AAC streams for decoding downstream (e.g. in the Meridian processor), but DD+, Dolby TrueHD (MLP), DTS-HD, DTS-HD Master Audio must be decoded in the player.
Connections to M processors are via MHR (4x coax outputs) and MMHR (Cat5e cable). The MMHR connection (for example between HD621 and a Processor) is functionally different from the SpeakerLink connection from processor to loudspeaker This can be a bit confusing given the same physical connector is in use.
With respect to Cat5 for the audio signal, both JRS and RH indicate that their listening tests are extensive and that Cat5 via MMHR/SpeakerLink does sound better than coax. Since that connection is balanced (similar to, but different from AES/EBU) with the Cat5 wiring it is possible that the changeover from a Single-Ended to a balanced circuit is partly responsible for the sonic differences. It is only when listening tests are positive that a change is implemented.
The ability to connect to legacy products such as 568.2MM, 561/2 or older DSP speakers with this device is great news to all who own any of the appropriate products. It was said that they expect a large number of “bundled sales” i.e. the G61R + the HD621 at around US$10K was specifically mentioned. In addition, for many of us the concept of distributed processing is not exactly foreign. I have no issues with players decoding, especially on the lossless formats (Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio). These codecs both must produce the same bits the presented to the encoder so passing them along is not problematic. The problem area could well be with DD / DTS / DD+ / DTS-HD where Meridian`s considerable skills in eking the best possible sound from these lossy formats may not be brought to the table for Bluray although it is obviously possible to chose for other sources.
HDMI / HD 621 What plans (if any) are there to provide an HDMI card update for G-series controllers or will this be covered with the "magic box" everyone is referring to?Meridian feels very strongly that the highest-quality system architecture maintains the maximum separation between digital video and the audio playback chain and that the optimal architecture is to decode within the player and passing these signals along to the HD621. This will give the best possible results for playback. For this reason we prefer the HD621 architecture and also to decouple the technology paths of video and audio to protect our customers` investments in Meridian.
What are the decoding capabilities of the HD621?Currently, the HD621 does no decoding. It is intended to offer resolution enhancement plus jitter reduction. The cascaded FIFOs that are encountered as the signal passes from HD621 to G68 and potentially, to a set of DSP loudspeakers, are all of different design and the end result is vanishingly low jitter.
Will the HD621 ever receive decoding abilities allowing the downstream processor to perform the upsampling?This is only an issue if the source product cannot decode the bitstream (rare) and at the moment there is no decoding inside HD621. You can achieve upsampling in the surround processor now by disabling it in HD621 but it is preferable to upsample and engage MHR at the earliest opportunity by upsampling in HD621. Currently the HD621 offers resolution enhancement and 1x ? 2x upsampling (assuming the receiving end is HDMI 1.1 capable). In the event that a 4x signal is presented it is carefully downsampled to 2x.
How will the Music/Movie layout metadata will be handled/configured in the HD621?At this time, it is based on algorithmic detection with a best guess for the movie/music based on the detected content and metadata on the HDMI link. It is possible that this could be configurable as well.
Will the 621 have six HDMI sinks or one?The HD621 has two sinks grouped into three ports per sink.
Sooloos acquisition & Servers How do you intend to integrate Sooloos into the Meridian lineup? - Quickly and beautifully!
- The initial round of changes involved significant software updates to complete Version 2.
Version 2 has a nicely extended UI; great added data-driven and UI features; cool desktop applications for PC and MAC (including backup, remote access and iTunes import/export).
Significantly the Sooloos audio processing chain has been re-architected to enhance resolution. It also now can support HiRez imports (88/96/24) and more formats (including ALAC and AAC as well as FLAC and MP3). It gets a nice step up in sound quality. (Sooloos software updates are free).
Control:10 has more power and the necessary connectivity, software and UI changes to control existing Meridian kit.
What plans (if any) exist to bring multi-channel audio capability to the Sooloos system?It is an interesting future possibility and the Sooloos architecture does not block this as a possibility. Version 2 allows for the storage and playback of DTS streams to an external decoder.
Video server?This was shown at CEDIA as on the roadmap for future products / enhancements. For competitive reasons this is an area in which we want to make ‘No Comment at this time`.
What plans (if any) are there to update the current remote control and provide either backlit keys or use the upcoming portable touch screen for Sooloos?The MSR+ had a virtual upgrade to backlight some years ago
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(The question baffled M slightly as the existing MSR+ already has backlit keys). For the second half of the question, please refer to the first question in this grouping. (If you can`t see a backlight change the battery and then contact support if necessary).
WISH--HIRES server for Audio-maybe later also video.Please see earlier answers.
Generic software: What plans (if any) are there to update system software via Ethernet instead of serial port. Preferably via a web interface and/or provide native Apple OSX, in addition to Window?For Sooloos products this capability exists today. The Sooloos products support update, management, maintenance and reporting across the internet. Meridian is always looking at future options to enhance other products` capabilities. In some cases, connection via the server can offer a solution.
With respect to the OSX option, M reports that they have successfully tested MConfig running as a virtual machine under Parallels software. That is about as close to "native" Mac support as they are likely to get.
Also, will an Ethernet card upgrade be made available for the current G-series and 8-series?Meridian is always trying to improve their products but does not preannounce hardware upgrades.
DSP Loudspeakers: What plans (if any) and this one is for JerryL as well, are there to finally introduce in-wall DSP speakers and the elusive G46 controller. Will it be possible to provide an upgrade path, ie. analogue to digital without replacing the entire speaker?The DSP420 is a DSP in-wall loudspeaker. The 3xx series of loudspeakers won`t have an upgrade to built-in DSP because of regulatory issues. With respect to the G46, this product should not have been shown and is unlikely to see the light of day in that form.
JK sez: If we're talking about going from the active version of the in-walls to a DSP version of the in-walls there should be no need to change anything. The analogue active and the digital active are going to differ in how the split from the "full range" signal is accomplished but in the end it is still an "n-way" device.
Wireless DSP speakers INDEPENDENT of server solutions?Since no practical means yet exists to deliver power over the ether a truly wireless loudspeaker is impossible to deliver as per this request. Meridian considers high-resolution audio delivery over WiFi to be an inferior idea. Delivery is neither robust nor sample-accurate in time and struggles to carry HiRez audio and therefore is unlikely at the moment to offer the very high audio quality Meridian seeks.
FAQ for DSP speaker setup with PRACTICAL explanations like axis,tilt ....?The DSP6000 manual has this information. If you download the manual (free of charge) they believe that this will provide the practical explanations being sought.
Why M don`t make a SW routine/program that that decision is done either automatic or load specific MFU files for a chain like that?We are not clear what a "chain like that" is.
Which DSP speakers are production-capable of upsampling from lower sample rates to 88.2 or 96?All current loudspeaker models (with the exception of the DSP420) are capable of 1x - 2x upsampling.
Do Meridian processors send 22-bits to "18-bit" DSP speakers?Not since circa 1990. All current loudspeakers are capable of 24-bit and the loudspeaker deals with any word the processors send them..
In HS=No mode, do Meridian processors send 24-bits to 96/24 DSP speakers?The processors always send 24-bits; there are no word size reductions.
Meridian exhaustively test their DSP speakers and of course the room will have a major impact upon the sound. But have they established for each model minimum and optimum distances from back and side walls?This question is not considered to be answerable by Meridian due to the large numbers of variables involved in rooms, acoustic treatment etc.
Can M. confirm whether or not non-current DSPs will be included in any firmware with apodizing filters- esp. 7000's?As shocking as this sounds, Meridian cannot announce plans for potential future product enhancements. Our ongoing policy is to issue improvements to existing products where they have the capability to support the improvement.
Which Meridian DSP speakers upsample 44.1/48kHz signals? The whole 96/24 range or just the recent (3100, 5200, 7x00, 8000) speakers? See previous question.
F80 and AD88: Existing DAB stations use the MP2 codec. It's old technology and is inefficient. In February 2007, DAB+ was released, based on the AAC+ codec which is approximately 2x more efficient than MP2. Note that this date is *before* the F80 release. As things stand and according to that wonderful source of sometimes accurate information - Wikipedia - Italy, Malta, Switzerland have started transmitting DAB+ stations. Hungary is due to launch DAB+ stations in 2008 and Australia and Germany are planning to launch DAB+ in 2009. The radio industry in the UK is expecting DAB+ stations to launch between 2010 - 2013, and podcast services using the DAB+ format will be launched in the UK in 2009.What about F80/AD88?Only Australia and Switzerland are currently supporting DAB+. The BBC is unlikely to change their massive installed base. To control this issue, the F80 has not been released in a locale where the DAB+ market may be a major factor. Meridian does continue to monitor the market and should such a change be worthwhile, it will be considered. Another factor is the radio band of transmission.
So... Assuming that the F80 does not support the DAB+ (there is no DAB+ logo anywhere that I can see), will the F80 be upgradable and will this be a firmware or hardware upgrade? How much will it cost? The F80 is a portable - take it on holiday - unit and DAB+ is here now. I am likely to make another F80 purchase, but I will not be buying another F80 until this is clarified.The F80 was not designed with any planned HW upgrade path. FW would not help as the current chipset only supports DAB. Currently there seem to be very slow uptake on DAB+ and to move too early would be a waste of our time and still leave the customers uncertain. In any case, one can never have too many F80s, so don`t let this slow down buying another - after all there are 8 lovely colours.
And while they are at the F80 upgrade game, why not introduce a supercharged version with apodizing filters (and greater processing MIPS?)This is an interesting suggestion and one that had never even been considered to this point.
And how about a special edition in blue, not to reflect the world economy but able to play BluRay 3.0 protocol? JRS indicates that M had lobbied very strongly with the Blu-ray community to allow for the possibility of an Audio-only Blu-ray. This is somehow or another being interpreted as BD 3.0. In fact, it now looks as though BD 3.0 will cover 3-D.
At CEDIA 2008, Bob stated that the F80 does not have any FIFO buffering. Not even internally off the ROM drive? Does the F80 have a PLL on its optical input? (just trying to gauge the criticality of jitter when feeding the F80 optically with other sources).The F80 is not built to the same architecture as the mainstream audio components. So there is no FIFO buffering off of the CD drive, although the playback uses successive buffers. There is a PLL circuit on the TOSLink input.
Please, the filter update! (i.e. provide across more of the product lineup)?Where/when we can this has been rolling out over the range..
If you have non-apodizing sources and apodizing speakers, should you turn off upsampling in your G6x/861? i.e. Are there any benefits of processing at high speed in the processor if you are using digital outputs to upsampling and apodizing DSP speakers?This is a complex question and we would need to do some specific listening tests to determine the correct answer to each combination. We suspect that as long as you use MHR wherever possible, then upsampling should happen wherever in the chain the earliest apodiser is.
Does apodizing in speakers outweigh any such benefits?Fundamentally it does not matter where the apodizing filter is engaged it is beneficial so long as it is applied in the signal chain.
In the case where you know that apodizing has not been performed by a Meridian product, is it worthwhile and/or wise to add a "force apodize" mode for material already coming in at 2x sampling rates? Presumably this would be dangerous if and when apodizing is eventually performed at the mastering stage?This is a good philosophical question and it is impossible to give the answer. Not out of a coy reply, they said that it was simply impossible to tell but it would be important to know if the material had already been upsampled (in metadata or flags).
Hypothetically speaking, if a source upsamples without apodizing (and does it well), could downsampling in a Meridian processor and subsequent apodizing in the speaker improve the sound quality?If the question is being interpreted correctly, the answer is "yes" and the results may come very close to being indistinguishable from a 2x source.
Are there any significant hardware differences between the G08 and G08.2 apart from the slot loading ROM drive? Is the G08 hardware capable of apodizing upsampling?Meridian indicated that the drive change is itself quite significant. Apart from this, there are no significant changes from a hardware perspective. The G08 is capable.
At CEDIA 2008, Bob stated "The apodizing process occurs wherever the upsampling happens (as long as the upsampler has that function). To date this is offered in players and 'speakers but it will eventually be rolled out through the range". Please would he clarify if "the range" includes both the 861v4 and G6x processors?Bob feels that "the range" was in and of itself quite clear, especially to someone sufficiently proficient in English to include the leading apostrophe (in ‘speakers). I take that to mean that the 861v4 and G68 have this potential. I`m not as sure about the G61.
Are there sufficient MIPS on the digital receiver cards in the 861v4 and G68 to perform six channels of apodizing upsampling? What about the G61R?See previous response for 861 and G68.
Does Bob still believe (as stated in his "Coding High Quality Digital Audio" paper) that a 20/52 rectangular channel (or noise-shaped equivalent) is required for complete transparency or has the work on apodizing changed this view? Specifically, it appears that there is now more evidence that it is the reduction in time-smearing which accounts for the anecdotal benefits of high speed sampling. With apodizing upsampling filters, have ideal channel requirements changed?There is no change to the requirements for the ideal rectangular channel. Bob`s AES paper from 2004 covers this topic in great detail.
Apodizing filters also on hires material/sources (i.e. are they of value)?While they do have some value, they are nowhere near as critical at 2x and higher as they are at 1x. This is due to the fact that the ringing frequency (caused by the filter transition) is definitely supersonic at 2x and above , normally above tweeter response and the pre-echo is shorter.
Apodizing filter upgrade on 8k >> why not FULLY(hardware) upgrade-the OWNER have to DECIDE if its too expensive or not (not Mr. Stuart-sorry)?Meridian may consider this as a future possibility. The cost to do so could be high.
If M don`t want to publish for competition reasons - looking at the digital path from the source to the speaker in a WHOLE digital way (like800/861/8k) on which state the dejitter, upsampling, dithering, apodizing processes are optimally applied.Dejittering needs to be done at every stage in the chain. This is mandatory for the best possible sonic results. Upsampling and apodizing should be done in one long DSP operation. This is true regardless of where the operation occurs. This allows for optimization of the results and only a single re-dithering step instead of two. Dithering (actually re-dithering) occurs in any step where the audio data is altered.
Is Meridian`s apodising filter unique?There seems to be confusion about our filters and between apodising and minimum phase filtering. As to the latter, apodising and minimum/linear/maximum phase are independent attributes. As to how it compares to anything else out there we have this answer. “The original paper on apodising (Peter Craven) arose from a commissioned study by Meridian`s Bob Stuart who suspected that there were classes of filters better suited to HiRez and/or to recovering CD audio. Since we ‘invented` the process we also know the criteria to apply to a design. The specific technologies used in Meridian`s products are certainly unique because we apply a combination of criteria (which we will not reveal) and a cascade of processes (which we will also not reveal). Suffice it to say that we make final design choices by listening and keeping an open mind.
Now where are those apodizing filters?
Audio Processors Where does the G61R have less MIPS than the G68? What limitations and reduced functionality exist in the G61R vs. the G68? (e.g. Is there a reduced number of MRC filters? Is there a reduced amount of available lipsync correction). Are there any other software differences between the G61R and G68?The G61R has the same number of MIPs. The reduced functionality in the G61R is strictly in I/O s and connectivity to the downstream components.
The 861v4 is superior to the G68 in terms of its flexibility, quality of componentry, and presumably case layout, but what functional differences (such as height channel support) exist in software between the 861v4 and G68?This question actually sums it up fairly well. There is no height support in G68.
Would there be any problem if you placed a pair of stereo "side" subs at the front (using an 861v4 or G6x)?Keep in mind that in MConfig the subwoofer placement at the sides of the room was done to make the graphics clean and easy to understand for connectivity. It is not intended to be representative of actual subwoofer placement.
Update for room correction-> no full automatic setup ( option for edit LATER manually if still needed)?Meridian is always looking to enhance the functionality and features of their products.
861 or 800 ---USB input-("lower " model have it.......)There are no immediate plans - but as always M is always considering potential enhancements to their products.
Is there any way to display the audio bit rate when feeding a DD/DTS bitstream into an 861v4 or G6x processor? Ditto bit depth for all PCM and bitstream inputs.The DD/DTS bitrate is theoretical possible to display. Incoming PCM bitdepth is hard to determine in real time.
Does Meridian periodically re-consider HDCD support? This may be a naive suggestion, but it seems like a potentially "easy win" for Meridian.Only in nightmares. Meridian considers HDCD to be a bad solution, and they aren`t much in favor or propogating bad solutions in their products.
Although we are (sadly) facing reduction in dynamic range in many/most non-classical releases, does Meridian see any merit in providing its own low boost / high cut compression for all sources? i.e. For late night listening. This would be appropriate for well mastered CD, vanilla DTS and PCM decoded from the the newer advanced audio codecs, as well as Dolby Digital bitstreams. It is not a top priority for Meridian to add such a feature but we have interesting technology.
Does Meridian care to discuss the ability to get discrete 7.1 into 861/G68?The ability to bring in discrete 7.1 is really all about the content (or lack thereof). Adding the capability is defintely well worth considering but given the current dearth of product with 7.1 re-mixing in the market it is not a high priority item just now. We see remarkably little 7.1 content coming through MLP encoding.
Is there a timeline for bringing apodizing filters to the 861?All good things come to those who wait.
Does Meridian anticipate future processors will have the functionality of the new magic box built in or is it intended to always be the case to need two boxes to get HDMI audio in - I'm guessing no comment to this.Meridian is aiming for optimal sonic results. Putting such functionality into the audio processor does not provide optimal sonic results. But we never say never ( and we never indicate maybe).
Is it planned that future processors will retain the standard DSP outputs as well as presumably incorporating speakerlink and will they be able to use a combination of both == or == is it more likely that the current speakerlink converter will be always be necessary when using a combination of old and new products?We tend not to alert our competition to product plans.
Can Meridian add a Trifield variant to the Movie Layout so we can have more than one speaker layout with Trifield? Call it something like "Concert Mode". This allows folks to switch between 1 sub, 2 subs, crossovers, Center etc. for Trifield. This is a very interesting suggestion, but it had not been raised as a possibility (at least to M) prior to this question. Bob thinks it should be on the wish list.
As requested previously, please would Meridian consider giving us direct (remote/RS232) access to switch Music/Movie/2/6 modes.We will get back on this.
Is there an easy way to measure the word length of the part of the signal that actually contains information? Meridian has very cool tools for doing this that were developed as part of the MLP and content authoring projects. It is not easy to do in real-time. However it is not important for the processor to know this information unless the LSBs are used to carry non-audio signaling (e.g. buried data or HDCD).
Greater than 8-channel support:- Can we please have an update from M re. using two subs, independent of each other. ie. separate sides of the room in a 7.2 set-up?
- 7.2 channel request, more popular than usually objected I believe?
- Will there be an update for the Configuration Program to support 7.2 from the 861?
JK: I lumped these 3 "Variations on a Theme from Paganini" together intentionally. I can tell you that until M has implemented > 8 channels support you can't get 7.2. MConfig usually is either equal to, or slightly ahead of delivered capabilities.
Meridian`s official answer is that they still can`t discuss any future product plans.
Video and Audio Players: I know Meridian does not comment on future products, so I have one on an allegedly cancelled product :-) Did Meridian have a HD-DVD player in development and how far was it from release ?Infinitely far from release as it was never out there. There were preliminary discussions about the possibility of pursuing this path but nothing ever came of the discussions.
Future of 800 - Big money spend and now ???-no second drive-HMDI-no future....Meridian feels that the 800 is still the best DVD player with no peer for audio quality. We have not enabled a second drive, but 800 has an HDMI output.
Support of DVD-A ?For the time being, DVD-A support will continue with the 800.
800 future concern also.The 800 DVD machine is intended to continue on in the Meridian product lineup until we remove it (i.e. Meridian refuses to comment on future product policy).
I won't really go in the 800 HD upgrade solution query, but if we can't get a B drive, may we get a B slot wireless HD solution in case? Like a Soloos HDAV client module in a 5"1/4 form factor. Richard Hollinshead nearly jumped out of the hotel`s window when reading this question initially in a state of absolute panic. Seriously though, it is not realistic to get this into the required form factor (a 5.25” drive).
We were promised a standby indicator for the 808.2. Is there any date for this please? Firmware supporting this and a few other enhancements is currently in test. With the Sooloos acquisition this was pushed onto the back burner.
Is there ever going to be an update for any DVD players to allow 480i and 576i over HDMI ?.Not in the foreseeable future.
When accepting digital signals, does the 808i.2 apodize and upsample or simply pass through to the DSP speakers? Ditto analogue after conversion to digital? Apodize and upsampling occur regardless of source (providing it is at 1x rate).
Can you please ask Bob about the FUTURE of 800The 800 has recently been offered in a graphite finish which is proving to be popular.
800D firmware to be put on the download site.The 800 firmware upgrades are too complex and M doesn`t want you to have a lovely brick in the event of an error. As such, this will remain something that M must do.
Video Processors:I would like to know the status on the Meridian MVP6080 which was shown on CES 2007.This is a rather accusatory question, but the gist of it is this: Has Meridian dropped this idea of frame-rate interpolation and, if not, why are they be looking to "improve" on what the Director saw/intended (rotating wagon wheels is the obvious example, as Bob used it himself at HH1) when for audio, transparency and faithful reproduction of the original is their goal? There are no immediate plans to release the MVP 6080.
Amplification: My understanding is that the C50 employs the same amplification as the G95. What is the possibility that a G-Series version could be made available - a G50, if you will? This would not only match the same slim-line form-factor as the G61R, but would also provide a 5.1 bi-amplified capability that is not available on the G55. In essence, would this 'simply' be a matter of dropping the electronics of the C50 into the case of a G56 - or is it much more complicated than this? This is the first such request and Meridian has not considered what would be required to do something like this.
Remotes Could we get a 2-way remote that can display processor status (input, volume, DSP, etc.)Meridian still won`t comment on any potential future products.
Same question for BluRay - 800 series, G seriesShockingly, this too is in the "future products" territory for which the answer is the already firmly established "no comment".
- OK, it's something of a minutial (is there such a word) point, but would it be too much to ask for replacement source buttons for MSR+ that say 'SACD', 'DVD-A' and 'BluRay'. Kind of sick of the bits of masking tape!
- Simon - seconded. I have already spoken to the mothership navigation team to no avail. Optionally get blanks engraved at a jewellery shop and paint in with enamel.
- Extra MSN+ keys with "Lights" and "Screen" on it.
We could change the combinations. Anybody want to run a poll of what the spares should be? Blank keys come with the MSR+.
I'd love to be able to control my G68 and iTunes (or Sooloos!) from a single remote. Is Meridian considering introducing an iPhone/iPod Touch remote control application to control Meridian surround sound processors like the one for Sooloos? If so, when can we expect it? If not, why not? Thanks. Nice idea. Meridian still cannot comment on any potential future products.
General: Can we re-stress our interest in another HH day - perhaps with the emphasis on getting the most out of our current systems if new products / direction is not available for a public showing - we could always have another one for that 
... & I presume getting the best from MRC & understanding the pros & cons of upsampling/apodising will not change with coming new products.We are expecting to hold a HH day in July (2009!). Thanks for the suggestions for activities.
Why now CD as the carrier-- why not DVD-A or DVD_V both have better specs and the customer ALREADY bought the Equipment ?The reason we are placing major efforts behind CD playback is THAT is where the content IS for music lovers. Sadly, Meridian cannot control what formats are made available for purchase.
Regarding the thread "statement of Bob Stuart for AES" Clear statement from Mr. Stuart is necessary Can we have the statement-script to understand?Meridian is considering making this available on the website.
Any plans to support OSX fully with native applications? See earlier answers.
Does SpeakerLink give a better sound than using a coaxial spdif connection?Meridian indicated an affirmative on this question.
Does SpeakerLink give a better sound than using a coaxial MHR connection?Meridian indicated an affirmative on this question.
JK Editorializing here: It was interesting to hear Bob and Richard discuss listening tests and only going forward after any particular enhancement passed listening tests. Listening tests were mentioned on several occasions - I don`t know what their listening tests conditions are, but I did find this fascinating.
DSP Algorithms and speaker settings:It is important to note that Meridian believes that much of the information that is being asked about in this section is a part of the DSP6000 loudspeaker manual. The DSP 6000 manual is available for download from Meridian.
Axis Settings. Several of us have expressed our inability to detect changes using different Axis settings. How much is the tweeter "moved" up and down with each increment? Is the ability to hear changes dependent on distance from the loudspeaker to the listening position? Is the difference extremely subtle or should it be readily apparent? Should the entire soundstage sound as if it were moved up and down? Is there something special we should listen for to determine whether a change in Axis is beneficial or detrimental? Is the Axis setting operational for horizontal center speakers? Should the Axis be set the same across all speakers? For those of us with horizontal central speakers whose tweeter height is above or below the tweeter height of the left/right speakers, is it possible to adjust the Axis setting of the center channel speaker only to "move" the tweeter up and down so that the height all the tweeters appears to be the same? Do you have any tips for us?The Axis setting is used for bringing the loudspeaker into the best focus, i.e. getting the driver integration at the listening position "just so" as well as slightly modifying the timbre to the user`s preferences. The result should be obvious on fine natural recordings and if the system is operating correctly. Do not expect much effect from horizontal speakers. Yes, all speakers should be the same, but this control has little impact on surrounds. Try listening while sitting on the floor to get an idea of changes.
Trifield Width Settings. Several of us have expressed our inability to detect changes, or only detect very subtle changes, using different Width settings in Trifield. Many of us remember having heard readily discernible changes in the past. We raised this issue in the past and you advised us that there was no change in the code which would lead to this result, and said that you would schedule a listening test as time permitted. Have you had an opportunity to do a listening test to confirm that the Width setting is working as it should, and if so, what were your results? Do you have any thoughts as to why we may be experiencing this issue? Is the subtlety or magnitude of the effect of the Width settings affected by the distance between the speakers and/or between the speakers and the listening position, and if so, how? Do you have any tips for us?This multiple part question raised some concern with M -- they are actually going back to the code to validate that (in fact) nothing has changed in the Trifield code. These changes should be noticeable and they want to make sure that an unexpected result is coming out of the Trifield algorithm. For example, Width 0 == Mono.
Trifield Depth Settings. Several of us have noticed that with every incremental change in the Depth setting in Trifield the sound from the center speaker appears to be in-phase, then out-of-phase, then in-phase, then out-of-phase. Is this normal behavior?There are certain pathological signals that can cause this perceptually. One of the most noticeable places this would occur is on an HF hiss (pink or white noise). It should not be noticeable on music material. The correct setting will be apparent as the image focuses.
Instructional Materials for Setting Up Various Surround Sound Music Mode Settings Do you have any instructional materials on how to optimally set up the various music surround sound mode settings other than that which is set forth in the product manuals. For example, do you have any training materials for dealers on the subject which you would be willing to share with us?We don`t have it at this time but we are feeding this back to our training teams.
What does the axis control actually do on a centre speaker? Does it delay the tweeter by the same amount as the L/R speakers?Vertical centers behave like the L/R variants. Horizontal centers do modify the delay in very small increments, and it is in amounts that are appropriate for each loudspeaker type.
Does Trifield work properly with no centre speaker? Clarifying: I would ask will the Trifield DSP preset still provide a front stereo image and rear ambience with 4.x or 6.x speakers and no center.If the processor is configured for no centre then the Trifield and Music modes will do the right thing vis-à-vis stereo and surrounds.
Oh and while we are at it does Trifield with a center alter the front left and right speakers (i.e. does it subtract info to place in center or rears).Yes. This is required to maintain the balance and distribution in the recording.
Future products: 800/861 Road Map?As is expected, Meridian has no comment on this question/request.
800/861 update to decode external DD bit streams AND to upscale them to 24/96.This is not currently planned for either product.
800 HDMI input cardThis is not a planned enhancement to the 800 DVD machine. See earlier answers on HD621.
800/861 Discrete 7.1 supportThis has already been asked and answered.
Will you ever consider something like a G18 in the future? Could you add more knobs to the 518 features that are currently built into the G68/861. Like more of the 518 shapes, flat etc. This seems like a huge competitive advantage Meridian has and is known for that's not fully taken advantage of?518 doesn`t have any knobs
We agree there is an enthusiast interest in this; in fact we recently built a few 518 to meet pent-up demand. However we don`t have specific product plans.
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Excellent question. Mind you, with HD DVD on a comeback in China, perhaps Bob won't be able to comment!