Meridian Announces DVD-Audio Player & Digital Surround Processor With Digital Multichannel Interconnection, Multimedia Controller

7-Aug-02

Meridian Audio Limited has announced three new introductions. The first is the Meridian 598 DVD-Audio Player, which follows the flagship 800 Series DVD player version 3. The second is the model 568.2 Digital Surround Processor, and finally, the 562V.3 Multimedia Controller for signal selection and routing of video, analog audio, and digital audio.One important feature is common to the 598 DVD-Audio Player and 568.2 Digital Surround Processor, each of which feature Meridian's proprietary MHR Smart Link interconnection, an encrypted digital multichannel conduit that permits DVD-Audio and other multichannel digital signals to be transferred securely between components. (Smart Link is currently the only DVD Forum-approved system of multichannel transfer.)Meridian 598 DVD-Audio PlayerThe 598 draws upon several technologies on which Meridian pioneered in the 800 Series. In addition to the Smart Link option, the standard 598 plays DVD-Audio, DVD-Video, audio CD, Video CD, and MP3 CD discs plus several hybrid formats, and accepts all popular formats of recordable CD media. The 598 delivers video quality through the use of matched-phase video filters and a studio-grade video encoder. Relying upon a professional-grade DVD-ROM and proprietary Meridian disc navigation and control software, the model 598 is available in three basic versions (there are additional variants of each). The 598 DP includes proprietary Smart Link, which consists of six-channel digital outputs, as well as progressive-scan component video output on BNC jacks with DCDiô technology from Faroudja. The 598 AS duplicates the 598 DS, without Smart Link and with six analog audio outputs in place of the six-channel digital outs. All three variants include RS-232 and Meridian-Comms ports for system control, and PCM/bitstream digital outputs.Meridian 568.2 Digital Surround ProcessorDrawing on technology from Meridian's model 861, the 568.2 Digital Surround Controller offers Meridian's Smart Link option, which permits the 568.2 to accept digital multichannel data from compatible sources such as the 598 DVD-Audio player.The 568.2's abilities extend further, due to a new DSP engine comprised of no fewer than five hardware devices and employing 48-bit precision. When listening to a conventional stereo audio CD, the 568.2's advanced DSP upsamples and enhances resolution. When combined with a source such as the 598 DVD player or 800, the Smart Link connection transfers the signal to full-resolution. The 568.2's DSP power can work to upsample and enhance each of the six channels transported digitally, via Smart Link, of a DVD movie's DolbyÆ Digital or DTSÆ soundtrack, to 96 kHz/24-bit resolution.The THXÆ-certified 568.2's playback options include Trifield, Ambisonics, Music, and Super Stereo DSP modes -- among several others -- and a range of industry-standard formats including Dolby Digital, DTS, THX Surround EXô, MPEG, and Meridian EZ, plus Ambisonics and MPEG music decoding capabilities. The 568.2 provides five digital (in addition to Smart Link) and two stereo analog inputs. Fully configurable, eight-channel output is present in both digital and analog formats, the former for use, typically, with Meridian Digital Loudspeakers in a Meridian Digital Theatre system. The three main front analog outputs are also provided in balanced audio form on XLR jacks, and there is single video input/output path in both composite and S-video formats.Meridian 562V.3 Multimedia ControllerThe model 562V.3 Multimedia Controller provides features which extend input, output and control from a simple two-channel stereo system.Meridian has added two-source, component video switching, as well as inputs for six composite and four S-video sources. Video sources are available from main video outputs in each of the three video formats, as well as from each of S-video and composite tape (record) video outputs.An array of analog and digital audio inputs and outputs are also provided by the 562V.3. There are seven stereo analog audio inputs (on RCA jacks), each with adjustable sensitivity; and high-performance MM and MC phono preamp modules, which can be optionally specified to transform one input to a high-end phonograph preamplifier. Seven digital inputs -- five on coaxial cable RCA jacks and two on Toslink optical ports -- are fully compatible with Meridian High Resolution (MHR) sources, up to 24-bit resolution and 32-96 kHz sampling rates, as well as with bitstream outputs from A/V sources such as DVD players or satellite/DTV tuners. Audio output is via a main stereo analog RCA jack output pair, and a single coaxial digital output. There are also a coax digital tape output and two analog stereo tape outs for recording components; alternatively, these can be configured to serve a Meridian ""two-room-plus"" multiroom layout.The 562V.3 incorporates dual Meridian Comms ports, dual DC trigger outputs, and an RS-232 serial port.Meridian Audio continues to remain at the forefront of technology, consistently offering unparalleled upgradeability for all components to their customers as technology and formats change. Meridian 598 DVD-Audio Player:598 DP: digital outputs only, progressive scan video or interlaced video on componentSuggested retail: $5,695598 DC: digital outputs only, interlaced video on componentSuggested retail: $5,195598 AP: analog outputs only, progressive scan video or interlaced video on componentSuggested retail: $5,995598 AC: analog outputs only, interlaced video on componentSuggested retail: $5,495Meridian 568.2 Digital Surround Processor: 568.2MM: updated 568 with new DSP & functions, includes multichannel input moduleSuggested retail: $7,745568.2: updates 568 with new DSP & functions, does not include multichannel input moduleSuggested retail: $6,995Meridian 562V.3 Multimedia Controller: Updated 562V with component switching, digital tape optical removed, otherwise same as 562V.2Suggested retail: $2700

For more information, visit www.meridian-audio.com.

Read More:
http://www.meridian-audio.com