Specifications

Bob Stuart answers Questions about the Meridian 598
Page 10
52 Why two digital outputs?
The 598 has sophisticated down-sampling DSP so it is possible to feed different playback
systems with normal rate (44.1/48kHz) or double-speed (88.2/96kHz) digital audio. In
addition, the Meridian 598 supports MHR and this can be used with either socket. See Q. 15.
This main output can be configured as multichannel or stereo, and in each case the 598 will
attempt to provide the most compatible signal at the highest audio quality.
The additional 2-channel output allows you to make both multichannel and stereo (or decoded
PCM and bitstream) connections between 598 and 568.2. Alternatively the 2-channel output
can feed a second zone.
53 What is smart about MHR Smart Link?
MHR Smart Link is a new and very exciting addition to the capability of Meridian systems. The
Main outputs of 598 and the multichannel inputs on 568.2 and 861 support this new feature.
This link allows a considerable amount of information – metadata – to be carried with the
audio on our custom digital connections.
In a 598– 568.2 connection this signalling is used to indicate the number of active channels in
the source material and the form of original coding on the disc (e.g. Dolby Digital, DTS,
MPEG, MLP etc). The surround decoder uses this information to automatically select the best
surround decoder Preset, speaker array (i.e. number, use and position of speakers), etc for
the current disc.
Now you need no longer concern yourself with how to adjust 568.2 or 861 to make the
optimum rendering as you swap discs in the player! See Q. 64.
54 Has 598 got a headphone socket?
No.
55 Can I record from my 598?
You can record audio from analogue outputs (if fitted). If you want to make a digital audio
recording then the 2-channel output can be used providing you turn MHR off in the setup
configuration. This selection switches off encryption at the output but the 598 will follow copy-
protection flags in the content and will often force a down sample to 44/48kHz 16bit.
There is no provision to allow copying of the video (for copyright reasons). See Q. 56.
56 Can I use 598 with a CD Recorder?
Not so easily. The 598 does not provide the timecode flags in its digital outputs that many CD
Recorders need for track management. These time-codes are omitted principally because
they reduce playback sound quality.
57 What video outputs are available on the Progressive version?
598 comes in three video versions, see Qs. 2 and 23.
The Progressive versions (598 DP or 598 AP) provide three BNC connectors that can output
Interlaced or Progressive Component (Y Pr Pb) as well as separate connections for
Composite and S.
The Component output can be configured for Interlaced or Progressive in the Video Setup. A
Progressive output is available for NTSC sources, however 598 will automatically switch to
Interlaced for PAL discs as currently there is no copy protection settled for PAL Progressive.
See Q. 25.