Specifications

Bob Stuart answers Questions about the Meridian 800 V3
Page 10
Connections…?
53 What audio outputs are available?
The Meridian 800 can be fitted with a digital output card, (one or two) analogue output cards –
or both.
The digital output provides two separate output signals: Main (multichannel on three
connectors) and an additional 2-channel output on one connector.
The multichannel output supports MHR Smart Link, Meridian’s proprietary smart encrypted
connection which has been officially sanctioned for DVD-Audio content. See Q. 55.
Currently the analogue output can only be configured to be fixed level although a software
update to enable a stereo variable output is expected.
The output conversion always uses the highest possible sampling rate and the card features
Meridian’s fantastic sounding conversion.
54 Why two digital outputs?
The 800 has sophisticated up- and 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 800 supports MHR and this can be used with either socket. See Q.
14.
The Main (MHR Smart Link) output of 800 benefits from the lowest jitter and is intended for
connection directly to DSP Loudspeakers or to a compliant multichannel surround decoder
like 861 (version 3).
This main output can be configured as multichannel or stereo, and in each case the 800 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 800 and 861. Alternatively the 2-channel output
can feed a second zone.
55 What is smart about MHR Smart Link?
MHR Smart Link is a new and very exciting addition to the capability of Meridian systems.
This link allows a considerable amount of information – metadata – to be carried with the
audio on our custom digital connections.
The Main outputs of 800 and inputs on IE42 in 861 support this new feature.
In an 800 – 861 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). 861 uses this information to automatically select the best Preset, speaker
array (i.e. number, use and position of loudspeakers), etc for the current disc.
Now you need no longer concern yourself with how to adjust 861 to make the optimum
rendering as you swap discs in the player! See Q. 66.
56 What video outputs are available?
You can select either S-Video or Component (YPrPb). Composite is always available.