Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

New Products

Meridian Intros HDMI Booster/Extender, Switcher

160945.jpg

New HDMAX line significantly improves HD digital video performance

September 12, 2005–Leading consumer digital audio and video manufacturer, UK-based Meridian Audio Ltd., has announced the introduction of two products in a new line of HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) devices, called the ‘HDMAX’ series: an HDMI booster/extender, the HDMAX 121 Extender; and a four-into-one HDMI switch, the HDMAX 421 Switch. The units integrate fully with Meridian components and are also 100% compatible with third-party systems.

Placed towards the display end of the HDMI path, the HDMAX 121 Extender allows HDMI cable runs of up to about 50 meters (150+ feet), depending on the signal resolution. This is particularly useful when a digital video display device such as a projector is a considerable distance from the video source driving it. The unit is typically placed near the projector or other display device. Proprietary active termination, automatic cable equalization, buffering and de-jittering technology visibly improve image quality, reduce noise and stabilize the video — even on short cable runs. Automatic signal correction allows signals between –20dB and +6dB to be restored to perfect level, edges and eye pattern, making the Extender an ideal HDMI or DVI problem-solver.

The 121 Extender is a small, sturdy metal box, finished in matt black, designed to bolt into position unobtrusively near the display unit; it may also be positioned part-way down the signal path. The unit has one input and one output: the output is typically connected via a short HDMI cable to the display, while the input is connected via a long cable to the video source component. DVI/HDMI conversion cables can be used with DVI sources and destinations. The 121 Extender is powered by an external universal voltage supply or may be operated by any AC/DC supply from 6 to 15V at under 2W consumption, making it suitable for powering from a projector trigger source for example. It can also be powered from the HDMI cable itself in some circumstances. An indicator LED illuminates when lock is established; a power indicator LED is also included.

The HDMAX 421 Switch is a four input, one output HDMI switching unit with extremely wide bandwidth, employing proprietary technology to switch high-resolution digital HDMI video and audio. Each input also includes Meridian’s HDMI Extender technology to improve image quality and stability and reduce noise and jitter on both short and long cable runs. The metal enclosure is finished in matt black with an acrylic front panel matching the appearance of current Meridian components such as the G Series.

The 421 Switch can be controlled in several ways. For direct use, a front-panel button allows the user to step through the inputs. LEDs indicate which input is selected. For serial control, a serial port is provided, allowing interfacing via RS232 command. In addition, sources may be assigned to different inputs, eg DVD = input 1, etc. This allows the unit to be controlled via Meridian Comms (DIN or BNC) so as to select the correct input automatically when a source is selected in a Meridian system. Input assignment can also be carried out in the Meridian Windows-based graphic configuration application.

Input 1 on the 421 Switcher automatically senses the presence of a Meridian DVD-Audio/Video player. When the Meridian player detects the presence of a Switcher, a range of additional options become available in the player’s on-screen display, allowing video sources to be assigned to the other Switcher inputs instead of going via the player’s internal format conversion and scaling (player firmware revision 1.86 or later required). A G12 infrared sensor may be connected via a Comms port for infrared remote control applications.

The 421 Switch includes indicators corresponding to each input to show which is currently selected. The selected input indicator comes on solidly when an HDMI input is valid, and flashes when it is invalid.

The unit is powered by a separate universal voltage supply or may be powered by any AC/DC supply from 6 to 15V, at under 3W. It has rubber feet that may be removed to reveal mounting holes for permanent installation.

Both the 121 Extender and 421 Switch pass both HDMI audio and video and are completely transparent to handshaking, control and data signals, with extremely high bandwidth and virtually zero latency.

Meridian Audio Limited is based in Huntingdon, near Cambridge, UK, and was founded in 1977 by Allen Boothroyd and Robert Stuart. With a 25-year history of innovation and development of the highest quality consumer audio systems, the award-winning company is widely recognized as a world leader in digital and analog audio reproduction. Meridian developed the world’s first audiophile CD player, the world’s first consumer digital surround controller, developed the MLP lossless packing systems mandated for use in DVD-Audio and now in emerging high-definition disk formats, and is the only UK audio hardware manufacturer to be a member of the DVD Forum. The company’s optical disk players, DSP-based loudspeakers and Digital Theater systems are unique in the industry, maintaining a super-quality digital audio signal throughout the path from the source to the amplifier, and using digital signal processing to generate advanced crossover characteristics that would be impossible with conventional passive analogue systems. Meridian has recently become the exclusive manufacturer and distributor of Faroudja High-Definition video processors and projectors.

Advertisement. Scroll to continue reading.

Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Advertisement

Latest Products

Hisense 100-inch 100UX RGB-MiniLED TV Lifestyle Image

HDTV 4K & 8K TV

The 2025 Hisense 100UX and 116UX RGB Mini-LED 4K TVs feature cutting edge backlighting in 100-inch or 116-inch screen sizes.

Velodyne Acoustics SPL-X 12 Subwoofer Front Velodyne Acoustics SPL-X 12 Subwoofer Front

New Products

Velodyne Acoustics partners with Playback Distribution for exclusive U.S. distribution, debuting the new SPL-X Series subwoofers with advanced carbon-fiber drivers and precision Class D...

QUAD ESL 2812x Electrostatic Loudspeakers Lifestyle QUAD ESL 2812x Electrostatic Loudspeakers Lifestyle

Floorstanding Speakers

Quad returns with the ESL 2812X and 2912X next-gen electrostatic loudspeakers made in the UK. High-end sound, bold design, and prices that spark debate.

Sonus faber Il Cremonese Ex3me Automobili Lamborghini edition Loudspeakers and Car Angle Sonus faber Il Cremonese Ex3me Automobili Lamborghini edition Loudspeakers and Car Angle

Floorstanding Speakers

Sonus faber Il Cremonese Ex3me Lamborghini Edition fuses precision sound and daring design—because Italians do nothing quietly.

Samsung Micro RGB TV - lifestyle image. Samsung Micro RGB TV - lifestyle image.

HDTV 4K & 8K TV

Samsung unveils the production version of their 115-inch RGB LED-backlit LCD TV for the low, low price of $29,999.

Wanbo Vali 1 and T2 Ultra Lifestyle Projectors Wanbo Vali 1 and T2 Ultra Lifestyle Projectors

New Products

The Wanbo Vali 1 and T2 Ultra are affordable LCD projectors offering sharp 1080p resolution, practical features, and flexible setup.

Gift Ideas?

Amazon Prime Day is July 8-11, 2025

Daily Deals

Amazon Prime Day is a four-day shopping event from July 8-11, 2025 offering the biggest discounts of the year on consumer electronics.

You May Also Like

New Products

At $3,000, Meridian Ellipse may be the most advanced table-top luxury wireless speaker. Is it a juiced up Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin?

Floorstanding Speakers

The Meridian Audio DSP9 utilize a mix of class AB and class D amplifiers to drive all 6 drivers in a new cabinet design.

New Products

LG and Meridian join forces again to demonstrate what is possible in a sound bar that is one-third the size of previous models.

Digital Music Systems

MQA Support Continues to Grow at Munich HIGH END show MQA, the ground-breaking music technology originated by Meridian Audio, is now in active discussions...

Headphone Amps

Meridian Audio just released the reference-quality Prime Headphone Amplifier, which provides an extremely high quality analogue signal path, powerful amplifier, multiple inputs and special Analogue...

New Products

US and UK headquarters move to larger facilities Huntingdon, UK, July 2004–In line with the enormous success of Meridian Audio Limited’s new G Series...

Loudspeakers

New 36in tall DSP loudspeaker echoes lines and technology of flagship products Huntingdon, UK, November 2004–Internationally-acclaimed Meridian Audio Ltd, based in Huntingdon, near Cambridge,...

New Products

CES 2005 Booth #21707 LVCC South 01 Huntingdon, UK, December 2004–The 800 optical disc player from leading British consumer audio manufacturer Meridian has received...

Advertisement

ecoustics is a hi-fi and music magazine offering product reviews, podcasts, news and advice for aspiring audiophiles, home theater enthusiasts and headphone hipsters. Read more

Copyright © 1999-2024 ecoustics | Disclaimer: We may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.



SVS Bluesound PSB Speakers NAD Cambridge Audio Q Acoustics Denon Marantz Focal Naim Audio RSL Speakers