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Smart design

The clean lines of the G Series front panels are continued when we reach the rear of the units. Special care has been taken to ensure that the right combination of inputs and outputs is provided on each unit, to ensure maximum flexibility.

In many cases, the provision of rear-panel connections has been prompted by comments from existing Meridian owners, who with their valuable feedback have helped shape this new generation of products.

Some features are common to all the products, for example the provision of triggers and the inclusion of Meridian communications ports.

Similarly, a 9-pin RS232 D connector is included, which is used for transferring downloaded software updates, for configuration of the component with a special Windows computer program and for remote control. In addition, controllers are equipped with a USB port for this purpose.

At Meridian, we have built a reputation for making our equipment future-proof. G Series components continue this tradition in two ways. First, units are equipped with Flash ROM. This contains the system software for the unit – its operating system, so to speak – and it can be updated when the need arises, for example to add a new feature or improve an existing capability. New software updates can be downloaded from the Meridian web site and transferred into the unit from a computer via the serial port.

In addition, the G Series is based on a modular hardware structure. This has several benefits, including the ability to offer the same unit with different combinations of inputs and outputs. For example, there may be a version of one product with digital outputs and another with analogue outs, so that you can drive a Meridian DSP Loudspeaker system or a G Series power amplifier and traditional passive loudspeakers. Or there may be a unit with video switching and another without, enabling you to avoid duplicating capabilities between two units, or paying for a feature you do not need.

There is another reason for this modular approach. Being based on cards, it is possible for new cards to be developed as and when the need arises. Owners of our award-winning flagship 800 Series components are well aware of this: from time to time we announce new cards, features and interfaces that can enhance the functionality of the unit.

A similar kind of upgradeability is included in the G Series. The card structure again enables us to provide different versions of a product: it also means that, for example, as new industry standards emerge, we can support them by means of new card options that can be installed via your dealer or authorized Meridian service centre. Perhaps you have just acquired a new plasma display with an HDMI input. Or perhaps you need some additional digital outputs for reproduction of height information. In many cases it will be possible to return your unit for these upgrades to be carried out, although it should be noted that the degree of upgradeability is not on the same scale as the 800 Series, and that you cannot install cards yourself.

Another new departure for Meridian is the use of universal-voltage switch-mode power supplies in non-amplifier products. As a result, many G Series products can simply be plugged in anywhere without the need to change jumpers or switches and without risking damage to the equipment.

Several G Series components include AM/FM tuner modules and these are supplied with an indoor AM frame antenna, and with an adaptor for connecting standard antenna cables to the FM tuner aerial input.

Connections at rear of G51 Receiver

Connections on rear of one version of the G91 DVD Audio Player Controller Tuner

Connections on rear of G68 Surround Controller in the ADV version

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