Search

 

 

 

 

MERIDIAN 861 Reference Surround Controller

Product/800 Brochure/
861 Processor

 

800 Series:

Design & Excellence

Fidelity & Passion

800 Series

800 Player

861 Surround

DSP8000

   

The 861 provides an unmatched range of options for decoding and processing analogue and digital audio signals.
A new DSP engine is capable of running more channels at 96kHz/24bit for subs and 'height' speakers.
Preset options are listed below with recommendations as to their use.
Other options can be stored and labelled by the user.

Multichannel digital sources Several digital formats are currently available which encode up to 8 channels onto the digital signal.

Dolby Digital. previously called AC-3, preferred audio format for DVD and LaserDisc in NTSC areas. Also US Digital TV.

MPEG Surround preferred audio format for DVD in PAL areas. Widely used in PC multimedia and US satellite broadcasts.

DTS Audio compression technique to encode 5 channels of audio onto a digital signal. Used for audio on DVD Video and LaserDiscs.

THX A method to provide versions of Dolby Digital, DTS and MPEG to better match original sound tracks to domestic audio.

THX EX A development of Dolby Digital which provides supplementary rear channels.

Multichannel sources encoded onto 2 channels
Pro Logic II Dolby Surround encoded sound tracks

TV Logic User adjustable steering for TV which is not surround encoded.

THX Cinema enhanced Pro Logic

Ambisonic specifically encoded material for surround sound available on CD and radio.

Conventional Stereo Sources

Trifield width adjustable, stable, 3 dimensional image for solo and chamber music.

Music Meridian technique to enhance large scale orchestral and choral music.

Super stereo form of Ambisonic suitable for multi-miked rock music.

Music Logic user-adjustable steering for studio produced music without soundfield recording.

Special DSP Presets

Mono Uses centre channel only to localise hiss or clicks on old tracks.

Academy Corrects for high frequency balance of early black- and-white movies.

Stereo Uses main right and left speakers only for comparison with other presets.

Direct as 'Stereo' but including subwoofer channels.

Discrete processing for multichannel sources such as projectors, DVD-A and SACD.

 

This page as

861 Handbook

More on 861

 

861 SPECIFICATION

The architecture of the 800 Series allows for wide flexibility - future sources and formats can be handled by upgrading software, cards or drives.

INPUTS
The 861 is a full-system controller preamp that provides seamless control of up to 12 analogue or digital inputs and up to 12 video sources. The optional Tape card provides additional internal AID and D/A converters to provide support for both tape recorders, extensive 2- and 3-zone multiroom capability (analogue or digital formats) and headphones. By providing both digital and analogue inputs the 861 can give radically higher sound quality for sources that are originally digital -like CD, LaserDisc, DAB, DVD and DVD-A. In addition to accepting 2-channel audio, the 861 will handle encoded Dolby Digital, DTS or MPEG from sources like DVD, Satellite and LaserDisc (via a demodulator card). The 861 also provides support for discrete multichannel inputs from projectors or multichannel players such as 800. Analogue or digital multichannel input cards can be fitted.

PROCESSING
The 861 routes all signals - if necessary via a Delta-Sigma A/D converter - into the digital domain for processing in the highly developed Meridian DSP cards. The processing engine can consist of up to 8 modular processor cards, each housing ultra-fast processors with high speed cache memory. In each DSP core, the incoming signals are processed using a variety of proprietary algorithms and up to 8 output signals are generated. These can be used to feed a number of speaker layouts. The on-board algorithms include Meridian's own highly transparent Dolby Pro Logic II and Dolby Digital, MPEG Surround, DTS, THX extensions, TV Logic and a variety of award winning music programmes including Trifield and Ambisonic.

OUTPUTS
The 8+ outputs can be provided as digital signals to feed Meridian DSP loudspeakers or as variable analogue outputs using a proprietary on-board 24-bit resolution conversion method. 44.1 or 48kHz signals are automatically upsampled to 88.2kHz or 96kHz respectively.

VIDEO
The 861 provides broadcast-grade video switching options for monitors, projectors and video tape routing. The comprehensive setup and customising facilities allow the user to link any video and audio combinations to the 12 sources. In addition to providing high-quality video amplification, the 861 has the ability to give help and system control feedback information in an On-Screen display. Video formats supported include Composite, S-Video, and Component.

AUDIO IN AND OUT
Up to 12 analogue inputs. User adjustable sensitivity. Renameable legends.
Up to 12 digital inputs. Renameable legends. 32, 44.1, 48, 88.2 or 96kHz sampling up to 24-bit precision.
Multichannel analogue or digital input options.
Digital and analogue tape loops. Independent copy and 2 room+ capability
8 digital outputs, normal or encrypted, PCM or compressed.
Up to 8 analogue outputs.

SIGNAL PROCESSING
Meridian proprietary DSP software provides the following powerful modes: Pro Logic II, THX, THX EX, TV Logic, Dolby Digital (AC-3), DTS, MPEG Audi and MPEG Surround, Music, Trifield, Ambisonics, Super Stereo, Music Logic.

CONTROL SIGNALS
3 Trigger outputs, programmable by source.
Meridian Comms and RS232 for control and Meridian PC setup

DISPLAY
20 character dot-matrix with adjustable brightness and contrast. Indicators for Dolby Digital, THX, DTS and MPEG.

SIZE
480 (18.9") wide x 175 (6.9") high x 411 (16.2") deep. Rack mount option available.

 

 

 

 

Next: Continue with DSP8000

 
 

| News | Dealers | Products | Library | Gallery | Contact | Search | Home |

© 2003 Meridian Audio
15 April 2007