S.F. Bay Dealer Showcasing Meridian 4K Reference Video System

The showcase will feature Meridian’s ultimate 810 Reference Video System and its super-detailed 4K resolution and processing. And if the video’s not enough to lure you in, the theater also features audio that’s just as drool-worthy, with Meridian’s flagship 9.2-channel surround sound.

The presentation will take place on October 9, 2009, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the dealer’s site, located at 165 Moffett Blvd., in Mountain View.


http://www.electronichouse.com/article/sf_bay_dealer_showcasing_meridian_4k_reference_video_system/#When:19:40:01Z

Saturday is better than Friday for me, but does "exclusive presentations" on Saturday mean private sessions only for those who could seriously afford such a thing? If so, I guess I'd have to swing the Friday night (I'm a couple hours down the road).

it will be cool to see what Michael has pulled together. i signed up to see if i can sneak in. It is right around the corner from my office.

While you're there please ask them about a claim attributed to Meridian technology director Ken Forsythe that Meridian removes a mask from the D-ILA panels. This claim, repeated ad naseum in the blogosphere, is that they do something custom to the panels to expose previously hidden (masked) pixels. Which is strange, because the JVC model this projector appears to be essentially identical to (or "based on" to be more generous) "exposes" all 4096 x 2400 pixels, too. (Note Forsythe's description of JVC as a mere "panel provider," when in reality JVC provides the entire projector - but not the scaler.) If what is actually happening is that the projector (the external scaler, really) scales vertically to allow use of an anamorph (thus using more of the pixels you are paying dearly for) then the claim is needlessly misleading. I suspect that Meridian was trying to justify the price premium. But if the projector/scaler package is as good as Meridian claims, there should be no need. It should speak for itself. I suppose that after years of selling high end audio products the company just can't help itself.:rolleyes:

Meridian Unveils 10 Megapixel Projector (http://www.twice.com/article/237665-Meridian_Unveils_10_Megapixel_Projector.php)
But where D-ILA panel supplier JVC masks the chips down to a 16:9 configuration using only the sweet spot, Meridian removes the masks to get the full linearity of the panel, said Ken Forsythe, Meridian technology director.

By removing the masks from the D-ILA panels, “we now have access to 2 million more pixels,” Forsythe said of the chip that JVC has marketed in display products primarily for the military and commercial markets. The modification process requires four days of calibration work to optimize the panels for home theater applications, he added.

Meridian 810 Reference Video System (http://www.bigpicturebigsound.com/meridian-810-reference-video-system.shtml#)
While JVC masks out the top and bottom of this 4Kx2K+ D-ILA light panel using only the "sweet spot" in the center for its own implementation (realizing an effective 4096x2048 resolution), Meridian actually uses the entire panel at 4096x2400 pixels for a total resolution that comes in at just under ten megapixels (9,830,400 pixels to be precise).

Realer Than Real (http://blog.ultimateavmag.com/ultimate-gear/realer_than_real/)
Unlike its JVC counterpart, the 810 does not mask the imaging chips, which have a native aspect ratio of 17:10. To fill a 16:9 and 2.35:1 screen, the system must do some overscanning, which uses more pixels than masking would allow.

But if the projector/scaler package is as good as Meridian claims, there should be no need.

Its not.

Im not the only one to have auditioned it and rejected it, based on its image. The "plasticizing" effect that Peter, myself and others have reported is not pleasing to my eye.

Dont even get me started on some of the sh1t that gets pulled with the demo material.

Coldmachine, your posts have become predictable and boring. You're obviously a Meridian bigot, move on and enjoy life. It's too short...

Coldmachine, your posts have become predictable and boring. You're obviously a Meridian bigot, move on and enjoy life. It's too short...

A Meridian bigot? Thats a rather ill informed statement.

I have owned, and enjoyed, a number of their products. The only ones I have, and will continue to, criticize are the 810 and the F80.

I have auditioned the 810 properly,as a genuine prospective customer, not simply looked at it as a fawning idiot at some demo.

Im simply passing on the information, and im not alone in that. I have yet to see anyone refute any of my points.

He is a lovable big fuzzy bully, a big wuss, not a bigot. Be nice boys.

yeah...but he's just a bunch more fun when he gets riled up.

Terrible timing, I'll be in SF 48 hours after the demo. Let's hope that Meridian does a tour as they did with their $5K ghetto blaster about 2 years ago..

I've read a lot of bad things about this projector, but I haven't experienced for myself. Coldmachine isn't the only one with that opinion of the 810.

I've read a lot of bad things about this projector, but I haven't experienced for myself. Coldmachine isn't the only one with that opinion of the 810.

+1

I've read tons but unfortunately have not had the opportunity to view it for myself, and most of what I have read points to the overly processed, plastic look of things.

I would love to be able to see it with my own eyes though.

There are a number of individuals (knowledgeable in things video) who've trashed the projector. There also are a number of individuals (knowledgeable in things video) who like the projector...and some clients who also love the projector. Obviously an individual preference and choice.

Funny how that goes. From my experience, it's the rare client that takes the time to become knowledgeable about what they are buying, so I'd take their word with a grain of salt.

OTOH, you have reviewers that know their stuff that are so darn opinionated and biased that you need a larger grain of salt before reading their reviews. The best reviews I've found is to get a group of people in the room, and have each person pick the unit apart and proclaim the pros and cons. I've missed some stuff at the one CRT meet I was at in Seattle years ago, but also pointed out a couple of things that others missed.

Anybody is welcome to come by on Saturday. If you can't make it this weekend they have the projector on permanent display along with some high-end SIM2 projectors.

What is the "flagship 9.2-channel surround sound" system? If they are using 9 DSP8000s, I doubt they need 2 subwoofers. Did I miss the 861 getting an update?

Anyone here attend this?

I didn't attend this demo but was in the demo room a couple of months back whilst my colleagues were round the corner at Kaleidescape. I will be very interested to read the comments from others on this thread.

I found it interesting that a room with so much "British" product offered such an American cinema experience. The design choices made between the European and US markets must make it baffling for someone who is not familiar with both ideologies!

Just my luck, I pick the day after my 3-day trip to SF to pop back in here and see what's cooking, only to find out I coulda gone to this cool demo... d'oh

What is the "flagship 9.2-channel surround sound" system? If they are using 9 DSP8000s, I doubt they need 2 subwoofers. Did I miss the 861 getting an update?

No, you did not miss an update, still the long-in-the-tooth v4 :rolleyes:

Either, it is the first unveiling of an update (probably unlikely), a typo/misrepresentation, or some kind of custom implementation. I'd guess the latter.

Just my luck, I pick the day after my 3-day trip to SF to pop back in here and see what's cooking, only to find out I coulda gone to this cool demo... d'oh

More importantly... how the heck have you been? you have been absent fromhere for quite a while it seems to me.

No, you did not miss an update, still the long-in-the-tooth v4 :rolleyes:

Either, it is the first unveiling of an update (probably unlikely), a typo/misrepresentation, or some kind of custom implementation. I'd guess the latter.

Time will tell. I was trying to imagine being in a room with 9 DSP8000s, let alone the projector. I think I'd need hearing protection.

Dizz, I'm good, having a grand ol' time, thanks---I'm just not doing home theater anymore :) So while I would have *totally* enjoyed the demo, there wouldn't have been a snowball's chance in Hades of it ending up in my living room... I hope you're doing well too.

Dizz, I'm good, having a grand ol' time, thanks---I'm just not doing home theater anymore :) So while I would have *totally* enjoyed the demo, there wouldn't have been a snowball's chance in Hades of it ending up in my living room... I hope you're doing well too.

michael,

great to see you returned to the wonderful republic of cali-forrn-ya.

it's always good to welcome a fellow BAAS alumni

:)

. I have yet to see anyone refute any of my points.

I may politely have to refute your point by saying I saw it and it is absolutely phenomenal. Truly reference SOTA. But, I didn't run torture tests or anything. Just watched movies, which is what I use a projector for.... not test patterns ;-)

I may politely have to refute your point by saying I saw it and it is absolutely phenomenal. Truly reference SOTA. But, I didn't run torture tests or anything. Just watched movies, which is what I use a projector for.... not test patterns ;-)

No problem, but you have not actually not refuted any points of mine. Read my posts again. I clearly refer to previous specific "points". Not a general "point". There are a number of factors, that I have previously discussed, that were deal breakers for me. If you cant see them, all well and good.

The fact that you found it to be "absolutely phenomenal" is fine. Many people have, others haven't. That still does not refute any point I made. You were impressed by it. I wasn't, and didn't buy it. It sounds like maybe you are intending to get one, and I wish you all the very best if you are.

Truly reference SOTA. But, I didn't run torture tests or anything. Just watched movies, which is what I use a projector for.... not test patterns ;-)

Again, if you thought it to be that, based on your own experience and understanding, that's fine. I easily found it to be otherwise, based on my own experience and understanding, as have many others. I suppose a great deal depends on the standard of presentation someone is used to. My observations were based mainly on movie watching, but also some measurements.There are certainly machines out there that offer better imaging.

I would also point out that a demo is not an audition.....which segues nicely into....

........and I need be careful here........There have been instances where people were not seeing what they thought they were seeing. The effect of content is a major factor. I explained it fully before, but it caused some issues, so I wont yank that particular chain in public. I think many here know what I'm referring to anyway.

I think most of the issues with that machine, and its underlying technology, will be addressed next year with TIs new 4k platform.

Dizz, I'm good, having a grand ol' time, thanks---I'm just not doing home theater anymore
Most ridiculous post ever on AVS. Since when does actually doing home theater have anything to do with posting ;) :D? Some people have been posting here for 10 years and are still debating which projector to get, or waiting for the next best thing. I won't name names.

Welcome back Michael, I was wondering where you were.

Q, good to see you here too.

You're absolutely right, you don't have to be "doing" home theater to post here. I mean I haven't had a proper theater since I moved in 2007, and I stuck around for quite some time after that. But after the 637th thread devolved into pseudoscience and mudslinging my motivation to stick around kind of petered out...

I've been poking back in lately because I just picked up a DVDO Edge to build a plasma-based system around. (HUGE WAF factor on that piece, let me tell you.) But since we do more Nintendo than Blu-Ray around here now, it's just not the same :) So I'm not going to be jumping back in the fray again, but sure is good to see some familiar faces here. It *is* kind of nice to see that things haven't changed too much...

Hi everyone,

Lucky me, I was able to see this projector in action that weekend. It was being displayed on a 14' wide curved 2.35 Stewart Studiotech 140 (1.4 gain) screen in a completely light controlled theater. Take my observations with a grain of salt please. To give you some backgroud on me, I'm no J6P. I've owned digital projectors since 1992 (LCD and LCOS) and on this forum since 2001. And now after much saving, I just became the proud father of an adopted (read used) Sim2 3 chip DLP. :) BUT I'm no big dog either. I have no experience with the Barcos, Titans, Sim2 5000s, or anything 4K for that matter.

Pros:

Light output - WOW! I was told this projector was on low, lumen output 80% of max lumens of 3000. It looked like a 14 foot wide plasma. Perhaps too bright for some but I liked it that bright. Besides, this makes it ideal for 3D - when it becomes capable of 120/144hz input.

Resolution - incredible! I was impressed how much detail was displayed for an upscaled Baraka Bluray disk. Going up to the screen and noticing that resolution at the pixel level (IIRC saw pixels at about 3 feet away) was not even close to being utilized, it just made my mouth water just wondering what 4K source material would look like.

Black level - great! Considering how bright this projector was, it was very convincing. I was told contrast was 30K but their product brochure says 10K. I couldn't tell you which one I thought was more accurate.

Cons:

Processor - saw very slight image tear between the upper two quadrant processors and the lower two quadrant processors. I will say however that I only noticed this on 3 or 4 scenes during the entire Baraka movie. Scenes where vertical panning and extensive image detail were being processed.

Input capability - doesn't accept 120/144hz inputs for 3D applications. They said they are working on this.

Anyway, those were my observations. Hope you found them somewhat informative.

Take care,
Paul

Thanks for the review Paul. Is Baraka the only material you viewed?

Yes, Baraka was the only material I viewed.

Baraka is a very good demo disc. Ruben wanted to use Just that disc for the Temple. Probably the best demo disc out there at the moment.

Baraka is a very good demo disc. Ruben wanted to use Just that disc for the Temple. Probably the best demo disc out there at the moment.
It is a good disc indeed: http://www.cepro.com/article/print/how_joe_kane_enables_video_performance/K15

"The documentary "Baraka" is a good example of the effort the video industry is making to ensure the quality of its products, according to Kane. He recalls that back when the movie was transferred from its 8K native resolution to 1080p it was noticed that some things had been done incorrectly. Then, when it was remastered for Blu-ray, the post-production house used Kane's Samsung projector so they could see what they had done wrong."

:)

Insert foot in mouth eh? Fine. You got it.

Insert foot in mouth eh? Fine. You got it.
Sorry :). Thanks for taking it in stride.

I haven't seen it, I just wanted to know if they used something I'm familiar with.

I wonder if the new Digital Cinema 4k unit from Sony will have any effect on JVC or Meridian's pricing for their 4k(s). My memory is that the JVC was supposed to be $80k at last years CEDIA, then this year the price I was told was much higher and now it looks like this super bright 4k Sony unit is probably less than $80k (even with lens) to cinemas. I'm not sure about the Sony's capabilities for home theater though. Would definitely want a dark screen for smaller screen sizes unless it could really be dimmed down without hurting on/off CR. It sounds like this new Sony is better than their last effort and so seems like it could effect the market for JVC 4k and models based on it.

--Darin

Baraka is a very good demo disc. Ruben wanted to use Just that disc for the Temple. Probably the best demo disc out there at the moment.
Not really. Sharpening artifacts.

Not really. Sharpening artifacts.

I was just going to post that it actually isn't a great transfer at all.

Paul,

Thanks for the review. Do you recall what they had for audio? How did it sound?

Bill

Hi Bill,

The audio was all Meridian. They had 8000s as the LRs with their flagship center speaker. I was told they had two 5500s subs built into the walls. I'm not sure which speakers were used for the surround sound. I don't know which surround sound processor they were using since it was in a different room. I think this is their normal setup for the room so you may be able to call them and ask which products they feature in their theater room.

The sound matched the picture, incredible! It amply filled, and then some, the rather large theater with high ceilings. However I'm no audiophile and have no experience with highend audio.

Paul

Audio High is 15 minutes from my house I was there once but didn't get to demo the 810. I was planning on going sometime next week to get a demo.

What movie would be good to demo this projector with? Dark knight, Transformers 2?

Does anyone know if Michael Silver (Owner of Audio High) is a member on the forums?

Audio High is 15 minutes from my house I was there once but didn't get to demo the 810. I was planning on going sometime next week to get a demo.
What movie would be good to demo this projector with? Dark knight, Transformers 2?

Transformers 2 over DK for sure. "Shoot' em Up".

Transformers 2 over DK for sure. "Shoot' em Up".

Yea Im going to see if I can get a demo of a few movies. I've heard lots of good things about this projector and I've heard lots of bad things so I want to see for myself.

How long you guys think till 2k-4k comes to the $10k-20k price point?

How long you guys think till 2k-4k comes to the $10k-20k price point?
How old are you? :)
You might not make it.

How old are you? :)
You might not make it.

Dennis I am 23. ;)

I just learned the replacement lamp for the 810 is $6,500.:eek:


Jim

For a Superkontrast 1200-1400.

Well, a second generation 4K LCD, might be in the top end of that range, so a few years, perhaps.

@Peter a bare bulb starts at 700,- you mentioned a while ago, but one might some extra light to reduce, I guess. Guess Meridian requires a complete lamphouse swap-out.

Perhaps this is their white glove service, they send out some-one in a firefighter outfit to swap the lighthouse, and focus the lamp;-).

Well, a second generation 4K LCD, might be in the top end of that range, so a few years, perhaps.

@Peter a bare bulb starts at 700,- you mentioned a while ago, but one might some extra light to reduce, I guess. Guess Meridian requires a complete lamphouse swap-out.

Perhaps this is their white glove service, they send out some-one in a firefighter outfit to swap the lighthouse, and focus the lamp;-).

It will be exciting to see what comes out in the next 5 years!

Do you guys know of any other 4k projectors that I can demo and if any dealers in Northern California have any on demo?