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Great care has been taken with the mechanical properties of the disc transport
mechanism. An ultra-quiet active control system automatically maintains the
laser at the optimum replay temperature.
The 596 provides multiple video outputs including Composite, S and
Component or RGB. Two versions of the player are available: one using BNC
connectors for the Component or RGB connection, the other using SCART.
For home theatre use, the 596 has an IEC1937 digital audio output to deliver
PCM, Dolby Digital (AC-3) or DTS bitstreams to an outboard digital surround
processor like Meridians 561 or 568. The digital output can also operate up to
96kHz 24-bit and optionally use Meridians patented High Resolution encryption
format (MHR) to feed our decoders or DSP speakers. The 596 is fully
compatible with other components in the Meridian 500 and 800 Series and is
an ideal component in a Meridian Theatre. A Meridian System Remote is
included.
Sound Quality
DVD-Video provides many options for audio. The 596 allows unrivalled playback
of all the mandatory DVD-Video sound formats: MPEG, AC-3 and PCM at 48 or
96kHz with up to 24-bit precision. While DVD has the potential in the coming
years to provide the highest sound quality, we would be mistaken to ignore the
very real and lasting importance of CD as a rich and mature music source. As
the pre-eminent maker of CD players, Meridian have naturally ensured that the
596 is also a top-grade CD player worthy of the Meridian name.
The 596 uses a radical technology established in our flagship 800. For all
formats the audio and video data are read asynchronously in blocks using a
high-speed, high-integrity DVD ROM drive. This data is checked for integrity, if
necessary it is re-read or corrected, and is then triple buffered through memory
to ensure that the audio and video output timing are completely independent of
the mechanical aspects of disc replay. This method gives more secure audio
and lower jitter, which equates to a beautifully natural sound combined with
incredible stability, depth and lack of noise in the picture.
596 maximises audio quality for all formats by using another established
Meridian technique -“ FIFO de-jittering. With this method the audio is controlled
using very precise master oscillators located within the final output section and
this results in extremely low jitter -“ giving a clear, open, authoritative sound.
The digital output is further de-jittered by precision re-clocking.
The stereo analogue output uses 192kHz 24-bit advanced DACs combined with
a superb direct-coupled audiophile-standard output section.
In addition to CD and DVD the 596 can replay MP3 discs giving the best access
to play back long-playing audio collections on a main system. MP3 discs can
include personal albums (MP3 files optionally grouped as albums by directory)
on a Recordable CD (CD-R).
Picture Quality
DVD-Video pictures are stored using the high quality MPEG2 compression
system. MPEG2 has a flexible data rate which allows more data to be used for
some scenes than others. Because the picture is stored as digital video it has
some remarkable qualities -“ including high bandwidth, low noise, very low
frame and line jitter and the potential for deeply saturated colours. To recover
this quality 596 employs a carefully optimised MPEG decoder, special attention
to the effects of the variable data rate and immaculate care in de-jittering,
processing and encoding the resulting video.
The 596 offers a number of video output options and uses advanced circuit
techniques, matched phase video filters and a video encoder of the highest
studio-grade quality. 596 can provide NTSC or PAL and switches between them
automatically.
User selectable video options also include choice of NTSC black level (0 or
7.5IRE) and a screen saver with programmable delay.
Just as with the audio, the video section of 596 uses its own ultra-low jitter
master oscillator that ensures that both the picture and sound are
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Registered trademarks Dolby, Pro Logic, Dolby Digital and AC-3 Dolby Laboratories Licensing
Corporation; Meridian, Boothroyd Stuart Meridian, MLP and Meridian Digital Theatre Meridian Audio
Ltd; DTS Digital Theatre Systems Inc.; DVD, DVD-Video, DVD-Audio DVD Forum, DVD LLC;
MPEG, MPEG Surround, MPEG2 and MPEG Audio MPEG LA; Macrovision Macrovision Inc.;
MP3 Thompson Multimedia; CD, VCD, CVCD Philips Licensing Corporation.
independently optimised. As a result, the picture quality from 596 is
breathtaking, clear, with low noise and is totally transparent.
Format Handling
The disc formats played by 596 are complex and varied. DVD is especially
complex because disc authoring can determine a great deal of the player
behaviour on a particular disc.
It is vital to provide error-free playback and to precisely reflect the providers
intent. Meridian took the decision (uniquely for a specialist company) to invest in
developing disc navigation firmware in house. Consequently the 596 benefits
from a very accurate DVD navigator that maintains the maximum playability on
damaged discs.
Various trick playback modes are supported including two-speed search,
chapter/title/disc repeat, and playback at slow speeds or even in reverse!
The CD navigator draws on 18 years experience in optimising for maximum
sound quality as well as for continuity on damaged, out-of-spec or protected
discs. 596 navigates CDs like a Meridian CD player and includes support for
programmed sequences.
Technical Specification
Formats: DVD-Video, CD Audio (CD-DA), CD-R, Video CD (VCD),
CVCD, MP3.
Audio outputs: 1 coax. Digital SPDIF/IEC1937/MHR for transferring PCM up to
96kHz 24-bit or Dolby Digital (AC-3) or DTS bitstreams. 2-
channel analogue output.
Processing: 596 uses powerful DSP software to provide error correction
and on-board decoding for Dolby Digital and MPEG Audio.
Video features: Automatic PAL or NTSC encoding on Composite and S-video.
NTSC black-level setup adjustable as 0 or 7.5IRE. 16:9 and
4:3 displays supported. Screen saver timeout.
Standard out: Composite, S-Video and Component/RGB as above diagram.
SCART out: In addition to the Composite and S-video connections the
SCART socket provides for the following video options:
Composite, S-Video, RGB, YPrPb (non-standard), Blank (for
2nd
zone) and EUROSCART. SCART also features Function
Select to select the SCART input on the TV and automatically
switch 16:9/4:3. Analogue output where appropriate.
Controls: Front-panel controls for Open/Close, Play, Stop, Pause,
Previous, Next and Off.
Full RS232 control and status for custom integration or
automation.
Front Display: 12 character display. Indicators for CD, DVD, MP3 and Repeat.
On-screen: Switchable custom on-screen display allows instant review of
disc status.
Dimensions: 88mm (3.46in) H, 321 (12.64) W, 332 (13.07) D. Weight 6.4kg
(14lbs).
Power: Universal supply 100-“240V, 50-“60Hz, 25W. Normally off,
automatic low-noise fan cooling. 596 Meridian DVD Player
Sales information
15th
February 2002
Meridian Audio Limited
Stonehill, Stukeley Meadows
Huntingdon
Cambridgeshire PE29 6EX
T +44 (0) 1480 445678
F +44 (0) 1480 445686
Meridian America Inc.
Suite 122, Building 2400
3800 Camp Creek Parkway
Atlanta GA 30331
T (404) 344 7111
F (404) 346 7111
www.meridian-audio.com
