Meridian embraces HDMI A/V switching…just not how you might think.

For those of you who've wondered when and if Meridian would add HDMI to its surround processors, the new HD621 might just render the question moot.

The HD621 is a six-in-one HDMI video switcher, allowing you to input up to six HDMI sources and feed one video signal out to your display device.

The real highlight is what this product does with the audio signal that’s passed along with video from HDMI sources. You see, Meridian isn’t a fan of running audio and video along the same cable, feeling that digital video can leak into the analog audio circuitry and cause hum, buzz, noise, and other unwanted artifacts.

To prevent this, the HD621 separates audio from the data stream at the HDMI source and outputs the audio via audio-only connections that are compatible with existing Meridian surround controllers. Outputs include Meridian’s proprietary MMHR interface, which can carry up to eight channels of balanced digital audio data at up to a 96-kHz sample rate, and a SmartLink output that consists of four phono sockets, each of which can carry a pair of digital audio channels at up to a 96-kHz sample rate.

Meridian incorporates its FIFO buffering and resolution-enhancement system to clean up the quality of incoming PCM signals, as well as lip-sync delay to compensate for any system latency. Both RS-232 and a Meridian Comms port are included.

The HD621 will be available this month.

PRICE:
Meridian HD621: $2,995

CONTACT:
meridian-audio.com