CEDIA Expo 2012: Meridian outs first digital in-walls

Meridian has introduced a trio of digital active in-wall loudspeakers at the CEDIA Expo in Indianapolis. Employing technology familiar from its high-performance DSP-based Digital Active speaker range, the new in-walls open up a world of new installation possibilities for Meridian-based custom theatre installs.

The set comprises two full-range speakers and one subwoofer: the DSP520 is a short enclosure model, while the DSP630 offers a longer enclosure. The DSW600 in-wall subwoofer has a long cabinet. To maintain the brand's trademark fidelity, new wide-band and long throw low frequency drivers have been developed, alongside advanced dynamic bass correction.

The company has seemingly covered all angles when it comes to custom installation. Adjustable voice compensation allows the new models to be installed behind grilles, fabric or screen material. The cabinets themselves are made of non-resonant aluminium, with the back box adjustable to cope with different depths and wall materials. They can be orientated horizontally, vertically or even in-ceiling. For maximum versatility, there are even power outlet options on the top and bottom of each box. The grilles themselves can be painted, although care should be taken not to obscure the front facing IR sensor. Meridian SpeakerLink connectivity is supported.

The brand says its in-walls offer a comparable audio performance to its freestanding digital speaker offerings; DSP processing apparently allows the units to sound 8x larger than their actual size.

The models can be used with a range of partnering hardware, including an Audio Core 200, Reference Audio Core 818, Meridian Digital Controller and the new Media Source 200 extender.

Also unveiled at CEDIA Expo, the non-exclusive Media Source 200 network client can be used to extend Meridian's Sooloos system and offers both analogue and digital connectivity, as well as SpeakerLink. The compact aluminium enclosure is small enough to be accommodated virtually anywhere, yet offers high-end resolution enhancement with Apodising up-sampling. Using Power over SpeakerLink simplifies installation, as it removes the need for a separate 12volt supply. The media Source 200 also has an integrated IR receiver for volume control of attached digital speakers.

Once networked, the unit shows up as a Zone on a Control 15 multi-room system. The DHCP enabled Media Source 200 can access all networked facilities, including media library and internet radio.

Price and availability for both the Media Source 200 and in-wall digital speakers has yet to be confirmed.