06.19.2008 — Meridian, coming off the success of the F80 tabletop entertainment system, set their sight on a different area of the digital domain: video.

The company is introducing the M810 video system, featuring a state-of-the-art JVC sourced 4,000 x 2,400 D-ILA chipset and an 850-watt lamp and capable of delivering 10-megapixel resolutions.

The package, rolled out during a Definitive Audio marketing event, was demonstrated as part of a complete digital A/V solution that included 800 Series electronics and a 7.1 active system featuring the new DSP7200 loudspeaker.

The M810 package, tentatively expected to price around $175,000, is something that Meridian co-founder Bob Stuart has enthusiastically embraced as a solution for the complete digital home theater.

"What we are excited about is that we can do a full digital theater," says Stuart. "This [M810 projector] is based on a D-ILA engine made for us by JVC. Each projector takes about four days to set up through its whole calibration that goes beyond ISF [procedures] through uniformity and grayscale tests."

With contrast ratio capabilities that exceed 10,000:1 and its potential for brightness, Stuart says that the system can meet the 15-foot Lamberts mark that Hollywood prefers for realistic viewing levels.

Not surprisingly, the M810 produced amazing pictures with high-definition content and standard definition DVDs. The demonstration featured HD clips from a Norah Jones concert, "Cars" on Blu-ray and "Gladiator" on DVD, which looked so good that Ridley Scott would likely be pleased with the results.

Stuart says that the company's goal is to deliver a complete solution to its dealers, which is why it is venturing away from its audio roots and into the highly competitive category of video.

"We are trying to build the best products and everyone can try to follow us," he notes. "We have a whole set of values with a whole, integrated package -- not only with audio -- but now with video."

As a leader in the field of digital audio, with products such as the DSP line of loudspeakers and 800 series of components, Meridian knows a bit about digital technologies.

Meridian's M810 projector/processor combination may force other performance-based video companies back to the drawing board.