Meridian Reveals Next-Gen Sooloos 2.0 Media Server

Meridian will debut the latest updates to its Sooloos media server at CEDIA Expo 2009.

The latest update, which provides a centralized shared music source, includes interface enhancements and major changes to system capabilities, zone playback options and hardware options.

"We have completely reinvented the system architecture of Sooloos," says Bob Stuart, Meridian's co-founder, chairman and chief technology officer. "The new design allows the interface to literally handle hundreds of thousands of files with the same speed and flexibility as just one hundred."

Sooloos 2.0 now boasts the ability to communicate with Meridian legacy products, which protects the investment of consumers "while offering an attractive system and exposing Meridian to a broader audience."

The Sooloos 2.0 system, which has begun shipping to dealers, consists of a 17-inch color-touchscreen controller with embedded CD slot for transferring CD music to connected Twinstore hard drives. In a 1TB configuration, the combination retails for a suggested $8,250. Existing customers receive the software update direct from Meridian at no charge.

New System Architecture

Among the features of Meridian’s Sooloos updates is its ability to integrate with a Control 10, combined with a Twinstore. This two-piece system provides an enhanced interface, automatic backup and massive storage.

According to Meridian, setup is simple: attach the SpeakerLink connection of the Control 10 directly to Meridian DSP Loudspeakers to create a complete digital audio system.

Local and Remote Streaming Playback

Sooloos also can provide local streaming. Any Mac, PC, or Linux Web browser can access and control the system. At the same time, the speakers of any computer controlling the system can be used to play music.

The system also features remote streaming. Access the Sooloos system through a Web browser, from anywhere with a high-speed connection, and stream music to your computer.

Expanded Control

Sooloos can now be controlled from Firefox, Internet Explorer and Safari on Mac, Windows and Linux platforms. The dedicated Control PC and Control Mac programs offer the same control benefits as Web browsers with the addition of full CD importing, file importing, file exporting and manual backup.

Sooloos supports the import of FLAC, WAV, MP3, AAC, and Apple Lossless files at any word length and sample rate up to 24-bit, 96 kHz. With Control PC and Control Mac, files located on your computer are easily imported and identified, acquiring the metadata with automated tools.