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'Faroudja, by Meridian' theme at CEDIA Meridian's booth highlights exclusive license deal (29/9/2005)

Meridian Audio's booth at CEDIA (#550) will feature 'Faroudja, by Meridian', highlighting the recently-announced exclusive license agreement between the internationally-acclaimed British high-end audio manufacturer and Genesis Microchip Inc, the developer and supplier of high-definition chip-based video processing technology. Under the agreement, Meridian takes over manufacturing and worldwide sales and distribution of Faroudja brand consumer products. Meridian is also working with Genesis to co-develop new products that will build upon the success of the Faroudja range and on existing Meridian optical disc player technology. As a result of this agreement, Meridian will now offer a complete line of high-end digital audio and visual entertainment products.

Initially, Meridian will be manufacturing the DVP1080 High-Definition video processor and the DILA1080pHD and DILA788 projectors, and will be offering the DILA-QX1 by special order.

"The 1080 products in particular offer superb performance and lead the industry: they deliver 1080p operation that is not available elsewhere," said sales and marketing director Colin Aldridge. "Meridian is delighted to take this opportunity of extending our range of home theater systems to include Faroudja products and the exceptionally high quality pictures they deliver." Continuing Aldridge says, "We expect considerable synergy between the two brands, allowing us to provide a more complete solution for home theater customers, coupling superb sound with incredible images."

The Faroudja DVP1080 HD Digital Video Processor delivers high-bandwidth High Definition processing, optimizing current advanced 1920x1080p digital displays by converting 1080i interlaced HD video to a clean, 1080p progressive format.

Full High Definition cross-conversion and Standard Definition processing are included, with patented technology for de-interlacing, motion tracking, color fidelity and image detail enhancement, making the DVP1080 the essential central component of any high-performance theatre. All types of displays benefit from this processing, including plasma, DLP, LCD, DILA and CRT-based devices. US retail price is $6,995.

The DILA1080pHD Digital Projector utilizes three 1920x1080p DILA-based display chips. With a native resolution equal to full bandwidth High Definition, all the beauty and drama of the original source are reproduced with stunning accuracy. Each projector is Theater Optimized by video expert William Phelps, using proprietary firmware and optical equipment to offer a contrast ratio of 2100:1, excellent shadow detail and film-accurate color.

The Faroudja DILA1080pHD projector can be driven directly by an HDMI-equipped Meridian DVD player. Alternatively, the DVP1080 HD Digital Video Processor can be used to convert all analog and digital high definition and standard definition sources to the native 1920x1080p resolution of the projector. Employing the entire suite of Faroudja's patented technologies for color reproduction, detail enhancement and motion tracking ensures that all sources produce film-like images full of depth and vibrant power. The DILA1080pHD retails for $37,995.

The DILA788, also Theater Optimized by William Phelps, is a three-chip DILA projector with 1400x788 resolution display engine and offers a wide range of digital and analog input capabilities. Its US retail price is $24,995. The 3-chip DILA QX1 retails for $295,000.

Initially, Meridian will sell Faroudja products under the Faroudja name; future products will be branded 'Faroudja, by Meridian'.

www.meridian-audio.com