News

Imerge to Launch New MP1000 Networked MediaPlayer (18/12/2007)

Stand J13, Integrated Systems Europe 2008

Imerge - the renowned media server pioneers - will be launching the new audiophile/videophile MP1000 Networked MediaPlayer at the forthcoming ISE 2008 show in Amsterdam in January.

The MP1000 - Imerge's second major new product launch within a year - unlocks a whole new range of installation possibilities by expanding the number of independent playback sources and control interfaces in an MS5000 MediaServer-based system. Whether it's a multi-user yacht installation, luxury multi-room dwelling, or just another video output in the bedroom, MP1000 is the solution for adding premium-quality independent video or music sources, with integrated TV-based control, to an Imerge MS5000.

Imerge - famous for refined, quality multimedia devices specifically designed for the custom installation industry - has taken networked media playback to new heights with the MP1000. For example, not only does it play content stored from a networked MS5000 server, it will also play CDs and DVD discs from the built in optical drive. So, as well as being used in a centralised, analogue-distributed, rack-based installation, MP1000s can also be used in-room, connected via Cat5/Ethernet, banishing the need for other in-room player devices. And, because MP1000 has no internal hard disk drive, it is silent, both in operation and in stand-by, and highly reliable.

In the video domain, MP1000 has integrated upscaling and de-interlacing hardware delivering absolutely stunning picture quality, up to 1080p. Thus, regardless of whether content comes from local standard-definition DVDs or over the network from the MS5000 server, MP1000 delivers stunning, high-definition resolution pictures. For audio, MP1000 inherits SoundServer's legendary custom-designed audio electronics, with Wolfson Delta-Sigma 24-bit DACs, to deliver audiophile performance that rivals many native CD players. Forget using PC soundcards - this is proper audio.

Imerge has responded to dealer requests by ensuring that selected MP1000s can upload (or record) content to a host MS5000. So, installers can configure an MP1000 such that a user need not go anywhere near the main equipment rack, making MP1000 even more flexible. Like its other products, MP1000s will play music imported from home computers and iPods, bringing life to PC-quality media and turning it into serious high-quality home entertainment. And, being upgradeable via software downloads, the device can stay up to date with new media formats and features.

Furthermore, Imerge has made integration with multi-room controllers a dream by making MP1000s controllable from the same connection used to control the MS5000, extra MP1000s being seen as additional outputs by the attached controller.

MP1000 is not a feature-reduced cousin of the MS5000. It offers full browse and edit capabilities and, like the host MS5000 media server, allows installers to set up each MP1000 TV user interface with a hue to match the room dˇcor.

Commenting on the MP1000, Imerge CEO, Bruce Macaulay, said, "With the launch of the MP1000 at ISE 2008, Imerge makes it evident that the expertise and vision that made it the pioneering leader in the music server category since the late nineties is being carried forward, with passion and dedication, into the video domain. Like the MS5000 media server it connects to, this is no cheap, low-reliability PC device using cobbled-together PC software. It's been carefully designed for custom installation, from the ground up, by our own experienced in-house development team. It uses premium quality components and tightly integrated software design and is being manufactured in one of the world's most advanced facilities to some of the highest standards available today".

Retail and trade pricing for the MP1000 will be announced closer to the show.

www.imerge.co.uk