MERIDIAN Audio, which manufactures top-of-the-range digital audio and video equipment in Latham Road, Huntingdon, has acquired a top-notch US media-server manufacturer to broaden its market scope. Meridian, which would not disclose how much it paid for th

MERIDIAN Audio, which manufactures top-of-the-range digital audio and video equipment in Latham Road, Huntingdon, has acquired a top-notch US media-server manufacturer to broaden its market scope.

Meridian, which would not disclose how much it paid for the seven-year-old top-end softare company Sooloos, was founded in St Ives in 1977 by two young engineers, Bob Stuart, who chairs the company, and Allen Boothroyd.

With over 30 years history of innovation and development of consumer home entertainment systems, the award-winning company is widely recognised as a world leader in high-quality audio and video reproduction.

Meridian developed the first audiophile CD player, the world's first consumer digital surround controller and developed the MLP lossless packing system included in the Blu-ray disc.

"The company's optical disc players, DSP-based loudspeakers, video projectors and scalers are unique in the industry, maintaining a super-quality digital signal throughout the path from the studio to the home, using advanced digital signal processing to deliver both a sweet, natural sound and smooth, crystal-sharp images with true cinematic realism," a spokesman said.

Bob Stuart told The Hunts Post earlier this year: "We are determined to be the best in class for performance, value for money and durability. In 25 years' time it will still be working. It takes time to build that sort of reputation.

"People go to huge lengths and expense to record superb quality sound. Most people have no idea how good it is until they hear on our equipment. We can make recorded music so close to live quality that it's scary."

Established in New York City in 2001, Sooloos manufactures the world's most innovative, functional and easy-to-use networked home entertainment system, its new owners said.

Meridian chief executive Tim Ireland explained: "Meridian supplies the very finest audio and video installations. As the market evolves toward download and streaming content and more sophisticated forms of control, we have been seeking the right partner to widen our scope and enable us to further excite our customers. Combining Meridian and Sooloos takes both over many hurdles - the two companies share striking similarities in culture, product philosophy, pursuit of excellence and market approach."

Bob Stuart added: "We share very similar philosophies and passions for music and total design excellence. There's also a powerful synergy between the skills and experience of our respective teams.