Melco has launched the EX Series that centres around the introduction of a powerful new software suite to Melco's existing hardware.

The EX upgrades include the recently announced Melco Intelligent Music Library (MIML), vTuner Internet radio, plus control from smartphones, tablets and PCs.

Melco Intelligent Music Library

MIML is unique to Melco and enables you to enjoy a superior browse and search experience, especially with classical music. Furthermore, existing Melco models can be upgraded to include the new software.

First previewed at High End Munich 2019, MIML offers integration of SongKong for Melco plus an advanced MinimServer 2 (UPnP), into Melco's hardware. By using MinimServer to browse and search, combined with the sophisticated tagging automatically implemented in SongKong, finding the music you want becomes even more straightforward. Additionally, thanks to new software for the OLED screen user interface, you also get greater detail of status and playback.

MinimServer offers four comprehensive browse and search 'profiles', each offering relevant tags for rock, jazz and classical, along with an ultra-simple default. These give you the ability to easily locate music based on browse or search and so removes the conventional UPnP standard browsing of artist; album; song.

Perhaps the most significant change is within the profile for Classical music. Thanks to the addition of tags such as composer or conductor and choir or work you get new levels of accessibility to your classical music collection. 

Integrating SongKong for Melco into the hardware solves many annoying metadata issues, such as missing album art and the like. Also, SongKong for Melco automates the process of re-tagging. The system benefits from simple one-touch processes to 'find additional metadata', 'add missing art' and 'replace all missing data with new'. Newly tagged metadata is then available to MinimServer, and the tight integration of the two creates a very fast and intuitive user interface.

Finally, vTuner Internet radio has also been implemented in conjunction with an updated version of the Melco Music HD app.

The introduction of the EX Series also sees the roll-out of a capacity upgrade in the flagship SSD-based HA-N1Z/2EX-S40 from 2TB to 4TB of solid-state storage.

Updating to EX specification

Existing machines can be updated to EX specification for a small charge reflecting the cost of software licenses, labour and shipping. Melco's newest digital music libraries, the half-width N10 and N100, benefit from more modern architecture which is equipped to auto-update (at no charge) with Melco's next major Internet firmware update - V4.01- scheduled for mid-December. The software will also be available, along with a software manual, on the Melco Audio website for download.

Mk2 N1A/N1ZH/N1ZS digital music libraries purchased after the Munich announcement (May 2019), can be updated via either UK or European tech support centres, or Melco dealers, for a nominal handling charge – the upgrade programme is scheduled for spring 2020. 

Older N1 Mk2 machines can also be updated for a cost of £175 (200 €) excl. VAT and Mk1 N1 series machines are also supported at the cost of £375 (400 €) excl. VAT. The upgrade cost is commensurate with the cost differential between non-EX and the new EX Series pricing. Melco Master Dealers will also be equipped to discuss trade-in options with owners of early models.

For more information, head on over to Melco.