Author: Multicare

Bang & Olufsen classic service centre. Repairs and refurbishment to both old and new.
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Problem Solving

Problem Solving

How do I clean the tape path?

The tape path, that is, the tape heads, pinch rollers and other parts which the tape touches during playback or recording, should be cleaned every now and then to avoid dust and fluff build-up.

It is a good idea always to clean the tape path prior to making a recording. Use a tape head maintenance kit or simply a cotton wool stick dipped in a cleaning fluid (preferably iso-propyl alcohol which will not harm plastics if spilt) intended for this purpose.

The cleaning process must be carried out while there is no cassette in the tape compartment.

Press [A.TAPE]. The tape head and the right-hand pinch roller are now exposed, enabling you to clean them.

Press [TURN]. The left-hand pinch roller is now exposed.

Press [Stand-by] or switch to another source when you have finished the cleaning process

Which remote control will work my equipment?

First ascertain that your equipment can be controlled by remote. The Beocenter 2200 looks the right design and era but is completely manual as an example.

If it is remote control, then there are various families of remotes to consider.

The very first B&O remotes used ultrasound rather than infra-red and were seen initially for use with the Beomasters 2400 and 6000 and Beovision 6000. Each remote was unique to the individual product and could not really be used to operate any other device.

The ultrasound system was improved in the later Beovision Control Module which was used for the Beovision 3802, 4402 and 6002. This was a superb remote designed so that the user could identify buttons by feel as well as appearance.

These remotes were superseded by the first infra-red devices though the ultimate goal of audio-visual integration was still not realised. The Video remote, known affectionately as the Mars Bar, allowed both TV and video to be controlled and was a lovely metal alloy device. It controlled the Beovision 8800 series sets and its derivatives. It was also used in the first of the MX range, the MX2000.

Meanwhile the audio remotes were becoming complicated! The Beocenter 7000 had been released with its own hand held infra red controller and this design was now used for all the different audio systems. However the codes used were not common so to all intents, you needed the correct controller for each product. The Beomaster 8000 was the next to be introduced and this remote featured far more controls than that for the Beomaster 2400, with the ability to control both Beogram and Beocord as well as change balance and switch the filters in and out. Radio channels and volume were of course also catered for. The same design was used for the Beomaster 6000 that followed though the functions were subtlety changed and if used with the other product, not all keys behaved as advertised!

Similar style controllers were then introduced for the Beomaster 3000 and 5000, though again, the codes varied. Mention must also be made of the terminal for the Beogram CD50, the only stand alone remote for a CD player made by B&O which necessitated the fitting of a board in the CD50. These are rare.

The last of this style of remote was that for the Beomaster 3300 and was the most interesting as it now possessed the codes that would serve as the basis of all remote codes used by B&O from then to the present day: a muted start to a revolution in control.

This was we had been waiting for and within the year we had the first of a completely new range of remotes which were to become the Beolink 1000. To start with we had the Audio Terminal, the Video Terminal and, most interestingly, the AV Terminal. The last operated both audio and video systems realising the dream of one remote to control them all!

Within a short time, the remotes were simplified and the Beolink 1000 was born.

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Caring for your Bang & Olufsen

Caring for your Bang & Olufsen

How do I clean my Bang & Olufsen product?

Always try a diluted amount of soap and water first, applied to the surface of your product with a very soft brush. Use a vacuum cleaner attachment first in order to remove excess dust that may have accumulated.

For wood trim on your products then use a teak oil (or similar) applied sparingly with a soft cloth. Wipe off any excess after a minute or two and gently buff up.

For metal trim on older products this is generally brushed aluminium. To clean these again use a soft cloth and warm soapy water. Dry afterwards. This should remove most, if not all of the dirt and grime that has set in over the years.

More modern B&O products use either a shiny aluminium or stainless steel. Be very careful when you clean these as you can leave behind little ‘skid marks’ on their surfaces.

For plastic trims (for example the tops of record decks or digital readouts) again use a very soft cloth with just a small amount of soapy water applied to it. Dry off. If any marks or stains persist then try using silver polish. Apply the silver polish (Silvo is a good make) to a small out-of-sight area first; if you are satisfied then continue with the rest. This can be a long and laborious process, but it’s well worth it! Note that you will only remove minor, superficial scratches. For deeper scratches and gouges then you will have to either replace the offending part or learn to live with it!

For glass, a product to use (at least for those living in France) is St Marc Zerotrace Spécial Vitres Anti-coulure. This leaves no smears on the glass and leaves it as shiny as the day that it was manufactured! For those elsewhere, a good quality spray Glass Cleaner and Kitchen Roll does the trick – but be very careful with products that have Anti Reflective Glass Coatings.

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PIN

PIN

Table of Contents

PIN your products down!

You naturally expect a lot of the Bang & Olufsen brand, and it is central to the Bang & Olufsen philosophy that our products surprise and delight every day, every time they are used, for the lifetime of the product. An important element of this pleasure of ownership is security – not least the physical security of the product in your home, and that it will remain there, for as long as you choose to own the product!

Unfortunately, many unsavoury and criminal types also have great expectations of the Bang & Olufsen brand, and in countries where there is a high level of brand recognition across all segments of society, such as Denmark, thieves cannot help but take an unhealthy interest in our products – and where they can find them.

Protect your product with a PIN code

To combat this threat and enable owners of our products to rest easy when on holiday or otherwise away from home, Bang & Olufsen offers PIN code protection on its products as an added security against theft. The PIN code works by ‘locking’ the product for use, if the power is switched off for more than preset amount of time.

PIN codes were introduced in 2000, and the first product that was tested in the Danish market was BeoSound 3000. By 2001, PIN codes were introduced to most products and to all markets, and a majority of BeoVision televisions, BeoSound 9000, BeoSound 3200, BeoSound 4, BeoCenter 2 and BeoLab 5 are PIN code protected.

The introduction of PIN code protection of Bang & Olufsen products may have reduced the number of thefts of Bang & Olufsen products from private homes, but the number of organised thefts of the products from warehouses, retails outlets and during transport increased. The criminals were reorganising! To combat this, PIN codes were set ex factory from 2003.

Change PIN Code

It is easy for the customer to change or personalise the PIN code, and if the PIN code is forgotten, it is always possible for the product to be unlocked, because Master Codes for each product are kept on a secure server at Bang & Olufsen headquarters in Struer, Denmark. Only your retailer can request access to your product’s Master Code – and this is an added security.

In Denmark, burglaries of Bang & Olufsen products fell by almost 20% after PIN codes were introduced. Of course, it is difficult to say that PIN codes were they only cause of the fall! Nevertheless, brand recognition also worked in our favour: Bang & Olufsen Scandinavia has had great success printing ‘PIN code protection’ stickers for Bang & Olufsen owners to place in their windows or on doors, to remind thieves they ought to look elsewhere.

What is the difference between PIN code and Master code?

The product has a 4-digit PIN code which is activated from factory. When you receive your product, you will also get the factory PIN code from your Bang & Olufsen retailer.

The PIN code must be entered if the product has been disconnected from the mains for 15 to 30 minutes. This means that if a product is removed from your house and thus disconnected, it cannot be used until the correct PIN code has been entered.
You can change the PIN code at any time to a 4-digit code of your own choice. Please refer to the product’s user guide.

The Master code is required if you forget the PIN code and is only available via an authorised Bang & Olufsen retailer.

How do I get a Master code?

If you have forgotten your PIN code, you need to contact your nearest Bang & Olufsen retailer who can assist you in getting the 5-digit Master code by post or e-mail from Bang & Olufsen headquarters.

Once this code has been entered, your product is operational again, and the PIN code system is disabled.

Please refer to the product’s user guide on how to enter the Master code and to enable the PIN code.

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BeoPlayer/BeoMedia/NMUSIC Issues

BeoPlayer/BeoMedia/NMUSIC Issues

What do I need to play mp3/Digital Music at Home?

The easiest solution is the all-in-one BeoSound 3200 that comes with a hard drive that can store up to 396 CDs. The most common solution is to use a PC with the freeware BeoPlayer, which is a program that makes navigating easy. Please note that Bang & Olufsen refer to MP3 or digital music as “N.MUSIC” and Internet radio as “N.RADIO”.

To get the music from the PC to your BeoLink network there are basically two solutions today:

Use the BeoLink Media (aka BeoMedia). This is a black box that connects to any BeoVision with a SCART connection (or DVI-I), and you have the option of either an Ethernet cable or a wireless connection between the BeoMedia and your PC. BeoMedia allows you to navigate through photos, music files and Internet radio stations with the use of the TV screen and the Beo4 remote.

The most common method of distributing N.MUSIC is with a product called BeoPlayer PC2. This is a black box that connects to your PC and is equipped with a MasterLink connection for your BeoLink network. To be able to activate the BeoPlayer PC2 and enjoy N.MUSIC in any other room of the house the following requirements must be met:

Your BeoSound music system should be N.MUSIC compatible. The following music systems are compatible (or can be upgraded to be): BeoSound 3000, BeoSound 3200 and BeoSound 9000 and the BeoCenter 1 and 2. Please note that the upgrade of the BeoSound 9000 MK1 model is very extensive, while the others simply involve replacing a chip

If you set the BeoPlayer PC2 to option 2 (Audio Master) you do not need a compatible BeoSound music system, but you will need a BeoVision with N.MUSIC. The following video systems are compatible (or can be upgraded to be): BeoVision 3-32, 4 (with BeoSystem 2), 5, BeoVision 6-26, BeoVision 7-32, BeoVision 7-40 and the Avant RF (2002+) and the BeoCenter 1 (since October 2002). Please note that you can let the BeoPlayer PC2 act as Audio Master in a BeoLink network without any BeoVisions at all.

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Beolab/Beovox

Beolab/Beovox

Can I use non-B&O Speakers?

Yes. With the older systems with a built in power amplifier, you may use any passive speaker from any manufacturer.

The newer systems, however, have no power amplifier fitted as the power amplifier is now found in the B&O speaker, as this allows the speaker and amplifier combination to be optimised. Therefore you will need to provide a power amplifier for any passive speakers you wish to attach. There are a number of ways of doing this but the simplest is to buy a B&O external amplifier that will make your passive speakers react in the same way as B&O speakers.

You would normally use a Powerlink to Amplifier cable to connect from one of the Powerlink outputs on your B&O audio system or TV to the stereo RCA inputs of the amplifier, then use normal passive speaker cables between the amplifier and the speakers.

What is an Active Speaker?

A proper active speaker is one that is fed non amplified sound, the sound is then split into the various frequencies required by the drive units and is then amplified by a power amplifier dedicated to that particular drive unit.

This allows very close matching of drive unit and amplifier and allows the cabinet to be much smaller as the amplifier response can be tailored to match the cabinet frequency response. The frequency response can also be made to match that of the drive unit so the final sound should be more linear than with a passive speaker which has to cope with any amplifier attached to it.

The earliest Beolab speakers are not actually active. The Beolab Penta is better described as a powered speaker as it has a power amplifier built into the base which produces a flat frequency response and then this is fed to a passive crossover before passing to the drive units.

The Beolab 3000, Beolab 4500 and Beolab 5000 were also powered speakers but interestingly, the power amplifier produced an output with a non linear output designed to compensate for the reduced bass response of such a narrow speaker.

What do the Potentiometers on the front do?

These are the adjustment screws that are used by the factory to fine tune the speakers to ensure a flat frequency response. they are also used if you are unlucky enough to require a new drive unit to match the amplifier to the new unit.

Some customers like to alter these themselves and they are your speakers to do with as you wish. However remember that B&O have spent a fair amount of resources delivering your speakers to you in what they regard as perfect balance. The advice is to twiddle at your own risk!

How do I work out the best place to put my speaker

Entire books have been written about this topic, so the following advice should just be considered as a starting point; exact positions will vary depending on your room acoustics and choice of loudspeakers. The following advice is suitable for either stereo speakers (ie. 2 channel) or the two main front speakers in a 5.1 or 7.1 channel surround sound system. Good speaker positioning improves the sound quality and stereo image, so that instruments sound more lifelike and appear to come from different parts of the stage (as they would sound at a live concert).

As a starting point, locate the “tweeter” or small high-pitched driver in the speakers (Just play some music with plenty of rythym and listen for where the cymbals appear to come from!) These drivers should normally be positioned at about ear level when you are sitting in your usual seat (or standing up dancing!)

Measure from your usual listening position to the front wall of the room where the speakers are placed (ensure that they are in front of you, not to the side or behind you) This distance should be roughly the same as the distance between the speakers.

Now look at the back panel of the speakers. If there is a hole in the back (known as a bass port) or a grille cloth on the back (covering a bass driver), then the speakers should normally be placed away from the front wall of the room. If neither holes nor grilles are present, then the distance from the front wall is less important. The distance the speakers should be placed from the wall for best effect will vary, but 50cm (0.5m) is usually a good starting point for most speakers. Listen to some music you know well with a clear bassline and try various positions to see which gives clear, realistic bass notes that fit in well with the rest of the music.

Finally, ensure that the speakers are solidly mounted on suitable brackets or stands (for smaller speakers) or securely placed on the floor (for taller speakers). Try pointing the speakers directly at your listening position, straight at the back wall and then try them angled inwards to point at a position about 50cm in front of your listening position. This will alter the positioning of instruments “on stage” and you should be looking to hear the lead singer clearly in the centre, with backing vocals and instruments spread evenly between the speakers.

Above all, there is no “right” or “wrong” way to position your speakers, so feel free to experiment and find out what works best for you.

How can I test the bass response of my loudspeaker

First, find or buy a cable to connect your audio system to a device with YouTube!

Second, run the following bass test video on YouTube and listen. The frequency of each successive note is announced, so you can work out the limit of your audio system from the point where the tones disappear – the results may surprise you!

For reference, the lowest note on a Tuba, Bosendorfer Imperial Grand Piano and most cathedral pipe organs (C0) is 16.35 Hz, although few modern pianos go lower than 27.5Hz and a four string double bass “only” reaches down to around 41Hz.

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BeoGram

BeoGram

Where to find a Cartridge/Stylus for my BeoGram?

BeoWorld recommends Sound-Smith. This is a US-based company and deals mail order through the Internet. They obtained official recognition from Bang & Olufsen in 2003 to manufacture replacement B&O combined styli/cartridges..

Which Stylus for Which Deck?

See above,  visit their website to see compositable cartridges 

Which BeoGram will work with my System?

The important thing to remember here is that the output from a magnetic record player cartridge is at a lower level than that of other sources and is also skewed in such a way that it would sound very tinny if played directly.

Therefore a small pre-amplifier is required which will amplify and equalise the signal. This is known as an RIAA.

The RIAA is only required in one location. Modern B&O systems do not have one in the main system so one will be required in the BeoGram or fitted externally. The BeoGram 3500, BeoGram 4500, BeoGram 6500 and BeoGram 7000 all have RIAAs fitted as standard.

Which Beogram turntables can be wall-mounted?

Bang and Olufsen produced an excellent wall bracket for their Beogram record players in the 1980’s that seemed to disappear under the turntable, leaving the Beogram seemingly suspended in mid air. Sadly, these are no longer in production and they are now very rare.

My radial arm deck does not lift at the end

The problem is a small brass pin that is sticking. You will need to disassemble the BeoGram.

Remove the platter, cartridge and the arm counterweight so that there is nothing of weight around. You now need to remove the lid. There are 6 screws on most radial BeoGrams that this problem affects. Three hold the lid onto the frame and three hold the torsion spring for the lid. Try to undo the ones holding the lid on as replacing those with the torsion spring is frustrating to say the least.

With the lid off, you now need to invert the deck – you will need to support the deck so the arm is not damaged. You can then remove the base which is held on with two captive screws. Loosen these – they do not need to be fully removed – and you can release the base.

You can then see the deck automatic mechanism – see the attached picture. The brass pin is arrowed. This needs to be lubricated – sewing machine oil is the best. However you will need to free this first! The amount of effort will vary but try small and work up! Penetrating oil may be required and some owners have had to disassemble the whole mechanism and use pliers to free the pin!

All are agreed that sewing machine oil will be required to ensure long service following reassembly. Only use a little though or you will attract dirt.

BeoCenter 2300 clock keeps resetting itself

You need to upgrade the Software to Version 1.2 in order to rectify this problem.

This upgrade available from your nearest Bang & Olufsen dealer.

BeoCenter 9500 - hums

B&O recognise the problem and came up with a particularly high tech approach.. Special feet! Part number 3103347 !!

Alternatively cut two squash balls in half and use them as feet. The hum is amplified by the surface the unit sits on and de-coupling it helps – honestly!!

Clearly there will still be some hum but it does reduce a lot.

BeoCenter 9500 - Speakers make noises when switching on/off

The DC supply voltage has not stabilised before the signal is sent to the speakers.

There is a service kit available if this bothers you though, and the later BeoSounds actually have a longer delay before the signal is sent so make no noise!

BeoSound 1 CD makes a bump noise when cooling down

The main Printed Circuit Board expands when hot and contracts when cool.

Tightening the retaining screw will fix the problem, but if you are not confident with electronic products we would of course advise taking it to your local Bang & Olufsen Service Centre!

BeoSound 1 CD 'whines' in stand by.

This is a problem with the power supply.

This needs to be repaired, please contact your nearest Bang & Olufsen Dealer.

BeoSound 2 won't write to my SD card.

Often this is because the SD card has been used in another device like a camera.

The card needs to have all hidden files deleted. The BS2 will not do this through simple formatting, so you will need to use a separate card reader.

BeoSound 3 - slight shock from it

There could be a very slight leak current in the older chargers.

BeoSound 4 / BeoSound 2 - SD cards recorded on my BS4 don't play on my BS2

Some tracks can be missed on a BeoSound 2 Personal Mp3 player when playing an SD card recorded on a BeoSound 4. Newer software on the BeoSound 4 should resolve this.

BeoSound 9000 - The CD carriage won't move

The circuit controlling the movement of the CD carriage has a built-in safety function which protects your fingers, etc. from being hit by the fast moving carriage.

This circuit depends on light/reflections, and works via opto-coupling devices built into the two small ‘pegs’ . When the glass door is opened, or if something interrupts the light circuit, the carriage slows down in speed, and finally comes to a halt. Over time dust may build up and thus reduce the light emitted to and from the opto-coupling devices.

Dust particles on the inside of the glass door may also cause extraordinary reflections which may be interpreted by the safety function in a wrong way. So, in order to prevent malfunction of the safety circuit, we recommend that you wipe dust off the two pegs on a regular basis. Likewise, when cleaning the surfaces of the BeoSound 9000, remember also to clean the inner surface of the glass door.

Big Clamper or Small Clamper?

The question that is commonly asked when describing a BeoSound Ouverture or BeoSound 3000 is “Does it have a Large or Small Clamper?”

Most peoples reaction is “What on earth does that mean?” – so here is a quick guide to how to tell.

Basically, the clamper holds the CD in place – and in an effort to make it more stylish when in use, Bang & Olufsen decided to facelift the Ouverture and 3000 in 2001 by making the clamper larger, with a new Matt Grey finish as opposed to the previously used Milled Aluminium effect.

This almost completely obscured the CD when it was spinning, giving a very motionless and clean ‘feel’ to the unit. However, some people prefer the small clamper as they can see their CD playing. Its all down to personal choice, but obviously if you are looking to buy as new a model as possible – you ought to be looking for a large clapmer version.

We hope this clears the question up!

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Beosound/BeoCenter Issues

Beosound/BeoCenter Issues

Selecting specific sources for AUX mode

When the BeoCenter 8000/8500/9000/9300/9500 is in AUX mode, the red digits on the bottom glass panel will light up. If you have a B&O TV connected via a 7-Pin DataLink cable (or a newer set with a BeoLink Converter), the following Video sources are available:

  1. TV Tuner
  2. VCR
  3. Set-Top Box
  4. DVD
  5. Microphone (on the BeoCenter itself)

Big Clamper or Small Clamper?

The question that is commonly asked when describing a BeoSound Ouverture or BeoSound 3000 is “Does it have a Large or Small Clamper?”

Most peoples reaction is “What on earth does that mean?” – so here is a quick guide to how to tell.

Basically, the clamper holds the CD in place – and in an effort to make it more stylish when in use, Bang & Olufsen decided to facelift the Ouverture and 3000 in 2001 by making the clamper larger, with a new Matt Grey finish as opposed to the previously used Milled Aluminium effect.

This almost completely obscured the CD when it was spinning, giving a very motionless and clean ‘feel’ to the unit. However, some people prefer the small clamper as they can see their CD playing. Its all down to personal choice, but obviously if you are looking to buy as new a model as possible – you ought to be looking for a large clapmer version.

We hope this clears the question up!

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Beocom 

Beocom 

Table of Contents

Buying a used BeoCom from another country?

It’s only the base that differs from country to country, and the menu-language on the phone. The exception would appear to be the US which uses a different transmission frequency for cordless phones.

How to change the cover of the Beocom 6000?

There is a special tool that has to be used. This is because there are several pressure points that must be triggered in order to remove the cover. Not exactly a specialist job, but a nightmare if you either use the wrong tool or don’t know what you are doing. Best left to an expert – but here are some pictures of the tool anyway!

How can I find out the age of my Beocom 6000 or 2?

To put the phone into service mode:

Press :

(Older phones)

9#9#9*DOT7

(Newer phones)

9#9#9*INT

You can scroll through various menus here.

PSTN Bases & Phone Compatibility

It has been discussed many times on this forum about the many confusions surrounding BeoCom 6000, BeoCom 2 & their relevant PSTN Base Stations and compatibility.

Let us try and explain!

Starting at the beginning.

The BeoCom 6000 was launched in 1998 and had a charger that also contained the PSTN transceiver. This charging unit (also known as the PSTN ‘Pyramid’ base) allowed you to register up to 6 handsets to it, giving you freedom of placement around your home for other handsets and at the same time creating your own home telephone network.

In 2001 the BeoCom 2 was launched which already contained a dedicated PSTN base in the wall or table charger it was sold with. This base would only communicate with the handset that it was sold and indeed paired with, which of course prevented the user from adding additional handsets or indeed adding this BeoCom 2 to his/her existing BeoCom 6000 system.

By the end of 2002 somebody somewhere must have seen the light, and a new separate and dedicated PSTN Base was released. The BeoLine PSTN was a separate unit that connected to the phone line and mains power, and this meant that the table and wall chargers for the BeoCom2 became exactly that – a charger only.

The BeoCom 6000 pyramid chargers lost their little ‘indication light’ and BeoCom 2 had somewhat of a re-launch. This time the phone worked in the same manner as the BeoCom 6000 and could be registered to the BeoLine PSTN, so you could now have a phone system that comprised of both BeoCom 6000’s & BeoCom 2’s working off one PSTN Base unit.

This then provided the opportunity to add the BeoCom 2 telephone to the original combined PSTN/’pyramid’ charger unit of the BeoCom 6000, but what about the original version of the BeoCom 2 with the paired base? Well this was dealt with by a simple software upgrade to the PSTN/charger which allowed you to add the new BeoCom 2. As for the ‘older style’ BeoCom 2, a software upgrade to the phone and a modification to the base unit (where the cable splits to mains and phone line, you simply cut the phone line off) was needed.

For a period of time this upgrade for the original BeoCom 2 was done free of charge by Bang & Olufsen. However, these days most dealers are equipped to do this in their showrooms and will carry it out for a small charge or possibly free of charge if you are buying more phones, or are a regular customer.

The Next Generation..

Now, we take a leap to 2005 and the introduction of the BeoCom 6000 MkII. The new version had some minor physical changes to the button pad and had the option to add the headset designed originally for the BeoCom 4 – called the ‘Earset Home’.

The menu structure changed slightly also but perhaps the most important change was that, although you could add it to older systems including the very first generation (a SW upgrade to version 2.5 in the base station would be required) you could not use them with chargers manufactured before May 2003. Bang & Olufsen changed the base of the phone slightly so it will not sit in those early chargers, the reason being for this is that the bases changed from a 7.5v to 5.6v input.

The MkII BeoCom 2 was introduced early 2006 and had the same menu structure as the MkII BeoCom 6000, there were no physical changes tho the phone and once again was fully backwards compatible, pending software updates. The really confusing part starts with the introduction of BeoLine EU MkII in 2006, this was the new PSTN base station, much smaller than its predecessor it allowed a network of up to 8 handsets and is only compatible with the MkII handsets.

If you have any doubts as to compatability issues, you could think of it this way..

Only the new PSTN Base has compatibility issues, that is, it will only work with the MkII handsets. However all handsets will work with the both older style BeoCom 6000 PSTN/charger and seperate PSTN base station, the original BeoCom 2 PSTN/charger was never able to connect more than 1 handset.

Servicing the BeoCom 6000 is very straight forward and most dealers are equipped to do it, and all parts can be easily replaced with minimum fuss. The only really costly part is the main PCB otherwise it is a relatively inexpensive repair should you require it.

However the same cannot be said for BeoCom 2. Other than software related issues and a battery change, dealers have no way of servicing it and should you damage your BeoCom 2 it will be necessary to order an exchange handset – this is not cheap!

How can i tell if my BeoCom 2 is a Mk1 or Mk2 ?

You can tell at a glance the difference between the Mk1 and Mk2 versions by simply looking at the actual and of the phone that sits in the charging base.

The BeoCom 2 MK2 release was at the end of 2005. Take a look at the picture to the right which shows where to find the differences.

BeoCom Digital Line issue

Telephones sold in Europe are constructed to work with the public telephone exchange. When using IP telephony, the telephone is connected to a broadband IP box. This box replaces the public telephone exchange and sends telephone signals to the telephone.

If your IP telephony system meets the standards of the telephone system in the country where your Bang & Olufsen telephone was purchased and is used, your telephone can be used for IP telephony.

The IP box (also called an ATA box) is used in large parts of the world and offers various setup possibilities. Normally, setup is performed by the IP telephony provider. Errors may often be caused by the setup.

If you experience problems after having switched to IP telephony, a way to ease the troubleshooting is to only connect one telephone or one handset base to the IP box at a time.

  1. Incoming call, but no ringing signal If the telephone does not ring, the IP box may transmit a ringing signal with a different frequency and/or voltage than what the telephone is constructed to recognise. BeoCom telephones recognise ringing signals transmitted with a frequency between 15 and 70 Hz and a voltage between 30 and 100 volt.
  2. Missing caller ID The IP box supports two caller ID standards: DMTF and FSK, and it is very important that the IP box is set to the correct standard. Contact your IP telephony provider for further information.
  3. No dialling tone or line busy If you do not get a dialling tone or the line is busy, the wiring may be incorrect. Make sure the IP box is connected according to instructions and that only one telephone is connected to the box at a time.
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BeoVision

BeoVision

North American BeoVisions

Q: Are these HDTVs?

A: No. They are, however, very high-quality standard-definition CRT TVs with a resolution of 480i (interlaced) lines of resolution. They were designed with a primary input source, the S-VHS VX5000 VCR, which came very close to today’s DVD resolution. Under ideal conditions, a S-VHS tape might contain 400 lines of resolution, versus a DVD’s 480 lines. So it’s safe to say they were engineered with very high-quality signals in mind.

Q: What inputs do these sets have?

A: The highest-quality input generally available is the single S-Video plug on the back. The VCR1 Scart connector contains RGB inputs, although these are mainly used for sending the menu overlays from the VX5000, rather than the video signal itself. The RGB input standard can be usefully compared to Component (YPbPr) input in terms of quality. Theoretically, a DVD player outputting NTSC signal over Scart, such as the DVD1, might be able to send a RGB signal over the VCR1 input. Reports from the field are welcome.

Q: How much do these sets weigh?

A: 114lbs. So be very careful moving one.

Q: What is the difference between the MX5000 and the MX5500?

A: Very little. The tubes were from different manufacturers (RCA versus Toshiba?). MX5000s have one-way Infrared software, MX5500s have two-way software. Both have the two-way IR hardware installed. MX5500s are newer.

Q: Where is the two-way Infrared hardware located on the set?

A: At the top right corner, in the same area as the red standby LED.

Q: If the MX5000 has two-way Infrared hardware, can I upgrade the software to use it?

A: Yes, just order version 2.2 of the software for about US$50 and install it. Don’t open the back of a TV set unless you know what you are doing, however.

Q: What two-way remotes work with an MX5500 (or upgraded MX5000)?

A: BeoLink 5000 and BeoLink 7000.

Q: Why do I see a small white bar on the screen when I change the volume?

A: This is the set’s strange way of letting you know it has received a command over Infrared.

Q: What software versions are available for these TVs?

[code]

1.6

1.8

1.9 Bug fix for AM/PM in clock

2.2 Two-way Infrared.  Part #8341369

2.2S For use with AV7000, disables Infrared altogether. Part #8342505[/code]

Q: Can I use the MX5000 and MX5500 with an AV7000?

A: Yes, with some limitations. You’ll need a special software version, 2.2S (see above.) This will totally disable the internal Infrared, so you’ll lose two-way communications. Also, the internal speakers must be disconnected. Finally, the AV7000 software revision that controls DVD players removes support for the MX5000 and MX5500.

Q: My external PowerLink speakers make a noise when I change the channel.

A fix was introduced in April 1990 to eliminate a brief ‘pop’ of static from attached PowerLink speakers when changing channels on the built-in antenna/cable TV tuner. This is a very small circuit board which must be soldered to two points on two separate boards. Atlantic Systems will generally perform this fix when they rebuild a board. Here is the wiring diagram:

Q: The speakers sound bad. Are they worn out?

A: The foam-rubber surrounds may suffer from ‘foam rot.’ New drivers are available for a total cost of US$50 for both and are relatively easy to install. The drivers have push-on terminals and do not need to be de-soldered:

Q: OK, but how do I remove the cloth grille covering the speakers?

A: Very carefully. You’ll need to run your fingers over the grille on the left side of the set as you stand in front of it (the set’s right side). You’ll feel two rectangular holes. Gently push a blunt instrument into them to release the two plastic clips. Take care not to tear or stretch the fabric. Once the left side is released, it should pop out about an inch.

Use the leverage to gently pull the grille off the front of the set. It may help to pinch the top and bottom together to create enough space to release the other clips. The right side does not need to be released in the same way as the left; it should come free once the front is released.

Or, you can follow the service guide’s official instructions:

[quote]Carefully insert a screwdriver between the loudspeaker panel and the cabinct in the right-hand side of the set.

Loosen the loudspeaker panel by exerting a light pressure with the screwdriver.

Push the loudspeaker panel towards the left.

A light push against the left corner of the loudspeaker panel will now release the panel completely.[/quote]

Q: Can I get a new front grille replacement?

A: Yes, for about US$50. It will be a slightly different plastic frame, but you won’t notice this once it’s installed. The original is at the bottom, the new replacement is on top:

Q: I want to change the color of the case.

A: White, Red and Blue cases are still available as a spare parts for about US$90. Black is all gone. The colored back case is separate from the black, non-painted plastic center unit in the back. The painted shell is what you replace, keeping the center.

Q: Can I buy a MX6000, MX7000 or MX8000 back case from Europe?

A: No, the mounting points on the center are very slightly different.

Q: I am repairing an NTSC MX5000 or 5500. Are there any resources online to help?

A: Jean Vezina has written a repair guide covering the replacement of aging capacitors in these TV sets. It is available on the Connoisseurs’ Club <a href=”http://www.beoworld.co.uk/connoisseursclub/servicemanuals/mx5000repair.zip”>here</a>. Remember TV sets can contain fatal voltages; always refer servicing to an trained specialist if you are not experienced with high-voltage CRTs.

The official B&O Service Guide for this set is also available. Untill the BeoWorld site redesign, contact moderator PL212 for access.

Q: How can I access the service counters in the MX5000 and MX5500?

A: In the TV Menu, set the time and date to:

Time: [color=red]33:30 am[/color]

Date: [color=red]Mar 16 3250 Thu[/color]

Press PLAY on the remote.

[code]A x 10 = Picture tube ON time.

B x 10 = Audio only ON time.

C x 10 = Stand by time.

D = Only used in production.[/code]

Q: Is there any built-in test pattern in these sets?

A: A very simple one. Activate the service counters, as shown above. Then press 2 and an On-Screen Display color adjustment picture appears. Press TV to go back to normal TV mode.

Q: Can I use a North American DVD1 on these sets?

A: Yes. (Details to come.)

Q: Can I use a North American BeoCenter 2 on these sets?

A: Yes, in theory. Connect a 21-pin, fully-wired SCART cable between the SCART on the Socket Unit to AV1 (B&O VCR) on the MX. Configure the SCART on the TV as VTAPE. You will also need a BeoLink Converter to adapt the BC2’s MasterLink to the MX’s MasterControlLink. (If you don’t have a BeoLink Converter, you will need to mute the TV’s sound and then select CD on the remote. You will have control of the Beocenter 2 and use of the speakers connected to the BC2.)

Unresolved questions:

Will the BeoCenter 2 work with a SCART break-out cable attached to AV2? If so, will it work as VTAPE2 or CDV?

Are PowerLink speakers best connected to the MX or the BC2?

Thanks to Linder for information about the BC2.

Q: What is the DECODER (EIA IS-15) port on the back of the set?

A: [color=blue]Electronic Industries Association Interim Standard 15[/color]:

The Television Receiver Committee of the EIA proposed a baseband interface standard, IS-15 for improving the compatibility between TV receivers and cable TV (CATV) decoder systems. The advantage of using this standard is the ability to integrate tuning, intermediate frequency, and remote control systems for both TV and CATV applications. As a result, the RF converter can be eliminated and descrambling can be achieved in the baseband.

It’s a stillborn attempt at a North American standard for controlling cable/satelite boxes, based on the successful European SCART/Peritel system. Invented by E. Lykkegaard and K. R. Jensen of Bang & Olufsen, the hope was that cable boxes and other external decoders could be controlled by the TV set itself, changing the channels as necessary for timer recordings, etc. Nothing ever supported it.

Relevant links:

http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/xpl/freeabs_all.jsp?arnumber=20186

Q: So can I use the EIA IS-15 port for anything then?

A: Good question. We have the information on the pinouts of the connector and what each signal does. (Information to be posted soon.) It’s not just a simple video-in port, however — it has complicated bi-directional communications that might have to be emulated by an external device.

How do I use my Beo4 to work Sky or cable?

To do this you need a Set Top Box controller (STB-C) fitted to your Beovision and the correct software installed.

Older STB-Cs may well not have SKY+ on the pick list and will need upgrading. Your dealer can advise on the current list of boxes supported.

How do I change the region code on the DVD1?

NOTE: This method does not make the DVD1 Region-FREE. There is a limit of FOUR changes to the product over its lifetime (without professional servicing.) USE THIS INFORMATION AT YOUR OWN RISK.

 

Remove any CD or DVD and disconnect the power.

Press and hold << and >> on the front panel (not the remote) while reconnecting the power plug.

The current setting shows on the display.

Use << or >> on the front panel (not the remote) to change Region number.

Press PLAY to store. Wait 15 seconds until TV screen shows blue

Avant - Curved Screen or Real Flat?

Many people when referring to their BeoVision Avant are asked by Dealers, Service Engineers or potential buyers “Is it a Curved or a Real Flat?”

Most people don’t really know the difference, so here is a little guide on how to tell!

Firstly, let us explain that the ‘Curved Screen‘ is the original version of the BeoVision Avant, launched way back in 1995, and is the earliest version. This TV was streets ahead of the competition at the time, and still remains a seriously good TV at what is now bargain basement money on the used market.

The ‘Real Flat‘ was the ‘facelifted’ version of the Avant, launched in 2001 using the same exterior casing with the main visible difference being the tube (the latest cutting edge Philips) and screen cover assembly.

Along came the integrated DVD version too in 2002, and for reference any DVD version of the Avant will be a Real Flat (RF) model without question.

Visual Differences

In photo’s 1 and 2 you can clearly see that the screen is recessed into a grey/black plastic surround with the Bang & Olufsen logo printed onto the surround. There is also a visible ‘step’ between the contrast screen and surround. The screen is also quite obviously ‘curved’ as you look at it from the side. This is of course the version that is referred to as “Curved”

In Photo’s 3 and 4 you can clearly see the difference between the two. The ‘Real Flat’ has a contrast screen that covers the tube from ‘edge to edge’ and has the appearance of one solid single sheet of glass, with the Bang & Olufsen logo displayed behind the glass contrast screen. This flatness gave rise to the term ‘Real Flat’ as this is exactly what the tube is.

The Real Flat model is the later version of the Avant, and on the pre-owned market is worth more than the earlier version. The improvement in picture quality is apparent also, but we are talking about an improvement on an already superb picture!

Hopefully this can help you distinguish the difference between the two, and help you confidently state whether you have a ‘curved’ or a ‘real flat’ !!

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Connectivity Issues between Products

Connectivity Issues between Products

How do my products respond to my Remote Control?

This rather depends on the age of your product.

The first remote control product made by B&O was the Beomaster 6000 quadraphonic receiver. This used an ultrasonic remote control that operated only the receiver.

The first Beosystem to offer remote control was the Beosystem 2400 which had a similar ultrasonic remote control which again worked via a receiver on the Beomaster 2400. What changed however was the addition of a 7 pin DIN socket for the record player. If either a Beogram 2400 or BeoGram 4004 was attached to this socket, messages were sent to the Beogram from the Beomaster. This allowed the gram to be started, stopped and paused.

After this, B&O moved on to using infra-red remote controllers and refined the 2400 system into what is known as Datalink. This was an electronic language which was used to allow Beomasters to control other sources and for the sources to communicate their status to the Beomaster. This system was first seen in the Beomaster 8000, Beogram 8000 and Beocord 8000. Units could be switched on and controlled by remote but could also be worked using the control panels on the units themselves, with the actions on one unit controlling the others.

This system was refined through the years to include TVs and when used in this way was referred to as Audio Aux. It has recently been dropped as B&O now uses Masterlink, a language that links systems.

Why doesn't my tape recorder work with my remote?

All remote control signals work through a Beomaster.

If you source unit (Tape recorder, Beogram or CD player) is attached and has datalink and the Beomaster also is Datalink enabled, the first thing to do is check the cable. B&O utilise the DIN standard of connectors and for Datalink, this means a 7 pin DIN cable. The bottom two pins (6&7) carry the Datalink transmissions.

These are sometimes unscrewed when the unit is used with a non datalink product and people can forget to put them back. If you discover that this is the case, and that you don’t know where the pins are, there could be a solution! Only on datalink pin is actually used! For CD players, Tape players and Beograms with a built in RIAA, pin 7 is the active one. For Beograms without an RIAA, pin 6 is active.

Borrow a pin from another lead or from the other end of the cable if it is two ended!

Connecting Apple TV to BeoVision 7

Apple TV – Launched Spring 2007

Worrying about the distorted picture ( a black bar on the right side ; lowest part of picture appears on the upper top )?

Just one little trick cures the distorted picture problem : Switch on Apple TV First , then BV7!!.

Initial reports coming through (April 2007) from our members are that Apple TV with the BV7 is amazing, with clarity and sound of the very highest quality. Early days of course, but initial reports are excellent.

However, you must remember :

  1. A HDMI/DVI adaptor is needed to plug into back of the Beovision 7
  2. A normal DVI cable is fine as opposed to DVI-D or equivalent. A White/Red RCA Cable is needed for sound .
  3. Call up the PC function of Beo4 , and follow the manual for connecting a PC.
  4. In some cases, software version 6.3 is upgraded.
  5. After installation, if no picture is displayed, unplug the Apple tv for 1 minute then plug it back in. You will see an apple logo.
  6. Always remember – Switch on Apple TV first , then BV7. Otherwise you will encounter the distorted picture problem.
  7. Note – There are only 2 choices available : 720p and 470p.
  8. You can improve the picture quality by setting Hi/Low HDMI brightness.
  9. Switch off the Apple TV by holding the play key of the remote for 6 seconds.

How do I know if my remote control is working?

Just find a digital camera (or camera phone) and switch it on so that the screen shows a picture (don’t press the shutter button). Hold the front end of the remote control up to the camera lens so that you can see the small black “window” on the screen. If the remote is working properly, you should see fast, bright flashes of white light on the camera screen when you press a button on the remote. If the flashes are dim, the batteries probably need replacing. If nothing shows, your remote control is likely to need repair or replacement.