The amplifier section of Beocenter 1400 offered qualities which were unusual for a combination product in this price-range. Frequency range was 20-30.000 Hz, with harmonic distortion of less than 0.5 % at maximum output. Power output was 2 x 20 watts RMS or 80 watts total music. The technical data of the FM section, like those of the amplifier fulfilled the DIN 45500 high-fidelity norms by a wide margin. A wide frequency range was obtained both on mono and stereo reception. The balanced light indicator was a simple but effective aid to accurate tuning. The automatic frequency control (AFC) facility allowed precision tuning.
Beocenter 1400 – “Each unto his own taste” – especially with music.
Receiving distant stations was no problem on Beocenter 1400 owing to the receiver’s high sensitivity (better than 1.8 uV IEC). The compact cassette section had its own operating facilities: ON/OFF switch and piano key push buttons for recording and play-back functions. You could switch between chromium dioxide and normal tapes. Recording level was controlled by a handy slider on a numerical scale and light indicators: Red or green light showed overloading or satisfactory recording level. Tape-heads were of super permalloy, an extremely durable material which ensures a long useful lifetime. Wow and flutter was less than ±0.28% (JIS norm).
Signal-to-noise ratio was better than 50 dB with chromium dioxide tapes. Bang & Olufsen placed emphasis on good station separation in the AM section (long and medium waves) without sacrificing sound quality. A slider control aided radio tuning. Beocenter 1400 had sockets for a record player, headphones and loudspeakers. An extra tape or cassette-recorder could also be connected. Beocenter 1400 utilised the (then) latest electronic components: Darlington transistors, field effect transistors, integrated circuits and ceramic filters.
When combined with Beovox 1702 loudspeakers and/or Beogram 1203, the system was known as Beosystem 1400.
Beolink is a Bang & Olufsen expression that covers:
The ability to create and operate audio-video systems, and
The ability to distribute sound and picture from a Bang & Olufsen main room system to other rooms in the home, and to operate the main room system from the rooms connected by means of Beolink.
Beolink is not a product – it is a number of features that are the result of the intelligent interaction between products, a synergy effect.
Beolink may be obtained in different ways, depending upon the products that are used: basically either the Audio Aux Link/Master Control Link (MCL) system or the Master Link system. The latter is the most recent system, and the long-term objective is that it shall replace the other system.
Master Link perceived as an interconnection method offers some convenient benefits not available with the older MCL system.
An example is that whereas the interconnection in the main room previously had to be carried out with one type of cable (Audio Aux Link) and the interconnection between the main room and the link rooms with another type of cable (Master Control Link) Master Link connection offers a bus type connection that caters for all interconnections between the main room audio and video systems as well as connections to the link rooms.
Another benefit is the completely individual volume control and tone adjustments in each link room, due to the distribution of audio signals at line level and the application of power amplifiers in each link room.
Contrary to the previous signal distribution system, Master Link signals are distributed as balanced signals, permitting distribution of CD-quality sound, even when the cable distances are fairly long.
Finally, the distribution hardware has been improved, e.g. by the introduction of a reduced signal cable diameter and new cable termination methods. The benefit of this improvement is that installation has become simpler and more elegant. The simplification is most evident in smaller installations, e.g. the installation of an intelligent kitchen loudspeaker being intuitively and quickly accomplished, whereas larger installations still require some planning and installation skills.
Beolink distribution covers the ability to distribute both audio and video signals. In the Master Link system audio and control signals were distributed by means of one single cable, whereas the distribution of video signals required a coaxial cable network. Only Beolink compatible products can be fully integrated in a Beolink system, but previous system products may be integrated to a limited extent, as described later in this section
MasterLink Products
BeoLab 3500
is an integrated link room speaker consisting of an active speaker with Master Link (ML) connection, an IR receiver and a display. BeoLab 3500 also has Master Control Link (MCL) connection. Furthermore, the BeoLab 3500 has a built-in clock. The BeoLab 3500 is supplied with a mains lead and a bracket for wall mounting.
Application BeoLab 3500 is used in link rooms where you wish to have an integrated active speaker. From the BeoLab 3500 it is possible to listen to all sources from the main room, both audio and video sources. BeoLab 3500 has built-in sound control, meaning that tone and volume can be adjusted independently of the main room. With the tone control it is possible to adjust balance, bass, treble and loudness individually. BeoLab 3500 offers the following local operation features:
Timer on/off
PLAY 1 ST.BY
Part Numbers:
1160111(EU)
1160211 (GB)
1160311 (USA/CDN)
1160411 (JAP)
1160511 (AUS)
Miscellaneous:
Besides the parts included with the BeoLab 3500, the installation may require a Master Link cable as well as plugs. sockets and junction boxes.
BeoLab 2000
is an integrated link room speaker consisting of an active speaker with Master Link (ML) connection, an IR receiver and close-up operation. BeoLab 2000 is supplied with a mains lead and a bracket for wall mounting. BeoLab 2000 is used in link rooms where you wish to have an integrated active speaker. From BeoLab 2000 it is possible to listen to all sources from the main room, both audio and video sources.
BeoLab 2000 has built-in volume control. meaning that volume can be adjusted independently of the main room and offers the following close-up operation features:
Timer on/off
PLAY 1 ST.BY
Volume up and down
Close-up selection of Radio, CD or TV
Step-button for switching programs or tracks
Part numbers:
1164129(EU)
1164229 (GB)
1164329 (USA/CDN)
1164429 (JAP)
1164529 (AUS)
Beolink Active
consists of a control box, an IR receiver, a receiver cable and a mains lead. Beolink Active speakers are used in link rooms where active speakers are required. All Bang & Olufsen active speakers may be connected. Beolink Active has built-in sound control, meaning that tone and volume can be adjusted independently of the main room.
With the tone control it is possible to adjust balance, bass, treble and loudness individually. With a Beolink Active it is possible to listen to the sound from all main room products – both the video and audio sources.
Beolink Active offers the following local operation features:
Timer on/off
PLAY 1 ST.BY
Volume up and down
Part nos:
1161666
1161866, (USA/CDN)
Besides the parts included with the Beolink Active. the installation requires a Master Link cable as well as plugs, sockets and junction boxes.
Beolink Passive
consists of a control box, an IR receiver, a receiver cable and a mains lead. Beolink Passive speakers are used in link rooms where passive speakers are required. All Bang & Olufsen passive speakers may be connected. It has built-in sound control. meaning that tone and volume can be adjusted independently of the main room. With the tone control it is possible to adjust balance, bass, treble and loudness individually. With a Beolink Passive it is possible to listen to the sound from all main room products – both the video and audio sources.
Beolink Passive offers the following local operation features:
Timer on/off
PLAY 1 ST.BY
Volume up and down
Part Numbers:
1165566 (AUS)
1165666(EU)
1165766 (GB)
1165866 (USA/CDN)
Besides the parts included with the BeoLink Passive, the installation requires a Master Link cable as well as plugs, sockets and junction boxes.
Beolink Video
consists of a control box, a mains lead and a Datalink cable.
Apart from this you need an coaxial cable from the HF outlet of the video system in the main room. This cable is connected to the aerial input of the link room TV. Beolink Video is used in link rooms where both sound and picture are required via a Bang & Olufsen TV set.
With Beolink Video it is possible to use all the sources in the main room. In particular it is possible to operate SAT and V.TAPE but it is further possible to watch a decoded programme from the TV set in the main room. In addition, it is possible to operate all audio sources, thereby – using the speakers in Bang & Olufsen’s TV sets for obtaining audio sound. If you want even greater sound in the room you can connect Bang & Olufsen’s active speakers to the TV set.
Beolink Video is connected to the TV set by means of the 7-pin Datalink cable and to the main room with a Master Link cable. Apart from this an aerial installation is needed.
Part no. 1161566
Besides the parts included with the Beolink Video, the installation requires a Master Link cable as well as plugs, sockets and junction boxes.
Note: The main room TV must have a modulator built in for Beolink Video to function.
Beolink Converter
is used when audio and video products with Master Link and Audio Aux Link (Datalink) have to be interconnected. Beolink Converter can be used in conjunction with both a video and an audio master. Beolink Converter features Autoconfiguration, meaning that it is able to detect automatically whether it is installed in a Master Link audio or in a Master Link video system. Configuration takes place when it is connected to the mains.
Beolink Converter can also be used as ML-driver*, which means that it is possible to connect e.g. a BeoCenter 23W via the Beolink Converter to the Master Link and thereby distribute sound to all link room products.
Beolink Converter is used in compatibility setups (see the section on recommended compatibility setups).
Part numbers:
1161166
1161266 (USA/CDN)
1161466 (old version)
Miscellaneous Besides the parts included with the Beolink Converter, the installation requires a Master Link cable as well as plugs, sockets and junction boxes.
Note that Beolink Converter type no. 1161466 cannot be used as ML-driver.
ML/MCL Converter
consists of a control box and an amplifier. Application ML/MCL Converter is used where a conversion from Master Link (ML) to Master Control link (MCL) is wanted. Such a conversion is required if you want to maintain the existing Master Control Link system although the audio system in the main room is replaced with a Master Link driver, for example a BeoSound Ouverture.
ML/MCL Converter can also be used in conjunction with a BeoSystem AV-9000 with an AV 9000 Master Panel.
Part nos:
1165166(EU)
1165266 (GB)
1165366 (USA/CDN)
Miscellaneous Besides the parts included with the ML/MCL Converter, the installation requires a Master Link cable as well as plugs, sockets and junction boxes.
Setup & Option Programming
Recommended setups
An object consisting of several parts can usually only be assembled in one way if the intended result is to be achieved. For example, a gearbox for a car will not perform optimally according to the specifications if you omit installing some of the gearwheels. if you manage to install one gearwheel too many, that will most likely cause trouble as well.
The point of the above is that things must be put together in the way they were designed to, if they are to perform optimally.
The same applies to Bang & Olufsen’s Beolink. In theory, Bang & Olufsen’s products may be connected in thousands of different ways. Since it would be totally impossible to have an overview of just a fraction of this multitude of connection possibilities, Bang & Olufsen has selected the most attractive combinations. These selected combinations are called recommended setups. The recommended setups are the ones which are focused on in connection with product development and service.
When a Beolink system is configured it is therefore very important that this is done in accordance with the recommended setups.
If the recommended setups are not followed, the result may easily be the same as with the gearbox with too many or too few gearwheels. Bang & Olufsen services the recommended setups ONLY.
Option programming
One of the conditions for the recommended setups to perform optimally is that the products included in the setup “know” in what kind of environment they are placed. The actual option programming is executed by pressing a certain sequence of keys on the terminal.
For the Beo4 terminal the key sequence is the following:
Press and hold
LIST
Press to access the setup functions. The Beo4 display reads [OPTION?] – let go of both buttons
GO
Press to access Option-programming
LIST
Press to display: V.OPT (BeoVision) or A.OPT (BeoMaster/BeoSound) or L.OPT (link room products)
then
1
Key in the number of the appropriate Option (e.g. 1)
For the Beolink 1000 remote control terminal the following key sequence is used:
BeoVision:
PICTURE
‘digit’
STORE
BeoMaster/BeoSound:
SOUND
‘digit’
STORE
Link room products:
LINK
‘digit’
STORE
The digit sequence to be used depends on the setup:
Option 0
No IR reception
Option 1
Two IR-receivers in the same room
Option 2
One IR receiver in the main room
Option 4
Link room product connected to one or two main room products in the same room
Option 5
Two IR receivers in the same room link
Option 6
One IR eye in the link room
This applies to most setups that they are delivered with the correct Option setting from the factory and they are therefore ‘ready for use’.
However, in some situations products may have to be reinstalled (e.g. in a connection in a house that has been rebuilt). The correct option is therefore indicated in ALL illustrations, even those which are ‘ready to use’ from the factory.
MasterLink Glossary
Audio Aux Link
Perhaps better known as AV connection . Connection between the audio and video systems. The connection is established through a 7-pin Datalink cable
21-pin AV cable/SCART
Standard connection between a TV set and a video tape recorder. The cable is specified for transferring RGB signals
AV system
Audio/video system. Integration of audio and video, permitting sound to be transferred from one system to the other
Beolink
The brand name and a general term describing Bang & Olufsen’s way of distributing sound and picture. Beolink may be obtained in different ways depending on the products used: either the Audio Aux Link/Master Control Link (MCL) system or the MasterLink system
BeoMaster
Designation of audio masters, e.g. BeoMaster 7000 and BeoCenter 9500. In future this designation will be replaced by BeoSound
BeoSound
Common designation of audio products, e.g. BeoSound Ouverture
BeoVision
Common designation of TV sets, e.g. BeoVision MX 6000 and BeoVision Avant
Compatibility
The ability to interconnect products from different seasons
Control box
A box that controls data and signals. for example in Beolink Active
Datalink cable
7-pin Datalink cable used for Audio Aux Link connection between audio and video systems
Link room
Designation of the other room/roorns in the home in which sound and/or picture are installed
Link room kits
Kits specially designed for link rooms, e.g. Beolink Active and Beolink Video
Link room products
Products specially designed for link rooms i.e. BeoLab 2000, BeoLab 3500
Main room
Designation of the room in which the audio and/or video systems are placed. There are two kinds of main rooms:One-room = audio and video systems placed in the same room Two-room = audio and video systems placed in separate rooms
Main room products
Products which serve as driver in a Beolink system e.g. BeoVision and BeoSound
Master Control Link (MCL)
Master Control Link is the name of the former connection between main room and link room
MasterLink (ML)
Bang & Olufsen’s new systems interface. Master Link is the connection between the products in the main room and those in the link room but it is also the connection between the audio system and the video system
MasterLink driver
BeoSound and BeoVision with Master Link socket. One of these products is always required in a Master Link setup
MasterLink product
All products with a Master Link socket
One-way remote control
A remote control terminal that operates the products by transmitting a command to them without requiring an answer (e.g. BL 1000 and Beo4). BL 5000 and BL 7000 are two-way remote control terminals which require an answer from the product being operated
Option programming
Option programming is executed via a Bang & Olufsen terminal and with the products concerned in stand-by. Upon completed option programming, the products ‘know’ what kind of environment they are placed in. and they can then be operated and function optimally
Power Link (PL)
The Power Link connection contains all necessary signals and data required for driving active speakers. Two different types of cable are available: one with wire for display data and one without wire for display data. Note that the latter cannot be used for active speakers with display
Product Configuration Guide
A PC-based tool in which it is possible to compose the setup you require and which provides answers to any questions concerning compatibility, setups, options, terminals, special conditions and so on
Receiver
IR receiver built into audio, video and link products. The products may thus be operated by means of a one-way remote control terminal (i.e. Beo4 or Beolink 1000)
General Rules for MasterLink (ML) and Master Control Link (MCL)
Generally, the following rules apply for both MCL and ML:
Option 0 – Where there is no Beo4 remote control (and/or the IR receiver is turned off). However, the product may still be controlled through its own buttons Option 1 – Preset at the Bang & Olufsen factory. Product only responds to its own codes Option 2 – The product will respond to both audio and video commands through the remote control.
Only three three codes may be used in a main room configuration. When first plugged in, information is transmitted between units to establish what products are being used within the MCL/ML system. This takes approximately 6 – 8 seconds to undertake. Never exceed a factor of 2 in a main room system (i.e. Option codes 1 and 1, 2 and 0 should only be used)
The following Options hold true for the programming of MCL-controlled equipment:
Option 0 – turns off the transceiver
Option 1 – used for a single stand alone system or if both video and audio are in the same room and you wish to control the video and audio separately but with the systems linked via Audio Aux
Option 2 – audio and video linked but in different rooms. Allows control of video functions via audio master
Supplementary Options for later MCL systems:
Option 5 – default ‘master’ setting
Option 6 – ‘slave’ setting
These options are in addition to the normal 1 or 2
Master / Slave
In any system there has to be a Master and a Slave product. Thus, if there were two BeoVision Avants in the system, one has to be a Master and one has to be a Slave (BeoVision Avants from October 1997 with S/W 2.1+). In a system of more than three products, one still has to be the Master while others are Slaves.
In a ML system where two or more products are interlinked, the blue/white and pink cables must be joined together when making up an ML connection. ML uses a 16-core cable; only 11 of these are used. The remaining five are redundant due to cessation of two-way communication before the invention of the MasterLink system.
The BeoSound Ouverture may be used as either a Master or a Slave (designed for transportation between different locations). However, it needs to be put into Slave mode before plugging in ML (Beo4 = ‘A.Opt’ ‘6’)
Linkroom
Slave Options:
Option 0: Where there is no Beo4 remote control (and/or the IR receiver is turned off)
Option 5: Where the product responds to its own codes:
Video – ‘TV’, ‘Sat’, ‘Text’, ‘VCR’, DVD’ etc
Audio – ‘Radio’, ‘CD’, ‘Phono’ etc
Option 6: Product responds to all codes
Using a Beolink 1000 remote control to Option-program:
Link:
Standby
Link
Option number
Store
Picture:
Standby
Picture
Option number
Store
Audio:
Standby
Sound
Option number
Store
Fact: 16 links maximum may be made over a distance of 400m within a MasterLink system; 19,200 bytes/second of information are transferred between components!
MasterLink Option Settings 1
A/V integration – one-room ML:
Option 2 for the TV & Option ‘0’ for the BeoSound 9000
(The BeoVision Avant has to set to option 2; the BS9000 to option 0, which it does automatically, because there is no speaker connected.)
(Note: Option 6 for BeoSound 2500
Note that a CD command will start playback on BeoSound 2500 – and not the BeoSound 9000. To call a BeoSound 9000 CD press <AV> <CD>)
A/V integration – one-room ML:
Option 1 for both products (Ready for use)
A/V integration – two rooms ML:
Option 2 for both products
Both may be in Option 2 as there is a wall to separate them. Both products will respond to audio as well as video commands
Audio Linkroom – BeoLab 2000 / 3500:
On BL2000 ‘Tape’ button changed to ‘TV’ select from s/n 14499914
Option 6 for BeoLab 2000/ 3500
For BeoLab 3500 (using this same setup), Option 6 still has to be used
Audio Linkroom with local sources:
Option 6 for BeoSystem 2500
The BeoSound Ouverture may be used as either a Master or a Slave (designed for transportation between different locations). However, it needs to be put into Slave mode before plugging in ML (Beo4 = ‘A.Opt’ ‘6’)
Video Linkroom:
MasterLink Option Settings 2
Beolink Video Kit:
Autoconfiguration Beo4 + IT version:
V-Tape 1, Satellite etc: Preset 60
V-Tape 2: Preset 61
Pre Beo4 (i.e. BL1000/5000):
V-Tape 1: Preset 63
V-Tape 2: Preset 62
Satellite: Preset 61
CDV: Preset 60
Link-TV: Preset 63
Set all to ‘Option 2’
Option settings:
BeoVisions MX4000, 6000, 7000
BeoVisions LX6000, LX7000
Set to ‘Option 6’
Beolink Video:
Autoconfiguration:
V-Tape 1: Preset 49
V-Tape 2: Preset 48
Satellite: Preset 47
CDV: Preset 46
Link-TV: Preset 50
Option settings:
BeoVisions MX3500, LX4500, LX5500
Set to ‘Option 2’
Beolink Video:
No autoconfiguration:
V-Tape: Link, V-Tape
Satellite: Link, Sat
Preset Channel 6 on TV then: ‘Link,’Sat’
Option settings:
BeoVisions MX3000, MX4500, MX5000, LX2502, LX2802
Set to ‘Option 2’ and ‘5’
Beolink Active
Set to ‘Option 6’
Beolink Passive:
Set to ‘Option 6’
MasterLink Option Settings 3
Whole house ML examples:
Beolink Converter:
Beolink Converter:
MasterLink Option Settings 4
Beolink Converter
Special Link Option 4:
With BeoLab 3500 all remote control commands must be prefixed with ‘Link’ (L.Opt’ in Beo4 to ‘Option 4’)
Providing the ultimate true-to-life sound experience, BeoLab 1 will open your eyes and ears to what a loudspeaker should look and sound like.
“BeoLab 1 is for everyone who has a heart for superior sound. You can turn your stereo up as loud as you want and still experience music the way it was meant to be. ” The quality of a loudspeaker has never only been about its ability to play loudly. What’s just as important is being able to hear the finest nuances in your favourite piece of music – regardless of whether you’re listening at the highest or lowest volume level. As our most powerful loudspeaker, BeoLab 1 will fill the largest room in your house with a sound that’s as close to the original as you can possibly get ” – B&O catalogue 2001 – 2002.
“When it comes to sound reproduction we believe there’s only one relevant parameter: How close can we come to the originally recorded sound. We feel an obligation not to disturb the intentions of the artist by adding unnatural elements to the acoustic image. Therefore all Bang & Olufsen loudspeakers share the same goal. They differ in size and shape and in terms of sound pressure level. But they are all developed to reproduce the natural, unaltered sound as closely as possible” – Bang & Olufsen catalogue 2001 – 2002.
Eye-opening sound
If the sounds you listen to, reflect the mood you’re in, then BeoLab 1 is an invitation to express yourself to the full. Behind the elegant design lies a powerhouse of sound technology that can enhance the best of movies or take your favourite piece of music to new heights. BeoLab 1 will, quite simply, open your eyes and ears to what a loudspeaker should look and sound like.
Unique cabinet
Three years of the toughest research and development have produced a loudspeaker at the cutting edge of acoustic technology. The BeoLab 1 cabinet is divided into three individually sealed units, utilising vibration-damping materials normally only seen in the car industry. The built-in amplifiers powering each unit are calibrated and customised to ensure a uniform performance in the soundscape that’s created
Top line loudspeaker
BeoLab 1 delivers the purest, clearest sound ever heard from a Bang & Olufsen loudspeaker. With aural reproduction as close as you can get to the original, it allows you to distinguish each instrument playing in an orchestra and every word of a song. A single continuous piece of aluminium forms the rigid backbone of BeoLab 1. Strong enough to withstand the powerful vibrations, its curved design also eliminates any sharp edges or joins that could compromise sound quality.
Why build amplifiers into the loudspeakers instead of keeping them separate?
Because you can reduce the size of the cabinet volume to one-third of the size of a conventional loudspeaker with the same sound capacity. The principle is called Active Loudspeakers, and what you get is a compact loudspeaker that can play at high volume without distortion or damage to its drive units. Furthermore, when amplifier, treble and bass units are paired for the same task, they can be tailored to compensate for each other’s shortcomings. What you hear is music that sounds exactly like the instrument it originally came from.
Adaptive Bass Linearisation
Adaptive Bass Linearisation (ABL) is a process patented by B&O and is incorporated in BeoLab loudspeakers. The idea is to use the surplus capacity in amplifiers and driver units, arising by normal listening levels, for a bass extension – a sound reproduction with more bass, than the loudspeaker otherwise would be able to produce.
The function is adaptive. This means that the loudspeaker adapts to the signal it receives. Loudspeaker drivers are therefore fully exploited, without suffering mechanical or electronic abuse, and the built in amplifiers are not subjected to signals would otherwise create an overload situation.
ABL gives stunning bass reproduction considering the size of the loudspeaker in which it is incorporated, under normal listening levels.
ICEPower®
BeoLab 1 also makes use of Bang & Olufsen’s innovative ICEPower® technology. With practically no electric power loss and a greatly reduced cooling space, the new, compact digital power amplifier allows the bass unit in BeoLab 1 to produce a sound far beyond the dimensions of the cabinet.
The speaker with many names
“When the concept for BeoLab 1 was decided on almost two years ago, there was a lot to live up to. The loudspeaker project changed names several times during the process. First it was called Loudspeaker 8, then 12, 14, X and finally 15. Later on the commercial name BeoLab 1 was chosen.
From the start it stood tall at two metres. Then it was reduced by a few centimetres to the present 1.84m. Nonetheless, BeoLab 1 is actually only half as large as the Penta in terms of physical volume and only three times larger than the BeoLab 8000. The basis for the development work was to create a loudspeaker which delivers perfect sound in terms of tonal balance and authentic reproduction, with compactness of expression but also high sound pressure, which is easy to integrate with the design and furnishing of the home and which can be placed anywhere. It was truly a great challenge to achieve all this in one and the same loudspeaker.
There was no doubt that sheer amplifier power was needed to replace high volume. However, this also entailed a risk that a loudspeaker might burn up. So the department designed a completely new protective circuit which automatically turns down the amplifiers in extreme conditions, to reduce the heat in the loudspeaker units. So there is no risk of it burning off. BeoLab 1 also features ICEPower®, which is a revolutionary new Bang & Olufsen technology entailing high energy savings due to the low heat development.
Robust, sound craftsmanship
Another difficult problem to solve was that it had to be possible to adjust the loudspeaker to any room, to achieve the optimum listening experience. This is a question of avoiding too much bass when the loudspeaker stands in a corner and too little bass when the loudspeaker stands freely. The solution is the option to adjust the loudspeakers manually to give the same tonal range, no matter where they are placed.
Throughout the production process the loudspeaker is developed to ensure simplicity at every production stage. So this is an extremely robust, soundly crafted, product.
Hermetically sealed
During the process the department received a nasty shock, however, when they carried out the first tests in a hot, humid environment. The loudspeaker just would not function when it was released from the artificial tropical paradise at the Struer site. A new trial was run and the same thing happened. Now the department’s engineers were sweating as much as the loudspeaker had done in the heat cabinet, until it was discovered that the temperature had been turned up an excessive 15 degrees Celsius and the humidity by 3% more than the already very stringent test requirements. So when the loudspeaker was opened, the water practically flowed out of it.
It must have entered as steam, the same designer states today and cites an example of how a BeoLab 1 was shipped as air freight to Singapore. On its arrival, faults were found in the mid-range loudspeaker where the membrane had subsided inwards. The simple explanation was that the cabinet behind the mid-range unit was so impermeable that it could not equalise the changing air pressure during the flight. So the solution was to make a small hole in the mid-range cabinet, to avoid this problem.
Difficult cabinet process It is not the intention to adjust the cabinet to excess. It is the largest aluminium profile B&O has made so far and in fact one of the largest in Europe within high-gloss alloys. In practice, the profile consists of a very fine surface which due to its size is very difficult to manufacture without flaws. However, using specially manufactured equipment technicians have managed to achieve a polish which is both beautiful and perfect.
The process is difficult, however, primarily because the profile is both flat and round. This in itself makes the polishing work difficult.
Sheer force and true to nature
Despite its complexity the BeoLab 1 has a shorter production time than the Penta. One reason is that the entire amplifier section is received ready-assembled from a sub-supplier in Scotland, but according to B&O’s design and instructions. Furthermore, the technology is generally very compact. Engineers have devoted a lot of time and resources to this work. However, the investment is expected to be recouped via faster, more effective production.
If you ask three of the men behind it – Villy Hansen, Poul Praestgaard and Henrik Sjostrand – to say what is most wonderful about the BeoLab 1, they all agree that its supreme quality is that when the user listens to music, he or she will forget to listen for the bass, mid-range tone and descant, but simply enjoy the music. Nobody remembers that the sound is emitting from the loudspeakers. Another aspect is the interplay between form and function. It lives up to what its appearance promises, even the great expectations of the sound experience created by its height. in addition to this comes its sheer force, the high precision of the bass and the authentic reproduction, as well as the simple and robust structure, which is also to the satisfaction of the customer setting up the loudspeakers.
“It really is the best ever. It cannot be followed, and we have to say that an era is now over. We have quite simply completed the portfolio as it stands today. Now we have to use other methods to surprise. Idealand has been working on this and we will be back” the acoustics team state.
Now they are all waiting in great anticipation to see whether the demand for Penta continues, even though it is no longer produced. As was the case with the BeoLab 5000, of which an American recently ordered 30 sets. When told that production had long since lapsed, he asked quite seriously what it would cost to start it up again.
Taken from Beolink magazine 7, 1999
Superior sound quality
What does sound look like? What colour does it have? At Bang & Olufsen, we believe it should be as clear and precise as possible, but that doesn’t mean it has to be invisible. With BeoLab 1 sound makes a statement. It takes our pursuit for natural sound reproduction to a new level and delivers the ultimate true-to-life audio experience. We believe it’s the purest sound ever heard from a Bang & Olufsen loudspeaker. Since no two loudspeaker units have exactly the same physical characteristics, we calibrate them individually to make certain that the sound of each and every BeoLab loudspeaker leaving the factory is identical
Performance
To ensure an optimal performance every time you listen to it, a BeoLab loudspeaker constantly “fine-tunes” the signal received from the sound source before distributing it out to the separate bass and treble power amplifiers
Appearance
Using aluminium for the cabinets is not just about looking good. Despite a thickness of only a few millimetres, it’s a remarkably strong metal that’s easily shaped to eliminate the problems normally experienced with loudspeakers made by traditional materials
Colours
Once the surface has been polished until it shines like a mirror, it’s dyed and given a tough ceramic coating that seals and protects the coloured exterior. The 5 strong colours match with the existing Bang & Olufsen range, and have been carefully chosen to compliment any environment in which they’re placed. Choose between silver, blue, black, red or green (1999 – 2003 range).
” Absence can be the most expressive form of presence. Especially when it comes to designing a truly user-friendly remote control. Beo1 works together with Beocenter 1 and Beovision 1 to give you maximum freedom from a minimal number of buttons. The succinct Beo1 works in all directions and will lead you directly to a personalised on-screen menu holding all your favourite programmes. The perfect balance enhances usability, and polished aluminium completes the experience ” (B&O catalogue 2001 – 2002)
Beo1 remote control: ‘Aesthetically yours’
Beo1 is especially for the Beovision 1 and Beocenter 1 televisions. It is made from one piece of aluminium and is a natural aluminium colour. The main functions of both these TV receivers can be controlled using the unit; a display button can be stepped through in order to control the radio, DVD or TV in Beocenter 1. The Setup options for both TVs may be controlled using this remote control, too… the smaller brother of Beo4.
” Standard remote controls are unsightly plastic objects with too many buttons. Bang & Olufsen took the hard and the outstanding new way of shaping a modern material. Aluminium plates and profiles give new experiences to the consumer and high challenges for the designers and engineers. The functionality in combination with light weight, elegant design, durability and recyclability is of a very high standard. The machining of the basis, a hemispherical formed plate, was done on a lathe and attached to the rotating fixture by a film of frozen water.
Using the modern hydroforming technique for the organic cabinet part and sophisticated surface treatments as anodizing and grinding, gives the Beo 1 the modern but almost timeless look. Fitting the parts together, modern structural bonding techniques where used. The human experience is the centre of all efforts to ensure the fit between design and technology. The goal to realize a very friendly and a easy to use remote control in combination with a functional and elegant design was reached. “
Beo1 (with only 11 buttons) and banana-shaped cordless telephone – BeoCom 2 – are made of 100-percent polished aluminium. “We polish the round shapes with a 5-axis robot arm,” says B&O spokesman Mr. Mortensen. “We want the naked aluminium because that makes the visual difference. Bare aluminium is very touch-sensitive: if a part has a fingerprint on the surface it cannot be anodized and cannot be used (in that case, it’s recycled). And to achieve the colours we want, our designers had to acquire special anodizing knowledge.”
Plastic-free surface on remote control units
“Surface treatment is very important to Bang & Olufsen. It affects not only the appearance but also the feel of a piece of equipment” states Technology Director Peter Petersen. “A product is created to be used, and you can’t do that without touching it.”
“A Bang & Olufsen terminal – or remote control – must sit nicely and comfortably in the hand. So we don’t coat it with plastic. A plastic terminal somehow doesn’t feel as genuine as ours. And gets hot and sweaty, too. After a great deal of work on the choice of materials we have selected zinc for all our terminals. It sits well in the hand and is pleasant to touch. The heat from the hand is conducted away, so the terminal never feels clammy. In design terms, this choice represents an extra form of quality.”
Bang & Olufsen terminals, of course, are not just attractive to the eye and pleasing to the hand. User interface is in fact one of Bang & Olufsen’s main concerns, where technology is really put in the service of humankind. Through logic operations, in fact, B&O’s remote control units make life with the product a pleasant experience.
Beo1 was discontinued in the autumn of 2002 when Beo4 was used for Beovision 1 and Beocenter 1 in place of its smaller brother.
Beo1 wins top aluminium award
On 21 September 2000 in Essen, Germany, the Beo1 remote control won first prize at the Aluminium 2000 Conference.
Beo1 captured the title within the Consumer Products division up against a sea of other entries, including our own BeoLab 1 and BeoCom 2. Grounds for the selection of our newest remote control include utilising technology with innovative twists to ensure that the human experience is optimised. Never compromised.
These innovative processes include structural bonding by freezing, lightning-quick milling and flawless hydroforming – all of which yield a smooth, seamless cabinet.
The Aluminium 2000 conference was organised by The European Aluminium Association, with the goal of recognising outstanding competencies in aluminium processing.
Beo1 is the concept dedicated remote control for the Beovision 1 concept and was launched at the end of 1999.”
Handing it intuitively to Bang & Olufsen: a history of remote controls
Bang & Olufsen’s first remote control came on the market in 1974. That year, Bang & Olufsen launched two products, each with a remote control of the same design. It was the size of a small cigar case and had a steel top plate. These two remote controls, which were not integrated, were the Beovision 6000 Commander and the Beomaster 6000 Commander. The TV remote control allowed the user to select programmes and picture quality from the comfort of an armchair. The remote control for the stereo enabled the user to control a four-channel sound system.
Before too long remote controls became smaller, in the form of Beovision 6002’s Beovision Control Module. The buttons on its surface were designed so that you could use the remote control without looking at it. Those for turning down a setting were shaped to curve downwards, while the buttons for turning up a setting curved upwards.
The following Video Terminal was cast in zinc so that heat was conducted away from the palm of the hand. This remote control, which used an infrared beam, was launched in 1980. It was quite narrow, with a keypad that both resembled and functioned the same way as the buttons on a telephone. This was another way of helping the user to operate the remote control without looking at it. This version introduced additional buttons for operating Teletext TV.
The following year, Bang & Olufsen added functions for operating video recorders and a new version of the Beovision Control Module. System integration had advanced to the point of sharing a remote control between the Beovision 8800 and Beocord 8800 Video.
The next generation of remote controls arrived when it became necessary to transfer more operating information that, for purely technical reasons, could not be incorporated into a single remote control. Now sound could be transferred between the television and the stereo system. This became possible with the combination of a video terminal and an audio terminal into an AV Terminal – the forerunner of Beolink 1000 – in 1985.
In 1987, all audio, video and audio/video remote controls were integrated into one unit with the Beolink 1000. Since then, Bang & Olufsen has pursued a strategy of only having one remote control for all products – most recently with Beo4, which is capable of operating all products. Beo1 is a minor exception to the strategy. It only operated Beocenter 1 and Beovision 1 and was intended for a new customer segment, which it did not completely succeed in capturing. For this reason, it was replaced by the Beo4 from autumn 2002.
In general, Bang & Olufsen’s development of remote controls can be summed up in a simple concept: Intuitive use. It is important to be able to adjust sound and picture from wherever you may be in the home. Accordingly, Bang & Olufsen has chosen simple functions – and that, of course, also has implications for the design of the remote control. It’s easy enough to pack a lot of buttons and functions into a remote control, but Bang & Olufsen has chosen a simple operational philosophy for the customer.
Beo4 has relatively few buttons, but it can retrieve a lot of information if required. That is what you call quality. Since the development of the first remote control cast in zinc, the company’s remote controls have had a certain intrinsic weight. This helps to give a sense of quality. Last but not least, the remote control is renowned for having a long range. You don’t have to get into a special position to communicate with the system. Once you have the remote control in your hand, you are ‘in total command’.
BeoSystem 3 is a ‘stage manager’ for your personal home theatre. It comes alive once you connect all your A/V hardware to it.
Just like a manager working backstage at the theatre, it ensures that all the individual players in your entertainment set-up know their roles and are able to give the best performance possible. From simply displaying the images in your digital camera – to the grandest of widescreen Home Cinema experiences in 7.1 surround sound, even with the option of using two subwoofers instead of just one.
Connect almost anything to BeoSystem 3 and Beo4 is likely be able to control it. And given that BeoSystem 3 holds 70+ different plugs and cables you are left with quite ample choice.
Cinema Engine.
BeoSystem 3 is a Cinema Engine, designed to accept and optimise a variety of signal sources: cable, satellite, high-definition television, surround Sound, DVD, Hard Disc Recorders, content streamed over Broadband, game consoles, digital cameras, etc.
Whatever source you choose for your home theatre enjoyment, BeoSystem 3 will analyse and optimise all incoming signals and deliver the best possible sound and picture to your BeoVision screens, projector(s) and loudspeakers. It works particularly well with BeoVision 4, yet is designed to drive a variety of output hardware.
It is able to output up to one billion colours on BeoVision 4 and manage sound through BeoLab speakers as Dolby Digital 5.1, and 6.1/7.1 Ex, DTS 5.1, DTS ES Matrix/Discrete 6.1 or Dolby Pro Logic IIx. Whatever you can imagine, BeoSystem 3 will most likely to be able to handle it and surround you with sound.
State-of-the-art digital image and sound processing and total integration of all of the above sources, screens and loudspeakers is exactly what the new BeoSystem 3 is created to do. While you watch it, BeoSystem 3 watches the room. Using Automatic Picture Control, it measures the effects of ambient light in your room and adjusts contrast and brightness accordingly.
Put your BeoVision 4 and your projection screen on different walls and still enjoy perfect surround sound. BeoSystem 3 will turn the sound around for you to set the perfect stage.
BeoSystem 3 will even let you enjoy dual subwoofers for even better low frequency perception, literally making your walls tremble bringing the experience inside.
Dimensions
The BeoSystem 3 is a compact component with a true Bang & Olufsen design. The aluminium cabinet includes a cable management tray so it may be placed in the open if desired. It may also be concealed, so the dimensions here are with and without the cable tray attached:
BeoSystem 3 component (H x W x D): 28.6 x 47 x 10 cm
BeoSystem 3 w / cable tray (H x W x D): 33.7 x 53.4 x 10 cm
Note that the unit can be wall-mounted or stored in a cabinet in an upright position. The dimensions would then be (W x D x H) 535mm x x 100mm x 335mm.
Format 1: 16/9 Panorama, 4/3 Format 2: Letterbox + Soft Scroll. Format 3: 16/9 HD-Ready
Yes VisionClear
Adaptive Black, Blue Stretch, Comb filter, Digital Adaptive Dynamic Luminance Peaking, Digital Adaptive Noise Reduction, Digital Color Transient Improvement, Film Mode, Vertical Peaking, Automatic Picture Control, Source Quality Measurements, Dynamic Contrast Teletext
Level 2 1/2, 9 memory pages per programme. 2048 pages. National character-set Tuning
EU: 99 programmes, autotune, programme move and automatic naming Japan: Channel 1-62 and Channel C13-C38 US, Korea: Cable TV 1-125, Off Air TV 2-69 TV SYSTEM:
EU: B/G/L/L/I/D/K PAL, SECAM, NTSC on AV. According to type Japan, US, Korea: NTSC (M) Stereo decoders
BeoLab 10 is a powerful new centre speaker which perfectly matches the slim design and awesome picture quality of BeoVision 4. The big internal speaker volume and digital ICEpower amplifiers offer performance that can measure up to any surround sound set-up, even complementing the mighty BeoLab 5 without running out of steam. And though BeoLab 10 has a slender, wall-hugging profile, it has still been possible to fit the case with Acoustic Lens Technology, delivering detailed sound to everyone in the audience.
Iconic symmetry
A wall-mounted BeoVision 4 is not only the perfect partner for the BeoLab 10, it is the screen the speaker was designed for. Together they form a very distinct whole, making it hard to believe that they where not developed at the same time. The synergy of the basic shapes – the square and the triangle – is iconic Bang & Olufsen television design. So simple, yet so effective.
Focus on the centre
Every movie genre sets new challenges for dialogue reproduction, from breakneck exchanges in a comedy to delicate undertones in a drama. In a surround sound setup, as much as eighty percent of voice information goes through the centre channel. Voices and other crucial sound information should appear to come directly from the screen and be every bit as clear and dynamic as the most demanding piece of music. BeoLab 10 draws on Bang & Olufsen’s unrivalled expertise in all-purpose sound and is fitted with our best technology. The next time you watch a movie, you won’t miss a whisper.
Mounting Options
The wall mount bracket for BeoLab 10 is supplied with the speaker from the factory.
The top of the range of the radial turntables at this time, it was differentiated only by a different pick up and a weighted platter from the lesser models. As with all this range, fully automatic and cleverly designed to look even lower than it actually was!
Beogram 1902 was a newly developed (1979/80) fully automatic, hi-fi stereo record player with Electronic Servo Drive (ESD) which meant that you never had to adjust speed. The Beogram 1902 did that automatically. It was resistant to variations in the mains current.
All functions were chosen via the single rectangular operating panel; Beogram 1902 did the rest. It was resistant to vibrations and shock because it rotatory mechanism and pickup arm had an efficient spring suspension. The pickup was so light that even warped records could be tracked. In fact, the arm was so light and the pickup’s diamond stylus so highly polished that it would not audibly damage your record even if the arm was thrown against the grooves.
The cartridge was the MMC 4000 which had a naked elliptical stylus. Recommended stylus pressure was 1,0g and frequency range was 20 – 25000 Hz.
This radial-tracking deck combined ease of operation with superb performance specifications. It featured a new, advanced type of tone arm carrying the remarkable MMC5 pick-up with its unframed, elliptical diamond stylus. The platter was of a lightweight design (400 grams) to reduce torque at starting.
Its carefully milled profile, with large metal surfaces set between slim bands of Nextell, ensured high electrical capacitance between the record and the metal, effectively earthing static charges without actual contact. It was driven by a flat rubber belt from a tacho-controlled DC motor. The belt’s compliance acted as a mechanical filter, preventing motor vibrations from reaching the record and stylus.
To complement this improved arm/cartridge combination Beogram 1800 had a new faster-acting movement control system with separate cam wheels for vertical and horizontal arm movement, so that automatic operation gave you music within a very few seconds. So cueing was really fast, but still careful of your records.
For improved record safety, you could operate normal PLAY and STOP functions while the lid was closed. Just one touch – the rest was automatic. Record size and speed was identified by the Beogram’s logic circuits. Beogram 1800’s slim plinth had a brushed aluminium finish.
Opening the lid gave access to three further function controls: CUE, 33 and 45 speed overrides (for non-standard discs).
Beogram 1800 was designed by Jacob Jensen and at the 1969 Hanover Fair Bang & Olufsen and Jacob Jensen were presented with the iF award for no less than 4 products for ‘outstanding industrial design’ including Beogram 1800.
Types: 5811 (1984 – Aug 1984); USA 5813 (1984 – Feb 1986)
These are probably the slimmest looking record player available. Quite a bit of this is down to clever visual tricks and surprisingly, the decks related to this model all looked thicker. It sold well and may were bought to work with non B&O systems. It shared the excellent suspension of its predecessors and had the new cartridge mounting. Now available for little money, this is a superb sounding deck. Highly recommended.
Beogram 1700 combined ease of operation and advanced technology in a simple, matter-of-fact way. To play a record, all you had to do was press ’33’ or ’45’ and let the Beogram do the rest. At the end of play the pickup arm returned to its resting position and the motor switched off.
The anti-skating device worked automatically. Another advantage of the simple, integrated design was immunity to external shock and vibrations. The electronic servo drive system ensured correct rotary speed at all time.
The low mass, low inertia pick-up arm with its plug-in MMC 20S cartridge made it virtually impossible to scratch records.
Beogram 1700 could be made up as part of the Beosystem 1700 or Beosystem 2600, when linked together with other compatible Bang & Olufsen products.
This is quite possibly the best value Beogram made. It has excellent sound and vibration isolation, a very simple and lightweight arm, easy to use and understand controls and is elegant both in looks and operation.
Blindfold, the sound quality is quite frankly indistinguishable from the higher models and it is far more likely to work. Weak spots are few but record support would probably be the main issue. A felt mat suitably cut could well improve record support qualities.
