The newly introduced 40″ version of B&O’s entry level television. This time it features surround sound and a 40″ screen and is designed as main room set.
Mounting Options & Stands
This model was supplied with adjustable tilt feet designed to allow the screen angle to decline when placed on furniture. The original Bang & Olufsen floor stand allowed the screen to rotate.
In 1970, a young designer, David Lewis, created one of the world’s first transportable TVs – Beovision 600 – long before small portable TVs became widespread. Beovision 600 was a black and white TV with a solid handle and weighed just over 13kg. Compared to the pocket-sized TVs of today, it could hardly be called portable. Nevertheless, it was transportable with a 44cm screen and excellent sound quality. The TV set won the iF Design Award in 1970.
Full transistorisation meant that sound and picture appeared at the press of a button, a new and unusual feature at the time. The cabinet was made of plastic and the handle was concealed when not in use. Six pre-set stations could be operated by one press of a button and all settings were concealed in small compartments to prevent inquisitive little fingers fiddling with them. It also featured a retractable flex.
All in all, a pioneering TV design which, in later years, was copied by many other TV manufacturers. Beovision 601 replaced its predecessor in 1973, fitted with several new features which were missed out on Beovision 600.
Very clever design allowed this remote to be used easily in the dark. The Hill and Dale effect of the control keys allowed one to navigate the remote with one’s thumb easily. Made not only for the top of the range 6002 but also for the 3802.
Very clever design allowed this remote to be used easily in the dark. The Hill and Dale effect of the control keys allowed one to navigate the remote with one’s thumb easily. Made not only for the top of the range 6002 but also for the 3802.
BeoVision 4 offers greater flexibility and modular convenience to Bang & Olufsen customers than has previously been possible. BeoVision 4 is available in different sizes and consists of the screen, BeoSystem 2 and a cabinet. BeoSystem 2 is the master unit having the same functionality as BeoVision 5.
The recommended centre channel loudspeakers are BeoLab 4000. This plasma TV set has been previously only available in the North American market including Canada, Mexico and the US. When combined with speakers and stands, BeoVision 4 becomes an integral part of BeoSystem 1. However, from Spring 2004 the system – known as Beosystem 2 – arrived in Europe.
This European system incorporates different-sized screens and may be mounted on a wall. Available in 50″ and 65″ screen sizes (37″ and 42″ screen sizes available only to March 2006) The screen surround is of brushed aluminium and is based upon much the same design as BeoVision 5. VisionClear and an anti-reflection coating is included. Controlled by Beo4, the system comprises:
Dolby Digital Surround Sound Decoder
Set-Top -Box Controller
Picture-in-picture
MasterLink module
HF Modulator
Cabinet 2168 is similar to cabinet type 2164 and has a shiny, aluminium-coloured front. Within it can be placed a satellite decoder, DVD 1 and/or Beocord V8000, if these are your required options.
Part:
Part Number:
BeoVision 4-37 silver – 1816608
BeoVision 4-37 black – 1816609
BeoVision 4-37 dark grey – 1816610
BeoVision 4 42 silver including wall bracket – 1816049
BeoVision 4 42 dark grey including wall bracket – 1816578
BeoVision 4 42 black including wall bracket – 1816577
BeoVision 4 50 black including wall bracket – 1816591
BeoVision 4 50 dark grey including wall bracket – 1816592
BeoVision 4 50 silver including wall bracket – 1816415
BeoSystem 2 – 1816403
Cabinet 2168 – 1216813
Cabinet BV4 – 1216813
BeoVision 4 65 silver – 1816632
BeoVision 4 65 black – 1816633
BeoVision 4 65 dark grey – 1816634
BeoSystem 2 (BV4 65) – 1816403
BeoVision 4 65 Wall Brackets – 1405866
Remote Control for BV4 stand alone – 8053460
BeoVision 4 Wall Bracket and Table Stands
A new wall bracket and table stand for the BeoVision 4 range will be available from December 2004. The new wall bracket is finished in black lacquered steel and with its reduced dimensions is suitable for use with the 37”, 42” and 50” screen options.
The table stands will be available in two options: one for BeoVision 4-37 and the other for either BeoVision 4-42 or BeoVision 4-50. The Table Stands will be finished in black, painted aluminium.
The only accessory for BV4-65 is the wall bracket. Introduced on BV4-65 will be a slightly darker Contrast Screen resulting in an improved perceived picture quality due to the lower black level.
Wall Bracket & Table Stand Part Numbers:
BV4 Wall Bracket 1407866
Table Stand BV4-37 1408566
Table Stand BV4-42/50 1407966
BeoVision 4 – 42 Newsletter April 2004
In view of the general expansion of flat screens in the market, Bang & Olufsen is now strengthening its flat screen portfolio by launching BeoVision 4 – 42. BeoVision 4 – 42 is a modular flat screen home-cinema system master consisting of:
A 107cm plasma monitor for wall mounting (wall bracket included)
BeoSystem 2 – a master unit offering the customer a genuine Bang & Olufsen system master
an elegantly designed cabinet for placement of BeoSystem 2 and a separate box solution, e.g. DVD 1.
In line with our vision of constantly questioning the ordinary in search of surprising and long-lasting experiences, it is crucial for Bang & Olufsen to stand out. The mere offering of a plasma solution with a separate master unit is far from unique in the market today. Still, we put great value in differentiating Bang & Olufsen products from our competitors.
BeoVision 4 – 42 is differentiated by:
A true Bang & Olufsen visual expression and craftsmanship to the last detail with the aluminium frame on the monitor, the design of the cabinet and the possible combination with BeoLab loudspeakers, BeoVision 4 – 42 has a true Bang & Olufsen visual expression. This is characterised by an elegant design, an exquisite choice of materials and craftsmanship to the last detail.
The aluminium frame is mounted on a handmade mainframe made of steel. There are no visible screws or welding notches – even the screws are handmade in order to ensure a smooth surface and not disturb the visual expression. By means of our special surface treatment competences, we have achieved a beautiful yet robust surface of the aluminium on the frame and the cabinet.
BeoVision 4 – 42: a system master that offers freedom of application.
The BeoVision 4 – 42 solution offers not only sublime experiences in a home-cinema setup. It also is fully compatible with the Beolink® system and can work as a system master that distributes sound and/or picture to up to 16 rooms. BeoVision 4 – 42 is a modular system, it has a built-in Dolby® Digital/DTS® module, and it can be integrated with the entire BeoLab loudspeaker range, as well as with Bang & Olufsen audio and video products. There is only one cable between the monitor and the master unit which increases the placement flexibility. All this maximises the freedom of application – only your imagination sets the limits for a true Bang & Olufsen experience.
Easy operation – One remote
Despite the possibility of integrating BeoVision 4 – 42 with many products and features, the operation is well-known and simple – based on one remote: Beo4. This is ensured via the IR-eye which is connected to BeoSystem 2. The built-in Set-top Box Controller is an example of the simplified operation principle of Bang & Olufsen; digital television can be received from a separate satellite box, but still operated with Beo4.
VisionClear – improved picture technologies
VisionClear is a concept developed by Bang & Olufsen that focuses on picture improvement technologies. Among the technologies is the peaking technology, which sharpens the picture by making a simulated contour around objects so that every detail stands out. There is a tendency in the market to overdo the peaking – so that the picture becomes unnaturally sharp. Bang & Olufsen focuses on creating a natural sharpness in the picture – therefore the picture is only peaked to a certain limit. The natural picture is moreover helped by noise reduction. As the peaking technology also makes noise more visible, a noise reduction circuit is incorporated in BeoVision 4 – 42 to compensate for the increased noise. This way BeoVision 4 – 42 offers sharp yet noiseless pictures.
Viewing Comfort – improved viewing experience
The Viewing Comfort concept focuses on the interface between the screen and the user, and between the screen and the room. It has been developed to improve the subjective viewing experience of the user. Viewing Comfort elements in BeoVision 4 – 42 include the anti-reflection coated contrast screen, which reduces reflections of incoming light and improves the black level. The black level of BeoVision 4 – 42 is better than what is generally seen in the market for plasma – meaning that what looks black is more black, rather than grey.
The result is deeper and richer colours. Other Viewing Comfort elements in BeoVision 4 – 42 are electronic curtains and automatic picture format optimisation. (Due to the separation of monitor and master in BeoVision 4 – 42, the Automatic Picture Control feature known from BeoVision 5 and other BeoVision products is not available in BeoVision 4 – 42).
The smaller version of the Bang & Olufsen ‘Goliath’ Plasma Televisions, the BeoVision 4- 85 featured the latest Panasonic 3D enabled Plasma Screen. Processing was done via the 3D BeoSystem 3 (Type 7711) and to be fair, at the time this was fantastic image quality and motion handling. The panel itself was housed in the rounded frame style of the current (at the time) 50″ and 65″ versions of the BeoVision 4 which gave quite a smooth and slick look.
The default ‘package’ for most Dealers saw the screen sitting on the incredible piece of engineering which was the hydraulic ‘motorised floor stand’ which lifted the screen up and then slightly backwards to reveal the BeoLab 10 Mono Centre Speaker. The BeoSystem 3 and associated cabling was housed behind an MDF cabinet which hooked onto and over the rear. This motorised floor stand was a very theatrical way to turn the TV on, but after spending almost £70,000 on a TV you’d certainly demand some entertaining
Sight and Sound to Stimulate Your Senses
BeoVision 12 is a breathtaking, 65-inch television, with an ultra-slim plasma screen and 3D capabilities. The first thing you will notice about BeoVision 12 is that although it is impressive in size, it actually appears thinner than it is. This seeming weightlessness is achieved through a unique optical illusion.
Observe the exceptionally slim, black aluminium frame enveloping the television, and notice what you don’t see. There are no joints or seams interrupting the flow of the frame. This is achieved by imprinting the frame from one large piece of aluminium foil. The result is a seamless, uniform surface that is almost like watching a moving picture on glass.
The integrated centre speaker is placed beneath the screen. The anodised aluminium grill features a curving wave design that includes 5,000 holes in an elegant elliptical shape.
BeoVision 12 fits directly on the wall, with a unique mounting solution. The wall bracket is semi-integrated into the rear cabinet, with the goal of adding miniscule millimetres to the television as it lifts from the wall. The video engine of BeoVision 12 is hidden out of sight, in a cabinet or special room where all external equipment can be tucked away.
BeoVision 12 – Generations
The BeoVision 12 came in two versions during it’s product lifecycle, both being a 65″ Plasma Screen but of differing panel generations. The first Mk1 version was wall-mountable only and used the 3D (Type 7711) version of the BeoSystem 3.
The ‘NG’ Mk2 version utilised the new BeoSystem 4 and used the later generation of Panasonic Plasma Panel. Bang & Olufsen also introduced a new Motorised Floor Stand option for the NG version which was controlled directly by the BeoSystem 4. giving the user the option of turning the screen left and right with the Remote Controller. The stand was supplied with a large panel which affixed to the rear of the plasma panel, within which there was a mount plate to secure to the Floor Stand. The stand itself was very similar to the BeoVision 7-55″ version in looks and dimensions.
The BeoVision 10 is an incarnation of the BeoVision 5 design theme, finally done in the style originally conceived – a TV which emulates a picture in all dimensions – even thickness. The set is a mere 7 cm thick.
A 200Hz panel with edge type LED lighting offers superb clarity, with the advantages of VisionClear added to the mix.
The Beovision 10 – 40″ was the first model in the range of sets designed primarily for wall mounting. To this end, the sets are very slim with a frame design design to accentuate the slimness and lightness of the television.
Sound is provided for by the provision of a 5 way speaker system with twin channels having tweeters and midrange units and a shared bass unit. Special attention has been given to the sound with a tuned bass port provided in such a way that the depth of the television is maintained but that bass performance is up to Bang & Olufsen’s usual standards.
The set offers Full HD (1920 x 1080 pixels) and a comprehensive sets of connections – 2 or 3 HDMI sockets (depending on type) are present and an internal digital connection is also present for the DVB-HD module, which is standard fit on all variants.
The customer merely has to decide which stand option is required, with either a slim 4mm wall mount which allows the set to be angled 45 degrees to either the left or right. Alternatively, a floor stand which is motorised for side to side motion is available with a manual vertical tilt possible.
Mounting Options
When launched, Bang & Olufsen produced a Motor Floor Stand and a simple Wall Bracket using the hinged device seen previously to position the rear of the TV close to the wall.
Small, compact and elegant, Beosystem 10 was the ideal companion when you were away from a main audio system.
It offered stereo radio with FM and AM/LW reception with three pre-set FM stations. The cassette recorder played every type of tape with the built-in stereo speakers providing excellent sound quality. There was also an optional wall bracket, and you could connect a turntable or extra cassette recorder, external speakers and Form 1 or Form 2 headphones.
David Lewis’ Beosystem 2500 from 1991 marked a new era of design for hi-fi. In its design, he set out to emphasise the function of the machine. The front is protected by a Perspex eyeshade which slides inwards when in use. Lewis here introduced the flat, standing shape which has come to characterise his Bang & Olufsen designs; for instance BeoSound 9000.
Its interface, designed by Sally Beardleys, is simple and well thought out. Since Beosystem 2500 is very compact it has taken a lot of work to make its small loudspeakers effective and harmonious. Among other things this has been solved by making use of separate power sources to the loudspeakers in order to optimise their sound. The design was followed up by BeoSound Century, which, compared to the 2500 is smaller and cheaper.
Tradition had it that music systems should be recognised at such. However, not so at Bang & Olufsen. In spite of its size, Beosystems 2300 and 2500 featured operation and performance on a level that compared with larger B&O audio systems. And adding to the magic of the fascinating new sound experience at the time of its introduction, was the way that the smoked glass doors slid open the instant the beams are broken by a wave of your hand – revealing the controls beneath.
Beosystem 2300 / 2500 gave you two extremely powerful active loudspeakers – BeoLab 2500 – which acted as completely integrated components in the system. The source selection and programming keys you needed to operate Beosystem 2300 / 2500 were located in a central keypad. And just above them was an illuminated display which could keep you informed of the source and track you were listening to. Every time you touched a key, the display told you exactly which function you activated.
Beocenter 2500, or Beosystem 2500 as it was called when used with BeoLab 2500 active speakers, was developed from the idea of a flexible music system that could compete with the sound quality of heavy music systems. Thanks to the advent of active speakers, this was a possibility with both Beocenter 2500 and its CD-only capable Beocenter 2300. With active speakers, each of the powerful bass and treble units were equipped with their own separate amplifiers. In addition, the electronic cross-over network ensured full bass reproduction.
The loudspeakers were located on both sides of a centre console, where two clear glass covers automatically glided to the side when a hand was passed in front of them. Behind the glass covers there was access to the operating panel, receiver, CD player and a cassette recorder.
The receiver allowed the option of presetting 2 x 20 FM/AM radio stations. The cassette recorder featured Auto Reverse, Automatic Recording level, search function and Bang & Olufsen’s HX-PRO recording system, a system which ensures that the sensitive treble range is captured in recording. The memory in Beocenter 2300’s CD player allowed you to edit up to 100 CDs.
Both systems could be operated via their operating panel or a Beolink 1000 or Beolink 5000 remote control. There were sockets for headphones and connection to additional sound sources; extra loudspeakers can also be connected.
Beocenter 2500 was available with loudspeaker panels in cobalt grey, black, white, cerise or jade. It was later known as BeoSound Ouverture and could be made up to the Beosystem 2500 when incorporated with the BeoLab 2500 active loudspeakers.
Mounting Options
This classic design was reincarnated over a 21 year period with various mounts and stands. Floor stands were available with a pole stand or CD and tape storage, wall mount solutions allowed for the Hi-Fi only, or with BeoLab2500 speakers until these were discontinued
