The most basic of the range, this cartridge was available to be specified for those decks not fitted with a cartridge as standard such as the Beogram RX.
It could be differentiated by its cantilever which was a straight non tapered aluminium tube.
” BeoSound 1 is maximum expression. Simple, elegant and easy to move around. Use it in your home, in the office, or bring it with you on holiday. Sleek and sturdy the BeoSound 1 fits in wherever you have a desire for great sound “ B&O Catalogue 2001 – 2002
With a tough, robust construction, BeoSound 1 is constructed to be moved and used anywhere. From the home to the work place, and everywhere in between, it offers you CD and radio with the simplest of plug-and-play functionality. And hidden behind the compact design lies a set of exceptionally powerful loudspeakers, capable of producing a dynamic sound far beyond the modest dimensions of the cabinet.
Sound
From intense rhythms to laid-back listening – the impressive three-way loudspeaker system hiding behind the cool aluminium front will handle the deepest bass and highest notes with ease. With its integrated handle, BeoSound 1 is easy to pick up and move around. It’s small enough to fit in anywhere, but still big enough to power a party with a sound that’s true, pure and clear. With its integrated handle, BeoSound 1 is easy to pick up and move around. It’s small enough to fit in anywhere, but still big enough to power a party with a sound that’s true, pure and clear.
Design
Life can be rough, but BeoSound 1 is built to take all the knocks. Tough, robust and solid, it’s a piece of musical freedom that’s always ready for take off. Do you want BeoSound 1 to stand out or blend in? Should it make a statement or become a part of its surroundings? The perforated aluminium front comes in 5 different colours – natural aluminium, black, blue, green and russet – which lets you decide for yourself.
Operation
Just plug it in and BeoSound 1 is at your command. All the buttons are concealed behind the front panel and in a layout that’s easy to understand and simple to use. BeoSound 1 can also be controlled via a Beo4 remote control. The discreet display keeps you in touch with what source you’re listening to.
CD and radio
Press “Load” and watch the CD holder flip up to accept your disc. Or switch over to Radio and listen to one of the 60 stations that can be stored in the programme memory. And if you ever need better reception, the aerial will rise at the touch of a button. BeoSound 1 was updated mid-October 2002 with an addition of a Wake Up Timer. There is also a new colour to the existing range – violet – with jade green being discontinued.
BeoSound 1 wins Japanese design award
In late 2002, the monthly magazine Nikkei BP Design marked its 15th birthday by conferring gold, silver, bronze and special “Nikkei Design” awards. Bang & Olufsen won an impressive bronze award for BeoSound 1. In their citation, the judges emphasised the striking design and that Bang & Olufsen are challenging the market for portable music . They also emphasised that the relatively low price will appeal to young people, while the straightforward functionality will “appeal to the older generation”. (From Beolink magazine 5, March 2003) BeoSound 1 – a golden opportunity to purchase the first models on the Internet – Press Release August 2001 Reach out for BeoSound 1 on the Net – Limited edition of new movable sound system may only be ordered via Internet ” On 15 September the first ever Internet event from Bang & Olufsen will be launched. Running simultaneously with the release of a newly revised home page, this special event will feature on-line reservation of a limited edition BeoSound 1. The newest audio product from B&O integrates a CD player, FM radio and powerful active loudspeakers in a surprising design. Encased in an exclusive Internet-only russet yellow colour, these 1,000 units will be available for pre-launch reservation only through visiting the Bang & Olufsen Web site.
On-line reservation
On-line reservation of the limited edition BeoSound 1 takes place quickly and simply; the visitor only needs to click on the appropriate photograph and fill out the registration fields that appear next. Filling out his or her name, address, e-mail and the like, he or she will receive a special BeoSound 1 screen saver as well. The 1000 units will be reserved on a first-come, first-served basis. When they are no longer available, the special BeoSound 1 screen saver will be provided to event visitors, along with an invitation to visit their local B&O dealer to receive a product demonstration.
Choose their own dealer
One of the most important elements in this campaign is that the visitor chooses from which Bang & Olufsen dealer he or she will purchase the physical product. It is through this dealer, and not Bang & Olufsen a/s, that all purchase-related elements will take place, including delivery and after-sales service.
Certificate and individual numbering
A special welcome envelope containing a Special Edition Certificate will accompany each product, in addition to a special silver label indicating the individual production number of the product, such as 1/1000, 2/1000, 3/1000 and so on.
Delivery upon market launch
Whilst the customer may reserve a BeoSound 1 already from 15 September, the delivery will not take place until the actual launch of the product in his or her market. This rolling launch process stretches from week 45, 2000 until week 6, 2001, dependant upon market. ”
BeoSound 1 with timer: a movable music centre
“Place your BeoSound 1 where you like. The compact design enables you to bring it with you anywhere. BeoSound 1 gives you an excellent sound experience no matter how near or far you are from the speakers. The sound is optimised and no additional settings.”
CD operation:
All buttons on BeoSound 1 are located at the back of the operation panel together with the CD compartment. Press LOAD to raise the CD compartment. With the CD compartment raised, offer the CD into the slot provided. Always load the CD with the CD label facing upwards. Press LOAD again to lower the compartment or just press CD to play your CD. If no CD is loaded when you press one of the CD buttons, the CD compartment raises, ready for you to load a CD. When the CD has stopped playing and no commands have been received for 30 minutes, BeoSound 1 switches to standby.
Radio operation:
You can store up to 59 different radio stations. To step between stored radio stations, the programme number or frequency must be shown in the display. To listen to the radio, just press one of the radio buttons, the radio will start playing on the radio station you last listened to. You can extend the built-in aerial by pressing the AERIAL button.
Features
the speakers will be muted when headphones are connected. BeoSound 1 presents essential audio sources in a compact and easily operated way the compact design and the built-in handle lets you to take the music with you remove the cover at the back of BeoSound 1 and connect the headphones to the socket the radio finds the first available station the first time you press the RADIO button press AERIAL to extend or retract the built-in aerial. You can also push the aerial down manually if no CD is loaded when you press CD, the CD compartment raises automatically, ready to be loaded with your favourite CD you can adjust and store the volume level at any time. The display will keep you informed of what you have chosen and you can set the display light to the level suitable for you. Also, choose the display mode you prefer for radio stations; programme number or frequency
Timer facilities
BeoSound 1 has a built-in 24-hour clock. If you wish to make use of the Wake-up Timer function, you must first make sure that the built-in clock in the BeoSound 1 has been set correctly. If BeoSound 1 has been disconnected from the mains for about 30 minutes, the clock must be set again. You can program BeoSound 1 to wake you in the morning. The Wake-up Timer is a once-only timer. Like an alarm clock it is deleted once it has been executed. While the Timer is being carried out, the time is shown in the display. When you operate or switch off your BeoSound 1, the display returns to the mode you have chosen. Once you have made one Wake-up Timer, BeoSound 1 automatically suggests the time you entered for the latest Wake-up Timer in the display when you enter a new one. Wake-up Timers can of course also be deleted again. When you choose radio as your source, the radio will start playing on the station you last listened to. If you choose CD as your source, it is essential that a CD is first loaded. If you do not choose a source, the radio, by default, will be used for your Wake-up Timer.
Beo4 operation
Although designed primarily for close-up operation, BeoSound 1 can also be operated from a distance. The Beo4 remote control operates all the primary functions in your BeoSound 1. With Beo4, you can switch on or off, select radio programmes or CD tracks and adjust sound. You can also use the Beo4 remote control to enter a Wake-up Timer. This is carried out while BeoSound 1 is in standby by pressing the MENU button on Beo4. Pressing the red button on the Beo4 remote control will show the time in the display. Note that if the clock has not been set, or BeoSound 1 has been disconnected from the mains for approximately 30 minutes, it is not possible to set a Wake-up Timer. The clock must be set first. You can call up the settings for the Wake-up Timer in the display to check the time or to delete the Wake-up Timer.
Protecting your BeoSound 1
You can choose whether or not to activate the PIN code system as a security measure against unwanted usage or theft. By activating this, BeoSound 1 is protected with a four-digit PIN code. The use of a PIN code means that if BeoSound 1 is disconnected from the mains for more than 30 minutes, the system can only be activated again by keying in your own personal PIN code. If the PIN code is not entered, BeoSound 1 automatically switches to standby after 3 minutes. If a wrong PIN code is entered, you are allowed five attempts to key in the code, after which the system is switched off and cannot be switched on for 3 hours. Should you forget your PIN code, it is necessary to contact a retailer who can assist you in receiving a Master Code from Bang & Olufsen. You need this code in order to reactivate your BeoSound 1. Note that if a wrong code is entered a second time, the cue ‘Err’ appears in the display and you must enter and confirm the code again. If you accidentally store a wrong digit, pressing STOP will delete all digits again and you can enter new ones. You may change your PIN code at any time. However, for security reasons it is only possible to change the PIN code five times within a period of 3 hours. You must enter your current PIN code before changing the code.
Changing your BeoSound 1 cover:
You can change the front cover of your BeoSound 1 to complement your new room décor by using the following tips. Like always, if you’re unsure about what you’re doing then consult a professional Bang & Olufsen technician who will be able to do this task for you easily and safely. Use the floor or some soft furnishing to avoid damaging your unit: With the BeoSound 1 isolated from mains electricity lie it down on the floor with the front panel facing upwards and the controls away from you, at the top Press firmly but gently on the outside rim of the front cover about one-third of the way down from the top; at the same time pushing the cover up, away from you This will release the mechanism and the cover will slide up and off the front of the unit To replace the cover position it onto the front of the unit- ensuring that the inner black plastic ‘screen’ is positioned in the sliders within the metal cover Gently place the cover back into its cut-out grooves on the unit, about one centimetre or so from the base Firmly but gently push down the cover towards you. The cover should gently ‘snap’ into place!
BeoSound 1 Special Edition
In 2001, before BeoSound 1 was available to purchase in High Street stores, a gold-coloured version – limited to 1000 models – could be bought only from the Internet. Needless to say, this limited edition was sold very quickly and at the time was very desirable. However, as the CD format has sadly lost it’s appeal, the value of these units has declined to the point of them only being worth what someone is prepared to pay – which isn’t much!
A late entry into the market but maybe the best sounding, the Beosound 8 benefits from the active speaker technology that B&O has championed for many years. Class D amplification is used for the two way loudspeakers and a placement switch is present which allows free standing, wall or corner settings.
The dock connection allows iPods, iPhones or iPads to be used and the provision of a line in connection allows other devices to attach.
In addition, a mini USB socket allows the customer to connect either a PC or Mac or an Airport Express to allow music to be played from their computer. A special Application written for the iPhone will be available which allows the music library to be browsed and also gives the BeoSound 8 both Alarm Clock functions and Net radio capabilities.
A wall bracket is available or the Beosound 8 can be used as a table top set.
Initially the speaker covers will be either black or white but Blue. Purple , Green and yellow covers will soon be available.
Control will either be via the iPod or with the Beosound 8 remote, which is aluminium. The set is also controllable with the Beo4,5 or 6.
The BeoSound 8 came in two ‘generations’ – the first being the regular BeoSound 8 with the old iPhone 20-pin connector, then the BeoPlay A8 (the ‘A’ standing for ‘Airplay’) which had no connector, but you could add a simple push-fit ‘Apple Lightning Connector’ for later Apple products if required.
If you want superior sound, but not the size, and a full array of functions but without the complication – then take a look at the BeoSound Century. Designed by David Lewis, it has a very slim depth and brings together CD, tape and FM radio into a slim-line form that can stand by itself or hang from a wall. Everything is operated by buttons that light up to guide you quickly through the various playing options.
BeoSound Century is a clever combination of excellent performance and ease-of-use. This system is known in fact by two different names – BeoSound Century in Europe and BeoSound 2000 in North America. With everything built in, this is the perfect stereo for those who with a limited space as it’s only 11cm deep. It’s for those who don’t want Beolink® capabilities and can be equipped with a handle with a built-in active antenna making it very portable. The speakers use the active construction as that of all BeoLab speakers. In the late nineties the Century was released in a special limited series with polished aluminium instead of the black plastic on the CD holder. This became so popular that it became the standard! There are two different stands available: a wall stand and a special table stand. The unit may also be controlled by the optional Beo4 remote control.
Deep bass
BeoSound Century integrates a powerful sound reproduction system: two active loudspeakers with electronic crossover network and Adaptive Bass Linearisation, for the optimum relationship between bass reproduction and sound pressure level. The very small two-way bass reflex loudspeakers comprise a net volume of only 1,1 litres, but the large front grille gives room for fairly large woofer membrane diameters.
Bass and treble have separate power amplifiers, which means that they can be tailored to compensate for one another’s shortcomings and deliver a sound spectrum as close to reality as possible. On top of that, BeoSound Century can play at high volume, but cuts out before it has an opportunity to burn out its units.
The fine art of control of BeoSound Century
The backlit push buttons of the BeoSound Century are cast in opalescent plastic, painted black on the inside and the text is then burnt away with a laser. The light of a diode behind each button is muted for even distribution, and the button is hinged in four places. A sturdy and relatively inexpensive construction, but it takes just a bit more work!
Operation of BeoSound Century
How do you make operation easy when there are 26 buttons to push? On BeoSound Century, only the buttons you need for the specific function will light up and guide you step by step through operations.
BeoSound Century was awarded the Danish Design Centre’s IP Prize in 1994.
Mounting Options
Supplied with a table mount foot for mounting on top of a cabinet. The optional wall mount bracket allowed for wall mounting.
If you want superior sound, but not the size, and a full array of functions but without the complication – then take a look at the BeoSound Century. Designed by David Lewis, it has a very slim depth and brings together CD, tape and FM radio into a slim-line form that can stand by itself or hang from a wall. Everything is operated by buttons that light up to guide you quickly through the various playing options.
BeoSound Century is a clever combination of excellent performance and ease-of-use. This system is known in fact by two different names – BeoSound Century in Europe and BeoSound 2000 in North America. With everything built in, this is the perfect stereo for those who with a limited space as it’s only 11cm deep. It’s for those who don’t want Beolink® capabilities and can be equipped with a handle with a built-in active antenna making it very portable. The speakers use the active construction as that of all BeoLab speakers. In the late nineties the Century was released in a special limited series with polished aluminium instead of the black plastic on the CD holder. This became so popular that it became the standard! There are two different stands available: a wall stand and a special table stand. The unit may also be controlled by the optional Beo4 remote control.
Deep bass
BeoSound Century integrates a powerful sound reproduction system: two active loudspeakers with electronic crossover network and Adaptive Bass Linearisation, for the optimum relationship between bass reproduction and sound pressure level. The very small two-way bass reflex loudspeakers comprise a net volume of only 1,1 litres, but the large front grille gives room for fairly large woofer membrane diameters.
Bass and treble have separate power amplifiers, which means that they can be tailored to compensate for one another’s shortcomings and deliver a sound spectrum as close to reality as possible. On top of that, BeoSound Century can play at high volume, but cuts out before it has an opportunity to burn out its units.
The fine art of control of BeoSound Century
The backlit push buttons of the BeoSound Century are cast in opalescent plastic, painted black on the inside and the text is then burnt away with a laser. The light of a diode behind each button is muted for even distribution, and the button is hinged in four places. A sturdy and relatively inexpensive construction, but it takes just a bit more work!
Operation of BeoSound Century
How do you make operation easy when there are 26 buttons to push? On BeoSound Century, only the buttons you need for the specific function will light up and guide you step by step through operations.
BeoSound Century was awarded the Danish Design Centre’s IP Prize in 1994.
Mounting Options
Supplied with a table mount foot for mounting on top of a cabinet. The optional wall mount bracket allowed for wall mounting.
The essential connectivity hub that turns your Beolab speakers into a future-proof and wireless speaker system.
STREAMING
Stream from your favourite music app
With Beosound Core, nothing stands between your music and your beloved speakers. Stream directly from your favourite music apps on your phone via Google Cast, AirPlay or Bluetooth. Or play your own digital music collection via UPnP.
SOUND
Uncompromising sound quality
Only the very best for your Beolab speakers. Beosound Core renders music in ultra high resolution to deliver the highest digital streaming quality we have ever offered.
CONNECTIVITY
All the connections you need
Beosound Core is the intelligent connectivity hub for your all your wired and wireless devices and speakers. Optical-in and optical-out interfaces provide end-to-end digital sound. We also included analogue interfaces for your older equipment.
FUTURE-PROOF
Extend the life of your speakers
In a time of fast-changing technologies, the Beosound Core safeguards your precious Beolab speakers or Beosound Shape through automatic software updates, keeping them up-to-date for many years to come.
MULTIROOM
Get the full Multiroom experience
Beosound Core adds Multiroom functionality to Beosound Shape or your Beolab speakers, allowing you to wirelessly connect multiple speakers throughout your home into one seamless audio system.
Beomaster 1600 Type 1703 could be made up as part of Beosystem 1600, when linked together with other compatible Bang & Olufsen products such as Beocord 1600 and Beogram 1600. FM only version of the 1700 and not seen in the UK.
Beomaster 7000 was a receiver of high specifications and contained the system infra-red transceiver for communication with Beolink 7000 and the necessary computer to process and relay the commands to the other sources. Beomaster 7000 was the audio master and as such defined the system. Besides being a computer with considerable processing power, Beomaster 7000 also contained an FM/AM radio, the switch circuitry and the control- and power-amplifier.
Features:
Radio:
FM/AM frequency synthesis tuner, 24 presets. RDS decoder with access to FM transmitter name and operator. Naming of individual stations, both FM and AM, up to ten characters per station.
Amplifier Control section:
2 x 110 Watts long-term maximum output power. Automatic Power Handling Control, speaker and amplifier protection. Power Link connection for BeoLab active loudspeakers. Speaker Link connection for other loudspeakers (two pairs).
Connection for external power amplifier. Beolink® AV connection and complete AV operation facilities. Connection for Local Control System.
Audio Master:
Microcomputer, ROM capacity 64 KB, RAM capacity 1 KB, for the control of e.g. adjustments, source switching (audio and video), Automatic Power Handling Control, tuning, timer programming etc. Timer programming, 10 timer blocks. Battery backup for timer and clock. Dynamic display readout on Beolink 7000 of frequency, RDS and naming data, all tuning data, preset, FM/AM, sound adjustments.
Beomaster 7000 had a built-in RDS decoder which gave access to the basic 8 character RDS readout, the “PS” or “Programme Service Name”, i.e. an abbreviated readout of the transmitter name, the programme number and perhaps the name of the operator. The RDS data was displayed directly on Beolink 7000, when you selected a station that broadcast RDS information. This applied both when you were tuning or when you selected the preset that you had stored the programme on. Beolink 7000 displayed the RDS data also in situations when you were in a room equipped with Local Control System. Beolink 7000 was the only remote control capable of displaying RDS data.
The channel-naming facility allowed you to give every single radio station a name of your choice, with up to 10 characters, directly on the Beolink 7000. Naming could be carried out on all preset stations. Your favourite name had priority over a RDS name (if available) and was displayed when you selected the channel number.
The RDS and naming facility gave an added convenience with radio reception. The convenience level was paralleled with the reception quality of the FM tuner.
An FM tuner faces conflicting demands with regard to signal reception. It must have a high sensitivity for receiving weak stations (high selectivity), but it must also be able to suppress interference from powerful neighbouring stations. Beomaster 7000 was one of the few receivers that paid attention to these conflicting demands.
Components in high quality (e.g. dual-gate MOSFET transistors) and an optimised electronic design were used. The Intermediate Frequency (IF) stage had a bandwidth of approximately 200 kHz around the 10,7 MHz centre frequency (the IF filter contained three stable ceramic filters). Generally, if the IF bandwidth is broad, the selectivity falls, as does the intermodulation distortion. Conversely, if the bandwidth is narrow, the distortion and selectivity rise. This relationship must be compared with the reception conditions. If stations are close by (and powerful), the ideal is a narrow bandwidth, while distant (weak) stations require a wider band, in order to keep down the intermodulation distortion. In Beomaster 7000 the signal strength was measured for both the stations you received (within the filter range) and for stations that you didn’t want to receive, outside the filter range. This allowed Bang & Olufsen to suppress powerful stations on neighbouring frequencies and counteract intermodulation distortion, giving a high signal-to-noise characteristic for both weak and strong stations.
The stereo decoder gave an optimal stereo channel separation as long as the signal-to-noise ratio in the received signal was above 50 dB. When weaker signals were received, Beomaster 7000 automatically switched to mono. You could also select mono manually.
Tuning
The tuner was of the frequency-synthesis type, based on digital technology and controlled by the microcomputer. Tuning on FM was in steps of 50 kHz, in order to adhere to the cable network frequency allocation of 50 kHz. Tuning was carried out from Beolink 7000, either as a search tune up or down in the frequency range, or by direct frequency selection. There was automatic or manual fine-tune, with a precision better than 1 kHz.
AM Tuner
The (then) newly-developed AM tuner had a high reception sensitivity and was very stable and reliable. It was optimised for the Bang & Olufsen loop antenna, type no. 8720038. Automatic tuning was in steps of 9 kHz (USA: 10 kHz). The fine-tune operated in steps of 0.25 kHz.
Presets
24 presets were available. You could store any FM or AM station in any order and information such as fine tune, FM stereo/mono and AM manual tune was stored on the preset.
The Power Amplifier
The power amplifier in Beomaster 7000 was rated at 2 x 110 watts long term max. output, and it featured Automatic Power Handling Control as a protection for both the loudspeakers and the amplifier in case of overload or shorting. The circuit monitored the critical stage in the output amplifier and if prescribed limits were exceeded, the microcomputer lowered the volume to below the critical level.
The temperatures of the cooling surfaces were also measured and if the temperature got too high, the volume was also cut down. If the limits were exceeded again, the procedure was repeated. If the cause of the overload was eliminated, the volume could be turned up above the previous critical level. You would only under very special circumstances experience the Automatic Power Handling Control’s circuit overruling your volume setting, but when it did, it could save the system from serious damage. The circuit might have been activated, for example, if you connected several pairs of normal loudspeakers and played very powerful music extremely loudly. Another example could be if the loudspeaker outputs were short-circuited, in which case the Beomaster was simply switched to stand-by to protect the amplifier in an effective way. Similarly, if a defect occurred in the amplifier, the circuit protected the loudspeaker against direct current, which would otherwise destroy them.
If you connected BeoLab Penta or other active BeoLab speakers via the Power Link sockets, there was an independent protection circuit in the loudspeakers to protect them in a similar way.
Active cooling
Beomaster 7000 was very compact and in order to liberate heat from the power amplifier efficiently, a low-noise fan was placed at the bottom of the cabinet. If the cooling ribs of the output transistors reach a temperature of more than 50 degrees, the fan started up at low speed, rising to a maximum speed when the temperature was around 95 degrees. The amount of heat generated by the amplifier depended on how loud you played and for how long a period the volume was turned up. Only by playing very loudly for a prolonged time would the temperature rise and the fan start up, or the Automatic Power Handling Control interfere. Note also that if the recommended BeoLab Penta loudspeakers were connected, the power amplifier in Beomaster 70000 became inactive (or perhaps used to drive a Local Control System).
PowerLink Connection
The PowerLink connection in the receiver was used to connect BeoLab active speakers. The signal is a volume-adjusted line level signal and both left and right signals are carried in one cable, with data signals for a BeoLab status display. This means that it is no longer the socket on the Beomaster that decides whether it is the left or right channel. Instead a switch on the BeoLab loudspeaker has to be set to the correct position. PowerLink is very flexible with regard to connections. A pair of loudspeakers can be connected the usual way, with one cable to each loudspeaker, a BUS system can be applied where the signal is looped through one of the loudspeakers and then on to the next, or both methods may be combined if more than one pair of speakers needs to be connected. No matter which method is used, the correct setting of the L – R switch on the loudspeaker is essential. Up to 10 pairs and 100 metres of Power Link cable is recommended.
Socket Panel
The socket panel on the back of Beomaster 7000 was placed in a cut-out to prevent the connectors from protruding too far. As a consequence, the effective depth of Beosystem 7000 was virtually the same as the actual depth of the components. Apart from the CD, Tape 1, Tape 2, Phono and PowerLink sockets there were also connections for TV (or AUX), 2 pairs of Speaker Link for normal loudspeakers and Local Control System, FM/AM antenna sockets and a Line in/out socket for an external unit, e.g. an equaliser.
Note that the RIAA phono-preamplifier was placed in the Beogram 7000 and if a Beogram without RIAA was to be connected, a RIAA kit must be mounted in Beomaster 7000 by means of a minor service operation.
The battery backup in Beomaster 7000 retained all information in case of a power cut, where a quartz crystal was used as a reference for the clock.
Beomaster 7000 could, ideally, be used as part of Beosystem 7000.
” Picture this. The perfect picture “
BeoCenter AV5 was, at first glance, merely a television set. However, what you saw was just half the picture. The AV5 was in fact a fully integrated, compact digital home entertainment system, comprising a CD player, FM radio and powerful loudspeakers… as well as a television!
On top of the AV5 a CD player elegantly lifted open to allow you to drop in your CD and listen.
BeoCenter AV5 therefore offered the best of both worlds and allowed you decide. At the touch of a button, two motor-drive loudspeakers stretched silently out to each side of the TV set. It was a simple, welcoming gesture but one that also ensures a special performance every time you switch on. The extra width allowed the loudspeakers to combine with the ear-shattering centre bass to produce optimal stereo sound in its full perspective. It was something you could hear – and feel – every time you watched a movie or listened to the in-built radio or played a CD. Indeed, BeoCenter AV5 was so versatile that at the time of its introduction, it could also play CD-i discs.
Devoting efforts in creating the perfect sound didn’t mean that Bang & Olufsen had forgotten what they knew about creating the perfect picture. On the contrary. The AV5’s 63cm super flat picture tube, combined with the contrast screen’s anti-reflective coating, delivered a sharper picture, with more depth and perspective, than you had ever seen before. So when the AV5’s electronic curtains glided open you could be sure that what lay behind them was pure entertainment.
Another original Bang & Olufsen feature added to daylight viewing comfort. It was a small electronic sensor that registered the prevailing light conditions in the room and adjusted the picture, so that it was always sharp, no matter whether a reading lamp was lit or sunlight suddenly poured through the window.
Touch CD on the Beo4 remote control and the AV5 moved on its motorised stand to face the viewer’s favourite viewing position. And active speaker stretched out from each side. On top, a CD player elegantly lifted open to allow you to drop in your CD and listen. The superior sound of the AV5 was made possible by the creation of a ‘soundscape’ that widened the perspective of the sound to make each individual instrument clear and distinct. Combined with an inbuilt, ear-shattering centre bass, the AV5 delivered a sound so rich and true that the effect was remarkably similar to a dedicated surround system.
Like every other Bang & Olufsen product, Beovision AV5 was designed and crafted with the greatest care. To ensure that the powerful centre bass unit didn’t interfere with the steadiness of the picture, it was mounted on an intricate suspension system, which in turn was anchored to a special aluminium chassis. The CD unit was perhaps the most robust then, on the market, to allow it to cope with the demanding environment – electronic noise, hot air and interference – in which it had to perform. And on top of all that, the entire unit was ‘torture tested’ hundreds of thousands of times to make sure that it could cope with the rigours of daily use!
The rear of the AV5 is removed by undoing four screws. It may have taken some 150 tools and six construction engineers to make the parts and components, but as far as possible, one size of screw was used to assemble the AV5. The result was, up to 1999, the most advanced piece of electronic design ever to leave the Struer assembly line. Yet everything follows a strictly modular pattern, making maintenance and servicing logical and straightforward.
How can 15 centimetres make a world of difference if you’re already sitting in front of the television, ideally positioned between the stereo loudspeakers?
If you want the full perspective of, say a symphony and you want to be able to identify each instrument in the orchestra, a distance of 80 centimetres is the absolute minimum. You must also make sure that the loudspeakers deliver exactly the same performance and have the same harmonic balance. This can only be obtained by the painstaking measurement, trimming, and pairing of every single tweeter and baffle that goes into the AV5 (or into any other Bang & Olufsen loudspeaker for that matter). Some manufacturers obtain “spatial effect” by reversing the signal phase on one side. This creates a broader perspective, but makes it impossible to locate voices or single instruments.
The picture tube was a new 25″ ‘super-flat state-of-the-art’ tube. It delivered excellent focus, which, combined with the anti-reflective coating of the contrast screen, was experienced as a sharper picture with more depth and better resolution.
The fact the loudspeakers disappeared into the front wall, calls for a special bearing structure. In the AV5, the heaviest component was the picture tube, which was fixed to a set of aluminium “antlers”, a moulded aluminium space-frame which also carried the loudspeakers and most of the wiring. Cast in two pieces, it was custom-designed to hold wiring and fixtures that traditionally, would have been mounted with additional clamps and screws. Aluminium has the advantage of being light, but rigid and non-vibrating. It will not conduct sound or allow oscillations that could affect sound or picture reproduction.
‘Dance steady’ is a term that B&O takes dead seriously. It refers to a product’s ability to perform effortlessly, no matter how animated the surroundings. The company’s secret remedy is rubber suspension. Inside the AV5, almost every vital unit was isolated from the bearing structure by little rubber sleeves. The transformer, the CD print card, the CD drive and last but not least, the centre bass, since it was the source of a sizeable proportion of the vibration pattern. Dance steadiness is measured on a vibrating table to determine the design of each individual rubber sleeve.
Imagine that you’d turn the AV5 on and off maybe 10 times a day over the next ten years and multiply that by 5 for safety. That’s equivalent to turning it on and off 180,000 times over 10 years. In B&O’s torture chambers in the dungeons in Struer, the loudspeakers on the guinea pig AV5 were stretched well beyond the first 500,000 times!
Buffers, shielded cables and a couple of brave hearts went into one of the most challenging technical solutions in the AV5. To make room for the CD player in the upper corner, it was necessary to separate the drive from the control unit. In an environment as compact and loaded with “electronic noise” as the AV5, a lot of sources could create interference and laser is a fragile technology. Servo signals have to travel a longer distance and streams of hot air will not make working conditions any more stable. As a result, the AV5’s CD player was one of the most robust on the market at the time of the AV5’s production.
