A part of the Bang & Olufsen complete home entertainment solution is the light control system which allows for the adjustment of light-settings of a single lamp, room or entire house with a Beolink® remote control.
You can also program local and global light-settings so that when you press ‘LIGHT’ and ‘1’ on the relevant remote control all the lights in the room adjust to their preset lux-settings which are stored in memory-location ‘1’. Nine local light settings can be stored with the dimming of each light unit being made individually.
Each light which should be included in the light programming must have an LC2 unit (the latest device) attached to them. It’s a small white, slim box with a dark glass ‘eye’ in the middle (see below). The ‘eye’ also operates as a tactile on/off switch – by touching it the light turns on or off; by keeping a finger on it the light dims upwards and downwards gradually.
The light-control units were also timer-programmable through two-way communication with the audio master (Beosystem or Beocenter) acting as the timer-host. In this way you could set the lights to dim when, for example your favourite TV-series began and the Beovision TV turned on! Unfortunately, since the demise of two-way communication in the mid-1990s this is no longer possible.
LC1 Light control module (1989-1992)
With the LC1 light control unit it became possible to regulate lighting levels and distribution using a Beolink 1000 terminal. The Mk3a Beolink 1000 was the first terminal to include a ‘Light’ key, and this, in conjunction with the volume keys, set the light level. Up to nine LC1 light controls could be used in one room, using the number keys on the Beolink 1000. LC1 light controls could also be preset at a number of different intensities, so that different ‘light pictures’ could be called up quickly and easily. The LC1 also had a sensi-touch area on its top surface in order that the connected light could be switched on and off manually.
Other remote control terminals that controlled the LC1 were Beolink 5000, 7000 and Beo4. Master Control Panels 5000, 5500 and 6500 did not include a light function.
Beovision 9 – A state-of-the-art audio-video unit.
BeoVision 9’s digital sound processor is designed to drive the sound in up to 7.1 channels (the predominant format is still 5.1). You can connect up to 10 BeoLab speakers!
The “space ship” like form factor is driven by the Acoustic Lens Technology (ALT) that delivers a unique 180 degrees horizontal dispersion that maintain a constant tonal balance in all locations, both from direct and reflected sound. Another exclusive feature is the Adaptative Bass Control (ABC): at the press of a button the speaker measure the acoustic properties of the room and adapts its performance accordingly.
The BeoVision 9 is a complete home entertainment solution with a 50 inch HD plasma TV, a powerful center speaker (with ALT) and a built-in BeoMedia. It can be connected to other manufacturers set-top boxes, and has an integrated access to net radio, digital music, photos and the web. In addition, this intelligent device automatically adjusts the brightness and contrast to the ambient light using a dedicated sensor. You can navigate the TV guide, the music and photo files, control the sound volume, orient the display around its axis, all this from the Beo 4 remote control.
David Lewis, the designer, thinks that a TV is not an appealing object, so he succeeds in transforming it in a beautiful piece of furniture.
B&O’s long awaited answer to replacing the long running Beovision MX range of stand alone televisions which dated back to 1985, the Beovision 8 was released first as a 26″ model and was followed by the 32″ model later in the same year.
Sharply styled
The set was a marked change in direction in styling with the trademark contrast screen no longer fitted. Instead a radical new look with a prominent speaker box was seen and the same Sharp LCD screen as seen in the Beocenter 6 26″ was fitted. Resolution was set at 768p – completely acceptable for a screen of this size. Particular care had been taken with the speaker which had been optimised for speech reproduction. It utilised three drive units – a 50mm treble/midrange unit mounted at the two opposite ends and a central 100mm woofer. This was separately enclosed and unlike the midrange/tweeter was in a bass reflex box to enhance the output. In some ways this set up resembled that of the Beosound 1 thought that unit had separate midrange and tweeters rather than relying on a full range unit.
Connected to the future
Unlike the other LCD sets in the B&O range, an HDMI socket was fitted which allowed the connection of a digital source. The set also came as standard with two SCART sockets though one extra cost option was the so called System Module which provided a Masterlink socket, an RF modulator and a third SCART socket.
Dark smoothie
Soft touch plastics predominated with an aluminium grille for the speaker with the brand name prominently displayed. Only black with a silver grille was available at the launch. A range of stands were provided with options for storage of other source boxes or a minimalist black metal single leg.
Digitally challenged
However what attracted a fair bit of attention was not only the daring styling but also some omissions to the specification. With some countries actually starting to turn off the analogue transmitters, the absence of a DVB-T module for the Beovision 8 was a surprise. B&O’s argument that this was a set designed for use in a kitchen or small bedroom and would be likely to be attached to the main room digital tuner was reasonable if possibly a little mean. Full STB-C connections were fitted and, to be fair, offered considerable scope for upgrading, something that would be far more expensive should an internal tuner have been fitted.
Not easily surrounded
Of rather more concern to some was the absence of a surround sound option. A single Powerlink socket was fitted to allow the use of stereo Beolab speakers with the option of Centre Balance control, a feature seen on Beovision sets in the early nineties. However there was no Dolby or DTS surround, implying that this set was not designed to be part of a main room set up.
Remotely attractive?
And there was one more surprise! In the UK the set was supplied with no remote control – although it was not able to be operated without one. The rationale behind this was two fold. Firstly, much like the Beovision 3 28″,which was another of the models it replaced, the Beovision 8 offered a very low headline price to attract customers more used to buying other brands into the showroom. And secondly, the customer was then offered the choice between the Beo4 remote and the brand new and much more expensive Beo5.
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 did not allow rotation or screen adjustment and was soon replaced by a three position, open front cabinet, supplied with wheels. The wall bracket allowed limited rotation to the left or right and screen tilt adjustment.
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.
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:
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
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.
Beosystem AV 7000 was sold primarily in North America and was designed to work together with Beolink 1000. However, both the Beolink 5000 or the Beolink 7000 remote control terminals could be used but with minor restrictions:
” Neither the Beolink 5000 nor Beolink 7000 terminal is recommended for use with the AV7000 Control Centre and the audio/video products that are used with it. To use a function in your audio system that is only available with the Beolink 5000/7000 terminal, you must reprogram your audio system:
Press SOUND, 1, STORE on the Beolink 1000 Terminal
Then operate the function you wish to use in your audio system, using the Beolink 5000/7000 Terminal
Finally, press SOUND, 0, STORE on the Beolink 1000 Terminal to program your audio system back again for the correct setting for daily use in an AV7000 System
NOTE: If you have the sound from your Bang & Olufsen audio system extended to other rooms in the house (via a Bang & Olufsen Local Control System), a Beolink 5000 or 7000 Terminal may be used for audio operation in that room.”
The unit delivered Dolby Pro-Logic Surround Sound. The system comprised: Beosystem 7000, a Beovision MX6000 television and four active speakers. It was eventually phased out when Beosystem AV9000 was introduced.
Designed to be used with BeoVision 4 to accommodate BeoSystem 2 and one set-top box or other DVD/VCR source. The cabinet is not strong enough to place a television on the top!
