Bang & Olufsen’s (then) most accomplished pickup cartridge was fitted to Beogram 6000.
The MMC principle was adapted to track 4-channel records: both Quadradiscs and SQ. MMC 6000 would track both mono and stereo records with the utmost fidelity. It was designed for record-players with tangential arms. The stylus was the Pramanik diamond, named after its inventor: engineer S K Pramanik from Bang & Olufsen’s Laboratories.
The diamond’s radii were 7 um/2 x 50 um. It was a refinement of the elliptical shape, rather like the shape of the cutter-head, and enabled greater contact with the undulations of the record groove. The cantilever was made of berylium – a material which is harder yet lighter than popularly-used aluminium. Effective tip mass was 0.22 mg. Compliance was higher than 30×10-6 cm/dyne. Recommended- stylus pressure was 1g. The total frequency range was 20-45.000 Hz.
In the audible range: 20-15.000 Hz there is less than 1.5 dB variation and in the inaudible range 20,000-45,000 Hz where the carrier frequencies lie, the pick-up fulfils RCA/JVC’s specifications for a Class A discrete 4-channel pick-up cartridge. Each cartridge is an integrated, individually calibrated unit. The stylus unit is not separately replaceable since it is part of the integrated unit. An individual frequency response curve traced on a Bruel & Kjaer level recorder and a complete Calibration Card were enclosed with every MMC 6000 sold.
Designed by Jacob Jensen. In 1979 three more of Jacob Jensen’s designs were included in the Design Collection of the Museum of Modern Art in New York including Beomic 2000.
In 1970, three Bang & Olufsen products designed by Jacob Jensen received the IF award, including Beomic 2000. “Congratulations! Well, we have done this before”, said Prince Henrik – The Queen of Denmark’s husband when he presented the Danish ID award of the Society of Industrial Design to Bang & Olufsen, represented by Jacob Jensen, the designer.
The remark made reference to the fact that B&O had also received the award the year before!
” 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!
BeoSound 9000 makes a strong statement with your music – but leaves it up to you to decide exactly how.
Music may not be essential to life, but it’s hard to live without it. That’s why BeoSound 9000 makes such a big thing about bringing your music out into the open and letting you create your own personal jukebox with the music that means the most to you. Combine BeoSound 9000 with the latest Beolink® PC 2 software application and you can access the digital music files on your computer’s hard disc. Place it upright in a bookcase, lay it flat on a shelf, or hang it directly on the wall – either vertically or horizontally. It can stand between a pair of BeoLab 1 or BeoLab 8000 loudspeakers, or with any other speaker in the BeoLab range. With BeoSound 9000, the possibilities – and the enjoyment – are endless ” (B&O Catalogue 2001 – 2002)
BeoSound 9000 represents the latest technology from Bang & Olufsen today. The 6-CD changer is the fastest in the world. If allowed to continue its momentum it would travel 100km/h in just 5,5 seconds… faster than a Ferrari from a stop position! It can be positioned in several different ways and the display text automatically adjusts itself to be readable. The unit too features a FM/AM tuner with RDS and is equipped with the new MasterLink connections and can be connected directly to the Beovision Avant and AV9000.
The CD returns to its original position
The discs are easily loaded and held by spring suspended jaws. Discs not in play can be replaced without interrupting the playback. The auto-positioning feature ensures that CDs are always returned to the position in which they were first placed. With the CDs visible and positioned correctly, there is easy access to the text information printed on the label. The glass-covered natural aluminium plate holds the CDs and the rails for the CD carriage, while a backlit acrylic plate illuminates the CD currently playing.
Glass cover to counteract gravity
BeoSound 9000 offers unprecedented flexibility for a product of this type, and to ensure the same uniform movement of the glass cover regardless of the placement of BeoSound 9000 vertically or horizontally, upright or flat. To counteract the effect of gravity, a digital time control constantly monitors the movement of the cover and adjusts the motor, keeping the complete movement within 3.5 and 4 seconds.
Safety first
Such an abundance of fast moving mechanics means that special measures have been taken to ensure that BeoSound 9000 is safe to operate. Small prismatic lenses are placed at each end of the aluminium frame, controlling an infrared beam across the front of BeoSound 9000. If the beam is violated, the CD clamper will stop immediately.
If the glass door is lifted while the clamper is in motion, it will decelerate immediately. A power failure feature ensures that the clamper is not damaged in a gravitational free-fall, if BeoSound 9000 is mounted vertically.
Ingenious engineering solutions and intricate mechanical movements in a product that continues to surprise and delight users today – and all this from the inspiration of old vinyl records spinning on the record player’s turntable.
The unit may be played in one of seven different positions. In each one, gravity has a different effect on the CD clamper (the aluminium ‘arm’ which rests over each CD when it is being read), yet it still works with the same precision and speed: a good example of how Bang & Olufsen uses technology to overcome acceptable limitations. Place BeoSound 9000 upright in a bookcase, lay it flat on a shelf or hang it directly on the wall – either vertically or horizontally. It can stand, for example, between a pair of BeoLab 1 or BeoLab 8000 loudspeakers (as above), or with any other speaker in the BeoLab range. With BeoSound 9000, the possibilities – and the enjoyment – are endless!
BeoSound 9000 starts with the technical excellence of the CD, but moves on from its limitations. A couple of good old-fashioned mechanical virtues make a welcome comeback. You can see it work and understand how it reacts when you touch its buttons. Or you can sit back with your Beo4 remote control and browse through over 7 hours of musical pleasure.
BeoSound 9000 makes a virtue of displaying the features that so many manufacturers try to hide away” welcoming the user with open arms to use it.
Features
BeoSound 9000 works so fast and so quietly that the change-over between two CDs seems no longer than the normal interval between tracks. Using the inaudible initial lead information on the discs, each CD can be named and memorised, and will be left in the same position as it was loaded, with its title clearly legible. Enter up to 200 titles in the memory and they’ll appear on the display whenever one of those CDs is played.
The FM/AM radio has memory for up to 60 stations which can be identified by their names instead of their frequency numbers. Set the timer and wake up to your favourite programmed CD sequence or radio station.
The fine art of control of BeoSound 9000
Lift the lid on BeoSound 9000 and the extensive control panel with timer, editing and sound adjustment operations is at hand. Since the BeoSound 9000 can be placed in a great number of positions, the control panel can turn as you prefer. The display follows the same orientation, of course!
Auto Positioning
Auto-positioning was one of the challenges that Bang & Olufsen’s engineers had to meet because of BeoSound 9000’s clear versatility in placement. Using the inaudible initial lead information present on most compact discs, the BeoSound 9000 is able to detect and memorise a desired position for the CD.
When it’s time to stop the CD, a servo system decreases the speed of rotation, the position mark is detected, and this effects the final braking and halt. A servo calculates the braking length for the CD, processes and stores the information. So the next time the CD will stop even faster, because BeoSound 9000 now knows where and when to apply the brakes. A total of 360 perforations ensure that your CD will stop precisely at the point at which you placed it in the rack.
The secret behind the precision of the movable clamper lies in two sensors which monitor its exact position and speed more than 60 times a second, and in its digitally-controlled motor, which compensates for even the slightest variation in movement.
Note: For owners of BeoSound 9000 who wish to use BeoLab 5 with this particular CD player, another feature of these new active speakers will be a direct digital feed from the optical output of BeoSound 9000 – the output not used at present!
BeoSound 9000: an evolutionary movement
Since the early days of the gramophone, record changers have been known and appreciated for their long playing time. The modern version of the record – the CD – adds a new perspective to the old old idea.
In designing BeoSound 9000 from scratch, a number of design models were created in order to illustrate various ideas.
The ‘library machine’ was one of them. It could hold an entire CD collection ready for playback. However the stored discs disappeared out of sight into the innards of the machine. This was seen as a problem because compact discs are not able to give a readout of a library’s contents, making an automatic catalogue display impossible, and since the design group felt a primary manual entry of all CD data was out of the question, the idea was quickly abandoned.
In returning to square one, the dominating feature – as in a CD changer – is the ability to play continuously for a long period of time. In coming up with a solution for this problem, together with presenting visual feedback, the discs were placed with their covers upwards and in a line next to each other, protected, under a lid of transparent glass. This was the main idea behind the very first design model of BeoSound 9000.
However, David Lewis, as Bang & Olufsen’s chief designer presented the first design model of BeoSound 9000 in two editions: the one which we know today with its 6 CDs, as well as another model comprising ten compact discs laid out in a line next to each other (see picture above).
The design group liked the 10-CD edition; it looked stunning, but in use it was limited to just once placement (unlike the eight different placements that the currently-produced BeoSound 9000 offers). The 10—CD version was subsequently shelved with the 6-CD version going into production in 1996.
David Lewis’ BeoSound 9000 from 1996 makes a virtue of showing its function. It clearly displays, by the 6-CD slots, that its function is the playing of music It can be placed horizontally on a wall or vertically on a special column when it becomes almost a sculpture for the home. Like B&O’s other products BeoSound 9000 contains the most advanced techniques around but shies away from technical mystique with its interface being simple and self-explanatory.
Control
Lift the lid on BeoSound 9000 and the extensive control panel with timer, editing and sound adjustment operations is at hand. Since the BeoSound 9000 can be placed in a great number of positions, the control panel can turn as you prefer. The display follows the same orientation, of course. BeoSound 9000 may also be controlled by the optional Beo4 remote control.
Placement
On the optional bracket, the BeoSound 9000 displays itself raised at an angle, or standing tall. Attach it horizontally and watch all the CDs stop in exactly the same positions as they were loaded in. Or you might opt for the floor stand as a bold musical statement. Hang BeoSound 9000 vertically on the wall and see how the display automatically changes orientation if you reverse the control panel.
Internet Music
Combine BeoSound 9000 with the latest Beolink® PC2 software application and you can access the digital music files on your computer’s hard disc directly from your music system in the living room. And if BeoSound 9000 is part of a Beolink® setup, you can enjoy your virtual music collection in any room in the house.
Auto positioning: stopping in the same place every time
Six CDs presented neatly in a row, with all the titles legible. After playback, BeoSound 9000 simply stops its CDs in exactly the position in which they were first loaded.
Auto-positioning was one of the challenges that Bang & Olufsen’s engineers had to meet because of BeoSound 9000’s clear versatility in placement. Using the inaudible initial lead information present on most compact discs, the BeoSound 9000 is able to detect and memorise a desired position for the CD.
When it’s time to stop the CD, a servo system decreases the speed of rotation, the position mark is detected and this effects the final braking and halt. A servo calculates the braking length for the CD, processes and stores the information. So the next time the CD will stop even faster, because BeoSound 9000 now knows where and when to apply the brakes. 360 perforations ensure that your CD will stop within just 1° of the position in which you put it on!
BeoSound 9000’s CD reader is propelled back and forth by a powerful motor. An optical system allows a microprocessor to monitor the reader’s movement between the six CD stations. The total distance of 63 cm is divided into 1,040 separate positions so that the reader can be positioned to an accuracy of just 0.6mm. Given that the reader accelerates from 0 to 100km/h in just over five seconds, it’s vital that the electronic and mechanical components are in perfect harmony. BeoSound 9000 is one of Bang & Olufsen’s most compact products, housing no fewer than 2,910 different components.
Mounting Options
Bang & Olufsen boasted 6 mounting positions for BeoSound 9000 from the range of stands and brackets launched with this super flexible icon. The table stand and floor stand were complimented with a pair of wall brackets giving the choice of horizontal or vertical mounting
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!
Beovision AV5 construction
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.
Flat as a pancake
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 antlers
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.
On and on and on…
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!
“It can’t be done”
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.
Our goal with Beovision Eclipse was crystal clear: merge images so lifelike they almost seem unreal with sounds so powerful they literally break out of the picture. No easy task, but the result is quite simple: we designed the definitive TV.
All-in-one music system
Beovision Eclipse has a three-channel sound system, providing the ability to deliver speech-optimised centre channel audio as well as powerful stereo performance.
Clear-cut visions
A sharp, black glass screen cutting straight through an organic aluminium body. It’s a bold and clear design statement of picture and sound in perfect alignment.
See what the world’s best TV sound will do for your movies
Powerful enough to compete with many stand-alone music systems, a Beovision TV is the centre of any luxury home cinema experience. Learn how to get the most out of its truly impressive capabilities.
Statement design
Any way you look at it; from the front, the side or from the rear, Beovision Eclipse looks stunning. Every little detail is carefully attended to and our use of high-quality Materials provides the aesthetic freedom to place the TV anywhere you want.
Picture, pitch black
The OLED screen technology brings you a whole new TV experience thanks to more than 8 million self-lit pixels. Enjoy the deepest blacks, richest colours and realistic picture quality. The most important aspect of your viewing experience.
Sound, pitch perfect
The integrated speaker system holds a powerful 450 watts 3-channel setup with the ability to outperform even the most potent soundbar on the market. Expect an exceptional sound performance that brings your viewing experience to a new and exciting level.
Connectivity
For your listening pleasure, Beovision Eclipse supports music streaming via Apple AirPlay , Bluetooth and Google Cast. It integrates seamlessly with other Multiroom products letting you customise and expand your entire home music experience.
Controls
Your TV experience has never been as easy or as personal as this. Escape the constraints of flow TV and dive straight into your favourite content with a single click. The world’s premier Smart TV platform, webOS, just keeps getting smarter.
Our goal with Beovision Eclipse was crystal clear: merge images so lifelike they almost seem unreal with sounds so powerful they literally break out of the picture. No easy task, but the result is quite simple: we designed the definitive TV.
All-in-one music system
Beovision Eclipse has a three-channel sound system, providing the ability to deliver speech-optimised centre channel audio as well as powerful stereo performance.
Clear-cut visions
A sharp, black glass screen cutting straight through an organic aluminium body. It’s a bold and clear design statement of picture and sound in perfect alignment.
See what the world’s best TV sound will do for your movies
Powerful enough to compete with many stand-alone music systems, a Beovision TV is the centre of any luxury home cinema experience. Learn how to get the most out of its truly impressive capabilities.
Statement design
Any way you look at it; from the front, the side or from the rear, Beovision Eclipse looks stunning. Every little detail is carefully attended to and our use of high-quality Materials provides the aesthetic freedom to place the TV anywhere you want.
Picture, pitch black
The OLED screen technology brings you a whole new TV experience thanks to more than 8 million self-lit pixels. Enjoy the deepest blacks, richest colours and realistic picture quality. The most important aspect of your viewing experience.
Sound, pitch perfect
The integrated speaker system holds a powerful 450 watts 3-channel setup with the ability to outperform even the most potent soundbar on the market. Expect an exceptional sound performance that brings your viewing experience to a new and exciting level.
Connectivity
For your listening pleasure, Beovision Eclipse supports music streaming via Apple AirPlay , Bluetooth and Google Cast. It integrates seamlessly with other Multiroom products letting you customise and expand your entire home music experience.
Controls
Your TV experience has never been as easy or as personal as this. Escape the constraints of flow TV and dive straight into your favourite content with a single click. The world’s premier Smart TV platform, webOS, just keeps getting smarter.
The Avant CTV was available only in 28″ widescreen format and filled a perceived gap at the bottom of the range. It offered the same high quality picture and sound provided by the VCR and DVD models but with no additional video sources.
It was replaced in 2003 by the introduction of the Beovision 3 28″ which seemed to offer much the same package but rather cheaper. One would however be mistaken if one thought was getting the same set as the Avant CTV was built upon the more expensive chassis , as was the BeoVison 3 32, whereas the BV3-28″ utilised the cheaper MX chassis.
The sound quality of the Avant CTV was every bit as good as its more expensive brethren though one did have to specify the anti reflection coated screen as an extra.
At the end of 2001 several variations of the BeoVision Avant were on offer – the BeoVision Avant 28 with and without VCR, and BeoVision Avant 32 with VCR or DVD player built in as standard. Then from March 2002, the BeoVision Avant 28 DVD was introduced to join its larger-screened brother.
BeoVision Avant encourages you to lose yourself in a sound and picture experience – and not in the technology. That’s why Bang & Olufsen hang the 16:9 Real Flat wide-screen on its own smooth wall and conceal everything else behind it – including a set of speakers that will outpace the average hi-fi and a video recorder that tunes itself automatically.
You could choose a built-in DVD player or video tape recorder and from a range of five colours. There was also the option of a simplified 66cm version – the BeoVision Avant CTV – with no integrated entertainment source.
Features
Watching movies should be about simple entertainment, not complicated technology. That’s why the Avant is available with its own built-in DVD or video recorder. Its presence is only given away by a discreet lid on the front. All cables are hidden in the back of the set.
To ensure even greater viewing comfort, the Avant has its own motorised stand that turns effortlessly through a 70 degree arc. You can program it to turn automatically towards your favourite viewing chair, or use the Beo4 to turn it in the opposite direction. When you switch the Avant off again, it returns silently to its original position in line with your furniture.
A red LED display on top of the cabinet gives you a discreet status of the source you are viewing, without intruding on the picture. It also shows the volume status when you adjust the volume level, and other information related to recording, Dolby Surround and so on. On the back of the display is a hidden push button panel for the most frequently used controls.
The Beo4 remote control is used to access all the various functions of video-playback and recording, menus, tuning, text-television, picture optimisation, sound properties and so on. Beo4 is designed for user-friendly and ergonomical operation with one hand. The buttons in a star-shape for search, ultra-sharp still-picture, super slow-motion, programme shift and fast forward can be controlled by your thumb only, you don’t even have to move your eyes.
Beo4 also controls all the latest B&O audio systems as well – it’s the key to complete home entertainment!
A discreet display on the upper right hand corner of the Avant lets you know what source is playing and a small control panel placed behind it offers hands-on control of all basic functions.
The sound quality of the active loudspeakers can compete with any modern audio system. When the herd of horses approaches your seat from within the widescreen, you can feel the tremble of the horses’ hooves – so powerful is the bass. And as a video-master in a Beolink® system, Avant can distribute sound and vision all over your home – just as it can play the music from your audio system in its speakers.
The Perfect Illusion
Press a key on the Beo4 remote and the electronic curtain glides aside to reveal a perfect picture. A theatrical gimmick or another technological leap forward? Actually, a bit of both! In the short reaction time before the curtain glides aside, a comprehensive circuit adjusts contrast levels, brilliance and colour to the prevailing light conditions in the room, ensuring the optimum picture reproduction every time.
An anti-reflective coating on the picture tube, as well as on the contrast screen is provided to eliminate reflections from windows, carpets and furniture. If you watch television during the day you’ve probably experienced the glare and reflections caused by direct sunshine. To minimise the problem, the Avant’s picture tube and contrast screen have been given a special anti-reflection coating that reduces reflections by up to 99%.
Home Cinema
There was a time when watching a movie on TV was a poor imitation of the real thing. But not anymore! BeoVision Avant brings the movies directly into your living room with a smooth, true-to-life picture and totally convincing sound.
BeoLab 2 completes this ultimate surround setup and – together with the other four active loudspeakers – allows you to make the most out of the advanced sound opportunities offered by the Avant’s built-in Dolby® Digital* module.
Colours
BeoVision Avant comes as one integrated unit. All you have to do is to plug in the mains and the antenna and you’re ready to watch. There are no other visible cords, allowing the Avant to be viewed from all sides – so it does not have to be set up in a corner or next to a wall. It fits nicely into any kind on home, thanks to the range of many available cabinet colours: pearly blue, pearly black, pearly red, pearly green and silver.
When the system is turned off, it turns back to its original position, the sound fades away and the curtains glide in front of the screen. Just like being in your own private small-screen cinema!
Features of the two Avant DVD models: Set-Top Box Controller module and Anti-Reflex coated Contrast Screen fitted as standard. All other modules are optional.
Motorised stand
The motorised stand of the Avant is rigorously tested. It’s built to be able to turn through an arc of 70° at least 20,000 times. If the TV was turned on and off 5 times a day, the motorised stand should perform flawlessly for more than ten years. In its tests, B&O stopped after 80,000 turns. A painted iron base plate, an aluminium top plate which carries the entire weight, with the actual turning mechanism of a 36 ball bearing race between them is how the stand is made up. Tests such as dropping it several centimetres directly onto the rim of the bottom plate ensure that the stand has many years of life in front of it.
*Dolby Digital is a trademark of Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation
