This special 2300 was produced in 500 examples for a test of DAB by Danish Radio.
Built on B&O’s 2300 platform, the 2300 DAB was modified with a Motorola Power PC 821 processor to control the special DAB-functions. The DAB receiver itself was placed in the accompanying “black-box” made by Bosch/Blaupunkt.
The radio can be used directly via the push buttons, or with help from a remote control unit, which is a modified computer made by Apple Newton NotePad.
A PCMCIA (PC Card) slot on the top left-hand side of the back casing was another difference from the ordinary 2300.
Mounting Options
This classic design was reincarnated over a 21 year period with various mounts and stands. Floor stands were available with a pole stand or CD and tape storage, wall mount solutions allowed for the Hi-Fi only, or with BeoLab2500 speakers until these were discontinued
Beocenter 2300 was dedicated to the CD enthusiast who, for example, like to store the titles of favourite CDs, or permanently skip unwanted tracks. It was known as Beosystem 2300 when connected to the BeoLab 2500 active speakers. It was eventually surpassed by BeoSound 3000 when it included more features and received a facelift in 2001.
Beocenter 2300 was developed from the idea of a flexible music system that could compete with the sound quality of heavy music systems. Thanks to the advent of active speakers, this was a possibility with both Beocenter 2300 and its similarly-equipped sibling (which also had cassette tape recording and playback) the Beocenter 2500. With active speakers, each of the powerful bass and treble units were equipped with their own separate amplifiers. In addition, the electronic cross-over network ensured full bass reproduction.
The loudspeakers were located on both sides of a centre console, where two clear glass covers automatically glided to the side when a hand was passed in front of them. Behind the glass covers there was access to the operating panel, receiver, CD player and a cassette recorder.
The receiver allowed the option of presetting 2 x 20 FM/AM radio stations. The cassette recorder featured Auto Reverse, Automatic Recording level, search function and Bang & Olufsen’s HX-PRO recording system, a system which ensures that the sensitive treble range is captured in recording. The memory in Beocenter 2300’s CD player allowed you to edit up to 100 CDs.
Both systems could be operated via their operating panel or a Beolink 1000 or Beolink 5000 remote control. There were sockets for headphones and connection to additional sound sources; extra loudspeakers can also be connected.
Beocenter 2300 was available with loudspeaker panels in cobalt grey, black, white, cerise or jade and could be made up to the Beosystem 2300 when incorporated with the BeoLab 2500 active loudspeakers.
Mounting Options
This classic design was reincarnated over a 21 year period with various mounts and stands. Floor stands were available with a pole stand or CD and tape storage, wall mount solutions allowed for the Hi-Fi only, or with BeoLab2500 speakers until these were discontinued
“BeoSound Ouverture: the design may be a Bang & Olufsen classic, but BeoSound Ouverture and BeoSound 3000 refuse to rest on their laurels. Access to new musical sources and fresh loudspeaker options ensure that the concept remains an open invitation to make something special out of your music” (B&O catalogue 2001 -2002)
This stereo has two different names: BeoSound Ouverture in Europe and BeoSound 4000 in the rest of the world. This is the only stereo system, so far, to support the new MasterLink system without any add-ons. It’s really a follow up to the Beocenter 2500 which was the first and original stereo with this somewhat different look. Along with the launch of this unit in 1991 (as the BeoSound 2500) Bang & Olufsen also started selling the new remote control – Beo4. The difference between the Ouverture and Beocenter 2500 is that the newer model doesn’t feature two-way communication and it has instead a completely new CD mechanism. It also holds some new features when it comes to the CD. But the most important difference is the MasterLink connection. With this system you can connect the unit to, for example, a BeoLab 2000 or BeoLab 3500 without any further electronics. Reach out and the doors glide quietly aside, while a gentle light spreads from within. It’s BeoSound Ouverture’s way of saying, “welcome” and part of the experience every time you put on a new tape or CD. CD player with programming, tape recorder with auto reverse, FM/AM radio with pre-set, timer function, optional Beo4 remote control operation, connections for Beolink® and headphones, optional wall bracket and floor stand. BeoSound Ouverture’s unassuming rubber key pad hides a contact foil, which, in turn, covers a matrix of vertical and horizontal cords. When a control is pressed, the cords connect and the microprocessor is activated.
Design
Music is more than just something you listen to, it’s an emotion you experience. So isn’t it time your favourite music was played on something that lets it express itself to the full? BeoSound Ouverture stands up and invites you to make something special out of your music – over and over again.
Features
Bring new life to old CDs by changing their track sequence with the Random Play function. Or programme it to skip over any unwanted tracks and to play the ones you want in the order you prefer. Transferring the music of a CD onto tape doesn’t have to mean poorer quality. The Ouverture constantly monitors and adjusts the signal during any recording to ensure a uniform sound level throughout – and will automatically stop recording when the CD finishes playing. There’s room for up to 30 pre-set stations on the Ouverture’s intelligent AM/FM radio.
So how do the sliding glass doors work?
The glass doors on the BeoSound 3000 and BeoSound Ouverture are opened and closed by steel wires driven by an electric motor via a gearbox. The motor is triggered by an infrared system that detects your approach… Why wake up to an annoying alarm clock when it could be your favourite piece of music instead? The timer function on the Ouverture can be programmed for the entire week and will automatically turn itself off again after playing for any length of time you choose.
Specials
Just raise a hand and watch as the glass doors glide silently aside. It’s the Ouverture’s way of saying “welcome” and reveals that a special experience is about to begin. Of course, a simple on/off button would do, but then what would be so special about that?
Easily Placed
It’s a dream come true – a music system that can fill your life with music without filling your home with equipment. The flat upright design of BeoSound Ouverture means that it’s slim enough to sit by itself upon the narrowest shelf or light enough to be hung directly on a wall with a pair of loudspeakers.
Use
With its mix of glass and aluminium, the Ouverture grabs the attention without shouting out loud. Its compact size and visual presence ensures that it enhances rather than dominates the surroundings in which it’s placed – which makes it the perfect audio system for the home and place of work. The stereo can also be controlled by the optional Beo4 remote control.
Mounting Options
This classic design was reincarnated over a 21 year period with various mounts and stands. Floor stands were available with a pole stand or CD and tape storage, wall mount solutions allowed for the Hi-Fi only, or with BeoLab2500 speakers until these were discontinued
Beocenter 2200 was a distinctive high fidelity system offering 3-waveband radio, record player and cassette facilities in a very compact, slim-line format. Maximum power output was 2 x 25 watts RMS.
The radio section covered long, medium and FM bands. Four favourite FM stations could be pre-set for instant recall. A horizontal thumbwheel on the front of the unit controlled manual tuning: the large graph-grid tuning scale was very easy to see and use.
The record deck featured the (then) latest Bang & Olufsen tone arm carrying the ultra-light MMC 5 pickup. Operation was entirely automatic and needed just a single touch on the PHONO button. Built-in logic circuits identified the size and speed of any record placed on the lightweight turn-table and would cue the pickup arm onto the run-in groove with absolute accuracy and safety.
The cassette recorder had electronic control so you could switch directly between, say, fast rewind and PLAY without danger of straining the mechanism or damaging the tape. Dolby B noise reduction and automatic selection between ferric and chrome tapes was included. Metal tapes could also be used, so you were assured of top class sound quality for those really special recordings.
Listening to tapes was also quick and easy: the NEXT button allowed you to scan the tape track by track until you found the one you wanted to hear.
The recommended speakers for use with this system were the Beovox X25.
Connections: Mono microphone; 2 pairs speakers; headphones; external tape recorder with two-way copying; AM and FM aerials
Beocenter 2100 – three variations and a one-finger exercise
Beocenters 2200, 2100 and 4000 – each with a totally distinctive style but sharing the unmistakeable themes of Bang & Olufsen quality and simplicity.
If you loved true hi-fi but you weren’t a record fan, then Bang & Olufsen ‘had your radio perfectly taped’! Beocenter 2100 had all the features of Beocenter 2200 but without the record deck so that it took up even more of a conveniently small space.
Beovox X25 loudspeakers were the offered choice but you could equally mix and match the Beocenter with any other Bang & Olufsen speaker on the market at that time. When linked with Beovox X25 loudspeakers, the combined system was known as Beosystem 2100. A recommended record deck to complement your system would be either the Beogram RX2 or TX2.
The widescreen BeoCenter 6 LCD television is available in 23” and 26” versions. Both come custom-fitted to match your needs. For example, you could have built-in FM and DAB radio in the compact 6-23 in your kitchen and Surround Sound and DVB-S modules in a 6 – 26 used for watching TV in a small living room or a bedroom. Or you could mix and match. Your ‘second television room’ just became the place to be. The integration of picture and sound in the compact cabinet creates a simple and elegant plug-and-play television concept.
Gorgeous from good morning to good night
The handcrafted cabinet of the BeoCenter 6 speaks volumes about the dedication that went into its creation. The sleek lines of the BeoCenter 6 blend in anywhere in your house. Both in your kitchen, drinking your morning coffee, or in your bedroom – enjoying the late night comedy before you go to sleep. The elegant aluminium front and frame are available in a selection of dashing colours as well as discrete aluminium, black and dark grey versions. Using its special digital input, BeoCenter 6 can function as a spectacular computer monitor that would take pride of place in any room, especially if matched with the compact BeoLab 3 or BeoLab 4 loudspeakers in striking red or blue – or perhaps the golden anodised aluminium of BeoLab 4000.
Fewer boxes. More TV and radio
The new BeoCenter 6 takes intelligent integration to a new level and introduces DAB radio options together with a TV for the first time ever. When you are listening to the radio, the screen can display available programme information. Equipped with wake-up timer and timer play the BeoCenter 6 makes the perfect choice for a second room television. A selection of wall mounting brackets and stands are available for versatile placement. The motorised floor and table stands can be controlled from the Beo4 remote control, turning the TV 35° to each side. In addition, the tilt mechanism means easy adjustment of the television up and down on the vertical axis.
The definitive BeoLink screen
BeoCenter 6 can function as a stand-alone television, or as the second-room TV in a BeoLink setup. You can enjoy all sources from the main room on the BeoCenter 6, such as DVD, digital music, etc. For instance, you can watch satellite TV in your bedroom on your BeoCenter 6 – 23, even though the satellite receiver is in your living room. BeoCenter 6 can also be used as an ‘audio link master’ that lets you access the radio function from other rooms, if linked to a pair of BeoLab speakers.
True Bang & Olufsen picture and sound
The BeoCenter 6 uses the best LCD screens available, and has been further improved with Bang & Olufsen VisionClear picture technologies, which are implemented in all TV solutions from Bang & Olufsen. Whenever BeoCenter 6 is switched on, VisionClear adjusts the image automatically in relation to light conditions in the room. Within seconds, the TV automatically adjusts contrast levels, brilliance and colour to match the light conditions at any given time. BeoCenter 6 – 23 utilises a compact one-way loudspeaker system, and BeoCenter 6 – 26 a two-way system, slightly more powerful to match the larger screen size and longer viewing and listening distances. The digital surround sound module available for BeoCenter 6 – 26 provides a digital surround sound experience in any setup with BeoLab loudspeakers. The television´s loudspeakers will in this setup function as a powerful centre speaker.
The new BeoCenter 6 takes intelligent integration to a new level and introduces DAB radio options together with a television for the first time ever. One of the best LCD screens available has been further improved with Bang & Olufsen’s own VisionClear picture technologies, to ensure the best possible picture in all situations.
When BeoCenter 6 is switched on, these picture-optimising technologies adjust the image automatically in relation to light conditions in the room. Within seconds, the television automatically adjusts contrast levels, brilliance and colour to match the current light conditions – and will carry on doing so until the television is switched off again.
BeoCenter 6 can function as a stand-alone television, or as the second-room television in a BeoLink setup. In the latter case, you can enjoy all sources from the main room on the BeoCenter 6, such as DVD, digital music, etc. BeoCenter 6 can be used as an ‘audio link master’ that lets you access the radio function from other rooms, if linked to a pair of BeoLab speakers.
Four placement options help BeoCenter 6 fit in, even in the smallest of spaces. The motorised turning function on the floor and table stand is controlled from the Beo4 remote control, and turns the television 35° to each side. In addition to this, the tilt mechanism means easy control of the television 13° up and down on a vertical axis.
The widescreen and high-definition ready LCD monitor is available in 23” and 26” versions. The integration of picture and sound in the compact cabinet creates a simple and elegant plug-and-play television concept. Connections for earphones, external entertainment sources, and BeoLab loudspeakers, are combined with digital interface for computers (DVI) – making the BeoCenter 6 the perfect companion for both work and entertainment.
When the FM radio, which is standard in the 23” version and optional in the 26” version, or the DAB radio feature, which is optional in both, is switched on, available radio text information rolls across the screen. A factory fitted wake-up timer supports the radio functionality still further.
BeoCenter 6 – 23 utilises a compact one-way loudspeaker system, and BeoCenter 6 – 26 a two-way system, slightly more powerful to match the larger screen size and longer viewing and listening distances. The digital surround sound module available for BeoCenter 6 – 26 provides a digital surround sound experience in any setup with BeoLab loudspeakers. The television’s loudspeakers will in this setup function as a powerful centre speaker.
Mounting Options & Stands
The tilt table mount was available for counter top mounting, designed to allow the bass port on the underside of the TV to ‘breath’. Motorised floor and table stands were complimented by a wall mount bracket which gave manual tilt and turn.
The widescreen BeoCenter 6 LCD television is available in 23” and 26” versions. Both come custom-fitted to match your needs. For example, you could have built-in FM and DAB radio in the compact 6 – 23 in your kitchen and Surround Sound and DVB-S modules in a 6-26 used for watching TV in a small living room or a bedroom. Or you could mix and match. Your ‘second television room’ just became the place to be. The integration of picture and sound in the compact cabinet creates a simple and elegant plug-and-play television concept.
Gorgeous from good morning to good night
The handcrafted cabinet of the BeoCenter 6 speaks volumes about the dedication that went into its creation. The sleek lines of the BeoCenter 6 blend in anywhere in your house. Both in your kitchen, drinking your morning coffee, or in your bedroom – enjoying the late night comedy before you go to sleep. The elegant aluminium front and frame are available in a selection of dashing colours as well as discrete aluminium, black and dark grey versions. Using its special digital input, BeoCenter 6 can function as a spectacular computer monitor that would take pride of place in any room, especially if matched with the compact BeoLab 3 or BeoLab 4 loudspeakers in striking red or blue – or perhaps the golden anodised aluminium of BeoLab 4000.
Fewer boxes. More TV and radio
The new BeoCenter 6 takes intelligent integration to a new level and introduces DAB radio options together with a TV for the first time ever. When you are listening to the radio, the screen can display available programme information. Equipped with wake-up timer and timer play the BeoCenter 6 makes the perfect choice for a second room television. A selection of wall mounting brackets and stands are available for versatile placement. The motorised floor and table stands can be controlled from the Beo4 remote control, turning the TV 35° to each side. In addition, the tilt mechanism means easy adjustment of the television up and down on the vertical axis.
The definitive BeoLink screen
BeoCenter 6 can function as a stand-alone television, or as the second-room TV in a BeoLink setup. You can enjoy all sources from the main room on the BeoCenter 6, such as DVD, digital music, etc. For instance, you can watch satellite TV in your bedroom on your BeoCenter 6 – 23, even though the satellite receiver is in your living room. BeoCenter 6 can also be used as an ‘audio link master’ that lets you access the radio function from other rooms, if linked to a pair of BeoLab speakers.
True Bang & Olufsen picture and sound
The BeoCenter 6 uses the best LCD screens available, and has been further improved with Bang & Olufsen VisionClear picture technologies, which are implemented in all TV solutions from Bang & Olufsen. Whenever BeoCenter 6 is switched on, VisionClear adjusts the image automatically in relation to light conditions in the room. Within seconds, the TV automatically adjusts contrast levels, brilliance and colour to match the light conditions at any given time. BeoCenter 6 – 23 utilises a compact one-way loudspeaker system, and BeoCenter 6 – 26 a two-way system, slightly more powerful to match the larger screen size and longer viewing and listening distances. The digital surround sound module available for BeoCenter 6 – 26 provides a digital surround sound experience in any setup with BeoLab loudspeakers. The television´s loudspeakers will in this setup function as a powerful centre speaker.
The new BeoCenter 6 takes intelligent integration to a new level and introduces DAB radio options together with a television for the first time ever. One of the best LCD screens available has been further improved with Bang & Olufsen’s own VisionClear picture technologies, to ensure the best possible picture in all situations.
When BeoCenter 6 is switched on, these picture-optimising technologies adjust the image automatically in relation to light conditions in the room. Within seconds, the television automatically adjusts contrast levels, brilliance and colour to match the current light conditions – and will carry on doing so until the television is switched off again.
BeoCenter 6 can function as a stand-alone television, or as the second-room television in a BeoLink setup. In the latter case, you can enjoy all sources from the main room on the BeoCenter 6, such as DVD, digital music, etc. BeoCenter 6 can be used as an ‘audio link master’ that lets you access the radio function from other rooms, if linked to a pair of BeoLab speakers.
Four placement options help BeoCenter 6 fit in, even in the smallest of spaces. The motorised turning function on the floor and table stand is controlled from the Beo4 remote control, and turns the television 35° to each side. In addition to this, the tilt mechanism means easy control of the television 13° up and down on a vertical axis.
The widescreen and high-definition ready LCD monitor is available in 23” and 26” versions. The integration of picture and sound in the compact cabinet creates a simple and elegant plug-and-play television concept. Connections for earphones, external entertainment sources, and BeoLab loudspeakers, are combined with digital interface for computers (DVI) – making the BeoCenter 6 the perfect companion for both work and entertainment.
When the FM radio, which is standard in the 23” version and optional in the 26” version, or the DAB radio feature, which is optional in both, is switched on, available radio text information rolls across the screen. A factory fitted wake-up timer supports the radio functionality still further.
BeoCenter 6 – 23 utilises a compact one-way loudspeaker system, and BeoCenter 6 – 26” a two-way system, slightly more powerful to match the larger screen size and longer viewing and listening distances. The digital surround sound module available for BeoCenter 6-26 provides a digital surround sound experience in any setup with BeoLab loudspeakers. The television’s loudspeakers will in this setup function as a powerful centre speaker.
Mounting Options & Stands
The tilt table mount was available for counter top mounting, designed to allow the bass port on the underside of the TV to ‘breath’. Motorised floor and table stands were complimented by a wall mount bracket which gave manual tilt and turn.
Bang & Olufsen’s preferred supplier for brackets and stands, STBbrackets, have made a range of solutions specifically for this model including a direct replacement for the tilt table mount. Distributed throughout the World by the Bang & Olufsen store network, the STB options add to the diversity of mounting options and positions available.
BeoCenter 1 combines a state-of-the-art TV, a superior-quality DVD player and an intelligent FM radio in one product, and lets you control everything with a single, easy-to-use remote control – the Beo1.
With its impressive picture quality and powerful active speaker system, Beocenter 1 provides total entertainment in a minimum of space. And the integration doesn’t end with the technology. With six strong colours and five diverse stands – all with motorised turning – to choose from, Beocenter 1 can easily be assimilated into any setting.
In a world full of choices, Bang & Olufsen has already made the best ones for the consumer – and put it all at the command of a four-buttoned Beo1 remote control – the remote control unit dedicated to both Beovision 1 and Beocenter 1.
However, as from October 2002, both Beovision 1 and BeoCenter 1 were delivered with Beo4 remote control instead of Beo1 which was discontinued. In January 2003 a Dolby Digital Surround Sound kit will be available for both these TV models.
BeoCenter 1 is able to read and play DVD-R and DVD-RW discs.
BeoCenter 1 – Press Release 2000
” Bang & Olufsen announces the newest addition to it’s product portfolio. In combining an FM radio, a DVD player, a 25″ TV and a pair of active loudspeakers, BeoCenter 1 offers experiences as yet unmatched on the marketplace. Featuring appealing design and simple operation, the product also has the flexibility to fit in anywhere.
In continuance of the Beovision 1 concept, launched in November of 1999, the key features of BeoCenter 1 remain focused on versatility, simplicity and uncompromising picture and sound quality.
With the new BeoCenter 1, Bang & Olufsen is taking account of the varying needs of consumers when it comes to usage of audio and video equipment in the home. “
Different uses
Bang & Olufsen’s second compact A/V product (the first was BeoCenter AV5, launched in 1997), BeoCenter 1 features an elegant and unmistakably B&O design that makes its presence known, while astonishingly remaining discreet. And a wealth of the company’s long-standing values and innovative finesses lie packed in beneath the surface.
A combined A/V solution like this represents a whole new way of living with these different media – at least in modern times. But look back a few decades and radiograms and combined TV/gramophone units were de rigueur. Back then the TV was the altar at which the family congregated. But as the TV came to play a less dominant role in the home, so consumers rejected large combined systems in favour of smaller, individual audio and video products – thanks in part to new technology requiring less space.
Goes anywhere
Now the combined solution is back with a vengeance – but in minimalist guise, expressed through a design with an emphasis on flexibility rather than dominance.
BeoCenter 1’s flexibility stems primarily from a choice of five unique placement possibilities: from floating almost magically out from the wall, to sitting on a more traditional floor stand, to standing tall on a 160 cm column. Utilising the built-in motor, BeoCenter 1 can also be turned to face in different directions, simply and intuitively operated with the Beo1 remote control.
Externally, BeoCenter 1 offers a truly colourful experience. It is available in six different colours: green, black, yellow, blue, red and grey. This finishing touch helps ensure that BeoCenter 1 blends into any home interior.
But for a A/V centre to blend in absolutely anywhere, it needs to look good from every angle – not just head-on. So a lot of time was spent on making BeoCenter 1 look good from the back too – wave goodbye to gaping sockets and ungainly cable holders.
Furthermore, an A/V centre that goes anywhere also needs to produce a picture that looks good anywhere. BeoCenter 1’s automatic contrast, brightness and colour control means superb picture quality in more or less any light. Add the standard anti-reflection coated contrast glass to the 25″, 4:3 format screen, and the amount of incoming light is reduced by almost 99%, when compared with ordinary front glass.
To top it all off, the sound is rather special too. Two powerful active loudspeakers once again make Bang & Olufsen’s acoustic competencies heard loud and clear. Topping out at 96 dB stereo, the sonic experience remains true to the Bang & Olufsen goal of natural reproduction of sound.
Integrated DVD player
Surprising, intelligent, magical and discreet are some of the words of praise attracted by the DVD player. The DVD tray glides out like a tongue beneath the TV screen and naturally you get all the functions you would expect from a DVD player: Instant access to any particular film episode, pictures in studio quality and a thrilling sound experience.
Built-in FM radio
Seamlessly integrated into the compact cabinet of BeoCenter 1, the FM radio features 59 programme presets and a standard Radio Data System (RDS) module. The RDS module allows the user to see the name of the radio station in the display, provided the broadcaster transmits the proper identification signal.
Personalised Channel Groups
Another major innovation is that each user can create his or her own personal group of up to 18 TV channels (terrestrial, satellite and cable) and radio stations. Again this is in the name of simplicity – it can be hard to keep track of the rapidly increasing number of TV channels available. Another option is to have subject groups rather than personal groups – like sports channels or movie channels. Up to eight different channel groups can be created.
Simplicity even extends to remote control
The Beo1 remote control is a miniature sculpture completely unlike its traditional counterparts, in that it features a built-in base so that it can stand upright on the table. And with only a few buttons, it is also striking in its simplicity – one of the themes in BeoCenter 1. All system components are operated by using the Beo1. Simply navigate through the simple options on the display beneath the TV screen.”
The Socket Unit contains most of the electronics, as well as all external connections. This greatly helps the organising and concealment of the numerous cables needed in a typical A/V set-up. In BeoCenter 2 only a single thin cable, available in 1.8, 3, 5 and 10 metre lengths, connects the Master Unit to the Socket Unit. A 1.8 metre cable is delivered as standard.
The Socket Unit is fitted with MasterLink, RGB, PowerLink, power connections and other connectors so that you may connect a pair of BeoLab active speakers or link it to a home cinema system.
A great advantage of the compactness and relative lightness of the BeoCenter 2 Master Unit is great flexibility in placement. It can be wall mounted, attached to a dedicated floor or table stand, or simply placed on a table or shelf.
Digital Radio Module
BeoCenter 2 DAB digital radio module: this module allows users access to terrestrial free-to-air broadcasting of high quality audio and data. DAB digital radio is a new way of broadcasting radio via a network of terrestrial transmitters. It provides listeners with more choice, better sound quality and more information. DAB digital radio is like analogue radio, only much better. When available – from 3 November 2004 – the module will become a standard feature of BeoCenter 2 in the UK.
In order to make the module compatible it has been necessary to update both the Socket Unit and the Master Unit. This, however, means that DAB will not be available with past and current BeoCenter 2 models. It was originally stated upon the launch of BeoCenter 2, that it would be possible to ‘upgrade’ to DAB. Where customers purchased the model on that understanding, Bang & Olufsen will honour that commitment. The first Master Unit serial number with software suitable for the DAB functionality is 18139286.
Note: To have the DAB module fitted to your BeoCenter 2 is essential that both the Socket Unit and Master unit are the latest versions. Mixing existing stock of Master Units (pre-serial number 18139286) and DAB Socket Units (part number 1280020) is not possible.
Master unit connections: MasterLink x 1, Digital Out, SCART, S-VHS, FM Aerial, AM Aerial, audio in (L&R), audio out (L&R), PowerLink x 1 (See Specifications).
By touching ‘load’ on the anodised aluminium top panel, BeoCenter 2 opens to receive your chosen media. The product is made up of two units linked together by a special cable: the Master Unit (or Media Unit which is the player itself) and the Socket Unit.
BeoCenter 2 Press Release October 2003
Bang & Olufsen’s new music system, the BeoCenter 2, is in many ways a classic Bang & Olufsen product. It has mystique, it is elegant, it is simple and logical.
If you look at the BeoCenter 2 from a distance, the design says nothing about the many functions the system contains. Only when you make physical contact is the content behind the symmetrical polished aluminium doors revealed. If you press “load” lightly, the two wing-shaped aluminium doors slide aside elegantly to reveal a combined CD and DVD player. When the music or film is playing, the doors slide back to conceal the disc, clearly signalling that the experience is more important than the source.
It is by no means unusual for a DVD player to play CDs, but a system that offers radio, CD, DVD and MP3 CD playback is a new way of combining all sources of entertainment in one unit. “At Bang & Olufsen we always focus on integrating technologies and with the BeoCenter 2 we give our customers the chance to combine music and video sources in one unit,” says President and CEO Torben Ballegaard Sorensen.
With the oval shape of the master unit, BeoCenter 2 is yet another design step away from the traditional box-shaped units of yesteryear for playing music and images. The size of the display ensures that it can be read at a distance and a light meter behind the glass adjusts the intensity of the display according to the brightness of the room. This avoids the display completely illuminating a dark living room.
In addition to RDS (Radio Data System), the tuner in BeoCenter 2 allows you to program and name up to 60 radio stations. And, of course, the BeoCenter 2 can be integrated into a Beolink network. When connected to a Beolink PC2 it can also play digital music files stored on a computer.
Clean up the Mess
It has always been important for Bang & Olufsen to make it nice and easy for consumers to enjoy music and moving pictures. Most obviously, the concept helps to eliminate the many remote controls that typically pile up on the coffee table, replacing them with one remote control – the Beo4 – which can control all the functions of all the appliances connected, plus the lighting in the room.
Another example is the tradition of concealing cables in stands and behind screens so that the necessary cables do not mar the visual appearance of the products. And where it is not possible to conceal the cables completely, special holders are provided for the cables, making a virtue out of necessity. Finally, there is the design itself. By avoiding visual trivialities and unsightliness, which can mar an audio/video product in themselves, the products look simple and elegant.
BeoCenter 2 is a continuation, a natural development, of this line of thought. The division of the product into two separate parts means that there is great freedom to place the elegant master unit where it is best suited in the room. This may be on a table, mounted on the wall or on an aluminium floor stand specially designed to match the oval shape of the master unit.
From the master unit there is just one cable to the socket unit containing the sockets for all the cables connecting BeoCenter 2 to the mains, speakers, TV, aerials, etc. The socket unit can be concealed under a piece of furniture or behind a curtain. This means that the visible part of the BeoCenter 2 is not spoiled by the jumble of cables required to integrate it into the network of the TV and speakers.
World Class Aluminium Processing
BeoCenter 2’s two sliding aluminium doors were a challenge to Bang & Olufsen. Both doors are cut from the same piece of aluminium, but only after the front has been polished in the oval shape that follows the lower edge of the display. This ensures that all details in the polishing are echoed on both doors. Both these sliding doors stay together throughout the complicated process of milling and the two surface treatments. So the doors on the final product match perfectly.
The precision requirements Bang & Olufsen sets for the visual appearance of the product mean that the machine which grinds the edges of the doors works to very small tolerances. For every 1/100 millimetre along the edge, the machine calculates and self-corrects to ensure a perfect oval shape.
When the aluminium is surface-treated in the anodisation plant, tiny pores appear in the surface. These pores are used in the screen printing employed to apply numbers and characters to the front of the doors of the master unit. By pressing the coloured lacquer down into the pores and then surface-treating the doors, very durable printing is achieved. As a result, it is virtually impossible to wear the printing off, even with very frequent use.
Controlling the BeoCenter 2 is a masterpiece of precision. The area beneath the master unit is milled down to 0.5 millimetres. So when the user presses the unit, the thin aluminium sheet bends very easily. This activates the electrical circuits used for the control function. You can neither see nor feel this, but it is enough for it to make contact with the film of conductive material underneath.
The precision processing goes one stage further with the “wheel” on the right-hand door. In a wide circle around the control areas, a further 0.1 millimetre of aluminium has been milled off. The functions of the wheel include adjusting the volume, and it functions according to the same mechanical principle as the rest of the master unit.
“BeoVision 7 is more than just a TV; it’s a complete entertainment system specially created to offer a sound and picture experience far beyond expectations. With its 81cm LCD screen, built-in DVD player and powerful active loudspeaker system, BeoVision 7 offers all the benefits of flat-screen viewing, but with exceptional sound performance as well.”
BeoVision 7 combines both an 81cm LCD monitor with an integrated DVD Player, DSS surround sound module and a dedicated loudspeaker in BeoLab 7-1. The concept emphasises the separation of picture and sound together with a good number of placement options. With BeoLab 7-1 the very highest level of acoustic performance is delivered. BeoVision 7 has a higher display resolution than that of BeoVision 6 – 26: 1366 x 768 (WXGA) pixels against 1280 x 768 pixels of BeoVision 6.
BeoVision 7 may be used as either a stand-alone television set or as a large-screen monitor within a domestic surround-sound system. There are five different stand placement options available to the user:
Mounting Options & Stands
Original Bang & Olufsen stands available at launch included: Fixed position Table Stand, motorised Table Stand, motorised Table Stand, moveable Wall Bracket for TV and Loudspeaker (close or extended versions) and a motorised Floor Stand. A fixed Wall Bracket for BeoVision 7 32 was added to the stand portfolio after launch.
Each of the above options hold both the monitor and the BeoLab 7-1 active speaker; with the exception of the Table Stand, each has the vertical tilt feature.
BeoVision 7 offers the following as standard:
Dolby Digital/DTS Surround Sound
MasterLink Module
Set-Top Box Controller
RF Modulator
Anti-Reflex Coated Contrast Screen
DVI PC input
Part Numbers:
BeoVision 7 – 1816089
Table Stand – 1409766
Wall Bracket – Fixed – 1409511
Motorised Floor Stand – 1409111
Wall Bracket – Moveable – 1409611
Motorised Table Stand – 1409211
