Release Date: 1977

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BeoVision 3602

BeoVision 3602

Like other Bang & Olufsen colour TVs, Beovision 3602 had the automatic cut-off regulating circuit which ensured natural colours throughout the set’s useful lifetime. The in-line picture tube allowed for easier and better convergence in order to avoid the usual discoloured edges – not least when viewing a black & white transmission.

Internally the Beovision 3602 was identical to the Beovision 3502 so one obtained the same outstanding picture quality and equally good sound reproduction from the large, forward-facing loudspeaker.

On the easy-touch panel one could select programmes and turn on the set in the same action. Regulators that are not used often are hidden in tow touch-release compartments – one for sound and one for video adjustments. Power consumption was exceedingly low – only 110 watts and the low heat generation made this set suitable for placing in a shelving unit.

Optional accessories: Mobile X-shaped undercarriage or trumpet-shaped stand, both in polished alloy.

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BeoVision 3702

BeoVision 3702

Beovision 3702 was a 56cm colour TV with small outer dimensions, a highly advanced construction throughout and the most logical operation facilities then on the market.

The ultrasonic remote control was designed to be operated with one hand and its most important regulators could be ‘read’ by the finger tips. These regulators – for brightness, colour saturation and sound are set in relief, so there was no need to look. The user could feel which position was which by the tactile buttons.

Any of eight pre-set stations could be called, and, by pressing the special reset facility, all adjustment levels including sound, would revert to their predetermined basic levels.

Beovision 3702 could be switched off at the main ‘off button on the set’s simple operation panel. Or one could switch it off with the remote control module in which case, the set goes into stand-by position. By pressing one of the programme selectors there is a picture on-screen within 5 seconds together with sound. The picture tube was of the in-line type which needed fewer adjustments and consumed less power – only 115 watts.

The chassis was modular and there was an automatic cut-off regulating circuit to maintain long-term colour purity. Beovision 3702 could accommodate a VCR without further technical adjustment and could be fitted with a special optional kit to reproduce sound through a hi-fi system. Two pre-stamped blanks on the set’s fascia allowed for the insertion of a headphone or extension speaker terminal and switch.

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BeoVision 3802

BeoVision 3802

Beovision 3502 and 3802 – designed by David Lewis – were two 22″ colour TV receivers whose cabinets were of a moulded synthetic material. They were elegant and practical, according to B&O’s catalogue of 1979 – 80; the material was shock- and shatter-proof and fire-retardant. Dirty marks could be wiped off easily with a damp cloth.

Operation was easy and problem-free via the large, logically designed operation panels. Additionally in the 3802 model, all functions could be operated from a distance via the remote control module. Both receivers could accommodate a VCR without further technical adjustment. Beovision 3802 could also be equipped for Teletext reception. Automatic cut-off circuitry ensured the correct balance between colours without the need for regular adjustment by an engineer. High-bright picture tubes allowed for satisfactory viewing in daylight conditions. Modular chassis and low power consumption (and therefore less heat) ensured greater reliability.

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BeoVision 1600

BeoVision 1600

The Beovision 1600 replaced the Beovision 1400 range and included a new all-transistor chassis. As before, a 24” wide-angle tube was fitted, the largest monochrome tube that was available at the time. In contrast to the 1400 range, only one cabinet style was available, a table model, though this could be fitted with an optional pillar stand for free-standing use. The design was simple and elegant, with the minimum of cabinet work around the screen.

The controls were all of a new design, and concealed when not in use. Each one was mounted in a small latching drawer marked with a graphical symbol to represent its function. To adjust a setting (volume, brightness etc), one only had to touch the relevant drawer lightly and it would open, allowing access to an edgewise rotary control. The tuning worked in a similar manner, where the tuning controls were hidden inside the channel selector buttons. To adjust the tuning, one would press the button one wished to adjust, thus selecting the channel, then press again to slide out the drawer to reveal the tuning scale and control.

To make the most of the instant picture possibilities that the adoption of transistors (instead of the valves in previous models) offered, the heater of the picture tube of the Beovision 1600 was left energised at all times. In order to extend the life of the tube, when the set was switched “off”, the heater was run at a slightly lower level of power. Even despite this, the picture appeared truly instantly as soon as the “on” button was pressed, something that no other range of Beovision TV sets has been capable of since.

The rest of the design was quite conventional, with the exception of the voltage regulator which could tolerate a very wide range of mains voltages without picture disturbance.

The Beovision 1600 was the last large-screen monochrome Beovision model

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BeoSystem 6000 Commander

Bang & Olufsen Beosystem 6000 Commander

This was B&O’s first remote control, predating the Beomaster 2400. Known affectionately as the brick, it was very necessary as setting up a quad system required to be sitting at the centre of the four speakers. It allowed control of the volume and Beomaster source though it was not able to control any device except the Beomaster. It used ultrasonic rather that infra red waves and needed to be aimed at the Beomaster.

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BeoSystem 2400 Commander

Bang & Olufsen Beosystem 2400 Commander

Beomaster 2400’s pièce de résistance was its remote control Commander which no hi-fi manufacturer had ever dreamed of producing before. In the USA however, remote controlled TVs had already become a reality and in Europe, the first TV commanders, with a plethora of buttons, had turned up in Germany

The 2400 system introduced the first version of system communication which allowed the Beomaster to speak to the Beogram. Either a Beogram 2400 or a Beogram 4004 could be controlled with the Beomaster controller.

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MMC3000

Bang & Olufsen MMC3000

The MMC3000 was the basic model in the all new range of cartridges.

It was designed for use with the lower end of the range such as the Beogram 1100 and Beocenter 1800 and 3600. It has a spherical diamond stylus.

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MMC5000

Bang & Olufsen MMC5000

This was the cartridge specified for the Beogram 3400 and had a Shibata profile diamond. This is quite a rare cartridge to find these days as many 3400s did not have the CD4 decoder fitted and hence did not require this cartridge..

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MMC6000

Bang & Olufsen MMC6000

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.