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BeoVision 5102

BeoVision 5102

In the days before widescreen, active speakers and Dolby Digital modules, the catalogue of 1985 stated that: “it would be foolish to spend more money that you needed. Why pay for multiple features and facilities when all you wanted was the best possible picture quality, good sound and instant remote access to all available UHF TV channels?”. Unfortunately, those days have long since gone!

The most sensible and economic answer to such a modest set of demands was right there, it stated, in the ‘traditional’ Beovision 5102, 7102 and 8102. All three sets were identical; it was only the size of the tubes that differed. You obtained the same type of picture tube as in the luxury sets (the Beovision 5502, 7702 and 8802 range, for example): automatic colour balance, high reliability… and a bright, clear, natural-looking picture. Sound quality was 6 watts RMS.

The remote control was identical too – the Beovision Video Terminal was used on all of the sets. You could tune across the entire UHF band and store up to 32 station frequencies in the set’s microcomputer memory for instant recall. The Beovision Video Terminal made it easy to control.

Sound output was 6 watts. Connections were provided for an extension speaker and a tape recorder; the tape socket had an alternative function – you could use it to feed the TV sound through a hi-fi system. And connecting a Loop Amplifier would allow a person with a hearing aid to enjoy TV sound more fully.

All three models could be supplied with or without Teletext facilities. The slim-line cabinets were identical in design but offered an alternative in materials and finish: a furniture-crafted wood cabinet finished in rich-grained natural teak or rosewood; Beovision 5102 was also finished in natural grey.

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BeoVision 5000

BeoVision 5000

Beovision 5500 had a 50cm High Bright tube with automatic contrast regulation, so the picture always looked bright and clear, with true-to-life colour even in daylight viewing. Quality was not compromised simply because it was physically a small set. Picture and sound reproduction used the same high technology as that featured on the 26″ Beovision 8800. The remote control system wa also identical, with up to 16 channels available for instant selection.

Beovision 5500 – like the other Beovisions in this family – was exceptionally cool running, with maximum power consumption under 75 watts – less than an ordinary light bulb! Because less heat was generated inside the set, vital components were exposed to less physical stress and therefore had a longer working life. High reliability was, and still is, an important factor when choosing a new TV.

If remote control or access to Teletext was not required, then Beovision 5000 was a suitable alternative offering manual selection of up to 12 stations. The rest of the facilities offered by this television set were the same as its more luxurious brother, the Beovision 5500.

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BeoVision 4002

BeoVision 4002

Beovision 4002 and 4402 were colour receivers with 26″ screens. Natural colours, sharp, precise image definition and high-fidelity sound reproduction are all features you can take for granted, according to the 1970 – 80 Bang & Olufsen product catalogue. Their high reliability levels were due to modular construction techniques and low heat-generation. Beovision 4002 consumed only 110 watts – less than a black and white set of years previously.

Both sets were extremely easy to use. There were facilities for presetting up to eight stations so that subsequent programme selection was just a matter of pressing one button. This turned the set on at the same time.

Beovision 4402 had the additional convenience of a cordless (ultrasonic) remote control. The set could also be supplied equipped for Teletext reception. There was automatic synchronisation of VCR programmes on all channels.

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BeoVision 4402

BeoVision 4402

Beovision 4002 and 4402 were colour receivers with 26″ screens. Natural colours, sharp, precise image definition and high-fidelity sound reproduction are all features you can take for granted, according to the 1970 – 80 Bang & Olufsen product catalogue. Their high reliability levels were due to modular construction techniques and low heat-generation. Beovision 4002 consumed only 110 watts – less than a black and white set of years previously.

Both sets were extremely easy to use. There were facilities for presetting up to eight stations so that subsequent programme selection was just a matter of pressing one button. This turned the set on at the same time.

Beovision 4402 had the additional convenience of a cordless (ultrasonic) remote control. The set could also be supplied equipped for Teletext reception. There was automatic synchronisation of VCR programmes on all channels.

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BeoVision 3900

BeoVision 3900

Beovision 3800 and 3900 were 22″ colour TV receivers finished in genuine wood veneers (teak or rosewood). They superceded models 3602 and 3702 in 1979. The sets were slim and elegant and their classic design suited any home décor according to the 1979 – 80 catalogue. High Bright picture tubes allowed for satisfactory daylight viewing since they permitted around 70% more light than from the screen than conventional picture tubes.

Beovision 3800 was for direct (set box) operation while Beovision 3900 permitted you to operate the set via an ultrasonic remote control handset. Beovision 3900 could also be supplied equipped for Teletext reception.

Automatic cut-off circuits guaranteed correct balance between the three basic colours (red, green blue) even after a long period of use. In fact, these sets incorporated every refinement which still makes Bang & Olufsen’s television sets among the market’s best. VCR programmes could be played without additional technical adjustment. There was an automatic synchronisation on all channels.

A choice of two mobile undercarriages were available. A tall undercarriage (42cm high, type 3057) depicted here, and a lower one (34cm, type 3058). Both were sold as optional accessories

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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.