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.

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.