Beomaster 2300 was the receiver heart of Beosystem 2300, released in 1983.
Beomaster 2300 was the receiver heart of Beosystem 2300, released in 1983.
The unit was a superbly-engineered FM radio/amplifier and delivered 2 x 30 watts RMS stereo output. Its sleek design was not only beautiful, but was intelligent too. Instead of buttons, touch-sensitive dimples operated all primary functions and the user’s instructions were confirmed on the read-out panel.
Five favourite FM radio programmes could be pre-set on individual tuning dials and the phase-locked loop decoder ensured excellent stereo separation, even in difficult reception conditions. The volume level could be pre-set at low, medium or high; each time Beomaster 2300 was switched on the music always started at the selected setting, however the volume control, was left the last time the receiver was used.
There were connections for two pairs of loudspeakers, headphones, record deck and cassette deck. The slim cabinet was finished in a choice of teak or rosewood and measured 62cm wide x 6cm high(13,5cm with the lid raised) x 25cm deep.
No remote control was included with the System; Beomaster 2300 in fact, was a direct descendant of Beomaster 1900, right down to the ‘dimple’ sensi-touch controls on the set top.
Long, medium and FM wavebands were featured on this high-technology 2 x 55 watts receiver that served as the heart of Beosystem 5000 introduced in 1983.
A frequency-synthesized tuner with automatic fine tuning and two-speed manual drive all contributed to fast, accurate location of radio programmes and superb reception quality. Nine station frequencies (on any combination of wavebands) could be stored in the Beomaster’s microcomputer memory for instant recall.
The low-distortion stereo amplifier included a very advanced feature, unique to Bang & Olufsen: Automatic Power Handling Control. This special circuit continuously monitored the dynamic range and power of the signal and instructed the microcomputer to decrease volume if the combined effects of these two parameters threatened to cause amplifier “clipping” or damage to the speakers. This type of overload became increasingly common since the introduction of the Compact Disc, which can produce signals of enormous dynamic range, but it could not occur in Beomaster 5000.
An internal, variable-speed fan ensured the proper dissipation of heat, even when the Beomaster was used in a stack format. Direct operation of all primary functions was available on the Beomaster itself should the Master Control Panel not be to hand. These controls were located beneath a hinged cover which sprang open at a touch
Beomaster 5000 had no visible controls. Normal operation was by means of the Master Control Panel – a slim, table-top keypad that gave chair-side access to all functions including microcomputer programming and storage, timer facilities, status check, day and clock display, volume, tone and stereo balance adjustments and control of all sound sources. A programme-sequencing facility allowed you to pre-plan a whole evening’s listening composed of record, radio and cassette music in any order and combination. Once set, this “command performance” would play continuously as instructed without further use of the controls
Beomaster 8000 was an advanced FM receiver with a rated output of 2 x 150 watts IHF A-202. It had the power, precision and overall performance to reproduce all types of music with the utmost fidelity.
The radio section united the principle of the modern digital frequency synthesizer tuner with a precise, automatic fine-tuning system to give unparalleled accuracy and long-term stability of reception. The set’s control panel gave instant access to all sound sources – an associated record deck and two tape decks and any of 9 user-programmable FM stations. The visual feedback indicated which sources were playing and their volume settings. Controls for secondary functions were protected beneath a hinged lid.
The infra-red BeoLab Terminal was for its time, complex technology tamed. It gave easy, direct access to music and allowed the control of a musical experience from anywhere in your room and operate Beogram 8002 and Beocord 8004 if these were part of your system. A single touch is all there was between what you wanted and the fulfilment of your wish. Radio programmes, cassettes and records were all available at the touch of a button.
In the early 1980s the technical quality of records, tapes and FM transmissions was vastly improved. Improvement meant increased dynamic range.
Increased dynamic range in sound sources makes great demands on hi-fi components. They must accommodate a greater range of tones: from the very faintest tinkle of a triangle to the loudest roll of the bass drum; and reproduce each tone accurately. This requires powerful, serious hi-fi components. Power to accommodate the dynamics, and accuracy to ensure that the fundamentals and harmonics of each tone are reproduced faithfully, i.e. with the intervals and relative intensity that gives each instrument its characteristic quality.
The 2 x 150 watts RMS Beomaster 8000 high fidelity FM receiver had the power, precision and overall performance level to help you achieve this goal. Up to the time of its introduction, it was Bang & Olufsen’s most accomplished receiver to date. During its construction phase, the company focused on one major goal: that none of its circuits or components should be able to limit or distort the sound signals it received before the amplifier’s power output level was exhausted.
In accordance with this, a special circuit registered, and the “clipping” function indicated when you should regulate volume level, if you wanted to ensure continued undistorted sound. Volume was controlled by a 60-step electronic attenuator. This regulated both channels together, in balance, and allowed precise adjustments.
A digital frequency synthesizer tuner was incorporated. It was a further development of other constructions since this tuner locked stations onto their actual transmission frequencies, rather than using a mere internally-generated frequency reference.
Beomaster 8000 had the most comprehensive user-programmable facilities imaginable. They were placed out of view in the programming compartment because you didn’t need to use them every day. The primary controls were external. To keep you informed, whenever the music system was in use, the status of the primary settings was displayed on the Beomaster’s large communication panel. Beomaster 8000 formed the heart of the Beosystem 8000.
This extremely distinctive and beautiful FM stereo receiver from Bang & Olufsen used the very latest technology, both in its complex audio circuitry and in the microcomputer-based control systems which made it such an effortless and pleasurable product to use – whether or not you decided to include the optional remote control facility. The specialist radio section concentrated on the superb sound quality available from FM transmissions.
It covered the entire FM band from 87,5 to 108 MHz and incorporated the most advanced techniques for accurate, drift-free stereo reception.
The amplifier gave 2 x 75 watts RMS with an extremely low level (0,8%) of harmonic distortion. Clean, clear sound – always. Two 24-hour timers allowed you to play or record any sound source automatically. You didn’t even have to be at home. Or, if you wanted to be sure of hearing the same news programme every evening you could set the Repeat function to remember for you – day after day.
Connections included sockets for a record deck and two tape decks (DIN or RCA phono plugs) plus graphic equaliser, headphones and two pairs of loudspeakers.
Beomaster 6000 formed the heart of Beosystem 6000 and was designed by Jacob Jensen.
This radial-tracking record deck had a lightweight turntable (only 400g) to minimise torque at starting. The automatic cueing system was also very fast-acting, so it was only a matter of a few seconds between touching the PLAY control and hearing the music.
The tone arm had built-in anti-skating and carried the MMC 4 pickup, ensuring accurate tracking and excellent sound quality. Normal PLAY and STOP functions were entirely automatic and could be operated with the lid closed; manual buttons for playing non-standard discs were located on the deck plate. In addition to automating the setting of correct speed and cueing position for each record, the Beogram’s built-in microcomputer allowed a REPEAT function, which could be programmed for up to 7 plays of the same record.
Drive was provided by a tacho-controlled DC motor via a flat rubber belt, so turntable speed was always accurate and could not be affected by fluctuations in the mains supply.
When used with Beomaster 2000, an electronic data-link allowed Beogram 2000 to be operated by the Beomaster’s controls. Beogram 2000 could also be made up as part of the Beosystem 2000, when linked together with other compatible Bang & Olufsen products.
If your choice of TV viewing included video, the Beovision Video Terminal supplied with your Beovision 5100, 7100 or 8100 (or Beovision models 5500, 7700, 8800 and 9000 featured in the 1982 Autumn catalogue) could also be used to operate the Beocord V8802 video cassette recorder.
There were two types of video stand available, specially designed to accommodate any Bang & Olufsen VCR and combine them into a complete video system that was easy to install, easy to live with and a joy to use.
Beocord V8802 used the technical superiority of the V2000 format to guarantee top-quality recording and playback on economical flip-over cassettes. The 2×4 hour flip-over cassettes gave you 8 hours of recording time in one tape, which worked out cheaper in cost-per-minute terms than any other video format.
Microcomputer technology gave Beocord 8802-V a wide range of features and facilities and, at the same time, ensures that operation was fast, straightforward and fool-proof. Automatic track adjustment meant that even well-worn tapes recorded on another machine were reproduced accurately – that was important if you intended to hire feature film cassettes for home screening.
Sound quality was also of the highest quality with a technique called Dynamic Sound Suppression, reducing distortion and unwanted noise to negligible levels.
Freeze-frame and picture search are useful features, especially for sports fans, and both could be operated by remote control.
Another outstanding benefit was the ease with which Beocord’s computer-controlled timer could be programmed to make up to 5 automatic recordings from any 5 TV channels within a 16-day period. Of course, you could also record one programme while watching another. The Beovision Video Terminal kept you in control of the whole system without moving more than a finger.
The Terminal was supplied as part of the TV; if you purchased Beocord V8802 separately, or with a manual Beovision TV, the Terminal had to be purchased as an optional accessory in order for you to obtain the extra convenience of remotely controlled video.
Programming Beocord V8802 to make unattended recordings was quick and easy, thanks to logical control systems and microcomputers. Simply key in the channel, the day and the start and stop times of the programme you wanted recording. Each instruction was confirmed on the illuminated communications panel. The microcomputer’s memory could store 5 such sets of instructions covering the period of 16 days ahead. You could even check your programming for accuracy and correct mistakes by operating the ‘clear’ button. When all the programmed recordings had been completed the machine rewound the tape ready for instant replay.
The 8-hour flip-over cassette was more convenient and economical to use than any other type then on the market. The cassettes were tamper-proof: it was impossible to damage them by touching any moving parts or the tape itself. A safety switch built into the cassette casing prevented the inadvertent erasure of recordings you wanted to keep.
Beosystem 8800 Video was the only fully integrated home video system on the market in the early 1980’s. It comprised the Beocord 8800 video recorder, the Beovision 8800 colour TV, the Beovision Video Terminal and an elegant custom-built stand.
These individual components were designed to match and function harmoniously as one complete system, from a technical, functional, aesthetic and operational point of view. That is why you could operate all primary functions in the entire system from a distance using one infra-red remote control module. This gave you fast, easy, direct access to all facilities, whether these were ordinary TV programmes, recording or playback of video cassettes or Teletext home information services (when the Teletext circuitry is installed). Naturally, you could also make all important sound and video adjustments from the comfort of your chair.
The heart of Beocord 8800 Video was the 2 x 4-hour flip-over cassette – as part of the V2000 video system (similar to VHS and Betamax). It allowed you to make use of up to 8 hours recording time on one cassette, whereas most competing systems offered just 3,25 hours. Thus, the cassette was not only more convenient, it was also more economical to use than any other cassette on the market.
Another outstanding feature was that you could programme the Beocord to make 5 unattended recordings from 5 different TV channels at 5 different times up to 16 days in advance. You could have a relaxing holiday or travel on business, and be rest assured that you wouldn’t have to miss any of the programmes in your favourite TV series.
This creative use of machine intelligence (micro-computers) and the degree of flexibility and convenience afforded were unparalleled in competing video recorders. So too was the ease and speed with which you could operate the machine, thanks to its logical operation facilities and its large communication panel.
Optional stand
The optional stand for the Beosystem 8800 Video was both functional and attractive. It combined the TV receiver and recorder into one harmonious system, making the units even easier to install and convenient to live with at home. The positions of TV and VCR were reversible and the TV shelf had a rotating plate so you could alter its viewing angle at will. Beneath the shelf was a drawer for storing cassettes, headphones and other accessories. The stand was made of black anodised aluminium.
Programming the Beocord 8800 Video to make up to 5 unattended recordings during a 16-day period was both quick and easy, thanks to its logical operation facilities and microcomputers.
Illuminated symbols on the machine’s communication panel guided you through programming, step by step, confirming each step and keeping you informed at all times. You could even check your programming for accuracy and correct mistakes using the clear button. The 8-hour flip-over cassette allowed you to make high quality recordings at a lower cost per programme than ever before. The cassette had a tamper-proof design. Quite simply, it was impossible to damage it by accidentally touching the tape or any of its moving parts. A unique safety slider prevented you from inadvertently erasing a recorded cassette.
The Beovision Video Terminal was a remote control module which transmitted your instructions to the Beovision colour TV or the Beovision 8800 Video on a beam of infra-red light. It gave you immediate access to all primary functions on the Beosystem 8800 Video from anywhere in your room. You could select any of 16 TV channels on the Beovision. Or up to 26 if you made use of the Beocord’s TV tuning and storing facility. You could make video recordings or play a cassette. And if you had Teletext installed in your TV, you could operate this advanced home information service from a distance.
Naturally, you could also adjust volume levels, brilliance and colour without leaving your chair. Or mute the set but retain the picture, if the phone rang.
The Beovision Video Terminal was an integral part of Beovision 8800. Beocord 8800 Video could also be used with non-Bang & Olufsen TVs. If you chose to do so, you could still operate Beocord’s functions from a distance using the Beovision Video Terminal which was available separately (Type 3319).
