Beogram 3000 was a specially designed tangential record deck with a lightweight tone arm featuring the patented suspension system – Optimum Pivot Point – which prevented internal vibrations from interfering with sound reproductions.
Beogram 3000 was a specially designed tangential record deck with a lightweight tone arm featuring the patented suspension system – Optimum Pivot Point – which prevented internal vibrations from interfering with sound reproductions.
Beogram 3000 had an MMC 4 pick up for optimum sound and minimal record wear. A record sensor automatically record size and with it, the correct speed. The platter reduces static electricity and thereby dust in the grooves, and the pendulum suspension made Beogram 3000 ‘danceproof’. The search system worked both forwards and backwards and the new Active Light system was all automatic, giving you light when you needed it, for searching and changing your records etc.. A repeat function allowed you to play the same record up to 7 times in a row.
Beogram 3000 was designed to be used within Beosystem 3000. Beogram 3000 does not have a built in RIAA amplifier and relies on this being in the receiver used with it. Beomaster 3000 – which this deck was designed to work with – has the RIAA built in as do almost every receiver before this time, including the Beomaster 8000. Later equipment such as the Beomaster 7000 and Beomaster 3500 and Beomaster 4500 transferred the RIAA to the record player as this allowed a longer cable to be fitted to the record player and gave better siting options.
Master Control Link 30 makes it possible for you to have music all over the house from a BeoSystem 3000
Remote control of all primary functions in the BeoSystem 3000
Can also be used for the BeoSystem 6000
Connection of up to 4 link units
Easily mounted with only one cable
wide range of installation accessories
MCL30 can convey the operation from the terminal 3000.
With a loudspeaker button on the Master Control Link you activate the loudspeakers in the link room, and not you can operate all the functions from the terminal 3000.
There is a wide range of accessories. How and for what they should be used is described in the Master Control Link handbook.
Note that there can be connected 4 link rooms, and that the total length of the cable should not exceed 150 meters.
When connected to BeoMaster 6000, MCL-kit type 1006/1007 should be used as well.
“The device appears as a well-formed cabinet from the front. From the rear, the encapsulation of the picture tube is so well done that the device may be enjoyed from all angles. The stacked-build of the device makes it possible to place it in a corner. Technically it contains many new functions, including the integration of a contrast screen that reduces disturbances from incoming light.”
So wrote The Danish Design Council when presenting their 1986 ID prize for exceptional design to David Lewis and Bang & Olufsen for the Beovision MX 2000. Launched in season 1984/85 as Beovision M20, the basic conceptual elements of the Beovision MX exist virtually unchanged into the 21st century, with 2002’s release of Beovision MX8000.
“Beovision MX2000 gives the impression of lightness and extended freedom of positioning. Now, all of a sudden, the TV could be positioned anywhere – even in the middle of a room”
The MX concept began as Beovision M20 in a modest grey cabinet and without a contrast screen. It sort of heralded what a monitor television by Bang & Olufsen might look like. Basically, a monitor is just a screen with a box around it. In the mid-1980s, the emphasis was on the picture and efforts to achieve a monitor look. The clean screen. Bang & Olufsen elected to make the television slim by placing the loudspeakers below the screen. This broke with the practice of several decades of placing the loudspeakers at the sides of the picture tube.
The latest MX 8000 model incorporates active loudspeakers and the sound has become even better. Previously, and with its Beovision MX 7000, Bang & Olufsen introduced yet another element that, so far, is unique to he company: a motorised base. Now the television turned to face the viewer – not vice versa.
Bang & Olufsen had a lot of difficulty explaining Bang & Olufsen’s picture quality, which comprises many individual factors that have been optimised over the years. In 1985 – 86, the decision was made to combine everything that came under the term “picture quality” into a single concept – VisionClear. MX2000 was born out of the ideas for the M20 and was further equipped with VisionClear, including a contrast screen. The MX family became extremely popular and remains so (it is still being produced and sold). Designer David Lewis created a cabinet that fitted around the back of the picture tube, thereby achieving the purely psychological effect of making the picture tube appear smaller than it actually is. Beovision MX 2000 gave the impression of lightness and extended freedom of positioning. Now, all of a sudden, the TV could be positioned anywhere – even in the middle of the room.
Bang & Olufsen’s first television in the the US market was a variant, Beovision MX 5000 US. But, because of sales factors and market conditions at the time, it was not a great success.
Big sound
In 1984, TV sound was produced by passive log-line loudspeakers, producing either stereo or mono sound. Whether coming from a television programme or VHS, Betamax or Video 2000 VCR, it was only experienced as coming from the TV itself. Today, multi-channel surround sound systems provide enveloping sonic experiences in the home. Back then the user listened to two 7-watt speakers in the TV itself. Today six powerful active speakers are becoming more and more popular.
In 2002, important dialogue emerges from the powerful active loudspeakers which, following the original MX design, are sill located directly below the screen.
Beovision MX2000 was a completely different kind of TV. In terms of design, colour and uses it was a departure from tradition. Beovision MX2000 was one of the most stunning and versatile television sets ever created.
Technically the TV was new at the time of its release because of its stereo sound, automatic search for channels and its remote-control. Visually the TV was remarkable because of its contrast screen which reduced the inconvenience of incident light and left the TV dark and discrete when turned off. When turned on the TV was reduced to its function – that of displaying a picture. David Lewis’s design on the MX2000 was detailed and highly aesthetic which made the TV look good from all angles. Because of the pyramidal shape the TV was suitable for placement in corners. The set was a 50cm stereo colour TV that you could literally take with you. Bang & Olufsen’s special VisionClear system ensured that lifelike colours and the best contrast conditions were always obtained… both night and day. And Beovision MX2000 had so many different positioning possibilities that the perfect sound and picture quality could be taken advantage of and enjoyed to the full. Beovision MX2000 was controlled by the remote control Video Terminal. The TV could work with any video tape recorder but the Beocord VHS 82 was a specially designed video recorder that was created to harmonize with the MX2000. Not just when it came to operation but also in design and colour. And the complete, remote-controlled video system could deliver much more than perfect pictures with sound. Beocord VHS 82 was also a stereo audio tape recorder that offered up to eight hours recording on one tape, with hi-fi stereo quality playback. The choice of colour for MX2000 was a matter of personal taste, and style. The choice was yours: rich red for a home abounding in colour and striking contrasts; elegant white; distinguished metallic grey; or black to go with most colour schemes. Beovision MX2000 wasn’t portable TV but it was easy to move around. Grab hold of the built-in handle and Beovision MX2000 went with you. The TV could be put most anywhere. On the floor, shelf, table, window sill and so on. The built-in support on the base even made it possible to tilt the TV backwards. This ensured for a natural, perfect viewing angle when placed low on a floor. The set could of course be put on the practical TV stand which was equipped with solid, easy rolling wheels. And the special mounting platform made it possible to swivel the TV from side to side. The complete remote controlled – Video Terminal – video system could be grouped on a video stand to create one space-saving piece of furniture. It too had solid, easy rolling wheels and allowed the TV to be swivelled from side to side. Beovision MX2000 won the ID Award in 1986. Beovision MX2000 could be both manually operated or operated by remote control. The concealed panel in the top of the TV adjusted all sound and picture functions. But once adjustments to volume, sound, balance, bass, treble, contrast, colour balance and brightness had been made according to the viewer’s wishes and surrounding conditions, the Terminal took over day-to-day usage. Fine-tuning of TV channels, which is generally a once-only task, and stereo width-adjustment were also part of manual control. It was also possible of course, to change over stations and turn on and off the set with the controls on the panel. “Beovision MX2000 gives the impression of lightness and extended freedom of positioning. Now, all of a sudden, the TV could be positioned anywhere – even in the middle of a room” The MX concept began as Beovision M20 in a modest grey cabinet and without a contrast screen. It sort of heralded what a monitor television by Bang & Olufsen might look like. Basically, a monitor is just a screen with a box around it. In the mid-1980s, the emphasis was on the picture and efforts to achieve a monitor look.
The clean screen.
Bang & Olufsen elected to make the television slim by placing the loudspeakers below the screen. This broke with the practice of several decades of placing the loudspeakers at the sides of the picture tube. The latest MX 8000 model incorporates active loudspeakers and the sound has become even better. Previously, and with its Beovision MX 5000, Bang & Olufsen introduced yet another element that, so far, is unique to he company: a motorised base. Now the television turned to face the viewer – not vice versa. Bang & Olufsen had a lot of difficulty explaining Bang & Olufsen’s picture quality, which comprises many individual factors that have been optimised over the years. In1985-86, the decision was made to combine everything that came under the term
“picture quality” into a single concept – VisionClear.
MX2000 was born out of the ideas for the Beovision M20 and was further equipped with VisionClear, including a contrast screen. The MX family became extremely popular and remains so (it is still being produced and sold). Designer David Lewis created a cabinet that fitted around the back of the picture tube, thereby achieving the purely psychological effect of making the picture tube appear smaller than it actually is. Beovision MX 2000 gave the impression of lightness and extended freedom of positioning. Now, all of a sudden, the TV could be positioned anywhere – even in the middle of the room. Bang & Olufsen’s first television in the the US market was a variant, Beovision MX 5000 US. But, because of sales factors and market conditions at the time, it was not a great success. The many features of the Beovision MX2000 were market leaders in their day; however, many of these features are still included, even today, in Bang & Olufsen television sets:
In-line black matrix picture tube.
Part of the VisionClear system which reduces the chance of unintentional mixing of picture colours and ensures perfect pictures throughout the life of the set
Automatic Cut-Off.
Also part of the VisionClear system. This is an electronic circuit that regulates colour balance 50 times a second. A patented Bang & Olufsen circuit that ensures lifelike colours… automatically, and constantly
Contrast screen.
The most visually stunning part of the VisionClear system. At the time of the MX2000 introduction, this was a newly-developed Bang & Olufsen screen that ‘tones down’ the effect of bright light. It ensures that colours are bright and that there is optimum contrast – even in daylight. The rectangular contrast screen provides a wider picture and thereby creates the impression of watching a larger screen Remote-controlled station tuning based on digital technology. Search and tuning of up to 100 channels was carried out automatically after a couple of touches on the Terminal 32 permanent channels and 3 AV channels. Built-in memory which ensured that your favourite channels were right at hand. A touch of one button was all that was needed – and still is right up to the 21st century! Fine tuning: a help feature that was activated manually on the MX2000 when reception conditions were poor or if a TV signal’s frequency was non-standard e.g. in the case of cable TV, home computer etc.. Fine tuning could also be stored in the TV’s memory Display: a small illuminate display in the upper right-hand corner of the screen provided clear responses to almost all orders received from the Terminal Log Line speaker system: a special principle that ensured perfect, lifelike sound reproduction in very compact speakers. The power output was 7 watts sine Stereo-width adjustment: creating the illusion of increased distance between the speakers and providing a wider, fuller sound image Enhanced mono broadcasts: the special stereo-width circuit also improved the sound quality of mono broadcasts Teletext decoder: an optional extra which with a couple of touches on the Terminal gives direct access to the latest news, TV listings, weather forecasts, sports results and so on Built-in clock: during Teletext broadcasts, the correct time can be called on to the screen. This was shown discreetly in the upper right-hand corner On top of this was a wealth of connection options. Beovision MX2000 was awarded the Danish Design Centre’s IP Prize in 1986.
These two television sets were for those who did not require the full range of hi-fidelity specifications offered by the Beovision LX2800 and LX2500 range. It was an ideal alternative and was designed with the same elegant shape and style. The L2800 and L2500 models provided the uncompromising standard of sound and picture always associated with Bang & Olufsen.
Available in a modern grey finish, Beovision L series was not equipped with Teletext although this could be fitted as an optional extra.
These two television sets were for those who did not require the full range of hi-fidelity specifications offered by the Beovision LX2800 and LX2500 range. It was an ideal alternative and was designed with the same elegant shape and style. The L2800 and L2500 models provided the uncompromising standard of sound and picture always associated with Bang & Olufsen.
Available in a modern grey finish, Beovision L series was not equipped with Teletext although this could be fitted as an optional extra.
With its 63cm screen, Beovision LX2500 was the smallest member of the LX family in 1987. But no sacrifices were made in sound and picture excellence, nor was Beovision LX2500 ever caught out by new technical developments. No Master Control Link or additional speakers were required when installing a Beovision LX say, in the bedroom. The set came fully-equipped with a Master Control Link and all sound from the central music system could be fed through the TV speakers
Installing a Beovision LX2500 in a study placed communication and information at your fingertips. Using a Beolink 1000 remote-control Terminal you could remote control and utilise all the features of the central system, including Teletext TV and video. And adding a home computer, video games and printer to the Beovision LX2500 used advanced electronics in a thoroughly practical way.
Beovisions LX2800 and LX2500 were identical in every detail except for the size of the picture screen.
Two television sets that were available but without Teletext, hi-fi sound or extra connection facilities were the Beovision L2800 and L2500. Other than these extra features, L2800 and L2500 were identical to the Beovisions LX2800 and LX2500.
Beovision Beovisions LX2800 and LX2500
Designed by David Lewis, the televisions were released in 1986. At the time, the LX range was special as it was the first type of television to include a contrast-screen and automatic picture control called VisionClear. It was controlled by a ‘V Terminal’, the forerunner of Beolink 1000. It was also the first TV range with an Audio/Aux Link and hi-fi speakers.
Beovision Beovisions LX2800 and LX2500 features:
Flat-square picture tube. Part of the VisionClear system which provides picture of studio quality
In-line self-converging picture tube, also part of the VisionClear system. Reduces the chance of inadvertent mixing of picture colours and ensures perfect pictures throughout the life of the TV.
Automatic Cut-off – yet another part of the VisionClear system. An electronic circuit which adjusts the colour balance 50 times every second. A patented Bang & Olufsen innovation which ensures that you get lifelike colours – automatic and operates all the time.
Contrast screen – the most visually outstanding part of the VisionClear system. A Bang & Olufsen screen which reduces the effect of incident light. This ensures clear colours and optimum contrast conditions even in bright light.
Automatic contrast control – the picture’s contrast level is automatically adjusted to match the light levels in the room.
Remote-controlled channel tuning – included all relevant TV channels. You could use the buttons on the Beolink 1000 terminal to order the frequency of a specific TV channel and let the electronics take care of search, tuning and fine tuning. With the exception of the automation, it was the same search system that you used when you wished to find a new station on your radio.
AFC – A circuit that ensures perfect fine tuning and operated completely automatically.
Fine tuning – a manual feature which gave you access to sharp, stable pictures when reception conditions were poor or if the frequency of a signal deviated from standard settings e.g. in the case of cable TV, home computers etc. Fine tuning adjustments could of course, be stored in the memory.
2 x 15 watts sinus power output – the newly developed LX2800 and LX2500 speakers were based on the bass reflex system which gave the sound image extra depth and detail in hi-fi quality.
When there was a simulcast you could also send sound from the radio out through the speakers of Beovisions LX2800 and LX2500.
Stereo width adjustment ‘increased’ the distance between the speakers and gave a wider, richer sound image.
Enhanced mono broadcasts – the special stereo width circuit also improved the sound quality of mono broadcasts.
Extra hi-fi speakers – you could use the speakers on Beovision LX2800 or LX2500 as an extra pair of speakers for your hi-fi system as part of a Beolink® system.
Built-in Teletext decoder – the (then) new, ‘flickerless’ computer-controlled Teletext decoder (CCT) meant that you had the latest news right at hand as well as a whole host of information channels.
Computer-controlled Teletext (CCT) – had two memories so you could immediately ‘leaf’ up to two pages ahead on Teletext or back to the previous page. One touch and no waiting. Another memory store remembered up to four pages of Teletext information and provided immediate access to the TV listings or the complete Pools results, for example. This short-term memory was erased when the TV was returned to stand-by.
Three Teletext alphabets – if you received Teletext from a country with an alphabet that differed from your own, the Teletext alphabet switched over automatically.
Video recordings of Teletext subtitles – for the first time ever, it was possible to record the Teletext subtitles along with the TV programme itself. This was a big help for the hard-of-hearing
Completely stable and ‘flickerless’ picture from home computers and TV games.
Built-in clock – When Teletext was broadcast, you could bring the correct time on-screen, either for a few seconds or for as long as you liked.
Beovision LX2800, LX2500
Beovision LX2800 and Beocord VHS 91.2 made up the ultimate video system. A harmonious fusion of aesthetic beauty, technical excellence and operational simplicity.
The combination of a 66cm flat-square TV and a stereo video recorder with up to four hours’ video and eight hours’ hi-fi quality music on a single tape hands you remote-controlled access to all forms of TV.
With its 63cm screen, Beovision LX2500 was the smallest member of the LX family in 1987. But no sacrifices were made in sound and picture excellence, nor was Beovision LX2500 ever caught out by new technical developments. No Master Control Link or additional speakers were required when installing a Beovision LX say, in the bedroom. The set came fully-equipped with a Master Control Link and all sound from the central music system could be fed through the TV speakers.
Installing a Beovision LX2500 in a study placed communication and information at your fingertips. Using a Beolink 1000 remote-control Terminal you could remote control and utilise all the features of the central system, including Teletext TV and video. And adding a home computer, video games and printer to the Beovision LX2500 used advanced electronics in a thoroughly practical way.
Beovisions LX2800 and LX2500 were identical in every detail except for the size of the picture screen.
Two television sets that were available but without Teletext, hi-fi sound or extra connection facilities were the Beovision L2800 and L2500. Other than these extra features, L2800 and L2500 were identical to the LX2800 and LX2500.
Designed by David Lewis, the televisions were released in 1986. At the time, the LX range was special as it was the first type of television to include a contrast-screen and automatic picture control called VisionClear. It was controlled by a ‘V Terminal’, the forerunner of Beolink 1000. It was also the first TV range with an Audio/Aux Link and hi-fi speakers.
Beovision LX2800 and LX2500 features:
Flat-square picture tube. Part of the VisionClear system which provides picture of studio quality.
In-line self-converging picture tube, also part of the VisionClear system. Reduces the chance of inadvertent mixing of picture colours and ensures perfect pictures throughout the life of the TV.
Automatic Cut-off – yet another part of the VisionClear system. An electronic circuit which adjusts the colour balance 50 times every second. A patented Bang & Olufsen innovation which ensures that you get lifelike colours – automatic and operates all the time.
Contrast screen – the most visually outstanding part of the VisionClear system. A Bang & Olufsen screen which reduces the effect of incident light. This ensures clear colours and optimum contrast conditions even in bright light.
Automatic contrast control – the picture’s contrast level is automatically adjusted to match the light levels in the room.
Remote-controlled channel tuning – included all relevant TV channels. You could use the buttons on the Beolink 1000 terminal to order the frequency of a specific TV channel and let the electronics take care of search, tuning and fine tuning. With the exception of the automation, it was the same search system that you used when you wished to find a new station on your radio.
AFC – A circuit that ensures perfect fine tuning and operated completely automatically.
Fine tuning – a manual feature which gave you access to sharp, stable pictures when reception conditions were poor or if the frequency of a signal deviated from standard settings e.g. in the case of cable TV, home computers etc. Fine tuning adjustments could of course, be stored in the memory.
2 x 15 watts sinus power output – the newly developed LX2800 and LX2500 speakers were based on the bass reflex system which gave the sound image extra depth and detail in hi-fi quality.
When there was a simulcast you could also send sound from the radio out through the speakers of Beovisions LX2800 and LX2500.
Stereo width adjustment ‘increased’ the distance between the speakers and gave a wider, richer sound image.
Enhanced mono broadcasts – the special stereo width circuit also improved the sound quality of mono broadcasts.
Extra hi-fi speakers – you could use the speakers on Beovision LX2800 or LX2500 as an extra pair of speakers for your hi-fi system as part of a Beolink® system.
Built-in Teletext decoder – the (then) new, ‘flickerless’ computer-controlled Teletext decoder (CCT) meant that you had the latest news right at hand as well as a whole host of information channels.
Computer-controlled Teletext (CCT) – had two memories so you could immediately ‘leaf’ up to two pages ahead on Teletext or back to the previous page. One touch and no waiting. Another memory store remembered up to four pages of Teletext information and provided immediate access to the TV listings or the complete Pools results, for example. This short-term memory was erased when the TV was returned to stand-by.
Three Teletext alphabets – if you received Teletext from a country with an alphabet that differed from your own, the Teletext alphabet switched over automatically.
Video recordings of Teletext subtitles – for the first time ever, it was possible to record the Teletext subtitles along with the TV programme itself. This was a big help for the hard-of-hearing.
Completely stable and ‘flickerless’ picture from home computers and TV games.
Built-in clock – When Teletext was broadcast, you could bring the correct time on-screen, either for a few seconds or for as long as you liked.
The cabinet of the Beovision 9002 was finished in genuine, rich-grain teak or rosewood and had a beautifully crafted tambour screen door that rolled back to reveal the screen – and switched the set on at the same time. When you had finished viewing, just slide the door shut. The set switches off automatically. The screen was protected from dust and accidents, and you were not confronted with a blank, staring screen every time you entered the room. Beovision 9002 replaced Beovision 9000 when it came to the end of its production run in 1983.
All the technical features and facilities of the Beovision 8802 were included in this luxury 66cm (viewable screen) model. The infra-red remote control terminal allowed you to operate all the primary functions from the comfort of your chair – including Teletext and Beocord video cassette recorder.
Beovisions that put the future at your fingertips
All Bang & Olufsen’s ‘luxury’ Beovision models of the time were fitted with an advanced digital tuner that had the capacity for receiving 100 UHF channels, 32 of which could be stored in the set’s microcomputer memory for instant recall at the touch of a button.
The real boon for most viewers is that you could locate, store and recall any of these stations without leaving your armchair. All you had to do is touch a key on the Beovision Video terminal. So although B&O gave their “future-safe” luxury TV range more micro-electronics, more features and more connection possibilities than ever before, they made all the complex technology even more accessible – instantly. To borrow a phrase from the computer industry, Bang & Olufsen’s ’02-Series’ TVs were “user-friendly” (1983 catalogue)
Beovisions 5502, 7702, 8802 and 9002 all shared the same advanced chassis design and offered the same user-benefits. They were true “luxury” set because all the features and facilities which, in other brands, are offered as ‘extras’ are included as standard with their Bang & Olufsen counterparts.
The Beovision Video Terminal supplied with Beovisions 5502, 7702, 8802 and 9002 offered a plethora of operational benefits. In addition there was also an advanced ‘tune and store’ function that allowed you to operate the automatic tuning system from the comfort of your chair.
One touch of the ‘tune’ button started the digital tuner scanning the wavelengths of the UHF band. When it found a station, it stopped – giving you the opportunity to either reject or accept this station. If it was an unsatisfactory reception from a distant transmitter (or simply a station you didn’t like!), you just pressed ‘tune’ again to continue the search. When you found a station you enjoyed, on a channel giving a good, clear reception, you could instruct the set’s microcomputer to remember that transmission frequency by pressing ‘store’ followed by your own choice of pre-set programme number (e.g. for BBC2 you might designate pre-set number 2). Thereafter, whenever you wanted to watch BBC2, you simply touched button ‘2’ on your remote Terminal.
Up to 32 different TV stations could be located and stored in this way, so your Beovision really is ‘future-safe’ because it has plenty of spare capacity to accommodate new programme sources as and when they come ‘on stream’.
The latest type of Beovision Video Terminal also had a button marked ‘sound’. This was only effective with Bang & Olufsen stereo TVs – Beovision 7802 and Beovision 8902.
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.
