A part of the Bang & Olufsen complete home entertainment solution is the light control system which allows for the adjustment of light-settings of a single lamp, room or entire house with a Beolink® remote control.
You can also program local and global light-settings so that when you press ‘LIGHT’ and ‘1’ on the relevant remote control all the lights in the room adjust to their preset lux-settings which are stored in memory-location ‘1’. Nine local light settings can be stored with the dimming of each light unit being made individually.
Each light which should be included in the light programming must have an LC2 unit (the latest device) attached to them. It’s a small white, slim box with a dark glass ‘eye’ in the middle (see below). The ‘eye’ also operates as a tactile on/off switch – by touching it the light turns on or off; by keeping a finger on it the light dims upwards and downwards gradually.
The light-control units were also timer-programmable through two-way communication with the audio master (Beosystem or Beocenter) acting as the timer-host. In this way you could set the lights to dim when, for example your favourite TV-series began and the Beovision TV turned on! Unfortunately, since the demise of two-way communication in the mid-1990s this is no longer possible.
LC1 Light control module (1989-1992)
With the LC1 light control unit it became possible to regulate lighting levels and distribution using a Beolink 1000 terminal. The Mk3a Beolink 1000 was the first terminal to include a ‘Light’ key, and this, in conjunction with the volume keys, set the light level. Up to nine LC1 light controls could be used in one room, using the number keys on the Beolink 1000. LC1 light controls could also be preset at a number of different intensities, so that different ‘light pictures’ could be called up quickly and easily. The LC1 also had a sensi-touch area on its top surface in order that the connected light could be switched on and off manually.
Other remote control terminals that controlled the LC1 were Beolink 5000, 7000 and Beo4. Master Control Panels 5000, 5500 and 6500 did not include a light function.
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.
The prize-winning MX series was a winner in more ways than one. Quite apart from its stunning looks, it was packed with Bang & Olufsen technology to give you breathtaking picture quality. The MX3000 had a 51cm flat-square picture tube, giving you a great view from almost any angle. It wouldn’t fade away in strong sunlight either, thanks to the contrast screen which kept the picture bright and clear. And, with automatic colour tuning 50 times per second, the colours were always natural and true to life.
Pure sound
A superb picture needs top-quality sound. You obtained both with the MX series. The special Log Line speaker system gave you extraordinary lifelike sound reproduction from very compact speakers. Your stereo videos gained an extra dimension from the stereo width adjustment, which provided a wider, fuller sound image. And to receive stereo TV broadcasts, all you’ll need to do is install a NICAM decoder. There’s good news if you’re planning a round-the-house TV, video and music system too – the MX3000 could team up easily, and also gave you an extra pair of speakers on demand.
Reach for the stars
Are you planning to receive the myriad of entertainment options which satellite TV will eventually offer? Just add Bang & Olufsen’s parabolic ‘dish’ antenna and the MX3000 is all set. You’ll also find the digital search and fine-tuning system invaluable when so many TV stations are competing for your attention. The system was first introduced on the L and LX TVs; working on the same principle as an electronic tune radio, it was a great success.
One remote control, multiple connections
If you add to your Bang & Olufsen TV with a B&O VCR, or broaden your horizons and go for the complete round-the-house system, you’ll still need just the one neat remote control. The Beolink 1000 remote control unit talks to tape recorders just as easily as it does to video recorders. You won’t be short of connections either – the MX3000 can accommodate a personal computer, video games, headphones and a loop amplifier for the hard of hearing.
Beovision MX5000 marked a high-point in the development of the MX series of televisions. The MX5000 was a fully-fledged 66cm TV, housing everything that technology had to offer in the area of TV pictures and sound.
The television had a 66cm flat-square picture tube, together with automatic adjustment of the colour balance 50 times every second, so you always obtained a crystal clear picture in lifelike colours. The set could also cope easily with variable light conditions thanks to the built-in contrast screen.
Beovision MX5000 also offered a unique feature in operating comfort – a motorised swivel platform which was operated by the same Beolink 1000 remote control as the television. The whole set could be turned 35 degrees either side for better viewing. And when you turned off the set, it automatically returned to the centre position. This was the first Bang & Olufsen TV set to employ a motorised base/stand.
Beovision MX5000 was designed specially be use in conjunction with Beocord VX5000 video recorder when, together, you could pull in a live picture from another channel on the screen while you continued with the programme you were already watching. Very handy when you were waiting for a specific programme on another channel to start. Much the same could be done in later years with the advent of Picture-in-Picture – a module bought as an accessory for fitting into your television.
Like all of Bang & Olufsen’s TV range at the time that Beovision MX5000 was produced, you could also have a NICAM decoder installed for the reception of stereo TV broadcasts. It came prepared with a Teletext decoder fitted with the four most-used pages stored in memory so that you could call them onto the screen very quickly. The MX5000 also automatically chose the right Teletext alphabet when you switched to a foreign TV station.
Another feature was that of satellite broadcasts in that you could have a Beosat RX satellite receiver connected to the television in order to receive satellite television programmes. The Beosat RX unit fitted snugly under the set in much the same way as the Beocord VX5000 video recorder.
Beovision MX5000 won I.D. magazine’s I.D. Award for its design in 1990.
Beovision MX5000 US
Bang & Olufsen’s first television in the the US market was a variant, the MX 5000 US. But, because of sales factors and market conditions at the time, it was not a great success.
Bang & Olufsen’s first television in the North American market was a variant of the European MX range with important changes to accomodate the different electrical and broadcast systems there.
There were no fussy buttons to spoil the clean looks of Beovision L2802. You controlled it entirely with the Beolink 1000 remote control terminal. Only a discreet red light told you that the TV was ready and awaiting your commands. The flat-square 66cm picture tube gave you a clear, undistorted view, even if you were not sitting right in front of the screen. Bang & Olufsen’s own VisionClear system regulated the colour balance 50 times a second, and in variable light conditions the picture always looked good, with automatic contrast regulation and the contrast screen.
As specialists in good sound, Bang & Olufsen are always very particular about loudspeakers. That is why both Beovision LX and L models incorporated a special bass-reflex speaker system, giving you genuine hi-fi quality to enhance your stereo video tapes. You could also have a NICAM decoder fitted, ready to receive stereo broadcasts of TV programmes.
Beovision LX models had Bang & Olufsen’s powerful Teletext module fitted as standard. However, for the Beovision L2802 and L2502 models, this was left out. This was the only difference between the LX2802 and L2802 models.
Beovision L2502 had a 63cm screen; the specifications were the same as the 66cm model.
There were no fussy buttons to spoil the clean looks of Beovision L2802. You controlled it entirely with the Beolink 1000 remote control terminal. Only a discreet red light told you that the TV was ready and awaiting your commands. The flat-square 66cm picture tube gave you a clear, undistorted view, even if you were not sitting right in front of the screen. Bang & Olufsen’s own VisionClear system regulated the colour balance 50 times a second, and in variable light conditions the picture always looked good, with automatic contrast regulation and the contrast screen.
As specialists in good sound, Bang & Olufsen are always very particular about loudspeakers. That is why both Beovision LX and L models incorporated a special bass-reflex speaker system, giving you genuine hi-fi quality to enhance your stereo video tapes. You could also have a NICAM decoder fitted, ready to receive stereo broadcasts of TV programmes.
Beovision LX models had Bang & Olufsen’s powerful Teletext module fitted as standard. However, for the Beovision L2802 and L2502 models, this was left out. This was the only difference between the LX2802 and L2802 models.
L2502 had a 63cm screen; the specifications were the same as the 66cm model.
Beolink 1000 was Bang & Olufsen’s entry remote control terminal, released in 1986. Its bigger brothers were the two-way Beolink 5000 and Beolink 7000 terminals. It originally came in a number of guises: released in 1987 was Terminal A, followed by Terminal V and then Terminal AV. Their purpose was to control the audio section of various hi-fis (Terminal A); the video sections (Terminal V) and combined functions (Terminal AV).
Beolink 1000 won the ID Award in 1986.
From the Commander to the Beolink 1000 – a leap in ideas
Beomaster 2400’s new element was the Commander – the remote control – which no High-Fidelity producer had even dreamed of making before. In America, 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.
Bang & Olufsen’s idea was not to supply remote controls for its systems, it was to provide the user with easier operation – to put the entire selection of sound and picture in users’ hands. Although today, this is perhaps self-evident, this was not the case at the time. Nobody had so far dared to pursue such an obvious concept. It did not take long for the idea to take root. Soon afterwards, all Bang & Olufsen’s systems enabled the user to operate the system from a commander.
The Bang & Olufsen Idea Group insisted that users should be able to operate the commander with one finger on one hand, the thumb. This was vastly different from the commanders manufactured by other producers where the many buttons meant that the user had to hold the commander in one hand, the manual in another while the index finger of the third hand pressed the button selected by the eye.
The concept was dubbed ‘the feel commander’. This meant that the TV could be operated by the thumb on one hand – almost as if the user was feeling his way through a new type of Braille, allowing the eye to concentrate on the essential, the picture.
The culmination of the development of the idea of a ‘total commander’ came in 1985 when David Lewis designed a Beolink terminal where the user, without using his eyes, could control picture, sound and light by applying a slight pressure of the thumb. Incredibly, it could be used in all the rooms of a house. This later system, known as Beolink®, eventually incorporated most of Bang & Olufsen’s audio and video products.
The Beolink 1000 family of remote controls is made up of four unique products; all similar in appearance, but each was brought out at a different time, for a variety of differing functions. First there was the Audio Terminal (or ‘A Terminal’). This was then followed by both the ‘Video Terminal’ (used by Beovisions LX2800 and LX2500) and then the ‘AV terminal’. Lastly was the Beolink 1000 as we recognise it today. Both of these latter Terminals are shown above.
The Audio and Video Terminals are similar in appearance to each other. However, they both accommodate different sets of buttons. With both these controls the bottom plate is stamped to differentiate them as either an Audio or Video Terminal. Size-wise, both Terminals are around 1,5cm shorter than a (current) Beolink 1000 Terminal.
Beolink 1000 Mk III was the last model produced and does not include a ‘turn’ button. To turn over the tape of your Beocord cassette deck, press SHIFT + SOUND.
In order to access ‘Balance’ press SOUND twice and then use the volume up and down to adjust.
To alter ‘Treble’, press SOUND three times and adjust in the same manner; for ‘Bass’ press SOUND four times.
To save your new settings, press SOUND and then STORE.
In comparison, the AV terminal is about 1cm longer than a Beolink 1000. The AV terminal could operate both audio and video and again was released before Beolink 1000. All three Terminals were black and dark grey coloured.
With Beolink 1000 (introduced in 1986), there have been six models. Beolink 1000 Mk 1 and 2 were also black and dark grey. The Mk 1 version would not work with light controllers such as LC1. However, Mk2 could, by simply pressing SHIFT + LINK more>>
Since its introduction in 1986, the Beolink 1000 family of remote controls has been able to control all subsequent Bang & Olufsen products – both audio and video. Beo4 is a direct descendant of these remote controls, together with its (former) smaller brother, Beo1.
Most infra-red remote controls work on a 40KHz carrier. Only Bang & Olufsen and a handful of Sony and Kenwood products use 455KHz as the carrier frequency. This more powerful frequency allows the Terminals to command products from a greater distance and often, it is not a requirement to ‘fire’ them directly at the items’ sensors.
Beolink 1000 was Bang & Olufsen’s entry remote control terminal, released in 1986. Its bigger brothers were the two-way Beolink 5000 and Beolink 7000 terminals. It originally came in a number of guises: released in 1987 was Terminal A, followed by Terminal V and then Terminal AV. Their purpose was to control the audio section of various hi-fis (Terminal A); the video sections (Terminal V) and combined functions (Terminal AV).
From the Commander to the Beolink 1000 – a leap in ideas
Beomaster 2400’s new element was the Commander – the remote control – which no High-Fidelity producer had even dreamed of making before. In America, 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.
Bang & Olufsen’s idea was not to supply remote controls for its systems, it was to provide the user with easier operation – to put the entire selection of sound and picture in users’ hands. Although today, this is perhaps self-evident, this was not the case at the time. Nobody had so far dared to pursue such an obvious concept.
It did not take long for the idea to take root. Soon afterwards, all Bang & Olufsen’s systems enabled the user to operate the system from a commander.
The Bang & Olufsen Idea Group insisted that users should be able to operate the commander with one finger on one hand, the thumb. This was vastly different from the commanders manufactured by other producers where the many buttons meant that the user had to hold the commander in one hand, the manual in another while the index finger of the third hand pressed the button selected by the eye.
The concept was dubbed ‘the feel commander’. This meant that the TV could be operated by the thumb on one hand – almost as if the user was feeling his way through a new type of Braille, allowing the eye to concentrate on the essential, the picture.
The culmination of the development of the idea of a ‘total commander’ came in 1985 when David Lewis designed a Beolink terminal where the user, without using his eyes, could control picture, sound and light by applying a slight pressure of the thumb. Incredibly, it could be used in all the rooms of a house. This later system, known as Beolink®, eventually incorporated most of Bang & Olufsen’s audio and video products.
The Beolink 1000 family of remote controls is made up of four unique products; all similar in appearance, but each was brought out at a different time, for a variety of differing functions. First there was the Audio Terminal (or ‘Terminal A’). This was then followed by both the ‘Terminal V’ (used by Beovisions LX2800 and LX2500) and then the ‘Terminal AV’. Lastly was the Beolink 1000 as we recognise it today. Both of these latter Terminals are shown above.
The Audio and Video Terminals are similar in appearance to each other. However, they both accommodate different sets of buttons. With both these controls the bottom plate is stamped to differentiate them as either an Audio or Video Terminal. Size-wise, both Terminals are around 1,5cm shorter than a (current) Beolink 1000 Terminal.
Beolink 1000 Mk III was the last model produced and does not include a ‘turn’ button. To turn over the tape of your Beocord cassette deck, press SHIFT + SOUND.
In order to access ‘Balance’ press SOUND twice and then use the volume up and down to adjust.
To alter ‘Treble’, press SOUND three times and adjust in the same manner; for ‘Bass’ press SOUND four times.
To save your new settings, press SOUND and then STORE.
In comparison, the Terminal AV is about 1cm longer than a Beolink 1000. The Terminal AV could operate both audio and video and again was released before Beolink 1000. All three Terminals were black and dark grey coloured.
With Beolink 1000 (introduced in 1986), there have been six models. Beolink 1000 Mk 1 and 2 were also black and dark grey. The Mk 1 version would not work with light controllers such as LC1. However, Mk2 could, by simply pressing SHIFT + LINK more>>
Since its introduction in 1986, the Beolink 1000 family of remote controls has been able to control all subsequent Bang & Olufsen products – both audio and video. Beo4 is a direct descendant of these remote controls, together with its (former) smaller brother, Beo1.
Most infra-red remote controls work on a 40KHz carrier. Only Bang & Olufsen and a handful of Sony and Kenwood products use 455KHz as the carrier frequency. This more powerful frequency allows the Terminals to command products from a greater distance and often, it is not a requirement to ‘fire’ them directly at the items’ sensors.
The sound reproduction achieved by Bang & Olufsen’s CD 3500 CD player was truly outstanding. It played both 12cm and 8cm compact discs and had an ingenious ‘step’ function which allowed you to go straight to a chose track selected from anywhere on the disc. The CD player was one of the most technologically-advanced pieces of hi-fi on the market at the time and yet was one of the easiest to operate. The explicit display always indicated what the CD player was doing all the time – for example, which track was being played, and how many tracks there were on the played compact disc.
Beogram CD 3500 could be used as part of the Beosystem 3500 hi-fi system.
