BeoCom 1600 was a tabletop telephone which combined a modern design with ease of use and was the same telephone as the BeoCom 2400 but without the alpha numeric memory functions. It however, did have the normal numeric memory functions. Using this phone was easy.
As with all other Bang & Olufsen telephones, BeoCom 1600 was equipped with a bass reflex speaker giving clear and easy recognisable voices. An infra-red module was available as an optional extra, giving the user the ability to control the volume on other Bang & Olufsen audio and video products. It was designed by the Swiss industrial designer Martin Iseli.
The vertical placement of the BeoCom 1600 handset made it easy to answer a call. Making a call was equally simple due to the position and curved surface of the keypad. The ultra light handset ensured that even long telephone conversations never seemed tiring.
Design
Reach out to towards BeoCom 1600 and enjoy a telephone that was simple to understand and easy to use. The ultra light handset weighed only 115g – which made it comfortable to hold even during the longest of conversations. The intelligent layout of the sloping keypad also ensured that your fingers moved intuitively and easily from button to button and from function to function.
Features
With BeoCom 1600’s built-in memory you could store the 10 telephone numbers you used the most and enjoy quick one-button access to them. As well as a volume control that allowed you to adjust the sound level during a call, BeoCom 1600 also offered a built-in loudspeaker function and the possibility to mute the microphone in the handset.
Colours
There was a choice between black, blue, red, yellow, green, terracotta, and grey.
A/V Control
With an optional A/V volume control incorporated into BeoCom 1600, you could adjust the sound on your Bang & Olufsen audio-video products directly from the telephone.
BeoCord V8000 video tape recorder matched the Beovision MX range of Bang & Olufsen televisions in looks as well as performance.
You could store a channel on the Beovision MX TV and it was automatically communicated to the V8000. Recording was a simple matter of selecting the programme directly from Teletext using the Beo4 remote control. It could be positioned by using one of the stands as part of a Beovision TV.
BeoCord V8000 rewound a three-hour tape in 95 seconds and it shifted from fast forward to play in a split second.
Other features included NTSC stereo playback. Looks-wise it embodied a black fascia with a choice of cabinets in pearlescent shades of blue, green, red, grey and black, plus glossy grey and glossy white.
People who consider the world their home shouldn’t be restricted from true Bang & Olufsen solutions.
With Bang & Olufsen earphones and the new BeoSound 2, it’s easier than ever to bring music with you. BeoSound 2 is our version of a light and pocket-friendly digital music player that allows you to enjoy hours of your favourite music when you’re on the move – without compromising on quality” B&O Catalogue 2001 – 2002
With BeoSound 2 you can download up to four 5 compact discs’ worth of music (depending on bitrate) and listen to it wherever you are, thus freeing up the hard drive of your home computer. It has a form and size that sits easily in the hand and in the pocket – and with no internal moving parts you never have to worry about knocks and vibrations ruining the musical experience.
The unit is made to be moved and built to last. Manufactured in hard-wearing stainless steel and firm rubber, it has been designed to withstand all the knocks that portability can throw its way. The keypad can be locked when on the move and with no internal moving parts, jogs and bumps will never interrupt the playing of the recorded music.
BeoSound 2 has been designed for transferring Internet-downloaded MP3s or music tracks that you have created yourself, into its solid-state memory for later playback through the supplied pair of A8 Earphones. Its built-in battery gives the user between 2 and 4 hours’ worth of uninterrupted use; the batteries should last for around 8 hours before they need recharging by placing BeoSound 2 into its specially-designed docking station. This special station provides the connection to a computer and acts as a convenient power charger for the player. Its 128 MB SmartMedia memory card (which may be expandable to 256MB) allows you to download up to 4 albums’ worth of music; the card itself may be reused as many times as you like. BeoSound 2 also plays back AAC and WMA-compatible files.
With simple and straightforward Bang & Olufsen operation, you can step easily from track to track and between different play lists. However, there is no display on the unit. Bang & Olufsen has made BeoSound 2 so simple to operate that you don’t need to look at it while in use. The intuitive layout of the keypad ensures that everything can be carried out with a thumb.
You can adjust the volume, step up or down through tracks or switch between different play lists – without ever having to take BeoSound 2 out of your pocket. And to make operation even easier, its one-touch control has been combined with a series of sounds that guide the user through each operation. In the same way, a light indicator on the docking station gives you the current status on the different functions including battery recharging.
BeoSound 2 is created to be used together with BeoPlayer and Beolink® PC2, but will also function with Windows Media Player. However there is no point having a product that will last for years if its software is outdated in a matter of months. That’s why Bang & Olufsen has ensured that future software updates may be downloaded via the official BeoPlayer Web site. In March 2006 BeoSound 2 had an updated software version: 2.5, which allows for easier downloading to its SD card and also allows the use of a 2 GB card.
As from late 2002 BeoSound 2 may also be used by Mac users.
BeoSound Press Release – June 2002
Music on the move from Bang & Olufsen – Portable BeoSound 2 always on hand
Bang & Olufsen takes another step into the digital music world with the introduction of BeoSound 2, a pocket-friendly digital music player. As with the successful Beolink® PC 2 concept, BeoSound 2 draws upon the computer as a source for musical entertainment and allows you to enjoy your MP3 files in a myriad of environments.
Navigation at your fingertips
Fitting comfortably into the palm of your hand, you navigate simply between tracks or adjust the volume in your accompanying Bang & Olufsen earphones without ever needing to glance down. Utilising a minimum of buttons, BeoSound 2 provides you with both audible and tangible feedback during operation.
The smooth stainless steel cabinet and absence of sharp edges allow BeoSound 2 to slip comfortably into your pocket – and prevent it from disturbing you when you’re on the move.
“Digital music has proven itself to be an important player in today’s world of musical entertainment. BeoSound 2 harnesses the strengths of these file formats and combines them with Bang & Olufsen skills within ease of use, craftsmanship, design and sound quality. Whilst physically small, the BeoSound 2 experience is large – where integration with additional Bang & Olufsen products plays an considerable role”, says Bang & Olufsen President & CEO Torben Ballegaard Sørensen.
The concept
“BeoSound 2 is a shining example of how Bang & Olufsen puts the user situation ahead of industry hype. We aim to provide simplicity and clarity in the otherwise swirling sea surrounding Internet music, just as we do in the field of home entertainment” continues Sørensen.
Automatic organisation
BeoSound 2’s musical experiences take place in close co-operation with BeoPlayer, Bang & Olufsen’s Web music organiser, which can be downloaded free of charge to a computer from the Bang & Olufsen Web site.
BeoPlayer automatically sorts all your digital music by artist, genre, song title and album title, as well as allows you to create your own specially composed play lists. Just drag-and-drop your songs from BeoPlayer to BeoSound 2, and you are on your way out the door.
Future-safe
Two-way communication between BeoSound 2 and the computer allows BeoSound 2’s software to be updated simply and easily. In this fashion, BeoSound 2 endures as an up-to-date and relevant music player, benefiting from the rapid evolvement of the Internet-based music arena.
Additionally, the stainless steel cabinet takes on an appealing patina the more it is used, gaining character from sharing the pocket with keys, coins and the like. BeoSound 2’s robust construction supports Bang & Olufsen’s commitment to quality and ensures a long physical lifetime.
Music included
Six pre-recorded music samples are included on the 128 Mb SD memory card that accompanies BeoSound 2. Approximately four hours of tunes may be contained on this size card, and additional cards may be purchased separately.
Out of the office
Furthermore, your digital music can also be moved about in your home with Bang & Olufsen’s Beolink® PC 2, which utilises your computer as a source in a Beolink® system. BeoPlayer again takes care of all file organization, providing you with identical operation whether in the home office, kitchen or on the go.
BeoSound 2 XSD Update (June 2004)
From 14 June 2004 the product specifications of BeoSound 2 will be changed. To allow customers greater freedom in the selection of memory cards, as from 14 June 2004, BeoSound 2 will be delivered without the standard 128 MB SD card. However, three higher capacity cards may be bought from Bang & Olufsen – 128MB, 256MB and 512MB – although BeoWorld recommends that customers shop around for other more economical, equally-compatible SD cards. A8 Earphones come as standard accessories to use with BeoSound 2 XSD
“BeoSound Ouverture: the design may be a Bang & Olufsen classic, but BeoSound Ouverture and BeoSound 3000 refuse to rest on their laurels. Access to new musical sources and fresh loudspeaker options ensure that the concept remains an open invitation to make something special out of your music” (B&O catalogue 2001 -2002)
This stereo has two different names: BeoSound Ouverture in Europe and BeoSound 4000 in the rest of the world. This is the only stereo system, so far, to support the new MasterLink system without any add-ons. It’s really a follow up to the Beocenter 2500 which was the first and original stereo with this somewhat different look. Along with the launch of this unit in 1991 (as the BeoSound 2500) Bang & Olufsen also started selling the new remote control – Beo4. The difference between the Ouverture and Beocenter 2500 is that the newer model doesn’t feature two-way communication and it has instead a completely new CD mechanism. It also holds some new features when it comes to the CD. But the most important difference is the MasterLink connection. With this system you can connect the unit to, for example, a BeoLab 2000 or BeoLab 3500 without any further electronics. Reach out and the doors glide quietly aside, while a gentle light spreads from within. It’s BeoSound Ouverture’s way of saying, “welcome” and part of the experience every time you put on a new tape or CD. CD player with programming, tape recorder with auto reverse, FM/AM radio with pre-set, timer function, optional Beo4 remote control operation, connections for Beolink® and headphones, optional wall bracket and floor stand. BeoSound Ouverture’s unassuming rubber key pad hides a contact foil, which, in turn, covers a matrix of vertical and horizontal cords. When a control is pressed, the cords connect and the microprocessor is activated.
Design
Music is more than just something you listen to, it’s an emotion you experience. So isn’t it time your favourite music was played on something that lets it express itself to the full? BeoSound Ouverture stands up and invites you to make something special out of your music – over and over again.
Features
Bring new life to old CDs by changing their track sequence with the Random Play function. Or programme it to skip over any unwanted tracks and to play the ones you want in the order you prefer. Transferring the music of a CD onto tape doesn’t have to mean poorer quality. The Ouverture constantly monitors and adjusts the signal during any recording to ensure a uniform sound level throughout – and will automatically stop recording when the CD finishes playing. There’s room for up to 30 pre-set stations on the Ouverture’s intelligent AM/FM radio.
So how do the sliding glass doors work?
The glass doors on the BeoSound 3000 and BeoSound Ouverture are opened and closed by steel wires driven by an electric motor via a gearbox. The motor is triggered by an infrared system that detects your approach… Why wake up to an annoying alarm clock when it could be your favourite piece of music instead? The timer function on the Ouverture can be programmed for the entire week and will automatically turn itself off again after playing for any length of time you choose.
Specials
Just raise a hand and watch as the glass doors glide silently aside. It’s the Ouverture’s way of saying “welcome” and reveals that a special experience is about to begin. Of course, a simple on/off button would do, but then what would be so special about that?
Easily Placed
It’s a dream come true – a music system that can fill your life with music without filling your home with equipment. The flat upright design of BeoSound Ouverture means that it’s slim enough to sit by itself upon the narrowest shelf or light enough to be hung directly on a wall with a pair of loudspeakers.
Use
With its mix of glass and aluminium, the Ouverture grabs the attention without shouting out loud. Its compact size and visual presence ensures that it enhances rather than dominates the surroundings in which it’s placed – which makes it the perfect audio system for the home and place of work. The stereo can also be controlled by the optional Beo4 remote control.
Mounting Options
This classic design was reincarnated over a 21 year period with various mounts and stands. Floor stands were available with a pole stand or CD and tape storage, wall mount solutions allowed for the Hi-Fi only, or with BeoLab2500 speakers until these were discontinued
BeoCenter 1 combines a state-of-the-art TV, a superior-quality DVD player and an intelligent FM radio in one product, and lets you control everything with a single, easy-to-use remote control – the Beo1.
With its impressive picture quality and powerful active speaker system, Beocenter 1 provides total entertainment in a minimum of space. And the integration doesn’t end with the technology. With six strong colours and five diverse stands – all with motorised turning – to choose from, Beocenter 1 can easily be assimilated into any setting.
In a world full of choices, Bang & Olufsen has already made the best ones for the consumer – and put it all at the command of a four-buttoned Beo1 remote control – the remote control unit dedicated to both Beovision 1 and Beocenter 1.
However, as from October 2002, both Beovision 1 and BeoCenter 1 were delivered with Beo4 remote control instead of Beo1 which was discontinued. In January 2003 a Dolby Digital Surround Sound kit will be available for both these TV models.
BeoCenter 1 is able to read and play DVD-R and DVD-RW discs.
BeoCenter 1 – Press Release 2000
” Bang & Olufsen announces the newest addition to it’s product portfolio. In combining an FM radio, a DVD player, a 25″ TV and a pair of active loudspeakers, BeoCenter 1 offers experiences as yet unmatched on the marketplace. Featuring appealing design and simple operation, the product also has the flexibility to fit in anywhere.
In continuance of the Beovision 1 concept, launched in November of 1999, the key features of BeoCenter 1 remain focused on versatility, simplicity and uncompromising picture and sound quality.
With the new BeoCenter 1, Bang & Olufsen is taking account of the varying needs of consumers when it comes to usage of audio and video equipment in the home. “
Different uses
Bang & Olufsen’s second compact A/V product (the first was BeoCenter AV5, launched in 1997), BeoCenter 1 features an elegant and unmistakably B&O design that makes its presence known, while astonishingly remaining discreet. And a wealth of the company’s long-standing values and innovative finesses lie packed in beneath the surface.
A combined A/V solution like this represents a whole new way of living with these different media – at least in modern times. But look back a few decades and radiograms and combined TV/gramophone units were de rigueur. Back then the TV was the altar at which the family congregated. But as the TV came to play a less dominant role in the home, so consumers rejected large combined systems in favour of smaller, individual audio and video products – thanks in part to new technology requiring less space.
Goes anywhere
Now the combined solution is back with a vengeance – but in minimalist guise, expressed through a design with an emphasis on flexibility rather than dominance.
BeoCenter 1’s flexibility stems primarily from a choice of five unique placement possibilities: from floating almost magically out from the wall, to sitting on a more traditional floor stand, to standing tall on a 160 cm column. Utilising the built-in motor, BeoCenter 1 can also be turned to face in different directions, simply and intuitively operated with the Beo1 remote control.
Externally, BeoCenter 1 offers a truly colourful experience. It is available in six different colours: green, black, yellow, blue, red and grey. This finishing touch helps ensure that BeoCenter 1 blends into any home interior.
But for a A/V centre to blend in absolutely anywhere, it needs to look good from every angle – not just head-on. So a lot of time was spent on making BeoCenter 1 look good from the back too – wave goodbye to gaping sockets and ungainly cable holders.
Furthermore, an A/V centre that goes anywhere also needs to produce a picture that looks good anywhere. BeoCenter 1’s automatic contrast, brightness and colour control means superb picture quality in more or less any light. Add the standard anti-reflection coated contrast glass to the 25″, 4:3 format screen, and the amount of incoming light is reduced by almost 99%, when compared with ordinary front glass.
To top it all off, the sound is rather special too. Two powerful active loudspeakers once again make Bang & Olufsen’s acoustic competencies heard loud and clear. Topping out at 96 dB stereo, the sonic experience remains true to the Bang & Olufsen goal of natural reproduction of sound.
Integrated DVD player
Surprising, intelligent, magical and discreet are some of the words of praise attracted by the DVD player. The DVD tray glides out like a tongue beneath the TV screen and naturally you get all the functions you would expect from a DVD player: Instant access to any particular film episode, pictures in studio quality and a thrilling sound experience.
Built-in FM radio
Seamlessly integrated into the compact cabinet of BeoCenter 1, the FM radio features 59 programme presets and a standard Radio Data System (RDS) module. The RDS module allows the user to see the name of the radio station in the display, provided the broadcaster transmits the proper identification signal.
Personalised Channel Groups
Another major innovation is that each user can create his or her own personal group of up to 18 TV channels (terrestrial, satellite and cable) and radio stations. Again this is in the name of simplicity – it can be hard to keep track of the rapidly increasing number of TV channels available. Another option is to have subject groups rather than personal groups – like sports channels or movie channels. Up to eight different channel groups can be created.
Simplicity even extends to remote control
The Beo1 remote control is a miniature sculpture completely unlike its traditional counterparts, in that it features a built-in base so that it can stand upright on the table. And with only a few buttons, it is also striking in its simplicity – one of the themes in BeoCenter 1. All system components are operated by using the Beo1. Simply navigate through the simple options on the display beneath the TV screen.”
As the boundaries between life and work blur, the computer is becoming more than just an information tool – it’s also a growing source of entertainment.
While others focus on bits, bytes and software updates B&O concentrates on possibilities. For Bang & Olufsen the challenge is about creating a link between the real and virtual world to give you options you never until now thought possible. Digital music stored on the computer can now be accessed throughout the home via Bang & Olufsen’s Beolink® system.
Combining Bang & Olufsen’s logical principles of operation and the successful BeoPlayer concept – Bang & Olufsen’s free MP3 player – Beolink® PC2 allows customers to extend the potential of their PC and receive additional enjoyment out of their Beolink® system. Twenty years of experience within distribution of sound and picture makes this integration between these two worlds possible.
It works like this: BeoPlayer has organised all your music on the PC in different categories such as artist, genre, album, etc. This means that you can access your entire collection of music just press N.MUSIC on the Beo4 remote control and the music starts playing through the loudspeakers in the room where you are placed.
You are able to record all you CD’s to your PC also with the Beolink® PC2, which means that you can have your entire music library stored the same place, but be able to access it from anywhere around the house.
If you want to improve the sound performance of your Internet music in the room where your computer is placed, a pair of BeoLab 4000 active speakers combined with Beolink® PC2 will turn your computer into an excellent music system. Furthermore, if you want to be able to remote control your Internet music, just add a Bang & Olufsen Beo4 remote control and an IR-receiver to your setup.
Whereas the music found on the computer may be distributed throughout the home, all other sources in your Beolink® system (Radio, TV, Satellite, DVD, VHS, etc.) can be accessed and operated via the on-screen Beolink® PC 2 control bar in the home office.*)
Tuner cards
To show video sources on your PC, you must have a Beolink compatible tuner card in your PC. For the moment, the following cards are compatible (Please check back on this site for latest updates on compatible tuner/graphic cards):
Beolink PC2 (From software version 3.10)
ATI All In Wonder 9000 and 8500, USA
ATI ALL-IN-WONDER 9600 PRO 128MB DDR
Hercules or Sapphire All In Wonder 9000 and 8500, EU
Hauppauge WinTV PCI-FM Model 747 (Pal B/G/I)
Hauppauge WinTV PCI-FM Model 628 (SECAM)
Hauppauge WinTV PCI-FM Model 401 (NTSC)
Hauppauge WinTV PCI-FM Model 647 (Pal I) UK
ATI ALL-IN-WONDER® RADEON Type: AGP Memory: 32MB DDR RAM
ATI ALL-IN-WONDER® RADEON Type: PCI Memory: 32MB DDR RAM
ATI ALL-IN-WONDER® 128 PRO Type: AGP Memory: 32MB RAM
BeoLink PC2 was renamed BeoPort from November 2005.
Quality loudspeakers provide well-modulated sound expression, and at the same time a visual personality that also commands attention. Bang & Olufsen’s BeoLab 3000 and Beovox 3000 loudspeakers had both the voice and the looks for a leading, acoustic role. Because of their thin shape, they became known as Panel loudspeakers.
Panel loudspeakers were one of the most exciting examples of how Bang & Olufsen united advanced technology and stunning design to achieve totally new effects. They didn’t look like high specification loudspeakers,, but their sound gave them away. Even at full volume they kept the total sound picture in perfect balance.
The elegant, flat loudspeakers were designed to be hung on the wall. And with their calm surfaces of blue or grey fabric coupled with beautiful, polished steel they looked like works of art presented in their own right. The idea of the panel speakers was based upon an advanced, acoustic principle that uses the wall as an active part of the sound reproduction, without causing the wall itself to vibrate.
They were available with or without amplifier and display showing which source was playing, at what volume, and which track number on a CD or tape you were listening to.
With display and amplifier the panel, speakers were called BeoLab 3000. Without, they were known as Beovox 3000.
The options depended on which Bang & Olufsen sound system was connected. You obtained maximum utilisation from Beosystems 6500, 4500, 3500 and Beocenters 9500 and 8500.
Why build amplifiers into the loudspeakers instead of keeping them separate?
Because you can reduce the size of the cabinet volume to one-third of the size of a conventional loudspeaker with the same sound capacity.
The principle is called Active Loudspeakers, and what you get is a compact loudspeaker that can play at high volume without distortion or damage to its drive units. Furthermore, when amplifier, treble and bass units are paired for the same task, they can be tailored to compensate for each other’s shortcomings. What you hear is music that sounds exactly like the instrument it originally came from.
Mounting Options
Wall mounting brackets were supplied with this model. No other mounting solution wall offered.
Bang & Olufsen’s preferred supplier for brackets and stands, STBbrackets, have made a range of solutions specifically for this model. Distributed throughout the World by the Bang & Olufsen store network, the STB options add to the diversity of mounting options and positions available.
»Wall Mounting Brackets
Wall Bracket for BeoVox & BeoLab flat panel speaker range
WB3000 has been introduced to meet a growing demand to mount Bang & Olufsen flat panel speakers to the wall. The bracket (sold as a pair) is a faithful reproduction of the original which was supplied with the speakers. These beautiful speakers can now be installed on to the wall, where they are a genuine and authentic Bang & Olufsen statement.
BeoLab 2500 are active loudspeakers designed to match the BeoSound Ouverture and the BeoSound 3000. With their built-in amplifiers, they sound as if they’re three times their size. Hang them on the wall or place them on bookshelves.
They match both the Beocenter Ouverture and 3000 (previous to this they were used with both the BeoSound 2300 and 2500 music systems) with perspective and clarity, despite their modest dimensions. The explanation of the wide sound lies in the built-in amplifiers in each cabinet: one for bass and one for treble, so that they never have to compete for the same amplifier.
Features:
BeoLab 2500 are active loudspeakers with 2 built-in power amplifier modules to combine with the current (2002) BeoSound 3000 and BeoSound Ouverture. As speakers for the BeoSound 2300 and 2500 music systems, they were available in Blue Lapis, Black Granite, Red Garnet, Green Malachite, Yellow Dolomite and Silver Galena. However, new metal frets were introduced at the end of 2001. From the previous replaceable cloth fronts, they are now manufactured in pearlescent aluminium (see below). These new perforated metal frets presently come in 5 different colours – natural aluminium, black, blue, green and russet to match those of BeoSound 1.
“When it comes to sound reproduction we believe there’s only one relevant parameter: How close can we come to the originally recorded sound. We feel an obligation not to disturb the intentions of the artist by adding unnatural elements to the acoustic image. Therefore all Bang & Olufsen loudspeakers share the same goal. They differ in size and shape and in terms of sound pressure level. But they are all developed to reproduce the natural, unaltered sound as closely as possible ” – Bang & Olufsen catalogue 2001 – 2002
Adaptive Bass Linearisation
Adaptive Bass Linearisation (ABL) is a process patented by B&O and is incorporated in BeoLab loudspeakers. The idea is to use the surplus capacity in amplifiers and driver units, arising by normal listening levels, for a bass extension – a sound reproduction with more bass, than the loudspeaker otherwise would be able to produce.
The function is adaptive. This means that the loudspeaker adapts to the signal it receives. Loudspeaker drivers are therefore fully exploited, without suffering mechanical or electronic abuse, and the built in amplifiers are not subjected to signals would otherwise create an overload situation.
ABL gives stunning bass reproduction considering the size of the loudspeaker in which it is incorporated, under normal listening levels.
Mounting Options
BeoLab2500 were originally mounted to the HiFi with wall bracket 2087 or physically separated and mounted onto furniture as a bookshelf option.
Providing the ultimate true-to-life sound experience, BeoLab 1 will open your eyes and ears to what a loudspeaker should look and sound like.
“BeoLab 1 is for everyone who has a heart for superior sound. You can turn your stereo up as loud as you want and still experience music the way it was meant to be. ” The quality of a loudspeaker has never only been about its ability to play loudly. What’s just as important is being able to hear the finest nuances in your favourite piece of music – regardless of whether you’re listening at the highest or lowest volume level. As our most powerful loudspeaker, BeoLab 1 will fill the largest room in your house with a sound that’s as close to the original as you can possibly get ” – B&O catalogue 2001 – 2002.
“When it comes to sound reproduction we believe there’s only one relevant parameter: How close can we come to the originally recorded sound. We feel an obligation not to disturb the intentions of the artist by adding unnatural elements to the acoustic image. Therefore all Bang & Olufsen loudspeakers share the same goal. They differ in size and shape and in terms of sound pressure level. But they are all developed to reproduce the natural, unaltered sound as closely as possible” – Bang & Olufsen catalogue 2001 – 2002.
Eye-opening sound
If the sounds you listen to, reflect the mood you’re in, then BeoLab 1 is an invitation to express yourself to the full. Behind the elegant design lies a powerhouse of sound technology that can enhance the best of movies or take your favourite piece of music to new heights. BeoLab 1 will, quite simply, open your eyes and ears to what a loudspeaker should look and sound like.
Unique cabinet
Three years of the toughest research and development have produced a loudspeaker at the cutting edge of acoustic technology. The BeoLab 1 cabinet is divided into three individually sealed units, utilising vibration-damping materials normally only seen in the car industry. The built-in amplifiers powering each unit are calibrated and customised to ensure a uniform performance in the soundscape that’s created
Top line loudspeaker
BeoLab 1 delivers the purest, clearest sound ever heard from a Bang & Olufsen loudspeaker. With aural reproduction as close as you can get to the original, it allows you to distinguish each instrument playing in an orchestra and every word of a song. A single continuous piece of aluminium forms the rigid backbone of BeoLab 1. Strong enough to withstand the powerful vibrations, its curved design also eliminates any sharp edges or joins that could compromise sound quality.
Why build amplifiers into the loudspeakers instead of keeping them separate?
Because you can reduce the size of the cabinet volume to one-third of the size of a conventional loudspeaker with the same sound capacity. The principle is called Active Loudspeakers, and what you get is a compact loudspeaker that can play at high volume without distortion or damage to its drive units. Furthermore, when amplifier, treble and bass units are paired for the same task, they can be tailored to compensate for each other’s shortcomings. What you hear is music that sounds exactly like the instrument it originally came from.
Adaptive Bass Linearisation
Adaptive Bass Linearisation (ABL) is a process patented by B&O and is incorporated in BeoLab loudspeakers. The idea is to use the surplus capacity in amplifiers and driver units, arising by normal listening levels, for a bass extension – a sound reproduction with more bass, than the loudspeaker otherwise would be able to produce.
The function is adaptive. This means that the loudspeaker adapts to the signal it receives. Loudspeaker drivers are therefore fully exploited, without suffering mechanical or electronic abuse, and the built in amplifiers are not subjected to signals would otherwise create an overload situation.
ABL gives stunning bass reproduction considering the size of the loudspeaker in which it is incorporated, under normal listening levels.
ICEPower®
BeoLab 1 also makes use of Bang & Olufsen’s innovative ICEPower® technology. With practically no electric power loss and a greatly reduced cooling space, the new, compact digital power amplifier allows the bass unit in BeoLab 1 to produce a sound far beyond the dimensions of the cabinet.
The speaker with many names
“When the concept for BeoLab 1 was decided on almost two years ago, there was a lot to live up to. The loudspeaker project changed names several times during the process. First it was called Loudspeaker 8, then 12, 14, X and finally 15. Later on the commercial name BeoLab 1 was chosen.
From the start it stood tall at two metres. Then it was reduced by a few centimetres to the present 1.84m. Nonetheless, BeoLab 1 is actually only half as large as the Penta in terms of physical volume and only three times larger than the BeoLab 8000. The basis for the development work was to create a loudspeaker which delivers perfect sound in terms of tonal balance and authentic reproduction, with compactness of expression but also high sound pressure, which is easy to integrate with the design and furnishing of the home and which can be placed anywhere. It was truly a great challenge to achieve all this in one and the same loudspeaker.
There was no doubt that sheer amplifier power was needed to replace high volume. However, this also entailed a risk that a loudspeaker might burn up. So the department designed a completely new protective circuit which automatically turns down the amplifiers in extreme conditions, to reduce the heat in the loudspeaker units. So there is no risk of it burning off. BeoLab 1 also features ICEPower®, which is a revolutionary new Bang & Olufsen technology entailing high energy savings due to the low heat development.
Robust, sound craftsmanship
Another difficult problem to solve was that it had to be possible to adjust the loudspeaker to any room, to achieve the optimum listening experience. This is a question of avoiding too much bass when the loudspeaker stands in a corner and too little bass when the loudspeaker stands freely. The solution is the option to adjust the loudspeakers manually to give the same tonal range, no matter where they are placed.
Throughout the production process the loudspeaker is developed to ensure simplicity at every production stage. So this is an extremely robust, soundly crafted, product.
Hermetically sealed
During the process the department received a nasty shock, however, when they carried out the first tests in a hot, humid environment. The loudspeaker just would not function when it was released from the artificial tropical paradise at the Struer site. A new trial was run and the same thing happened. Now the department’s engineers were sweating as much as the loudspeaker had done in the heat cabinet, until it was discovered that the temperature had been turned up an excessive 15 degrees Celsius and the humidity by 3% more than the already very stringent test requirements. So when the loudspeaker was opened, the water practically flowed out of it.
It must have entered as steam, the same designer states today and cites an example of how a BeoLab 1 was shipped as air freight to Singapore. On its arrival, faults were found in the mid-range loudspeaker where the membrane had subsided inwards. The simple explanation was that the cabinet behind the mid-range unit was so impermeable that it could not equalise the changing air pressure during the flight. So the solution was to make a small hole in the mid-range cabinet, to avoid this problem.
Difficult cabinet process It is not the intention to adjust the cabinet to excess. It is the largest aluminium profile B&O has made so far and in fact one of the largest in Europe within high-gloss alloys. In practice, the profile consists of a very fine surface which due to its size is very difficult to manufacture without flaws. However, using specially manufactured equipment technicians have managed to achieve a polish which is both beautiful and perfect.
The process is difficult, however, primarily because the profile is both flat and round. This in itself makes the polishing work difficult.
Sheer force and true to nature
Despite its complexity the BeoLab 1 has a shorter production time than the Penta. One reason is that the entire amplifier section is received ready-assembled from a sub-supplier in Scotland, but according to B&O’s design and instructions. Furthermore, the technology is generally very compact. Engineers have devoted a lot of time and resources to this work. However, the investment is expected to be recouped via faster, more effective production.
If you ask three of the men behind it – Villy Hansen, Poul Praestgaard and Henrik Sjostrand – to say what is most wonderful about the BeoLab 1, they all agree that its supreme quality is that when the user listens to music, he or she will forget to listen for the bass, mid-range tone and descant, but simply enjoy the music. Nobody remembers that the sound is emitting from the loudspeakers. Another aspect is the interplay between form and function. It lives up to what its appearance promises, even the great expectations of the sound experience created by its height. in addition to this comes its sheer force, the high precision of the bass and the authentic reproduction, as well as the simple and robust structure, which is also to the satisfaction of the customer setting up the loudspeakers.
“It really is the best ever. It cannot be followed, and we have to say that an era is now over. We have quite simply completed the portfolio as it stands today. Now we have to use other methods to surprise. Idealand has been working on this and we will be back” the acoustics team state.
Now they are all waiting in great anticipation to see whether the demand for Penta continues, even though it is no longer produced. As was the case with the BeoLab 5000, of which an American recently ordered 30 sets. When told that production had long since lapsed, he asked quite seriously what it would cost to start it up again.
Taken from Beolink magazine 7, 1999
Superior sound quality
What does sound look like? What colour does it have? At Bang & Olufsen, we believe it should be as clear and precise as possible, but that doesn’t mean it has to be invisible. With BeoLab 1 sound makes a statement. It takes our pursuit for natural sound reproduction to a new level and delivers the ultimate true-to-life audio experience. We believe it’s the purest sound ever heard from a Bang & Olufsen loudspeaker. Since no two loudspeaker units have exactly the same physical characteristics, we calibrate them individually to make certain that the sound of each and every BeoLab loudspeaker leaving the factory is identical
Performance
To ensure an optimal performance every time you listen to it, a BeoLab loudspeaker constantly “fine-tunes” the signal received from the sound source before distributing it out to the separate bass and treble power amplifiers
Appearance
Using aluminium for the cabinets is not just about looking good. Despite a thickness of only a few millimetres, it’s a remarkably strong metal that’s easily shaped to eliminate the problems normally experienced with loudspeakers made by traditional materials
Colours
Once the surface has been polished until it shines like a mirror, it’s dyed and given a tough ceramic coating that seals and protects the coloured exterior. The 5 strong colours match with the existing Bang & Olufsen range, and have been carefully chosen to compliment any environment in which they’re placed. Choose between silver, blue, black, red or green (1999 – 2003 range).
” Absence can be the most expressive form of presence. Especially when it comes to designing a truly user-friendly remote control. Beo1 works together with Beocenter 1 and Beovision 1 to give you maximum freedom from a minimal number of buttons. The succinct Beo1 works in all directions and will lead you directly to a personalised on-screen menu holding all your favourite programmes. The perfect balance enhances usability, and polished aluminium completes the experience ” (B&O catalogue 2001 – 2002)
Beo1 remote control: ‘Aesthetically yours’
Beo1 is especially for the Beovision 1 and Beocenter 1 televisions. It is made from one piece of aluminium and is a natural aluminium colour. The main functions of both these TV receivers can be controlled using the unit; a display button can be stepped through in order to control the radio, DVD or TV in Beocenter 1. The Setup options for both TVs may be controlled using this remote control, too… the smaller brother of Beo4.
” Standard remote controls are unsightly plastic objects with too many buttons. Bang & Olufsen took the hard and the outstanding new way of shaping a modern material. Aluminium plates and profiles give new experiences to the consumer and high challenges for the designers and engineers. The functionality in combination with light weight, elegant design, durability and recyclability is of a very high standard. The machining of the basis, a hemispherical formed plate, was done on a lathe and attached to the rotating fixture by a film of frozen water.
Using the modern hydroforming technique for the organic cabinet part and sophisticated surface treatments as anodizing and grinding, gives the Beo 1 the modern but almost timeless look. Fitting the parts together, modern structural bonding techniques where used. The human experience is the centre of all efforts to ensure the fit between design and technology. The goal to realize a very friendly and a easy to use remote control in combination with a functional and elegant design was reached. “
Beo1 (with only 11 buttons) and banana-shaped cordless telephone – BeoCom 2 – are made of 100-percent polished aluminium. “We polish the round shapes with a 5-axis robot arm,” says B&O spokesman Mr. Mortensen. “We want the naked aluminium because that makes the visual difference. Bare aluminium is very touch-sensitive: if a part has a fingerprint on the surface it cannot be anodized and cannot be used (in that case, it’s recycled). And to achieve the colours we want, our designers had to acquire special anodizing knowledge.”
Plastic-free surface on remote control units
“Surface treatment is very important to Bang & Olufsen. It affects not only the appearance but also the feel of a piece of equipment” states Technology Director Peter Petersen. “A product is created to be used, and you can’t do that without touching it.”
“A Bang & Olufsen terminal – or remote control – must sit nicely and comfortably in the hand. So we don’t coat it with plastic. A plastic terminal somehow doesn’t feel as genuine as ours. And gets hot and sweaty, too. After a great deal of work on the choice of materials we have selected zinc for all our terminals. It sits well in the hand and is pleasant to touch. The heat from the hand is conducted away, so the terminal never feels clammy. In design terms, this choice represents an extra form of quality.”
Bang & Olufsen terminals, of course, are not just attractive to the eye and pleasing to the hand. User interface is in fact one of Bang & Olufsen’s main concerns, where technology is really put in the service of humankind. Through logic operations, in fact, B&O’s remote control units make life with the product a pleasant experience.
Beo1 was discontinued in the autumn of 2002 when Beo4 was used for Beovision 1 and Beocenter 1 in place of its smaller brother.
Beo1 wins top aluminium award
On 21 September 2000 in Essen, Germany, the Beo1 remote control won first prize at the Aluminium 2000 Conference.
Beo1 captured the title within the Consumer Products division up against a sea of other entries, including our own BeoLab 1 and BeoCom 2. Grounds for the selection of our newest remote control include utilising technology with innovative twists to ensure that the human experience is optimised. Never compromised.
These innovative processes include structural bonding by freezing, lightning-quick milling and flawless hydroforming – all of which yield a smooth, seamless cabinet.
The Aluminium 2000 conference was organised by The European Aluminium Association, with the goal of recognising outstanding competencies in aluminium processing.
Beo1 is the concept dedicated remote control for the Beovision 1 concept and was launched at the end of 1999.”
Handing it intuitively to Bang & Olufsen: a history of remote controls
Bang & Olufsen’s first remote control came on the market in 1974. That year, Bang & Olufsen launched two products, each with a remote control of the same design. It was the size of a small cigar case and had a steel top plate. These two remote controls, which were not integrated, were the Beovision 6000 Commander and the Beomaster 6000 Commander. The TV remote control allowed the user to select programmes and picture quality from the comfort of an armchair. The remote control for the stereo enabled the user to control a four-channel sound system.
Before too long remote controls became smaller, in the form of Beovision 6002’s Beovision Control Module. The buttons on its surface were designed so that you could use the remote control without looking at it. Those for turning down a setting were shaped to curve downwards, while the buttons for turning up a setting curved upwards.
The following Video Terminal was cast in zinc so that heat was conducted away from the palm of the hand. This remote control, which used an infrared beam, was launched in 1980. It was quite narrow, with a keypad that both resembled and functioned the same way as the buttons on a telephone. This was another way of helping the user to operate the remote control without looking at it. This version introduced additional buttons for operating Teletext TV.
The following year, Bang & Olufsen added functions for operating video recorders and a new version of the Beovision Control Module. System integration had advanced to the point of sharing a remote control between the Beovision 8800 and Beocord 8800 Video.
The next generation of remote controls arrived when it became necessary to transfer more operating information that, for purely technical reasons, could not be incorporated into a single remote control. Now sound could be transferred between the television and the stereo system. This became possible with the combination of a video terminal and an audio terminal into an AV Terminal – the forerunner of Beolink 1000 – in 1985.
In 1987, all audio, video and audio/video remote controls were integrated into one unit with the Beolink 1000. Since then, Bang & Olufsen has pursued a strategy of only having one remote control for all products – most recently with Beo4, which is capable of operating all products. Beo1 is a minor exception to the strategy. It only operated Beocenter 1 and Beovision 1 and was intended for a new customer segment, which it did not completely succeed in capturing. For this reason, it was replaced by the Beo4 from autumn 2002.
In general, Bang & Olufsen’s development of remote controls can be summed up in a simple concept: Intuitive use. It is important to be able to adjust sound and picture from wherever you may be in the home. Accordingly, Bang & Olufsen has chosen simple functions – and that, of course, also has implications for the design of the remote control. It’s easy enough to pack a lot of buttons and functions into a remote control, but Bang & Olufsen has chosen a simple operational philosophy for the customer.
Beo4 has relatively few buttons, but it can retrieve a lot of information if required. That is what you call quality. Since the development of the first remote control cast in zinc, the company’s remote controls have had a certain intrinsic weight. This helps to give a sense of quality. Last but not least, the remote control is renowned for having a long range. You don’t have to get into a special position to communicate with the system. Once you have the remote control in your hand, you are ‘in total command’.
