Release Date: 2003

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BeoCom 4

Bang & Olufsen BeoCom 4

“BeoCom 4 is a new cordless telephone which distinguishes itself through simplicity and ease of operation. It has at its disposal all essential operations such as a combined redial and last-caller list and built-in telephone book and is nonetheless is easy & intuitive to use via the familiar user-friendly BeoCom 6000 telephone book wheel. With excellent B&O sound quality the voice of the caller is so naturally reproduced that you recognise it immediately. Design and sound quality complement each other making BeoCom 4 comfortable to use even for long calls. “

Features:

BeoCom 4 is a cordless telephone based on simplicity, ease-of-use and no-nonsense functionality. It has all relevant functions, such as a combined redial list, Caller ID list and Phonebook. Operation and installation is simple: just plug it into a telephone socket and it’s ready to use. All functions can be easily and intuitively accessed using the innovative wheel along with four extra keys. These are located on the handset for easy access by the user’s thumb, the ‘clear’ key lies separately to ensure quick access. Only the most relevant telephone functions, Phonebook, Caller ID and Redial are excluded. Eight ringtones are available to choose from.

BeoCom 4’s excellent sound quality is produced by the interaction of an innovative loudspeaker unit with digital sound processors. The voice on the other end of the line is reproduced in a more sophisticated and authentic way. The phone’s stylish, cylindrical shape blends well with any environment and both the handset and base units are manufactured from robust materials with three different metal-pigmented colours. This phone was introduced as a ‘budget’ cordless (DECT) model. However, because it is not GAP-compliant, users are not able to use it in conjunction with the other two ‘system phones’ -BeoCom 2 and BeoCom 6000. BeoCom 4 can thus only be used as a ‘stand alone’ phone.

BeoCom 4 – Press Release February 2003

[I]Straight talk in focus – New BeoCom 4 cordless telephone offers simplicity in daily use Building on the belief that less sometimes is more, the new BeoCom 4 cordless telephone puts straight talking and no-nonsense functions in focus. Standing upright, this two-component handset and base combination offers convenient plug-and-talk functionality. One handset, one base, one easy setup. Just connect to your telephone outlet and the mains and you’re in business. “The BeoCom 4 handset weighs only 120 grams and operation takes place primarily through the raised wheel located on the handset. Just turn the wheel with your thumb, and leaf simply and easily through the BeoCom 4’s built-in Phonebook and Calls list. Once found, the press of a single button allows you to call whomever appears in the illuminated display”, explains Peter Eckhardt, Managing Director of Bang & Olufsen Telecom.

Standing strong – together or apart

Asymmetrically divided into two halves, the BeoCom 4 base and handset offer a high level of design-wise interaction. Placed together, the two components form an upright cylinder, standing tall. When apart, these two components offer two separate, fully functioning visual identities. “High-quality sound reproduction from the built-in loudspeaker is ensured by a combination of Bang & Olufsen skills in acoustics and advanced digital signal processing. We strive to ensure that you experience the caller’s voice as clearly as you do when you speak face-to-face,” continues Eckhardt. Utilising the DECT cordless telephone standard, the user may travel with his or her BeoCom 4 up to 300 meters outdoors or 50 meters indoors from the base without losing functionality or a drop in sound quality. The optional extra belt clip with headset provides a very high degree of cordless, hands-free freedom. The headset, consisting of a loudspeaker and microphone, is built upon the same design idea as Bang & Olufsen’s A8 earphones, where individual adaptation to each user is in focus. The handset is ergonomically designed with the aim of being pleasant to hold, even during long phone calls. Moulded in high-quality ABS plastic, the BeoCom 4 features a smooth and durable surface, ensured by an extensive UV lacquering process, which produces a highly scratch-resistant surface.

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BeoCom 2500

Bang & Olufsen BeoCom 2500

With BeoCom 2500 means of communication couldn’t be simpler. The display on the phone allows you see the caller’s number, the time of the call and even the caller’s name if it’s listed in the 121-number memory. And if you can’t get to the telephone, or just don’t want to be disturbed, BeoCom 2500 can act as a passive answering machine registering the numbers of the last 24 callers.

BeoCom 2500 also has optional volume control for recent B&O AV equipment and is available in a good choice of bright and bold colours.

BeoCom 2500 features:

  • The display informs you of the duration of a call and gives status information on the functions available
  • All primary functions are available directly from the keypad of the BeoCom 2500
  • the ultra-light handset weighs only 115 g and is comfortable to use even during the longest conversations
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BeoCom 1600

Bang & Olufsen BeoCom 1600

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.

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BeoCom 1

Bang & Olufsen BeoCom 1

BeoCom 1 – introduced October 2003 for the North American market – follows the classic BeoCom 6000 line and was launched in October 2003. The phone represents the best features that a DECT telephone can offer. With its GAP capabilities up to eight handsets can share the one base; the phone may easily be used to create a complete telephone and intercom system around the home or small office. Like BeoCom 6000, BeoCom 1 is available with both a table top charger as well as a wall- mounted version.

Its features include an LCD screen readout as well as a comprehensive 200-name and telephone number memory phone book. If your telephone company offers you caller ID (available as a chargeable option), the telephone number is given together with a name, if this is stored in the phone book.

BeoCom 1 has a full two lines’ capability which enables the user to hold a 2-line conference call or a three-party telephone conversation. Ear Set 1 may be used with the telephone to offer privacy.

You can use BeoCom 1 with the dedicated EarSet 1 Home hands-free kit. By connecting these earphones and mouthpiece to your phone you can enjoy total hands-free flexibility. EarSet 1 has the same exceptional sound quality of any Bang & Olufsen telephone and can be adjusted to the most comfortable individual fit. There are both left and right ear versions available and one for your mobile phone as well.

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BeoCord V8000

Bang & Olufsen BeoCord V8000

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.

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BeoSound Ouverture

Bang & Olufsen BeoSound Ouverture

“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

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BeoCenter 1

Bang & Olufsen BeoCenter 1

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.”

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BeoLink PC2

Bang & Olufsen BeoLink PC2

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.

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BeoLab 3000

Bang & Olufsen Beolab 3000

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.

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BeoLab 2500

Bang & Olufsen BeoLab 2500

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.