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.
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.
The last word in a fine story, the MX4200 looked modern at its introduction despite being modelled on an 18 year old design. A testament to the vision of David Lewis.
Beovision MX4200 is a 52cm 4:3 television set, and is based on an updated chassis of Beovision MX4000/4002. It has the same design line as the previous MX model range but includes the following improvements:
Improved picture quality
16:9 format handling
Set-Top Box Controller as standard
Camcorder connection
Theft protection
MasterLink module (optional)
RF Modulator (optional)
Part numbers for Beovision MX4200:
MX4200 1813123 1813122 1813124 1813125
MX4200 with MasterLink 1813083 1813082 1813084 1813085
MX4200 with ML & RF Modulator 1813103 1813102 1813104 1813105
Motorised Wall Bracket 1408966
Accessories for Beovision MX4200 include the following:
BeoVision MX8000 – original concept endures while technologies change
“Whereas the MX TVs we produce today look the same on the outside as those we produced in the mid-1980s, they are completely different on the inside”, states Torben Ballegaard Sørensen, Bang & Olufsen President and CEO.
BeoVision MX8000 is a 66cm (viewable screen) television and was introduced in October 2002 as a replacement for BeoVision MX6000 and MX7000.
Based around the BeoVision 1 chassis, BeoVision MX8000 is brought up-to-date with the following options: Master Link (either as Master or Slave), RF Modulator (if used as Beolink® master), Set-Top Box Controller (with full on-screen graphics), Anti-Reflex coated contrast screen and Dolby Digital Surround Sound (including DTS). A camcorder connection is placed below the screen where the manual control on previous MX televisions was situated.
Big sound
In 1984, when the MX range was introduced with BeoVision M20 (the forerunner of BeoVision MX2000), TV sound was produced by passive log-line loudspeakers, producing either stereo or mono sound. Whether coming from a television programme or VHS, Betamax or Video 2000 VCR, it was only experienced as coming from the TV itself. Today, multi-channel surround sound systems provide enveloping sonic experiences in the home. Back then the user listened to two 7-watt speakers in the TV itself. Today six powerful active speakers are becoming more and more popular.
In 2002, important dialogue emerges from the powerful active loudspeakers which, following the original MX design, are sill located directly below the screen. Thanks to Bang & Olufsen’s active loudspeaker technologies, BeoVision MX 8000 delivers a sound pressure level capable of equalling many hi-fi systems. Multi-channel sound experiences covered too, as the build-in multi-channel digital surround sound module allows the connection of several external BeoLab loudspeakers, such as the BeoLab 8000 or BeoLab 6000. Big bass effects remind you of a trip to the cinema once you’ve connected a BeoLab 2 subwoofer, an 850-watt low-frequency producer to highlight the thrills and spills of a large-screen auditorium.
Features & placement:
“With the BeoVision MX range, television becomes a versatile feature that assimilates into your home and lifestyle.”
BeoVision MX makes TV a discreet part of your interior decoration. Uncompromising sound and picture quality come as standard. With the BeoVision MX range, television becomes a versatile feature that blends into your home and lifestyle.
BeoVision MX TVs fit where they’re wanted. BeoVision MX 8000 is ideally suited for standing alone or being used on a motorised stand.
Sound Quality
TV sound is driven by powerful 40 watt active stereo loudspeakers.
Surround sound
The Dolby® Digital surround sound module is a new optional feature that allows the MX 8000’s existing speakers to act as centre channel in a surround sound setup.
Connections
Connections to Bang & Olufsen’s DVD 1 and Beocord V8000 VCR are undertaken simply and easily; BeoVision MX 8000 also features the ability to serve as a Beolink® master, distributing sound and picture throughout the home. Operation takes place via the Beo4 remote control.
There are three placement options – a stand (with optional shelf for DVD 1 or Beocord V8000 – as in above picture), a motorised floor stand and a motorised base. It also has its own in-built stand to tilt back the set (as in BeoVision MX4000/4002).
BeoVision MX8000 Press Release – October 2002
Bang & Olufsen launches 18-year old TV – Original concept endures whilst technologies change
“The device appears as a well-formed cabinet from the front. From the rear, the encapsulation of the picture tube is so well done that the device may be enjoyed from all angles. The stacked-build of the device makes it possible to place it in a corner… Technically it contains many new functions, including the integration of a contrast screen that reduces disturbances from incoming light.”
So wrote The Danish Design Council when presenting their 1986 ID prize for exceptional design to David Lewis and Bang & Olufsen for the BeoVision MX 2000. Launched in season 1984/85 as BeoVision M20, the basic conceptual elements of the BeoVision MX exist virtually unchanged today.
Now in 2002, many similar words could be used when describing the 30th member of the BeoVision MX family, BeoVision MX 8000. The 28″ model features the latest technologies of today within sound and picture reproduction; including an optional 5.1 channel digital surround sound module and Bang & Olufsen’s own VisionClear system.
Sharp picture
On the screen, the blue waters and green rainforests of the tropics appear as truly blue and green, rather than shades of a similar colour. Bang & Olufsen’s patented picture quality elements, known collectively as VisionClear, ensure your visual experience contains the correct balance of sharpness, brightness, saturation and black level, allowing you to enjoy the programme instead of fiddling with the settings. The optional anti-reflection coated contrast screen, mounted in front of the picture tube, reduces the amount of incoming light by up to 99%, ensuring that you’re not disturbed by unwanted shadows or reflections.
Possibilities provide freedom
Another central element to the MX concept is modularity. Numerous placement, connection and build-in possibilities combine to offer a large degree of freedom within the same concept. Either standing freely on the floor, placed on a dresser or on a motorised stand, your BeoVision MX 8000 can show up where you prefer, rather than dictating where it should be placed.
Connecting to Bang & Olufsen’s DVD 1 and Beocord V8000 videotape recorder takes place simply and easily, and BeoVision MX 8000 also features the ability to serve as a Beolink® master, distributing sound and picture throughout the home in B&O’s popular distribution system. Operation of all products takes place via the Beo4 remote control.
ACCESSORIES – TV/Video Stand/Brackets:
BeoVision MX8000 motorised base (Part no 1407311)
ACCESSORIES – TV/VIDEO:
BeoVision MX8000 DSS module (Dolby Surround Sound) (Part no 1400501)
The updated version of Bang & Olufsen – from Vision to Legend – incorporating products from year 2000 onwards as an addition.
The book has a White cover with Metallic Silver logo, and a limited number of copies were personally signed by Jens Bang himself. A very desirable book.
The widescreen BeoCenter 6 LCD television is available in 23” and 26” versions. Both come custom-fitted to match your needs. For example, you could have built-in FM and DAB radio in the compact 6-23 in your kitchen and Surround Sound and DVB-S modules in a 6 – 26 used for watching TV in a small living room or a bedroom. Or you could mix and match. Your ‘second television room’ just became the place to be. The integration of picture and sound in the compact cabinet creates a simple and elegant plug-and-play television concept.
Gorgeous from good morning to good night
The handcrafted cabinet of the BeoCenter 6 speaks volumes about the dedication that went into its creation. The sleek lines of the BeoCenter 6 blend in anywhere in your house. Both in your kitchen, drinking your morning coffee, or in your bedroom – enjoying the late night comedy before you go to sleep. The elegant aluminium front and frame are available in a selection of dashing colours as well as discrete aluminium, black and dark grey versions. Using its special digital input, BeoCenter 6 can function as a spectacular computer monitor that would take pride of place in any room, especially if matched with the compact BeoLab 3 or BeoLab 4 loudspeakers in striking red or blue – or perhaps the golden anodised aluminium of BeoLab 4000.
Fewer boxes. More TV and radio
The new BeoCenter 6 takes intelligent integration to a new level and introduces DAB radio options together with a TV for the first time ever. When you are listening to the radio, the screen can display available programme information. Equipped with wake-up timer and timer play the BeoCenter 6 makes the perfect choice for a second room television. A selection of wall mounting brackets and stands are available for versatile placement. The motorised floor and table stands can be controlled from the Beo4 remote control, turning the TV 35° to each side. In addition, the tilt mechanism means easy adjustment of the television up and down on the vertical axis.
The definitive BeoLink screen
BeoCenter 6 can function as a stand-alone television, or as the second-room TV in a BeoLink setup. You can enjoy all sources from the main room on the BeoCenter 6, such as DVD, digital music, etc. For instance, you can watch satellite TV in your bedroom on your BeoCenter 6 – 23, even though the satellite receiver is in your living room. BeoCenter 6 can also be used as an ‘audio link master’ that lets you access the radio function from other rooms, if linked to a pair of BeoLab speakers.
True Bang & Olufsen picture and sound
The BeoCenter 6 uses the best LCD screens available, and has been further improved with Bang & Olufsen VisionClear picture technologies, which are implemented in all TV solutions from Bang & Olufsen. Whenever BeoCenter 6 is switched on, VisionClear adjusts the image automatically in relation to light conditions in the room. Within seconds, the TV automatically adjusts contrast levels, brilliance and colour to match the light conditions at any given time. BeoCenter 6 – 23 utilises a compact one-way loudspeaker system, and BeoCenter 6 – 26 a two-way system, slightly more powerful to match the larger screen size and longer viewing and listening distances. The digital surround sound module available for BeoCenter 6 – 26 provides a digital surround sound experience in any setup with BeoLab loudspeakers. The television´s loudspeakers will in this setup function as a powerful centre speaker.
The new BeoCenter 6 takes intelligent integration to a new level and introduces DAB radio options together with a television for the first time ever. One of the best LCD screens available has been further improved with Bang & Olufsen’s own VisionClear picture technologies, to ensure the best possible picture in all situations.
When BeoCenter 6 is switched on, these picture-optimising technologies adjust the image automatically in relation to light conditions in the room. Within seconds, the television automatically adjusts contrast levels, brilliance and colour to match the current light conditions – and will carry on doing so until the television is switched off again.
BeoCenter 6 can function as a stand-alone television, or as the second-room television in a BeoLink setup. In the latter case, you can enjoy all sources from the main room on the BeoCenter 6, such as DVD, digital music, etc. BeoCenter 6 can be used as an ‘audio link master’ that lets you access the radio function from other rooms, if linked to a pair of BeoLab speakers.
Four placement options help BeoCenter 6 fit in, even in the smallest of spaces. The motorised turning function on the floor and table stand is controlled from the Beo4 remote control, and turns the television 35° to each side. In addition to this, the tilt mechanism means easy control of the television 13° up and down on a vertical axis.
The widescreen and high-definition ready LCD monitor is available in 23” and 26” versions. The integration of picture and sound in the compact cabinet creates a simple and elegant plug-and-play television concept. Connections for earphones, external entertainment sources, and BeoLab loudspeakers, are combined with digital interface for computers (DVI) – making the BeoCenter 6 the perfect companion for both work and entertainment.
When the FM radio, which is standard in the 23” version and optional in the 26” version, or the DAB radio feature, which is optional in both, is switched on, available radio text information rolls across the screen. A factory fitted wake-up timer supports the radio functionality still further.
BeoCenter 6 – 23 utilises a compact one-way loudspeaker system, and BeoCenter 6 – 26 a two-way system, slightly more powerful to match the larger screen size and longer viewing and listening distances. The digital surround sound module available for BeoCenter 6 – 26 provides a digital surround sound experience in any setup with BeoLab loudspeakers. The television’s loudspeakers will in this setup function as a powerful centre speaker.
Mounting Options & Stands
The tilt table mount was available for counter top mounting, designed to allow the bass port on the underside of the TV to ‘breath’. Motorised floor and table stands were complimented by a wall mount bracket which gave manual tilt and turn.
The widescreen BeoCenter 6 LCD television is available in 23” and 26” versions. Both come custom-fitted to match your needs. For example, you could have built-in FM and DAB radio in the compact 6 – 23 in your kitchen and Surround Sound and DVB-S modules in a 6-26 used for watching TV in a small living room or a bedroom. Or you could mix and match. Your ‘second television room’ just became the place to be. The integration of picture and sound in the compact cabinet creates a simple and elegant plug-and-play television concept.
Gorgeous from good morning to good night
The handcrafted cabinet of the BeoCenter 6 speaks volumes about the dedication that went into its creation. The sleek lines of the BeoCenter 6 blend in anywhere in your house. Both in your kitchen, drinking your morning coffee, or in your bedroom – enjoying the late night comedy before you go to sleep. The elegant aluminium front and frame are available in a selection of dashing colours as well as discrete aluminium, black and dark grey versions. Using its special digital input, BeoCenter 6 can function as a spectacular computer monitor that would take pride of place in any room, especially if matched with the compact BeoLab 3 or BeoLab 4 loudspeakers in striking red or blue – or perhaps the golden anodised aluminium of BeoLab 4000.
Fewer boxes. More TV and radio
The new BeoCenter 6 takes intelligent integration to a new level and introduces DAB radio options together with a TV for the first time ever. When you are listening to the radio, the screen can display available programme information. Equipped with wake-up timer and timer play the BeoCenter 6 makes the perfect choice for a second room television. A selection of wall mounting brackets and stands are available for versatile placement. The motorised floor and table stands can be controlled from the Beo4 remote control, turning the TV 35° to each side. In addition, the tilt mechanism means easy adjustment of the television up and down on the vertical axis.
The definitive BeoLink screen
BeoCenter 6 can function as a stand-alone television, or as the second-room TV in a BeoLink setup. You can enjoy all sources from the main room on the BeoCenter 6, such as DVD, digital music, etc. For instance, you can watch satellite TV in your bedroom on your BeoCenter 6 – 23, even though the satellite receiver is in your living room. BeoCenter 6 can also be used as an ‘audio link master’ that lets you access the radio function from other rooms, if linked to a pair of BeoLab speakers.
True Bang & Olufsen picture and sound
The BeoCenter 6 uses the best LCD screens available, and has been further improved with Bang & Olufsen VisionClear picture technologies, which are implemented in all TV solutions from Bang & Olufsen. Whenever BeoCenter 6 is switched on, VisionClear adjusts the image automatically in relation to light conditions in the room. Within seconds, the TV automatically adjusts contrast levels, brilliance and colour to match the light conditions at any given time. BeoCenter 6 – 23 utilises a compact one-way loudspeaker system, and BeoCenter 6 – 26 a two-way system, slightly more powerful to match the larger screen size and longer viewing and listening distances. The digital surround sound module available for BeoCenter 6 – 26 provides a digital surround sound experience in any setup with BeoLab loudspeakers. The television´s loudspeakers will in this setup function as a powerful centre speaker.
The new BeoCenter 6 takes intelligent integration to a new level and introduces DAB radio options together with a television for the first time ever. One of the best LCD screens available has been further improved with Bang & Olufsen’s own VisionClear picture technologies, to ensure the best possible picture in all situations.
When BeoCenter 6 is switched on, these picture-optimising technologies adjust the image automatically in relation to light conditions in the room. Within seconds, the television automatically adjusts contrast levels, brilliance and colour to match the current light conditions – and will carry on doing so until the television is switched off again.
BeoCenter 6 can function as a stand-alone television, or as the second-room television in a BeoLink setup. In the latter case, you can enjoy all sources from the main room on the BeoCenter 6, such as DVD, digital music, etc. BeoCenter 6 can be used as an ‘audio link master’ that lets you access the radio function from other rooms, if linked to a pair of BeoLab speakers.
Four placement options help BeoCenter 6 fit in, even in the smallest of spaces. The motorised turning function on the floor and table stand is controlled from the Beo4 remote control, and turns the television 35° to each side. In addition to this, the tilt mechanism means easy control of the television 13° up and down on a vertical axis.
The widescreen and high-definition ready LCD monitor is available in 23” and 26” versions. The integration of picture and sound in the compact cabinet creates a simple and elegant plug-and-play television concept. Connections for earphones, external entertainment sources, and BeoLab loudspeakers, are combined with digital interface for computers (DVI) – making the BeoCenter 6 the perfect companion for both work and entertainment.
When the FM radio, which is standard in the 23” version and optional in the 26” version, or the DAB radio feature, which is optional in both, is switched on, available radio text information rolls across the screen. A factory fitted wake-up timer supports the radio functionality still further.
BeoCenter 6 – 23 utilises a compact one-way loudspeaker system, and BeoCenter 6 – 26” a two-way system, slightly more powerful to match the larger screen size and longer viewing and listening distances. The digital surround sound module available for BeoCenter 6-26 provides a digital surround sound experience in any setup with BeoLab loudspeakers. The television’s loudspeakers will in this setup function as a powerful centre speaker.
Mounting Options & Stands
The tilt table mount was available for counter top mounting, designed to allow the bass port on the underside of the TV to ‘breath’. Motorised floor and table stands were complimented by a wall mount bracket which gave manual tilt and turn.
Bang & Olufsen’s preferred supplier for brackets and stands, STBbrackets, have made a range of solutions specifically for this model including a direct replacement for the tilt table mount. Distributed throughout the World by the Bang & Olufsen store network, the STB options add to the diversity of mounting options and positions available.
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.”
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).
