The smaller version of the Bang & Olufsen ‘Goliath’ Plasma Televisions, the BeoVision 4- 85 featured the latest Panasonic 3D enabled Plasma Screen. Processing was done via the 3D BeoSystem 3 (Type 7711) and to be fair, at the time this was fantastic image quality and motion handling. The panel itself was housed in the rounded frame style of the current (at the time) 50″ and 65″ versions of the BeoVision 4 which gave quite a smooth and slick look.
The default ‘package’ for most Dealers saw the screen sitting on the incredible piece of engineering which was the hydraulic ‘motorised floor stand’ which lifted the screen up and then slightly backwards to reveal the BeoLab 10 Mono Centre Speaker. The BeoSystem 3 and associated cabling was housed behind an MDF cabinet which hooked onto and over the rear. This motorised floor stand was a very theatrical way to turn the TV on, but after spending almost £70,000 on a TV you’d certainly demand some entertaining
BeoVision 12 is a breathtaking, 65-inch television, with an ultra-slim plasma screen and 3D capabilities. The first thing you will notice about BeoVision 12 is that although it is impressive in size, it actually appears thinner than it is. This seeming weightlessness is achieved through a unique optical illusion.
Observe the exceptionally slim, black aluminium frame enveloping the television, and notice what you don’t see. There are no joints or seams interrupting the flow of the frame. This is achieved by imprinting the frame from one large piece of aluminium foil. The result is a seamless, uniform surface that is almost like watching a moving picture on glass.
The integrated centre speaker is placed beneath the screen. The anodised aluminium grill features a curving wave design that includes 5,000 holes in an elegant elliptical shape.
BeoVision 12 fits directly on the wall, with a unique mounting solution. The wall bracket is semi-integrated into the rear cabinet, with the goal of adding miniscule millimetres to the television as it lifts from the wall. The video engine of BeoVision 12 is hidden out of sight, in a cabinet or special room where all external equipment can be tucked away.
BeoVision 12 – Generations
The BeoVision 12 came in two versions during it’s product lifecycle, both being a 65″ Plasma Screen but of differing panel generations. The first Mk1 version was wall-mountable only and used the 3D (Type 7711) version of the BeoSystem 3.
The ‘NG’ Mk2 version utilised the new BeoSystem 4 and used the later generation of Panasonic Plasma Panel. Bang & Olufsen also introduced a new Motorised Floor Stand option for the NG version which was controlled directly by the BeoSystem 4. giving the user the option of turning the screen left and right with the Remote Controller. The stand was supplied with a large panel which affixed to the rear of the plasma panel, within which there was a mount plate to secure to the Floor Stand. The stand itself was very similar to the BeoVision 7-55″ version in looks and dimensions.
The BeoVision 10 is an incarnation of the BeoVision 5 design theme, finally done in the style originally conceived – a TV which emulates a picture in all dimensions – even thickness. The set is a mere 7 cm thick.
A 200Hz panel with edge type LED lighting offers superb clarity, with the advantages of VisionClear added to the mix.
The Beovision 10 – 40″ was the first model in the range of sets designed primarily for wall mounting. To this end, the sets are very slim with a frame design design to accentuate the slimness and lightness of the television.
Sound is provided for by the provision of a 5 way speaker system with twin channels having tweeters and midrange units and a shared bass unit. Special attention has been given to the sound with a tuned bass port provided in such a way that the depth of the television is maintained but that bass performance is up to Bang & Olufsen’s usual standards.
The set offers Full HD (1920 x 1080 pixels) and a comprehensive sets of connections – 2 or 3 HDMI sockets (depending on type) are present and an internal digital connection is also present for the DVB-HD module, which is standard fit on all variants.
The customer merely has to decide which stand option is required, with either a slim 4mm wall mount which allows the set to be angled 45 degrees to either the left or right. Alternatively, a floor stand which is motorised for side to side motion is available with a manual vertical tilt possible.
Mounting Options
When launched, Bang & Olufsen produced a Motor Floor Stand and a simple Wall Bracket using the hinged device seen previously to position the rear of the TV close to the wall.
A late entry into the market but maybe the best sounding, the Beosound 8 benefits from the active speaker technology that B&O has championed for many years. Class D amplification is used for the two way loudspeakers and a placement switch is present which allows free standing, wall or corner settings.
The dock connection allows iPods, iPhones or iPads to be used and the provision of a line in connection allows other devices to attach.
In addition, a mini USB socket allows the customer to connect either a PC or Mac or an Airport Express to allow music to be played from their computer. A special Application written for the iPhone will be available which allows the music library to be browsed and also gives the BeoSound 8 both Alarm Clock functions and Net radio capabilities.
A wall bracket is available or the Beosound 8 can be used as a table top set.
Initially the speaker covers will be either black or white but Blue. Purple , Green and yellow covers will soon be available.
Control will either be via the iPod or with the Beosound 8 remote, which is aluminium. The set is also controllable with the Beo4,5 or 6.
The BeoSound 8 came in two ‘generations’ – the first being the regular BeoSound 8 with the old iPhone 20-pin connector, then the BeoPlay A8 (the ‘A’ standing for ‘Airplay’) which had no connector, but you could add a simple push-fit ‘Apple Lightning Connector’ for later Apple products if required.
“BeoVision 7 is more than just a TV; it’s a complete entertainment system specially created to offer a sound and picture experience far beyond expectations. With its 81cm LCD screen, built-in DVD player and powerful active loudspeaker system, BeoVision 7 offers all the benefits of flat-screen viewing, but with exceptional sound performance as well.”
BeoVision 7 combines both an 81cm LCD monitor with an integrated DVD Player, DSS surround sound module and a dedicated loudspeaker in BeoLab 7-1. The concept emphasises the separation of picture and sound together with a good number of placement options. With BeoLab 7-1 the very highest level of acoustic performance is delivered. BeoVision 7 has a higher display resolution than that of BeoVision 6 – 26: 1366 x 768 (WXGA) pixels against 1280 x 768 pixels of BeoVision 6.
BeoVision 7 may be used as either a stand-alone television set or as a large-screen monitor within a domestic surround-sound system. There are five different stand placement options available to the user:
Mounting Options & Stands
Original Bang & Olufsen stands available at launch included: Fixed position Table Stand, motorised Table Stand, motorised Table Stand, moveable Wall Bracket for TV and Loudspeaker (close or extended versions) and a motorised Floor Stand. A fixed Wall Bracket for BeoVision 7 32 was added to the stand portfolio after launch.
Each of the above options hold both the monitor and the BeoLab 7-1 active speaker; with the exception of the Table Stand, each has the vertical tilt feature.
BeoVision 7 offers the following as standard:
Dolby Digital/DTS Surround Sound
MasterLink Module
Set-Top Box Controller
RF Modulator
Anti-Reflex Coated Contrast Screen
DVI PC input
Part Numbers:
BeoVision 7 – 1816089
Table Stand – 1409766
Wall Bracket – Fixed – 1409511
Motorised Floor Stand – 1409111
Wall Bracket – Moveable – 1409611
Motorised Table Stand – 1409211
