Last May, Tue announced a new "product category" will be introduced in August 2011 and now Tue will announce a new "corporate strategy".  Why is there a change in message or does it all mean the same thing?

It seems certain, there will be a Beosound Air.  Beyond that, I have no idea.

Maybe I don't seem to understand the idea of an entry level TV below the cost of the Beovision 8.  What would this new TV have to offer which would make it so compelling besides cost?  The big box stores have many low priced TVs with more features.  Any ideas?

a 50% cut in prices on their tv's would certainly help

£9k for a 46" tv ? lol

Evan wrote:

I have never felt the need to dress up in order to browse my B&O shop. 

There's a different culture in the UK. It's somewhat like Bond Street for me. As much as I've loved to, I won't go in to places like Loro Piana, which has a locked door, a security guard and darkened windows. I walk past, but have never gone in (so far). Just feel out of my depth. Even though I'd probably only ever by a v-neck jumper, which is "affordable" (just), it's just the nature of the people in the store. Not the sort of place you'd go in cargo shorts, as an example.

I guess younger people feel the same about B&O stores. In the States, people have more confidence in themelves and their ability. In the UK, young people tend to be less self-assured.....unless they are in groups. As we've seen this week :(

linder wrote:

Maybe I don't seem to understand the idea of an entry level TV below the cost of the Beovision 8

Am I dreaming this, or did someone here say the BV8 was due to be discontinued long term? My dealer mentioned that they thought the BV8 wouldn't be around long term, when I was at the store this lunchtime. They thought the BV10 would be the primary TV and that the BV11 would be a lower cost (plastic?) version of the BV10 design. Speculation, I guess.

Wo Moxxey, yes it would be pretty cool if the BV11 looked like the BV10.  Must admit, I won't miss the BV8 or even the BV7.

Yep, i've been in many B&O showrooms and I agree, they aren't the kind of place that you merely walk around - or at least that's the impression that they give off - they are kind of a bit old fashioned, a bit snooty but for no reason.  A good comparison could be like comparing BMW & MINI showrooms.  Same company. BMW very business like inside and not really warm and welcoming. The MINI showroom next door has brighton walls, music pumping out, bright yellow MINI espresso cups, a fridge with glass door showing an array of stylish labelled drinks.  The place is funky to match the car and attracts a young, affluent crowd! It's a pleasure to be in the place.

B&O products are quite funky but have a bit of a dowdy image now. I don't know whether it's the 'upped' prices or if it's just because they are a little 'behind' with the times.

Paul Winn wrote:

A good comparison could be like comparing BMW & MINI showrooms.  Same company. BMW very business like inside and not really warm and welcoming.

I agree. I remember walking in to the BMW store to ask about the Z4. Sales person looked me up and down and decided I wasn't serious and simply said "9 months minimum" and didn't bother trying to flog me anything else. Then told me to go on the BMW website and see if I could find a Z4 with delivery mileage!

I did go in to the Brioni store in Mayfair a few months ago. Sweet Jesus, did I feel out of place! Again, a locked door, salesmen dressed like city bankers and suits that are way out of my price range (I have a few Brioni shirts). Unlikely to ever return, even though if they pushed hard, I'd be tempted with a single suit. They didn't push. Got the impression they weren't worried if I decided to leave...

For many guys in their 20s, I guess my Brioni experience is their B&O experience. Or that's how they think it will be.

I think B&O needs two things - a market growth strategy and a revamped retail strategy, at least from my experience in North America. The stores are completely uninviting, and once you make it through the door you are either mostly ignored by the sales people, or there is a general lack of willingness/intelligence to provide any details. If i am spending $20K for a MacIntosh system, as an example, I will likely be talking to someone who understands the product inside out, and knows how to deal with someone who has the means to spend this type of money. This is not the B&O sales experience. 

I must say my experience in Europe was very different (and positive).

moxxey wrote:

Evan wrote:

I have never felt the need to dress up in order to browse my B&O shop. 

There's a different culture in the UK. It's somewhat like Bond Street for me. As much as I've loved to, I won't go in to places like Loro Piana, which has a locked door, a security guard and darkened windows. I walk past, but have never gone in (so far). Just feel out of my depth. Even though I'd probably only ever by a v-neck jumper, which is "affordable" (just), it's just the nature of the people in the store. Not the sort of place you'd go in cargo shorts, as an example.

I guess younger people feel the same about B&O stores. In the States, people have more confidence in themelves and their ability. In the UK, young people tend to be less self-assured.....unless they are in groups. As we've seen this week :(

Well the store just off bond street closed- even they could not entice wealthy customers. Still 'another' strategy will be revealed but rather worryingly, since the new ceo was appointed we see the same pricing madness taking place; how can B&O charge ever increasing prices, when the technology they are based on is collapsing in price.

You might recal the previous 'strategy' entry level TVs and yet these cost 7-9K for mediocre performance.

And some posters on here wanting the 9000 to stay in the range- ok its an icon but its time to move on after 20 years!