I agree the BL3s should be recast in white - so much nicer and shiny - suitable for a BeoJackdaw or is it BeoMagpie ? oh definetly a magpie :)

And yes to the earlier query it is a white BV8 but wherever it had been was not a clean environment so it needed warm soapy water, a rinse, and a dry 

And vegemite was the Australian answer to Marmite and rumour has it that they considered once calling it "Pa Will" since "Ma Might" (everyone groans at that pun)

link

And as for the Men At Work's Down Under song ... it is a classic, particularly since it is associated in Australian's minds with the first defeat of the America's Cup: 

""Down Under" received renewed attention when it was used as the unofficial anthem for Australia's successful challenge for the 1983 America’s Cup."

I guess I should be carefully at quoting any lyrics here ... so: http://www.songmeanings.net/songs/view/16522/ ...

I said, "Do you speak-a my language?"

He just smiled and gave me a vegemite sandwich 

elephant wrote:

In all the discussions/concerns about the BV7-40 MkIV I deferred my order and bought an ex-demo BV8-32 which was installed on Friday.

The install was achieved by youngest son as I am overseas.  So after many emails, and a few long 'phone conversations we settled on a plan.  My son, Tom, and Sue went out and acquired the necessary extra cables to achieve the following:

Sue emptied out a cupboard, and even did some carpentry, so we could hide all the cabling and bits & pieces:

And then together with the B&O service man they connected everything and powered it all up - voila:

So far they have enjoyed watching TV ("Silent Witness" above), PS3 DVD, PS3 pulling a video file across the wireless network (crashed the  network at one point), music from the BeoSound 4 in the other room (CD, FM, and SD card), and music from the BeoPlayer (in the old compaq laptop).

The great thing about this, apart from it working so smoothly after many hours of planning and preparation, is that Tom has gained a deep insight and appreciation of the technical aspects of B&O.

And a final word of thanks to Tony for coming up with the deal and being so flexible, for Kim for being equally patient and entertaining, and for Gavin who did not realise how we would be pushing the B&O limits on this one.

I know these things are entirely subjective, but as regards the set-up my only reaction is 'oh dear'!

The beautifully designed tv looks like it has been removed from its packing and dumped on to the nearest convenient resting place. 

A 'silver' tv with black speakers, all wiring clumsily visible.

Books & DVDs stacking shelves behind and completely detracting from the beautiful lines of the tv.

More equipment inside the cupboard looking again like it's just found a home out of necessity rather than any overall design or thought process.

Instead of a wiring diagram, I would have thought some time spent studying aesthetics might be more advisable

I could go on, but what a shame!

Sorry if this sound cruel, but it's what I think and I don't wish to be offensive.

[:'(]

kokomo wrote:

A 'silver' tv with black speakers, all wiring clumsily visible.

"I agree the BL3s should be recast in white - so much nicer and shiny - suitable for a BeoJackdaw or is it BeoMagpie ? oh definetly a magpie :)"

I guess then your main issue is the books/dvds etc.... but as you said it is very subjective.

I know when we got our BV 8 32 we chose it because it fit in the space with plenty of wall behind it... The BV8 40 would have been too tall for the space and would have had window ledge behind it. (but that is because we're also quite anal people) 

If it was convenient elephant might remove the shelf behind the TV that distracts from the lines. However... it's not like they are blocking the view or the functionality of the TV... and then there might be the issue of space !

As he mentioned he isn't even home yet so hasn't had a chance to play around with how he would like it !

If it was convenient elephant might remove the shelf behind the TV that distracts from the lines. However... it's not like they are blocking the view or the functionality of the TV... and then there might be the issue of space !

As he mentioned he isn't even home yet so hasn't had a chance to play around with how he would like it !

Personally (and I emphasise personally) I would never for example mount a framed painting on the wall behind and above a television. It wouldn't be blocking the view but just wouldn't be right!

As for your secong point, presumably he approves in principle or the photos wouldn't have been posted.

Anyway, I'm not saying my views are correct, far from it, as I said in my original comment, these things are wholly subjective. We'd all be living in the same surroundings otherwise.

Finally, I'm envious of the new TV! 😎

kokomo wrote:

If it was convenient elephant might remove the shelf behind the TV that distracts from the lines. However... it's not like they are blocking the view or the functionality of the TV... and then there might be the issue of space !

As he mentioned he isn't even home yet so hasn't had a chance to play around with how he would like it !

 

Personally (and I emphasise personally) I would never for example mount a framed painting on the wall behind and above a television. It wouldn't be blocking the view but just wouldn't be right!

As for your secong point, presumably he approves in principle or the photos wouldn't have been posted.

Anyway, I'm not saying my views are correct, far from it, as I said in my original comment, these things are wholly subjective. We'd all be living in the same surroundings otherwise.

Finally, I'm envious of the new TV! 😎

No offense taken :)

Unfortunately the shelf mentioned provides structural integrity and can't be removed !

The original plan was for a BV7-40 and the cupboard/bookcases would have been removed and the BV7 nestled between then other bookcases and framed by some new DVD shelves - my design concept being that the BV7 in operation would look like a painting.  I may even have framed it further with a few pieces of art.

(shameless plug from a proud dad: I bought 10 pieces of

Elephant's installation provides a good example of what many must face: installed casework that, for optimum viewing, must be significantly altered. The proper view panel height (as can be confirmed with an internet search) is at eye level from the viewing position. This position is typically "sitting in a chair" and the view panel height should therefore be between about 20-22" from the floor. Here is a BV8:BL3 set-up in bespoke casework that acheives a proper screen height:

Login to view image

This system was designed from the ground up.... perhaps atypical (ear-level placement of the BL3s was also acheived). But the ergonomics of viewing cannot be denied although many will continue to look upwards and experience strain and discomfort.I continue to be agast at installations of panels above fireplaces, as is quite common in the US.

I will suggest, based on numerous experiences, that Elephant's casework can be easily modified to accomodate a proper viewing height for a cost that should be palatable. As far as the "jumble" in the cabinet below.... so be it as B&O do not have a fully integrated offereing at the moment. In the example above, behind the cabinet doors below the BV8 is a "jumble" of a Tivo, an AppleTV, a cable modem, an airport express, and about 50m of cabling. Very unsightly, and a good use for cabinet doors: hide it!

In reference to the post about the "visual noise" of the surrounding bookcase, I agree that B&O is most strightforwardly placed in a minimalist setting, but it also is well suited to more traditional environments where other, non-contemporary, objects and books are also on display. My design sense appreciates the contrast in styles, particularly if the setting is truly "old".

So, Elephant I think that you should have a few cabinetmakers around to give you estimates. You may be pleasantly surprized.

Affineur wrote:

This position is typically "sitting in a chair" and the view panel height should therefore be between about 20-22" from the floor. Here is a BV8:BL3 set-up in bespoke casework that acheives a proper screen height

<snip>

So, Elephant I think that you should have a few cabinetmakers around to give you estimates. You may be pleasantly surprized.

Thank you !

I must measure the heights when I get home - I suspect the screen will be at almost the correct level - and I shall look at lifting the BL3s so that they are at ear level, or perhaps simply given them a little tilt. 

As regards replacing the Ikea with purpose built cabinets, I would love to !  Our house is 135 years old, and is an example of Victorians trying to be posh: the front two rooms are built of brick to present the best face to the world, the back rooms - hidden from the street - are all built of wood, and about 20 years ago we had them renovated.  So yes what people see in my picture is tired and is cluttered.  It is our intention to remodel the rear of the house one more time, and when we do that we certainly aim to have something as well designed as the environment in your photograph. 

Ed~2

elephant wrote:

Our house is 135 years old, and is an example of Victorians trying to be posh: the front two rooms are built of brick to present the best face to the world, the back rooms - hidden from the street - are all built of wood, and about 20 years ago we had them renovated.

 

That's incredible, when you remember, our country is only approximately 200 years old!

Dave wrote:

That's incredible, when you remember, our country is only approximately 200 years old!

Well... to be technical... Australia is a lot older and before it was 'our' country it was someone elses....

Where are you elephant, Melbourne?

My auntie and uncle have on old terrace house there...

I have a similar plan downstairs - how do the BL3´s blend with the BV8´s speaker?

Roger