Switching to B&O TVs

29 replies

So... I'm finally considering B&O TVs, but I need some convincing. I have 5s and 17s (with Playmakers), A9, A1, but have always felt B&O TV are just too pricey. I could make the plunge, but I am unsure it's worth the investment.

I currently have a 40" Sony in my bedroom and a projector in my living room. I could purchase a 55" Avant and maybe a 40" Horizon for the bedroom. 

Why do you love your B&O TVs? What makes it worth it for you?

Cheers!

Hi Austin, since no one has shared their opinion, I thought I might start. For me, it was design and build quality, and the opportunity to get back into the B&O ecosystem (and interplay) after a time being away. That being said, even with all of the design considerations and bells and whistles, if I were to do it again, I don't know if I would purchase an actual B&O television. TV's with arguably better picture quality are much less expensive from other brands, and much easier to move around. No, they don't look as nice, but some do come close.

However another consideration is the "brains" that B&O televisions contain (the sound processor, multiroom capabilities out of the box, as well as the video engine). If you value those, along with the design, the only thing stopping you is your wallet. 

As I mentioned above, if I were to do it again, I may purchase a Beosystem 4, or whatever future Beosystem B&O has to offer and purchase a screen separately. For me, my BV11, is something that HAS to last for at least 10 years before I consider upgrading, so if you're into movies, and having the latest and greatest technology, then perhaps a B&O television is an unwise investment.

For me (not very original) it is primarily good sound, design and picture quality, all in one. 

Good (integrated) sound is usually not prioritized by other manufacturers; let alone they include the sound processing capabilities of the BS4 platform. 

B&O's designs are iconic; Beovision 10-11, Beoplay V1 although they have a totally different approach are good examples i.m.o. (Avant / Horizon a bit more conventional) 

Picture quality. B&O televisions might not be specified according to the latest and the greatest, but in practice, under real life circumstances they perform exceptionally well. A good / excellent picture depends on a lot more factors than specs (in the same way this is true for audio / sound specification and ultimate sound) 

What I like about B&O both with sound and picture is that they take a sensible & practical approach based on science and real life testing under different circumstances, without letting their decisions influence by "audiophiles" or reviewers testing audio / televisions in a way that has little to do with normal usage. 

Secondary I like the user friendliness (remote controls) and the integration with other B&O equipment. 

What I do not like is the price (surprise surprise) and I think they have to up their game in regards software quality and release cycles. 

Good luck with your decision. 

Best, Peter

 

 

To me my B&O-tv is the hub of my setup.

Sal and PeterBOBP already have made more specific points in their posts - I agree with most of them.

If I could not afford buying a new B&O-tv, I'd rather keep the one I have or buy a (better) second life-BV.

MM

 

 

Location: Flensborg————Danmark

It's too difficult to answer that question because it seems that the tv department went crazy.

For me, the reasons I bought B&O tv's from twenty years on don't exist anymore.

My danish BV11 is the end of an era.

So I can endlessly talk about how good the picture, sound, craftmanship, operating system and menu are, they don't exist anymore with BV14 or Horizon.

Yes it's harsh but true from the early adopters.

A B&O tv (from 1950 to 2015) is a smile on your face every single time you look at it and use it.

The remote is phenomenal, the motorised stand magic like the electronic curtains, the speakers in movie mode leave me speechless like the beauty of the alu frame and blue speaker cloth.

It's not a tv it's a multi purpose device (music with Spotify, Tune in..., direct Youtube...).

BeoGreg wrote:

The remote is phenomenal, the motorised stand magic like the electronic curtains, the speakers in movie mode leave me speechless like the beauty of the alu frame and blue speaker cloth.

It's not a tv it's a multi purpose device (music with Spotify, Tune in..., direct Youtube...).

When you compare a BV14 to a BV11 - what is it, that you miss with the 14?

MM

Location: Flensborg————Danmark

If you want to buy a B&O tv as an 'investment' then you are starting from the wrong place since it is a luxury item at best. One to be bought with 'disposable' income if possible. Otherwise a secondhand older B&O tv represents the best value for money. I have bought new and second hand. I would buy new again but only with the price being c£7,000 or below. That is because I attach my own personal value for money on what I buy and regardless of brand or capability that's all a TV is worth to me. The same with cars, £10,000 is my maximum budget. Watches I will pay more (I collect Rolex specifically) because depending on the model purchased they are investments, and of course property, but everything else has a ceiling price that I won't go beyond. But that's just me.

Why not wait to see what the LG B&O TVs bring to the table, at that point we will have a much clearer idea in terms of design, performance and cost as to where the TV side of the brand is heading.

Austin wrote:

So... I'm finally considering B&O TVs, but I need some convincing. I have 5s and 17s (with Playmakers), A9, A1, but have always felt B&O TV are just too pricey. I could make the plunge, but I am unsure it's worth the investment.

They aren't an investment now in terms of great resale value. Those days have gone. Up until a few years ago, I traded in my B&O TV every three years as I found my dealer would be a) keen to take it and b) offer an excellent price against a new one. Neither a) or b) apply now. 

Investment in terms of longetivity, perhaps. I have an old BV12-65 and HD is amazing. Can't see any reason to upgrade. It still offers a top notch picture and sound, years later.

 

I think thats a little strong - i have a BV14-55 so have experience.

The design and craftsmanship are superb, and while some may hanker after the aesthetic of many years ago, the BV14 is still a standout design compared to the black rectangle everyone else puts out.   The sound is still also leagues above what other tv's produce.........the picture on the newer Avants / 14s / Horizons may not be class leading, i'll give you that.....though again that may change with the LG / B&O screens.........and the remote is still outstanding.....

if the 11 is a 'smile on your face', then not sure why the 14 isn't the same.........

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