If you watch alot of DVD, then I suggest you get a widescreen TV, i.e. an Avant.  I think that the Beocentre 1s were all 25-inch 4:3.  Certainly all the MXs were 4:3.

I don't know for sure about the Avant, but I have no problem coonecting my Macbook Pro to my Beovision 5 (through an Apple DVI/S-Video convertor). 

lawrencejmcook:

If you watch alot of DVD, then I suggest you get a widescreen TV, i.e. an Avant.  I think that the Beocentre 1s were all 25-inch 4:3.  Certainly all the MXs were 4:3.

The Beovision MX4200 is able to show 16:9.

/Frank

The screen ratio of the MX 4200 is still 4:3.  Yes, you can watch a 16:9 picture on it, but in letter box mode (black bands top and bottom), or by losing info at the left and right sides. 

Given your requirements and type of use, there is no question you should get a AVANT DVD, Fantastic picture, built in DVD player and when in the future you have some extra cash, you can add front and rear powerlink speakers which still makes a great viewing and listening experience.

Beovision 3-32 with extra DVD player might be a good option as well - lower price than the Avant DVDs. If you like the looks. I did''t from what I saw on the web, but now... have look at my signature - there is a post with picture of my setup as well.

Try to get a TV with built-in Dolby Digital module (and Masterlink of course).

Ralf

Hi:

I recently bought an Avant 28" but not the DVD version. Even though I ignored the advice given to me for the sake of making a quick saving, these are things you should look out for:

The older the system, the more use it has had and thus the more likely the tube is to break. If this happens it is going to cost around £500 to repair. This is not economicaly sensible in the VHS models. However, the DVD models have a higher market value and thus might still be worth repairing. Therefore the rule of thumb is to get the newest model you can afford.

 Yes, B&O stores do sell all types of B&O equipment that has been traded by customers etc. However, in my opinion (having visited a couple of stores) these are not the best places to go if you want to get the deal of the century. However, I guess you are safe in the knowledge that they have checked it out properly and as they are an established business, are less likely to sell something that would give them a bad name. Lifestyle AV also sell B&O stuff and they seem to be more competitive - click on the banner ad on this site.

 If you want a cheaper "bargin" then you could go onto Ebay. However, it would appear of late that there are quite a lot of sheisters on there at the moment (as ever I guess). I paid £450 for my oldish VHS AVANT, I think it is from 96. This price included delivery. Most don't and if you can't drive this is an issue.

 There is a way of testing how old the tube is through a "secret" menu command. Maybe someone can remind you what it is from this forum?

 This is all based on my personal experience and I am quite a newbie to B&O myself so please do not take my advice as sacrosanct. Anyone else, feel free to correct me.

Thanks

Graham