BeoMedia 2 won't happen, let alone BeoMedia 3.

Why do you want a new version of the BeoCenter 2? They're fantastic as-is.

With September in mind,

1. BeoVision 4-65 higher contrast panels: Already happened. D10 ACM versions are on the market. No further updates in this time frame.

2. BeoSystem 3 w/ Blu-Ray compatibility: Yes, this is reasonable. If, for some reason it has not happened yet, though, it is software and will be retro-compatible.  

3. BeoMedia Update: Not likely by September. BeoSound 5 & BeoMaster 5 are the update to this. Their launch date will almost certainly be after Christmas. 

4. DVD 2 / 3 Blu-Ray player: Not in this timeframe. While anything is possible, expect to see Blu-Ray integrated into BeoVision 7s & BeoCenter 2s, not in a standalone player.

That, I believe, addresses all the issues you have with the items you plan on purchasing. If I were you I'd hold off on a BeoMedia or BeoCenter 2, but everything else should be a go. Waiting for another BeoVision 4 is senseless as we'll always be a generation behind Panasonic, and it really and truly does not matter in terms of the picture quality we'll deliver. If you cannot get past this disparity, buy a Panasonic plasma.

Hope this helps! 

Trip,

 I'm curious about your prediction for a blu-ray Beocenter 2. Have you heard of this from reliable sources? As I already have a BC2, I was looking forward to a stand-alone B&O blu-ray player.

Also, what are your thoughts about B&O adding HDMI 1.3 and 24 fps with the Beosystem 3 in the future? This has been a reason for me to hold off on buying a Beosystem 3 until B&O brings it more up-to-date with the market standards. 

The BC2 with Blueray I consider very unlikely. Not that i do not acknowledge your status Trip, but they would have to HDMI enable it which means new drive and also a complete new base unit. 

Since it's a few years in the market I would think rather then revamping as is they will put their money towards something new. 

BeoJeff,

Those changes, when made, will in all likelyhood be software updateable for existing BS-3's already in the field, so I'm not sure that its worth waiting for, since you risk waiting long enough to enjoy the next price increase.

😜

Russ

BC2 Blu-Ray: Very reliable. I would put its likelihood at 75% or better. Updating the portions of the Master Unit & Socket Panel necessary for the transition would be significantly less expensive than designing a new system, setting up manufacturing, assembly, logistics, etc. The "form factor" of a system is not just the shape, but the entire build process surrounding it. Additionally, Bang & Olufsen will not be designing a new form factor to handle physical media. A transition to a Blu-Ray drive will allow the BeoCenter 2 to finish out the era of optical discs with grace and give it up to a decade of vitality in the market-place. 

As for the BeoSystem 3 update to HDMI 1.3, 24fps, this has been delayed a few times, but is coming to market very soon. 

Indeed, a blu-ray BC2 would be ideal; however, since I already have a BC2 such a purchase would not be an option for me. I rather like the new form of the brushed aluminum, stackable components such as the DVD2.

Trip, would you expect the forthcoming Beomaster 5 to be similar in form to the DVD2 as a brushed aluminum, stackable component? 

Since HDMI 1.3 is more than just a software upgrade, I'm just not prepared to invest in a Beosystem 3 until B&O gets it correct out of the box. Paying $500 for a service tech to come out and update the software would negate any forthcoming price increase.