Big Picture Big Sound

At CEDIA Expo this week in Denver, Bang & Olufsen introduced their new BeoSystem 3 - a sleek silver box that functions as the heart of a complete B&O home theater system. The System 3 acts as both an audio switcher and processor as well as a video scaler and switcher for up to 2 complete systems in different parts of the home.

The BeoSystem 3 allows the customer to dynamically reconfigure an audio system to support multiple monitors and viewing locations within a single room or in multiple rooms. For example, if you have a plasma flat panel mounted on one wall, but prefer to watch movies on a projection screen that descends from the opposite wall of the same room, the System 3 can automatically reconfigure the speakers -- what had been the front left and right channels are now the rear right and left channels and vice versa. No need to purchase and install two complete, independent audio systems, simply install one system and let the BeoSystem 3 decide the appropriate configuration for each use.


The BeoSystem 3 accomplishes its video and processing in the digital domain, so all analog audio and video inputs are converted to digital signals. The digital video signal is then sent over a DVI connector to your display of choice at that display's native resolution.

By means of a light sensor mounted in the wall, the BeoSystem 3 monitors ambient lighting conditions and automatically optimizes your display's contrast and brightness settings to accomodate room lighting. Although the device can be used with other company's display devices, B&O recommends using one of their displays as this will allow the system to adjust video parameters more precisely.

The BeoSystem 3 supports 7.1-channel audio, and actually includes outputs for 12 loudspeaker channels plus two subwoofers in order to accomodate multi-room/multi-zone systems. BeoSystem 3 will arrive in the United States, Canada and Mexico this month, priced at $7700 USD.

Setting Up Shop in Smaller Places

B&O has found success in setting up their flagship "B1" stores in major markets, but now they have created a model for a smaller 650 square foot location that is still able to highlight the B&O lifestyle (and equipment) to good effect in smaller markets. By using slanted walls, moveable walls and some "magic," they are able to showcase three distinct home theater systems within a small space without appearing cramped.


Through independently owned and operating licensed dealer agreements, with 47 current showroom locations in North America, the company intends to open 5 to 8 new store locations in its 06/07 fiscal year.