Learning that the BM4500 supports some kind of two-way IR communication, what does the BM4500 offer in terms of use with a Beo4? My main questions center around track time displays and the like, but any additional info on other features is welcomed also.

Any input is always appreciated, thanks.

in short, a beo4 or bl1000 for that matter, will control it, but not 2way!

you will need a bl5000 or bl7000 for that.

also, as far as the bm4500 2way... make sure it is at least SW 2.1 or higher!

i haven't used mine in a while (i use a bl5000) but IIRC, you will get track# being played but i don't believe track time. the only "time" per se is the clock itself, set on the BM, which in turn can be used for setting recordings.

i will try to have a play tonight, and will be happy to add what i can...

With Beolink 7000 and Beosystem 4500 (software 2.1 or higher), you get quite a lot two way data. Volume, track number with CD and TAPE. Autoreverse and Dolby NR settings with TAPE. Sound settings (bass, treble, balance, loudness). Track time with CD, tape counter with TAPE, sequence programming with CD, timer recording and light programming (with B&O light dimmers). It's almost the same as with a Beosystem 7000, exept no RDS, VU tape level meter display and sequence programming with TAPE.

Well thank you for the speedy reply. So how would I know if my BM has SW 2.1 or higher?

There should be an indication of the sotware version on the back of the BM4500. A small sticker which says ´´SW2.1`` or another higher or lower software number in two digits.

Beolab1,

Is that the same sticker that says the type number and production year?

Yes most of the times it's right there, but some have a seperate small white sticker to indicate the sotware version. I think this is the case when the software version was upgraded some time after the unit was bought.

Oh. So when was this ver 2.1 software standard equipment?

That I don,t know. I have checked the Beoworld product listing and Beocentral website, but couldn't find the info there. Maybe another member can help you with that. There used to be a replacement chip that could upgrade the software version of a BM4500, eprom part number 8341178 this gives the BM4500 you software version 2.2 Easy to change and not expensive ( about 40,- Euro ) but don't know if they are still available . Check the back of your unit first to see which software version it has now.

i can't give you a year of release for 2.1 (i'll bet keith can!)

i can tell you it is upgradeable... a chip recently made the round on us ebay.

you might get lucky and a dealer may have one on a dusty shelf (if you need it).

there is a thread on beoworld about testing 2way on a bm4500... let me go have a look! BRB

found it

burantek:

i haven't used mine in a while (i use a bl5000) but IIRC, you will get track# being played but i don't believe track time.

i will try to have a play tonight, and will be happy to add what i can...

ok...

had a chance to fire it up and i can validate the above statement (unless of course someone knows some secret-squirrel code)...

w/ the bl5000 you get track# -no track time.

if that is important, then the bl7000 is apparently your only option as beolab1 pointed out.

it better be important, as they can reach some really stratospheric prices (at least in the usa).

burantek,

Well I have a solution to getting a track time display, it would be through a pair of BL5000 panels, if I'm not misinformed. I will be getting them soon. But that works out well due to my inspection of my BM4500 last night, where I found out that mine has S/W 1.6. Oh well, but its probably for the best, as I wont spend more cash on something I really don't need.

evman140:

burantek,

Well I have a solution to getting a track time display, it would be through a pair of BL5000 panels, if I'm not misinformed. I will be getting them soon. But that works out well due to my inspection of my BM4500 last night, where I found out that mine has S/W 1.6. Oh well, but its probably for the best, as I wont spend more cash on something I really don't need.

unfortunately, someone slap me w/ a wet noodle, but the beolab5000, or 3000 for that matter display similarly to the bl5000. that is: track, but no track time. the only way i see you doing this would be w/ a BM upgrade to at least 2.1 (not that expensive, if you can find the chip) + a bl7000 (expensive).

alternately, you might look here for a solution to more data being displayed. he is a member, BTW. i do not know if your 4500 falls under his classification of "newer" one way systems, i wouldn't think so... so you may be in luck.

at any rate, i think that it is definitely wise to move fwd w/ the purchase of the labs... personally i would rather have them than the bl7000 and then perhaps look to ridax for a "track time" solution.

just my .02 cents... let us know how you make out.

burantek,

I have already set in stone my aquisition of the BL5000 panels, I just don't have them yet, I've never seen the display on them operate. My intentions of this 2 way IR endeavor was purely out of curiosity, the BL7000 is pretty much the last thing I would do, its pretty cool and all, but highly expensive and unecessary. This stereo hobby of mine is light and not my only project. The track time is not a necessity, but it would be nice. And I'll be sure to let you know how it all works out. BTW are the 5000 labs still active in line mode?