What do we want from TVs these days? The problem as I see it is because of two conflicting desires. We want a TV that has a big screen and superb picture with an interesting design. However we also don't want a big black hole dominating the room.

I see two ways forward.:

1. Projector with some form of unfolding screen with a wow factor. B&O should be good at this! Something that opens up like a flower to produce a good quality screen  but which can have artistic merit when closed. The projector can be unobtrusive or motorised.

2. A TV with the ability to disappear. Flexible screens would seem the way forward here - the tambour door principle. Maybe a variable size screen - small for watching the news and bigger for films. Some form of multiscreen ability but without the annoying joins seen in simply putting plasmas together.

Or am I way off? 

Nice thoughts Peter!

I really like idea 1; for me the combination of a relatively small tv (max 32 inch) plus a projector is ideal. If the tv could 'hide' a projector screen sounds very cool.

Idea 2 seems further away; but the question 'Design a tv that disappears' seems like a good starting point for a B&O design (the same way they claimed speakers like the BL6000 to disappear in the environment). A lcd/plasma panel sliding/disappearing in a cool B&O design sounds attractive here!

 Bieele

i remember seeing a tv advert i think was Philip's screen on  a wall was a wall mirror when it was switched off!!

Peter:

What do we want from TVs these days? The problem as I see it is because of two conflicting desires. We want a TV that has a big screen and superb picture with an interesting design. However we also don't want a big black hole dominating the room.

 

 

Personally I don't need a TV with a screen bigger than 32''. But Peter is way ahead of me and thinks of everybody else who want a big screen without the black hole dominating the room. Here are my views on the subject:

1. I love the idea of the unfolding flower. The unfolding could be a beautiful process to watch and therefore could turn out to be a very valuable asset for B&O. It should take no more than a few seconds. If it took longer the process would be a mayor annoyance for me in the long run, no matter how good it looked.
2. Like I said I have no use for a screen bigger than 32''. But the idea of the tambour door screen could be very useful, since most people I know want to have the really big screen.
3. The screen turning into a mirror as suggested by Ed 7 is more a technical solution than a design idea and at least in my humble opinion less suited for B&O. On top of that I don't like to have mirrors in my lounge. But I realize this is my own personal taste and yours could very well be different.

It must be hard to design an entirely unique TV. The fact is there just has to be a large flat surface and this doesn't look great. TVs which aren't all black look much better than those that are, especially if they're plasticy too. Until screens can begin to bend, then the only solution I can think of is hiding the TV.

A projector is a good idea and I have used one before. I enjoyed it for watching movies and gaming, but I really didn't enjoy having to black-out the room just to watch 'casual' TV.

Actually, Peter's idea 1 is what I am implementing in my lounge with a false ceiling with reflected blue lighting around the edge.

I am still working on this project and it is quite large and includes the expansion of other parts of our home. However back to Peter's idea 1 you will see from the pictures below that progress is being made, not sure when I will get it all finished, but 99% of the wiring is in tested and working.

As you can see the Masterlink is in place along with two Powerlink sockets for the rear speakers. Also two seperate satellite feeds along with an analogue and digital coax feed.

Do post more pictures when you're done Keith. It looks very extensive.

Personally, I'd like to see a BeoCenter 2 of TVs for something large. Short of a projector screen, you can't really do much to make a large TV disappear.

The whole 'subtle design' thing works on small TVs, like the BeoCenter 6, and I'd say goes up to about 40", but from there on, you can't just do something plain. TVs from there upwards tend to be in cinema rooms etc... more than 'casual lounge tellies' and should make you feel that way...

Projection is almost certainly the new way forward but not in the way current projection techniques are employed. It won't be too long before the idea of ceiling or wall mounted projectors are a thing of the past. Far too big and heavy for one thing, with heating and bulb limitation always cause for concern. We are moving towards a more holographic concept and perhaps more signifcantly much more portable solutions. You can already buy into Pen PC technology that was developed by NEC several years ago. See the photos below.

I would also like to see other creations to compete with projection such as laser which is already being developed and has the potential to move away from conventional flat surfaces that are a necessity with technlogies such as plasma and LCD. I can't see B&O coming out with anything ingenious here though. It will be other companies that develop these new technologies and B&O will just add their slight design edge to it. Gone are the days of B&O genius I feel.

Simon.

 

 

 

  

I saw the Beovision 8 this weekend.after calling the local B&O store. Three were in stock and as I know some of the store employees, I was allowed quite a bit of time with the units and a remote. I found I really like this unit.

The sound was very good. Impressive for the space alloted to the speakers under the picture. The rubber skin is impressive and it has a solid feel to it. The Master Link attachement ( sold separately unfortunately )  thumb screws into the bottom of the set, is what I wanted to see. Nice job, but handle with care until locked in place, or you are in trouble. Like Coolskin, it started me thinking about needed screen size, at least at home.

I have a number of LCD 32 screens and a Plasma 42. Using the 42 for Multimedia including computer work, I note that the 42 size and beyond has some limitations. You either pull up the chair, or pull back onto the couch constantly,  depending if you are watching HD on Sky or working.

With the 32 upstairs in the other rooms this is not necessary. As all rooms are M-L wire-ready, I could change to the BV8 for A/V and replace, or get rid of the BL 2000's everywhere. ( Both sons have had their eyes on the TV's and speakers for some time now )   A minimalist single unit that performs all features, and M-L capable also would be most cool.

I'm interested in the coming thin-film technology we read and hear about, but until then I want to enjoy it.  The B&O sales reps have the cash registers cocked and loaded pending my arrival, I am quite sure. It appears that BV8's will be on the horizon.soon.