I am thinking of getting a BSYS 3 but to use a Pioneer, either theKRP-600A or PDP-LX6090 panel.  The set up would be BL5 for the frontspeakers, BL10 for the centre, BL9 for the back and BL3 for the middle toprovide a 7.1 configurations.

For the DVD source, I was thinking either to use the Sony PS3 or thePioneer Blue Ray player or to add an Apple TV or mini Mac for media.

I would like to use the Beo5 for remote control.

Does anyone have any experience with the above setup, especially usingthe Pioneer panel?  Your shared experience and advice are much appreciated.

My other option is to ditch what B&O I have currently (BL5s andBL3s) and go for Linn products ( Unidisk, Chakra power amp and their Akuratespeaker system) with the Pioneer panel, which I listened to in a specialistHiFi shop recently and it was awesome!

The reason why I do not go for B&O panel is I have bad experiencewith B&O TVs (BV7-32 and BV5) and besides, the B&O panels are just not valuefor money in my opinion 

Manythanks

KC 

I have a BS3 that is connected to a SHARP 50" LCD.  I've also got a PS3 and an Apple TV connected to BS3, both work great. I do agree that B&O panels are not value for money. It's nice, but expensive.  The Pioneer is a great choice.

The only problem I have with my setup is the deterioration of video image, especially with the black level. Greyscale are not display, all shadows are a solid black, making an image much darker than it should.  When I tested with the DVE test pattern, there were no grey bars on the side, only black.  This only happens on the 1080p resolution though, on lower resolution, the greyscale level are display properly.  

When we tested the video signal directly on the LCD display, it was able to produce the grey bars, unfortunately when the signal goes through BS3, all grey becomes black.

 I"m not sure if others experience such problem with their non B&O panels, but my B&O technicians were not able to solve this problem.  

Part of the problem you're experiencing is caused, I think, because the BeoSystem 3 has not been properly calibrated for the LCD panel you're using it with.  Obviously the BS-3 leaves the factory having been set up with whatever devices they have (I'm guessing some variation of BV-4),,,and each and every BV-4 which ships out has a label on the back with a series of characteristics which are intended to be input in one of the BS-3's service menus so that it has the proper calibration for several different picture characteristics.

Likely, you'll need a visit from a qualified service technician to manually calibrate the BS-3 to your panel for best results.  "High end' video systems go through this process all the time...one of the hidden values of the BV-4 is that the work is already done and paid for.

"every BV-4 which ships out has a label on the back with a series of characteristics which are intended to be input in one of the BS-3's service menus so that it has the proper calibration for several different picture characteristics."

Thanks for the advice, but would you know which input that would be, and what the label characteristics that shipped with BV-4?  I'm able to access the service menu, but would be helpful to know which input to adjust for the calibration of my LCD.  

Cheers

Adjustments are made in the 'Panel' menu in the service menu.  Thje point is that each panel is somewhat unique...which is the reason for the label.  Setting up an unknown panel properly would require the proper tools (a video calibration DVD at the very least.)  Just plugging in a set of numbers from some other panel would leave you no better off than you are now. 

 I would get in touch with your shop and see if they offer the service, or can refer you.
 

Thanks a lot for tip, I'll ask my local shop.  

Cheers. 

Thank you all for your input.  I will definitely keep this forum posted of my experience with the Pioneer panel.

There are 2 versions of Pioneer KRP model, the A and the M series.  My understanding is the A series is with separate media receiver whilst the M series is without.

Does anyone of you have any experience with either series and am I right in saying that I should go for the M series if I were to use the BS3 as my media centre?  

I am currently in the same position you are, looking for a BS3 in conjunction with 4x BL3's and a subwoofer. Regarding the screen, I am looking for the M-series as everything else is going via the BS3. Therefore you do not need the additional electronic found in the A series. Pricing seems to be lower as well (about -/- € 400).

I also understood from my dealer that support for CAM modules will be updated early 2009.

Hence I am quite interested to see what you are deciding. My alternative is either Linn or Meridian in conjunction with B&W speaker systems. 

Hi Harry2008

I am glad that you are planning a similar configuration. I did a Linn audition last week and it was excellent and the speakers I tried were not even active, just normal passive with cross-over!  i will be going back for a second audition this week with the front speakers set to active.

I have not tried Meridian but I know they are excellent company and B&W speakers are famous.

However, I will give B&O a last shot and the main reason being the design is still the strongest selling point and from a connectivity point of view, very little wiring is required as compared to kilometers of monster wire for Linn.  But we are then at the mercy of B&O for integration with other non-B&O products.

I will be calling Pioneer tomorrow to find out more about the key differences between the A and M series.  The beauty of KRP is that it is only 64mm in thickness so it will look superb on a white wall!

Does that mean when BS3 comes with CAM and one can do without the SKY box, just stick in the sky card in the CAM?  That will be cool, another box less to deal with.

I will keep you posted as my plan is to get the set up completed by the end of this month.

rdgs,

KC 

holic:

The only problem I have with my setup is the deterioration of video image, especially with the black level. Greyscale are not display, all shadows are a solid black, making an image much darker than it should.  When I tested with the DVE test pattern, there were no grey bars on the side, only black.  This only happens on the 1080p resolution though, on lower resolution, the greyscale level are display properly.  

When we tested the video signal directly on the LCD display, it was able to produce the grey bars, unfortunately when the signal goes through BS3, all grey becomes black.

 I"m not sure if others experience such problem with their non B&O panels, but my B&O technicians were not able to solve this problem.  

Hollic, I have the same challenge with my projector connected to the BS3. According to one of B&O service experts, not to much can be done as this represents B&O view of color calibration. The most easiest way would if the BS3 and the B&O panels would support ISF calibration standard so that we could adjust colors in the way we like. This really drives me mad

This is one if the reasons why I am considering to replace the BS3 with a non B&O receiver like a Denon.  

Karsten 

Hi KCW,,

Thanks, looking forward to your experiences...

Regarding CAM, I'm living in The Netherlands, so unfortunally we do not have a thing like Sky. In most situations we have digital TV provided via the cable networks. These firms use encryption all the way, however, a number of TV's from Loewe, Sony support insertable CAM modules who can de-encrypt. Quite a lovely solution as it will spare a box (saving space, electricity and prevent seeing quite ugly boxes) and changing from channel is happening faster. In this area, B&O has nothing to offer curently. According to my dealer this will change early next year, at least for The Netherlands.

 However reading other comments on this forum (as well as in this thread), B&O seems not to integrate very well with other brands (see the post just above). This combined with the lack of support for Apple based solutions, are generating some doubts whether to choose B&O or not.  

I actually like the speakers, however you have decent other vendors as well at a equal or lower price point. Also the functionality of the BC3 is matched by other brands at this price levell. However, user friendliness, simple cabeling solution and multi-room support in an easy way are plus points. Major doubts regarding the BC3 are the lacking support for HDMI 1.3, support for 24pfs missing as well as the lack of HD Audio support. At least the latter two are a must have in my opinion. I know you can always update the software or even the platters holding the electronic, however what gives me confidence that B&O will actually provide an update in either area?

Does anyone have a working solution for the greyscale problem?

I am thinking about buying a beosystem 3 to use it with a non B&O plasma (or lcd) screen AND projector (Sanyo PLV Z3). But I would be very disappointed if I wouls also experience this grey-scale problem.

Furthermore my dealer and another local dealer say they have very limited experience for using the BS3 in combination with other brand screens, they also seem not very enthousiast about trying this out.

Bieele