Hi,

Could anyone tell me what the upgrades have been on the BV7 through it's years? I'm thinking of buying one and with the new version not with us yet I'm thinking that a pre owned version might be a better buy.

Would an older version which has the HD software fitted be as good as a 2007 model?

2007 model? You mean the current 2007 version? Answer is: no. The latest model always ships with the latest panel, which is brighter, better contrast, refresh ratio etc.

My first revision December 2004 model has considerably darker (almost 'gloomy' in appearance) panel compared to the temporary brand new BV7 I borrowed last November, whilst mine was being repaired. This means that anything appears gloomy, whether it is SD, BBC HD, Sky HD or through the DVD player.

Also, the HD upgrade isn't purely software based. It's a hardware module that's fitted to the BV7.
 

Thanks Moxxey,

Nothings ever that simple is it? I thought that a 2005 BV7 would do me fine but now you have said that I can see myself going to the B&O dealer with my bank card!!

The BeoVision 7-32 is now into its third version and 7-40 into its second version and clearly the next version of the BeoVision 7 with the BeoSystem 3 chassis will be the next big step.

Thanks Keith. Any idea when this Beosystem 3 upgrade will take effect?

Well, who knows, I have had feedback from someone who has actually seen them on test in the factory in Denmark, but even if you manage to get a date from your dealer, add at least 3 months before you will actually see one at the earlest. My best guess would be the forth quarter of this year.

There are lots of examples where B&O announce or their dealers announce a product is available, then you wait months. Take the DVB-T as an upgrade module I was told it would be available in Feb 2007, I am now told it is still not possible to order it and here we are in June.

I was told the DVB-T would be available from next month for circa £500

I get told that every month.

 Ian
 

CraigB:

I was told the DVB-T would be available from next month for circa £500

£500 for a Freeview box/module?! Amazing.

If I was going to purchase B&O kit right now, I'd skip the BV7 and wait a couple of months for the new BV8-32. Good price, excellent screen, HDMI socket (and components), upscaling and decent sound.

You may consider £500 an amazing price for a freeview module, but right now you still cannot purchase it as an upgrade.

Keith Saunders:

and here we are in June.

I thought it was only one hours difference between the time zones in Sweden vs UK.

Well, what can I say, I must have moved the calendar on to quickly !! but only one more day to go

Back to the main topic:

The first generation of BV7-32 has a 16ms panel. The change to the 8ms panel was about the same tim BV7-40 was introduced. I do not remember the type number of the 16ms generation (info was in the old forum). The difference between the 16ms panles and the 8ms panles is noticeable.

As mentioned before, the panels got better and an BV7 with a "older generation" panel will not keep up with a new one. Simply a matter of quality of the installed panels.

If you are not in a hurry, then I'd recomend you to wait for the upgraded/updated BV7 that should come this year (newer panels, Beosystem3 based...).

Cheers

Foxtrott 

I hate waiting!!! Thanks for the reply. Went to Currys today to look for a temporay LCD TV to keep the kids happy while I wait for the new BV7. It's been a long time since I looked at non B&O TV's, was totally amazed how cheap Panasonic and Samsung plasma and LCD panels are now. There selling 50" Samsung LCD TV's for £1500.00!!

Which makes the £15k they're charging for the bv9 seem even more mad than before.

I agree, You now have 50 inch full HD (1080P) plasma from Panasonic ( TH-50PZ700E) with the latest panel for about 3000 euro as advice price.

So I also don 't understand why B&O keeps the prices of the BV9 so unnatural high.

 

Because there are still "idiots/B&O-fanatics" who buy them?!

People with a lot of money

Foxtrott:

The first generation of BV7-32 has a 16ms panel. The change to the 8ms panel was about the same tim BV7-40 was introduced. I do not remember the type number of the 16ms generation (info was in the old forum). The difference between the 16ms panles and the 8ms panles is noticeable.

I'd agree with this. I have a MKI BV7-32 and recently (over Christmas) had to send it back for repair. Received a brand new temporary MKIII BV7-32 instead. The difference was noticeable. I'd say it seemed about 20% brighter. Noticed this more when I received my old MKI back! This MKI panel seems rather gloomy in comparison.