General Forum

Re: what do users want from future Products?

js — Fri, 29 May 2009 12:34:23 GMT

Just a few thoughts.

Quick wins - my two absolute priorities:

- develop a wireless socket unit for Beolab speakers (the speakers would still connect to this socket unit and to the mains, but there would be no cable running from the master to this socket unit): that would tremendously improve the integration into the house and the freedom of speaker placement (and of course develop a built-in wireless receiver for future Beolab speakers)

- develop a two-way remote in order to conveniently access digital music libraries from where one actually listens to music

And also:

- focus on speakers and fully capitalise on the ALT technology

- design timeless products again with high quality materials (and robust software). Also improve coherence (now you have to combine rectangle and oval products with differing aluminium finishes and various displays colours)

- eventually solve the cable mess: use one single type of cable for all purposes (e.g. replace PowerLink, MasterLink, video distribution, etc. with Cat.6) and/or develop fully wireless setups (and if that isn't possible: ensure perfect integration of all cables into the stands and have only one cable between head units and socket units)

- come back to a logical, simple and interactive user interface (e.g. à la BC9500) especially for AV setups (I feel that the more advanced B&O setups are now even more complex to configure and operate than competitors' and... computers)

- develop digital products that don't need a separate computer (otherwise, one just needs a user-friendly software to run on his computer with a two-way remote, i.e. a Mac and an iTouch)

- either abandon TVs or come with two new proposals: (i) comprehensive TVs that are financially accessible to previous LX/MX/Avant owners (i.e. better than BV8, but less expensive than BV4/7/9), and (ii) a screen that is not a screen and that would make a true difference with competitors (as the LX/MX/Avant did in the CRT times, and as Peter suggested)

Re: what do users want from future Products?

blue2th — Fri, 29 May 2009 09:03:18 GMT

from what i've seen and read (as a beovirgin ) - not just the products but the s/w needs to be constantly updated for new changes/technology that can be done with firmware updates.

for this reason, ethernet port in all products or being able to update with beolink wireless 1

Re: what do users want from future Products?

Seven — Wed, 27 May 2009 17:13:23 GMT

My wish: allow integration of Wii sensor bar without killing the design. Somehow. It's just a few infrared LEDs, so my ideal solution would be if B&O just built those LED into every TV on demand.

Re: what do users want from future Products?

davidw678910 — Wed, 27 May 2009 15:13:35 GMT

Some amazing suggestions, well done guys (let's hope B&O get to hear them) !

1. Two way remote (just like my 19year old MCP6500)

2. Masterlink to carry both video & audio plus powerlink (just one cable to all locations like HDMI)

3.BeoLink to enable different sources in different rooms (Possible solution of single masterlink cable?)

4. Seemless integration to the PC and web (updates and source transfer). Just plug Masterlink into PC to get status, source and facilities

5. PCLoyality programme - Early availability of new products AND price discounts

Re: what do users want from future Products?

Toubro — Wed, 27 May 2009 14:12:47 GMT

beocool:

In case we would get a two way remote: do we really need a product like the Beosound 5? It seems to me if you can control the Beomaster 5 and get all the information on the screen of the remote it’s pretty much useless.

Indeed, just look at the Sonos. It works beautifully, and all you need is the controller or an iPod Touch/iPhone. I love the looks of the BeoSound 5, but if I had one, and could control it from a two way remote, I'm not sure I would use the BS5 interface much.

Re: what do users want from future Products?

beocool — Wed, 27 May 2009 14:06:26 GMT

In random order:

Two way remote
Translucent and touch sensitive aluminium
More wireless technology
Online software updates
Bulletproof reliability
Intuitive user interface
Design to die for

In case we would get a two way remote: do we really need a product like the Beosound 5? It seems to me if you can control the Beomaster 5 and get all the information on the screen of the remote it’s pretty much useless.

Re: what do users want from future Products?

AdiS — Wed, 27 May 2009 13:21:24 GMT

some simple things would be nice:

- all cd-players are able to play mp3

- BS 3200 with SD-Card Player - even BeoSound 1

- Masterlink with possibility to show ID3 TAGs for example to BL 3500

- BeoLab Speakers with Displays like the Pentas to show you what´s playing right now

- one Masterlink-Cable for audio and video

- two way remotes

- new LC 2

- replace product for Beolab 2000

- new Beovox range - alternative products for BeoVox 1

- motorized wall mounting possibility for Beovisions

Re: what do users want from future Products?

TWG — Wed, 27 May 2009 12:48:04 GMT

1. Made in Denmark !!!!! 2. bullet proof reliability and construction 3. you want to touch it for no reason at all 4. leaves a smile on your face and a warm glow inside when you use it years later 5. makes functionality of well-established products by other manufacturers look cumbersome 6. more touch sensitive aluminium :-))

Re: what do users want from future Products?

Dave — Wed, 27 May 2009 09:43:11 GMT

seethroughyou:

1. exotic materials

2. bullet proof reliability and construction

3. glistens like jewellery

4. you want to touch it for no reason at all

5. leaves a smile on your face and a warm glow inside when you use it years later

6. makes functionality of well-established products by other manufacturers look cumbersome

7. draws little children and women from across the room with curiosity and inqusitive smiles

8. holographic TV

9. finger-print proof touch-screen

10. voice-activated functionality if need be - see star trek TNG "computer, mozart's requiem. computer download/rip following album off net. computer record topgear from sky tomorrow etc..."

11. more touch sensitive aluminium

12. concentration of making virtual music and videos from net a physical experience - dragging music and film covers from the net into your beosound hard-drive using our finger tips rather than resorting to a computer...

13. plasma speaker technology

that's enough for now...

YES to all!

Re: what do users want from future Products?

Chrisreunion — Wed, 27 May 2009 07:35:13 GMT

- products that all speak the same language (whether in terms of interconnection, remote control use, and audio-video file formats)

- 2-way communication between connected products (if not through remote controls)

- BeoLink Wireless transmitters in all audio+video masters, receivers in all BeoLabs.

- flat BeoLab speakers to wall-mount on each side of your BeoVision

- a home phone that acts as a remote control (or vice-versa!)

- all audio-video masters with a USB input and/or Ethernet/wi-fi input for quick & convenient software upgrade, CDDB info on CDs/NMUSIC/A.MEM, and Internet navigation on all BeoVisions

Re: what do users want from future Products?

Kokomo — Wed, 27 May 2009 03:52:42 GMT

Wireless interconnectivity & communication between all their products & the home computer network.

In TV for example, the big brand leaders are already introducing wireless connection and together with the rapid changes in screen technology, I fear B&O will forever be playing catch-up.

Re: what do users want from future Products?

gk31ax — Tue, 26 May 2009 17:24:39 GMT

I think we're at the point where I would like to see iconic classic design that is pretty much fixed, where the software is updated, think iPhone here, no radical changes to the design, but the sotware is easily updated, either flashed from a USB or via the internet. I read with interest the latest thread on the BL8000 and whether its still a good seller. Imagine being able to update a BS9000 or a BC2 more easily.

What I don't like at the moment is that the technology is clearly moving too fast for B&O's business model and the timeline from R&D to production delivers a less than satisfactory experience for the new adopter. I do believe LCD and Plasma will be redundant by 2012/2013 and OLED will have taken over. My parents are just replacing their 19year old LX and there is no way I would like to see them splash out on a B&O LCD panel at the moment.

Lets concentrate on what B&O do best - design, quality production and integration. I think the way that this site has developed the BEO5 shows B&O the path that they should be developing and they should be collaborating far more (apple please) and I don't mean with Samsung on mobile phones!

I'd like to see more mid-level products......especially TVs and Audio Source inputs - how about an audio only Beosystem 3?

I got into B&O through the MX range, there is no way I'd buy a BV8 (sorry BV8 owners), so I'm looking forward to seeing the BV10.

Yes, please update Masterlink - way ahead of its time when launched, but now rather like having a dialup modem built into a computer.

2 way remote, or update the BEO5 to make it 2 way.

I do still love my BC6000s, so I'm looking forward to seeing BeoCom 5.

I'm happy with iTunes, so I don't need to think about BS5 and frankly, how out of date is that going to be in 18 months?

Finally, please, please find a happy medium between ROI and your pricing. I'm happy to pay a premium for my beloved B&O, but don't put me in a situation where its a no brainer to switch from a brand I love and feel particularly loyal to, to one which is a decent comromise..... I buy B&O because over the period of ownership I believe they offer outstanding value for money. However MY (this is my opinion of value for money, no-one elses) perception of value for money will diminish if the product lasts less and less time before it needs replacing or becomes redundant!

FYI, my parents have gone with the new B&W Panorama Sound Bar and a 40" mid range Sony Bravia LCD which I know will get them to OLED. I did try and persuade them to go with a secondlife BV5, but no luck!

Rambling over, its late!

Re: what do users want from future Products?

Toubro — Tue, 26 May 2009 16:27:57 GMT

I would love if they updated Masterlink. I think it's a very old technology with to many wires. I don't own any newer equipment, so I can't say if some things have gotten better the last 5 years, but I haver never understood why my parents BL3500's can't show the RDS info from their BS3200.

I would like it if they came up with a solution where audio AND video is run in the same cable, and makes it able to do more. I know they've made the BeoWireless, but as I understand it can only transfer audio, and it is very expensive.

I would also like the possibility to listen to one source in the kitchen and another in the bathroom for example, the BS3200 can't do that either.

Re: what do users want from future Products?

seethroughyou — Tue, 26 May 2009 15:45:59 GMT

1. exotic materials

2. bullet proof reliability and construction

3. glistens like jewellery

4. you want to touch it for no reason at all

5. leaves a smile on your face and a warm glow inside when you use it years later

6. makes functionality of well-established products by other manufacturers look cumbersome

7. draws little children and women from across the room with curiosity and inqusitive smiles

8. holographic TV

9. finger-print proof touch-screen

10. voice-activated functionality if need be - see star trek TNG "computer, mozart's requiem. computer download/rip following album off net. computer record topgear from sky tomorrow etc..."

11. more touch sensitive aluminium

12. concentration of making virtual music and videos from net a physical experience - dragging music and film covers from the net into your beosound hard-drive using our finger tips rather than resorting to a computer...

13. plasma speaker technology

that's enough for now...

Re: what do users want from future Products?

EYEdROP — Tue, 26 May 2009 15:43:00 GMT

B&O should concentrate on audio and overall sound reproduction, what they do best. I love the B&O sound and would love to see them get more recognition from audiophiles. Pure price / performance ratio could be better, and this is the kicker. The high prices are fine, but it would be nice to squeeze a little more performance per dollar out of future products.

Also, small speakers can be nice in certain applications. But dont sacrifice sound for size, because bigger speakers can still look great.