General Forum

Re: beo5

The Beonic Man — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 20:14:28 GMT

Keith Saunders:

Simon,
I agree, it is a great product and I love it as well, however the negative feelings you are hearing from others really comes from two angles, both of which are not a bad reflection on the product itself, more the introduction prior to the product package being completely finished.
There are two main areas of concern are :-
The un-finished state of the Configuration software provided to the Dealers along with the associated templates
The strategy related to the configuration update of the product by the dealer.
The first item is starting to be resolved slowly with the development of templates, new versions of software and dealers getting more experienced with configurating the product. This also means that configurations can be created and updated much quicker.
The second item is more complex and in my view will not get solved until the customer is provided with a piece of software which allows them to download a configuration binary created by the dealer and supplied to them via e-mail. Whilst a lot of customers would like the software, the real complaint is really that you have to travel back to the dealer on a regular basis often for simple changes to be made, this is particularly true with complexed configurations with many zones.
For the above reason you will hear different views on the subject, both positive and negative depending on:-
The knowledge and experience of the dealer
How complex the customers configuration is
How demanding the customer is, he has paid a lot of money and wants it just right.
So, if you read through the postings on Beoworld you will see both frustration and delight with the product.

I agree with all the points you made Keith but thats what I find so sad too because I think people are really missing out on this remote. As I mentioned, what really tickles me about this device is the thought gone into it, which is so apparent once you use it regularly and start seeing how easy and intuitive it is to use. Having said that, I do not have a complex zone setup by any means so it really isn't being tested much at all. But I love holding it and using it. I can do whatever I want now blindfolded pretty much. From an ergonomic viewpoint I find it fascinating. Good old B&O, they have amazed me again with this little gem. I think it will be a popular seller when it comes into its own, and that will be whn the points you raised are ironed out I agree. Glad to know you like it just as much though too.

Simon.

Re: beo5

TripEnglish — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 18:10:09 GMT

The Beo 5 is the replacement for the Beo 4. There is no other remote in the pipeline. As for the software, you wouldn't want it at this point. It has the makings of a fantastic tool, but you have to understand in too much detail how a Beo 4 works to make a Beo 5 work.

I agree that most people won't need a Beo 5, but once the software tool is available to the public (doing away with programming fees) most people can certainly enjoy it even if they only program in a bunch of channels and logos.

Re: beo5

jk1002 — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 17:46:22 GMT

I did not like it based on looks. Now that I touched it and played with it, I would consider it if they give me the software.

Thing is, they won't for now and even if they com out with one it would not run on my mac.

There was rumoring that there will be a Beo4 replacement, a simpler remote. Let's face it many of us won't need the Beo5. So where is that? Haven't heard a thing about it in ages.

Re: beo5

Keith Saunders — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 16:42:32 GMT

Simon,

I agree, it is a great product and I love it as well, however the negative feelings you are hearing from others really comes from two angles, both of which are not a bad reflection on the product itself, more the introduction prior to the product package being completely finished.

There are two main areas of concern are :-

The un-finished state of the Configuration software provided to the Dealers along with the associated templates
The strategy related to the configuration update of the product by the dealer.

The first item is starting to be resolved slowly with the development of templates, new versions of software and dealers getting more experienced with configurating the product. This also means that configurations can be created and updated much quicker.

The second item is more complex and in my view will not get solved until the customer is provided with a piece of software which allows them to download a configuration binary created by the dealer and supplied to them via e-mail. Whilst a lot of customers would like the software, the real complaint is really that you have to travel back to the dealer on a regular basis often for simple changes to be made, this is particularly true with complexed configurations with many zones.

For the above reason you will hear different views on the subject, both positive and negative depending on:-

The knowledge and experience of the dealer
How complex the customers configuration is
How demanding the customer is, he has paid a lot of money and wants it just right.

So, if you read through the postings on Beoworld you will see both frustration and delight with the product.

Re: beo5

saf — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 16:18:34 GMT

The Beonic Man:

I realise just how much thought went into its design to create one hand, one finger and without needing to look at the screen operation.

Simon, I wonder why they added a (lit) screen to the 'sceptre', then ... unless you mean your TV screen - or 'for future use'.

Re: beo5

The Beonic Man — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 15:55:36 GMT

I love this remote! Just wanted to add that! It has been set up really well by my dealer and I could never go back to a Beo4 now as I just love operatingit. I realise just how much thought went into its design to create one hand, one finger and without needing to look at the screen operation. The useability when you get used to it is fabulous. Does anyone else share my love for this product as I get the impression many people didn't/don't like it, which has quite amazed me actually.

Simon.

Re: beo5

jk1002 — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 14:10:23 GMT

My dealer said they would release software for the customer towards the end of the year. Thing is, even if they do we will see some not beeing happy since it mostlikely won't run on a mac.

Re: beo5

Keith Saunders — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 13:31:08 GMT

The software update provides additional functionality and fixes issues from previous versions, but it is still only available to the dealers to update their customer Beo5 and not intended to be supplied to customers.

Re: beo5

Bieele — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 13:26:39 GMT

Hopefully software that will support customization of the Beo5 by the owner instead of the dealer!

My current dealer mentioned he needs a lot of hours each week to change settings from costumer Beo5's! He was therefore not pushing anybody into buying a Beo5!

Bieele

Re: beo5

malcolm welborn — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 12:37:13 GMT

thanks for your reply, any idea whats been updated

asked here first as i live in canary isles and whilst i can talk to my dealer in spanish it is a bit more difficult with technical discussions

many thanks

malcolm

Re: beo5

Roger — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 12:24:03 GMT

Funny you should ask - they are apparently releasing new sw to their dealers today!

Roger

beo5

malcolm welborn — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 09:50:32 GMT

i purchased my beo5 in november 2007, has there been any software updates since then

many thanhks

malcolm