The Ultimate AV Experience, Complete with B&O's Signature High-Fidelity Sound

Bang & Olufsen (B&O) is known in Japan for its high-quality audio systems, and has also established a market among affluent consumers with its televisions, which it touts as the "ultimate." The "BeoVision 4-85" (5,670,000 yen, including the video engine), announced this time, is an 85-inch plasma TV as its name suggests. Emphasis has been placed on maintaining high quality over long periods, with features such as "automatic screen assessment and color balance adjustment every 100 hours of viewing to compensate for aging" (B&O).

Furthermore, the sound quality, which B&O itself describes as "high-quality, clear sound," is a key selling point of the "BeoVision 4-85." Thanks to "Acoustic Lens Technology," also used in the company's highly successful "BeoLab 5" speaker system, sound is evenly dispersed horizontally. This allows "clear perception of subtle nuances, such as dialogue, from anywhere in the room" (B&O).

A characteristic of B&O products is their expandability. The "BeoVision 4-85" can also be combined with optional accessories such as a floor stand (1,840,000 yen) and the "BeoLab 10" center active speaker (504,000 yen). This allows users to fully enjoy the TV's functions, including its performance and immersive soundstage.

B&O believes that "design transforms the space itself." The "BeoVision 4-85" continues the company's tradition of beautiful televisions, featuring an aluminum frame that resembles a picture frame. However, what truly sets it apart in the lineup is that it is B&O's first television to incorporate 3D functionality.

3D images are viewed with special glasses called "active shutter glasses" (sold separately for 14,700 yen). These 3D glasses, manufactured by the US company XPNAD, can be worn over regular eyeglasses. Pressing a switch on the left frame transforms the dual screen images into a three-dimensional view (3D-compatible software is, of course, required). B&O demonstrated footage of kayaking in a gorge and factory scenes. Many readers may have experienced 3D images in cinemas or with other manufacturers' products, but the sense of depth in these high-contrast images was almost immersive. The sensation of water splashing or sparks flying as if they were directed at the viewer was an engaging entertainment experience.

Ordering B&O When Building a Home is the "Correct" Way to Enjoy It

The acoustic performance is also noteworthy. It encapsulates B&O's strengths: the high quality of the speakers themselves, the skillful tuning of acoustic effects, and the system's expandability. The sound from the "BeoVision 4-85" will add impact to movies and realism to music. It is even possible to construct a 10.2-channel surround sound system by adding speaker units.


"Furthermore, while plasma screens tend to develop a yellowish tint due to aging, we have incorporated electronic compensation to prevent any perceived degradation," explained a representative from Bang & Olufsen Japan at the media viewing event.

Ordering B&O when building a house appears to be the most "correct" way to enjoy it. This is because, under the concept of an intelligent home, the company allows for the management of televisions and audio systems with a single remote control, control of speaker systems in each room from a single source, and even operation of curtain opening and closing.

Founded in 1925, B&O first produced radios, then quickly moved into sound systems for cinemas, speaker systems, and televisions by 1950, laying the foundation for today's product lineup long ago. The company's catalog states, "Through advancements in science and design, listeners can transform their living spaces into worlds filled with music." The "BeoVision 4-85" is not a sudden mutation but rather the fruit of continuous technological development, a value highly regarded in Europe.

Bang & Olufsen Japan
Tel. 03-3780-8714
http://beostores.bang-olufsen.com/japan/