Command with Bang & Olufsen’s BeoSystem 3

By Geoff Duncan August 11, 2006

Bang & Olufsen aren’t known for producing consumer electronics for gadget fiends on a budget, and so it comes as no surprise their new BeoSystem 3 is intended to be the “stage manager” for very high-end home theater setups, enabling true media junkies to enjoy complete entertainment experiences from not just one, but two separate home theater, surround-sound setups (say, a projection display on one wall and a widescreen LCD on the other) while the BeoSystem 3 does everything but serve popcorn and shush the young hoodlums down in front.

The BeoSystem 3 features two DVI outputs, four HDMI inputs to accept data from your high-end, high-definition media devices, and you can manage either two separate 5.1 surround setups (you know, one for the plasma, one for the projection TV) or a giant 7.1 surround setup with dual subwoofers using connectors for 12 loudspeakers and 2 subs. Users can move the sound stage from display to display, enabling users to have perfect audio experiences no matter which display they’re watching—just select the appropriate stage using the remote—and the extra loudspeaker connectors can be used to fill the “hole in the middle” surround installations often encounter in large rooms. A total of more than 70 connectors ensure the BeoSystem 3 can handle most anything you want to throw at it.

The BeoSystem 3 is automatically optimizes images for display as they’re going through the system, handling up to 1 billion colors, and even adjusting contrast and balance to suit the amount o ambient light in the room. And if the room lighting is a problem, you can connect the BeoSystem 3 to home automation systems via the RS232 port and have the box manage your room lighting too. The BeoSystem 3 also recognizes the capabilities of connect Bang & Olufsen monitors, and adjusts its output to provide the best possible display.

Intrigued? Select retailers and custom installers have the BeoSystem 3 now for about $7,700. Overkill? Nah!

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Geoff Duncan writes, programs, edits, plays music, and delights in making software misbehave. He's probably the only member…

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