Bang & Olufsen Presents The Revolutionary Beo5 Remote Control At The 2008 CES In Las Vegas

Building the future of complete integration in home audio, video, and automation [The following is a release from Bang & Olufsen]

January 3, 2008

Bang & Olufsen, the Danish manufacturer of high end home theaters and custom multi-room video and music systems, showcases the Beo5 remote control, a product born from more than 15 years of research and development and following a project with NASA, at the 2008 CES in Las Vegas. Beo5 presents the future of audio, video, and automation integration – with a fully flexible and personalized remote control with a universal language that can operate any product combination, even products with features and functions that are not known yet. Beo5 can also operate select non-Bang & Olufsen products and represents a continuation of Bang & Olufsen's commitment to one-touch operation, simplicity, and user friendliness since 1976. Beo5 is an entirely new and revolutionary remote control, yet its operation is based on principles Bang & Olufsen customers already know. An important aspect in the development of Beo5 was to ensure that the equipment remains as relevant, simple and intuitive as possible, a result of Bang & Olufsen's extensive experience with user interfaces obtained over the years. "As consumer electronics become more and more complex, the launch of Beo5 is a very significant step for Bang & Olufsen as it provides advanced technology, yet intuitive one-step functionality," said Zean Nielsen, President of Bang & Olufsen America. "This product demonstrates all of Bang & Olufsen's core competencies and will set the precedent of home integration technology in the consumer electronics realm for years to come. Our expectations for Beo5 are vast, as it will appeal to our existing customer base looking for further customization to their current systems, as well as to new customers who are seeking the ultimate home audio and video integration tool." Completely personalized control Beo5 is delivered without any features from the Bang & Olufsen factory, and then professionally customized for each customer at the local stores. Thorough training at the sales level guarantees that each unit matches the individual needs of every customer, allowing for complete control of his or her setup at home. Additionally, customers have the option to add and remove features at any time by working with the nearest Bang & Olufsen showroom. Beo5 adapts to almost any product configuration one has at home. Buttons and functions can be added or removed, or even arranged to suit, for example, left-handed use. Control of one's audio and video equipment can be combined with other remote-controlled systems such as lighting, draperies, windows, air-conditioning, or security – all from the comfort of one's sofa or armchair! Logical and intuitive operation Beo5 features a color LCD display with a programmable touch-sensitive screen of chemically hardened glass. This lets one activate functions that are relevant for various product combinations by pressing directly on the screen. The base of the remote includes hard-touch buttons that activate the functions on the screen, as well as volume control and channel changing. The inclusion of a touch-screen for Beo5 came from the results of a joint research project between Bang & Olufsen and NASA about sensory deprivation, which proved how important sensory feedback is when operating switches and buttons. The "Touch-and-Go" technology behind the functionality of the display is a combination of two different types of touch operation -- sensi-touch, which detects the button, and soft-touch, which physically activates a function by pressing down. Hence, the touch screen offers tactile feedback. There are twelve of these dynamic buttons that can be named or moved around according to each customer's preference. One can even upload image icons of his or her favorite station onto the screen of Beo5, for further ease-of-use and convenience. A unique visual identity When left on the table, the form of Beo5 demands attention all its own. It stands upright and its unusual visual expression is a contradiction of forms – soft curves together with clean lines. The base is a circular aluminium ball, with tactile keys and a volume wheel, whereas the display is a square-shaped LCD screen with soft-touch keys. Together they symbolize an ancient symbolic sign of power and control -- the sceptre, which provided the design inspiration behind Beo5. Comfort and control -- in the palm of one's hand Characteristic of Bang & Olufsen products, the materials used for Beo5 have been carefully selected to underline the importance of craftsmanship and robustness. Beo5 features an ergonomic design based on extensive user tests. The three-dimensional shape of the base and the contours of the back feel easily secure in the hand and also reduce the distance one's thumb must travel to reach the outermost corners of the remote control. Another important element is the weight and balance, which are aligned by a tungsten weight placed inside the ball. Intelligent battery life The color LCD display and multitude of programmable features requires the need for significantly more battery capacity than regular remote controls. In light of this, the solution for Beo5 is a rechargeable battery, similar to the configuration of Bang & Olufsen's cordless telephones. The normal operation time is an impressive 10-12 days between battery charges. The intelligent charging circuitry constantly optimizes the life of the Beo5 batteries. Essential robustness The Beo5 LCD display has a custom-made hardened glass front, with a specified degree of thickness and surface grinding requested by the designer to ensure elegance and optimum robustness, but without sharp edges that can cut fingers. It has a strong rear casing of infrared-transparent plastic to ensure excellent signal range. As a required part of Bang & Olufsen product development, Beo5 has undergone strict mechanical tests, including hand lotion tolerance, scratch resistance, extreme temperature handling, and severe drop testing to ensure that the durability is of the utmost degree. One need not worry if Beo5 falls on the floor – once picked up, the viewer is back in control again! Beo5 will be available in all North American showroom locations by Fall 2007. MSRP $560.00 and includes the table charger. Advanced programming charges vary from market to market. Specifications Designer: David Lewis Weight 205g +/-5g (7.2 oz.) Dimensions W x H x D 69.3 x115.8 x 32.3 mm. (2.7 x 4.6 x 1.3 in.) Battery capacity Stand-by approx. 12 days Active time typically 18 hours (3 hours continuously) Charging time: From empty approx. 5 hours Charging interface 5.0V DC +/- 10% 400mA +/- 10% Memory: 100 logos, 100 icons, 24 zones. Accessories: Table charger Backlight Intensity is automatically adjusted to ambient light. Display 234 x 320 pixels Colour 16.777.216 colors

Read More:
http://www.bang-olufsen.com