CEDIA 2017

Bang & Olufsen’s CEDIA press conference kicked off with a demonstration of the company’s BeoSound Shape, a new modular wireless speaker system consisting of alternating hexagonal tiles. Various tiles function as either a speaker, amplifier, or sound damper, and an upmixing algorithm the company calls “band on the wall” spreads the sound across the tiles so that vocals are centered and instruments emanate from the sides.

Listeners can stream audio to the system wirelessly via Chromecast built-in, AirPlay, DLNA, or Bluetooth, and it can be linked with other B&O products for wireless multiroom audio playback.

While there’s no limit on the number of tiles you use, a base Shape system consists of 6 tiles (4 speakers, 1 amp, and 1 damper) and sells for $5,000. Systems can be customized using an online design tool that lets you select colors, fabrics, and layout. It also makes tile placement recommendations for getting the best sound in your room. The BeoSound Shape is available now in the company’s retail stores.

B&O also introduced the BeoVision Eclipse, a TV developed in partnership with LG electronics. Available in 65- and 55-inch screen sizes, the Eclipse integrates an LG OLED Ultra HDTV with a 3-channel soundbar powered by a built-in 450-watt amplifier. Wired and WiSA wireless connectivity options are provided to connect additional speakers for full surround sound. Mounting options include the Planet, a motorized, remote-controlled stand that can be swiveled 90 degrees left or right, and both motorized and manual rotating wall brackets.

Beovision Eclipse TVs will be available at Bang & Olufsen stores in November for $14,995 (65-inch) and $9,995 (55-inch), respectively. Both the Planet stand and motorized wall mount options will cost $2,199, and the manual wall mount $995.