Audio Video News

Massive plasma screens aren't just for CES anymore. This afternoon, Bang & Olufsen unveiled the 103-inch BV103 at the Audi Forum in New York City. This huge beastie of an HDTV comes packed with all of the features B&O could think of, including the company's BeoSystem 3 video system, Beo5 remote control (with integration support for every other B&O A/V product), a custom BeoLab 10 center channel speaker that appears as if from nowhere (or at least, from behind the screen) when the television is turned on, and a motorized stand that lifts, pans, and tilts the screen 20 degrees in either direction horizontally and 5 degrees in either direction vertically.

Big screens have big prices, and at $110,000 the BV103 is no exception. Even if you have the six digits to spend, expect to be able to just plunk down the cash and shlep it home, though. Between its size, weight (1,200 pounds combined for the screen and stand), and power consumption (a 220-volt dedicated circuit is needed for the screen and stand, and an additional 110-volt circuit powers the BeoLab 10 speaker and BeoSystem 3 system), potential buyers have to fill out a questionnaire and have their homes surveyed before B&O will sell the HDTV. On the bright side, the BV103's hefty price tag includes white glove delivery to anywhere in the United States.

Bang & Olufsen also revealed a less exciting but arguably more important product: the Master Link Gateway. This rack-mountable home automation system lets Bang & Olufsen products, normally automated with the company's proprietary Master Link system, interact with more standard automation systems like Crestron and AMX. The Master Link Gateway lets users control their lights, HVAC, and non-B&O A/V products through the Beo5 and other B&O controls, and lets any home automation system control B&O products. The Gateway can work over either RS-232C or IP, and presents a great deal of flexibility for custom installers looking to incorporate Bang & Olufsen products into their systems.

— Will Greenwald