BeoVision 11-55 vs. BeoVision Avant 55 NG

Hello everyone, I was hoping for some advise please. 
I’m a big B&O fan and enjoyed their music systems for a while. I’m now in need of a new Television and would like to explore a B&O option. Sadly I do not have the budget just yet for one of their latest OLED TVs and as such I’m gravitating towards a BeoVision Avant 55 NG or a BeoVision 11-55. My budget is around the 3,500 - 3,700 euro (so I don’t believe I could get to a BeoVision 14-55 as an additional option). I use the TV to watch Netflix - YouTube - Plex (99% of the time). I understand the Avant will offer better picture (4K vs. HD) and sound via the better soundbar, but what about functionality of the smart hub?  
your assistance is very much appreciated. Thanks  

 

Thats an easy one ;-)

Stay clear of the Avant/NG (and the BV14) - most, but not all users tent to avoid these.

Get the BV11 and add a HDMI streaming device of your own choice (AppleTV, Nvidea Hield, bluray player, ChromeCast...).

But do not forget, that the BV11 will be an older tv....nothing lasts forever.

Add a subwoofer - a BL11 or BL2 depending on the size/shape of your room - will be a good idea.

P.S. Why not consider the first gen Avant?

MM

I would avoid BV11-55, even I love them and prefer than BV14/Avant NG, the reason - no LCD panels available for it anymore and soon, it will become an issue. If you still want to go ahead, do it, but pay as little as possible.

Thanks for the quick reply. Much appreciated.

Yes I am reading a few articles on how the latest version of the Avant is not as good as the first one, despite the local B&O dealer stating it has an improved panel and better smart hub.... so a bit confusing...  But yes, a first generation BV Avant would be a good option too then. The trouble is trying to find one in a small market like New Zealand.. 

Thank you, makes sense and definitely something to consider. Cheers 

Thank you, makes sense and definitely something to consider. Cheers 

But don't forget that the 7-55 is a monstrous beast in the living room. Nowhere near any modern 55" tv size.

I too am a big fan of the brand, but I simply couldn't justify the price. I know, a BV is much more than a TV. But it still isn't enough for what I want (which is seamless playing content from my NAS through kodi (which has all the right features for automatic subtitle downloads etc.), playing music from itunes to a multiroom setup not only containing B&O kit, netflix integration, etc.) It would never play my own itunes playlist with only one button press (while at the same time changing the lighting scenes).

I finally went for the flagship 55" QLED, a marantz AVR, and a set of BeoLab9s for a just little more than what you're willing to spend. I'm using a BeoRemote One controlling everything, and with everything I mean everything: TV, sound, lights, (it can do curtains, the fireplace, etc. as well). I run an openhab server application which receives the IR commands and controls all my devices.

The Beoremote shows all my playlists under the music button and all visual sources under the TV button (Kodi, playstation, netflix app, appleTV+ app, Youtube app (of the TV itself)) everything starts and stops with one button press.

I admit, it took quite a few nights of figuring everything out and setting it up, 'programming' the rules of what should happend with each button press. You don't need to be a hardcore IT guy, but a little programming knowledge and the will to take on a little project comes in handy. Once you get the hang of it, there's no stopping. (And so I added lighting scenes recently with some cheap wifi plugs...)

Is it an integrated B&O solution? Not entirely, but it sure feels like it: B&O speakers, a BeoRemote One, and state of the art picture quality.
I'm currently fabricating a wooden stand for the screen in the likes of the Loewe Bild 5 stand. That way, it's a little more than any ordinary samsung tv too. 
Given that it does everything I need it to do with only one stylish remote control, and that this 'everything' is more than what a BV setup can do, I feel it may even be better than an 'integrated B&O solution'. 

 

That said, I understand such project may not be for everyone. I which case I'd go for a BV11-55. Don't get the android crap, and remember that 1st gen avants don't really do 4K well (their menu's don't work on 4K content, no integrated 4K sources, etc.). And at 55", I must admit that an 75Gb 4K bluray file isn't that much better than its 20Gb1080p counterpart. At least not from where you're comfortably sitting.

I love B&O because of their styling, quality and performance. But unfortunately unless you are willing to buy an Eclipse or Harmony, any other B&O TV is way behind the times when it comes to PQ. In my opinion, the next best option is to get a late model BV 4 50 or 65. At 50 inches you are not missing 4K resolution from normal viewing distance. The viewing angle and black levels are better than anything before the current OLED TVs.

That would be my 2 cents worth. However, for a TV if the current crop of B&O OLED TVs are not in your budget, why not go for a Sony or LG OLED and add BS Stage for audio. It'll be within budget and look and sound excellent. If you get a used Sony A1E OLED from you can send audio to the Stage via HDMI and subwoofer out to a BL 11 or BL 2 and still probably keep it under $4K.

thank you very much for the advice. Yes I'm quickly figuring out that unless I want to go down the B&O OLED road, then I better stay clear of the others and (listen to my wife) go for a "normal" TV (Samsung QLED or LG OLED or indeed Sony as per your suggestion) and spend the money later on better B&O speakers to add to the TV.  The B&O TVs just look so good though... !!! 

thanks for your help 

thank you kindly. yes I'm not a big fan of big bulky TVs and I am allergic to any visible cables. I love the BV Avant or BV 11 as I could opt for the motorised wall mount option, hiding all cables and serving my current dining-living area great as I would need the TV to come out of the wall at practically 90 degrees. 

Unfortunately, unlike Europe or US (I guess) B&O down our way (Australia / NZ) are not very keen to do all sorts of "deals" to get customers onto their new TV sets.

As per other members' posts I'm now doubting going for an "old" B&O TV as opposed to a new main stream brand.

Thanks for the advice 

NicMol:

I love the BV Avant or BV 11 as I could opt for the motorised wall mount option, hiding all cables and serving my current dining-living area great as I would need the TV to come out of the wall at practically 90 degrees.

That’s the setup I have with my BV11.

When it’s been swinged out using the remote so we can view from our dining table, it plays using the two BL3s you can see on the first pic, and using the BL11 for bass and the internal speaker as centre.

That’s B&O Magic.

A beovision is so much more than panel only! The sound processing and surround module are really good and only with a Beovision you can get the best out of your beolabs (due to the advanced settings in the menu).

I disagree that the earlier TV’s do not compete with modern smart tv’s. The BV7-40 still has a stunning picture quality, from the BV11/V1 on you have the NL capability also. I still have 2 V1’s and they are very good even today. The colour management by B&O is so much better to my taste. A BV11-46/55 is still a amazing tv picture wise and design wise. I also have a Horizon 48” and an Eclipse and the Horizon on normal broadcasting is sharper in my perception then the Eclipse.

Personally I would always buy an Beovision and add a AppleTV for the smart part (Netflix). Best of both worlds, stunning design, perfect sound and will definitely give you the full B&O treatment!

Based on your budget there are many options!

That's it! Exactly how I would need to set it up. Stunning set up!!! well done. 

Fansastic:

I disagree that the earlier TV’s do not compete with modern smart tv’s. The BV7-40 still has a stunning picture quality, from the BV11/V1 on you have the NL capability also. I still have 2 V1’s and they are very good even today. The colour management by B&O is so much better to my taste. A BV11-46/55 is still a amazing tv picture wise and design wise. I also have a Horizon 48” and an Eclipse and the Horizon on normal broadcasting is sharper in my perception then the Eclipse.

Agree with you.

I have an LG OLED 65 in my movieroom, and when I go from that up to my living room, to my BV11-46, I still think BV11 provide a very good picture.

Not at all a feeling that I watch a 7 year old screen. Really amazing I would say. And with all the magic the soundprocessor can provide in various setups its still an amazing set.

BV11-46 MK1 on motor wall bracket here. Love it. Picture quality still amazes when watching Sky HD. It’s linked to BL6000&8000 but even on its own it’s great sound.

You can still buy with warranty for the newer used ones I think from a dealer?

Thanks Paul, appreciate the feedback. Sadly the  B&O dealer in NZ don’t have access (don’t necessarily want to) to used products. The “preloved sections” that is becoming quite popular in Europe and is giving access to the brand to a wider audience is non existent this side of the world. There are a couple of specialties businesses in Australia that specialise in trading preloved B&O products having access to a larger pool of products, but not here in NZ.

reading all the great comments here I am leaning towards a BeoVision product as it sounds like I could be getting more out of BeoLab products using a B&O TV. There are some scary comments of users that were left with crazy repairs bill on relatively new BeoVision Avant though that play in my mind.... 

May be I am an exception here but I think the Avant 55 is an amazing display and probably the best LED image quality you can find. It is as good as edge lighting can get you and at 55 inches you can’t really see the limitations of LED. My neighbor across from me has an Avant and it’s probably the best non OLED screen I have seen. He also has the floor stand. However, if you don’t have 4K content then it doesn’t make sense...

Also, it is hard to gauge quality from a few forum threads. My 2 cents worth.