ARCHIVED FORUM -- March 2012 to February 2022READ ONLY FORUM
This is the second Archived Forum which was active between 1st March 2012 and 23rd February 2022
I received the new Beovision Avant NG 55" and first impressions are very good. I've had the first generation since launch and this version certainly makes 4K much more accessible. The android system is taking a bit of getting used to but I think it is a small improvement on B&O's previous system. I can also confirm that the backlight panel for the 55" has been updated to a direct type panel, unlike the original which was edge lit. I certainly welcome the improvement, no more uneven lighting from the sides of the tv screen. It was thought that it would require a new redesigned stand but it does not and can fit on the old stand The back of the tv has been redesigned, inputs have been moved around a bit. There are no design differences in the front
I was attempting to find a full hands-on review with calibration and can't find anything for the NG or the Beovision 14. Is it weird that there are no proper reviews online for either tv? Any reviews online are just first impressions or rehashes of the press release from B&O.
Has anyone managed to do a proper picture calibration on an Avant NG or 14?
Hi SS
In answer to your question, I haven't, but I am pleased to read what you wrote.
I was reading your comments out over breakfast and someone here goes "Oh thats what I didn't like about the Avant too - the uneven lighting from the sides" - I hadn't even noticed haha. So an improvement of the screen is a good thing.
I think at the store they said that it was going to be edge lit - maybe they didn't know.
Its nice to know the existing stands all work, as they do on the BV11/14. I think thats the case for the 55 size but I don't know about the 75 or 85 size?
Have you tried doing the calibration for the (your) existing (outgoing) Avant?
Have you kept both? Or did you trade or sell the other?
Kind regards
Michael
Hi,
I've just ordered an Avant 55, but not the NG model. The dealer told me the 1.5 model would be the one I should go for, stating that the NG model was "buggy". I just hope I've made the right choice...
Frank
Beosound Stage, Beovision 8-40, Beolit 20, Beosound Explore.
Chris Townsend:I'd be very suspicious of what your dealer has said, and in selling you an older TV.
BeoNut since '75
This is the only review I know, from August 2016 BeoVision 14
https://www.flatpanelshd.com/news.php?subaction=showfull&id=1470814032
Aussie Michael: Hi SS In answer to your question, I haven't, but I am pleased to read what you wrote. I was reading your comments out over breakfast and someone here goes "Oh thats what I didn't like about the Avant too - the uneven lighting from the sides" - I hadn't even noticed haha. So an improvement of the screen is a good thing. I think at the store they said that it was going to be edge lit - maybe they didn't know. Its nice to know the existing stands all work, as they do on the BV11/14. I think thats the case for the 55 size but I don't know about the 75 or 85 size? Have you tried doing the calibration for the (your) existing (outgoing) Avant? Have you kept both? Or did you trade or sell the other? Kind regards Michael
Yes, it is definitely direct type rather than edge lit. B&O have updated the technical specs on their website to confirm.
As for picture calibration of my original Avant. There were a few full reviews and calibration recommendations from places like flatpanelshd.com I found their one particularly good for getting a very natural picture. Unfortunately I can't find any such in depth reviews of B&O's new TVs. Maybe they didn't give any out for review?
Regarding my original Avant, I've actually had three since launch. I've sent each of them back due to faults. The first one had smudges and marks all under the glass of the screen. The second one developed a kind of fogging up in numerous areas around the edge, beneath the glass of the screen over time and again looked like smudges. And the third one had a cluster of black, like dead pixels right in the middle of the screen. So I said I don't want another MKI and I'd rather wait to get the NG as a replacement.
So far first impressions are that it is a more refined version of the Avant. 4K from YouTube or PS4Pro just works and looks wonderful. YouTube app is all new and allows you to choose quality now, up to 4K. And in the TV settings it actually tells you the resolution you're looking at - unlike the original. It is a little buggy but nothing that I wouldn't expect to be fixed in next update. The interface I find a bit more responsive than the original and I much prefer the satellite TV guide which has been updated with channel logos and other visual enhancements.
Out of the box I find some of the same picture artefacts and things I don't like. Some weird ghosting on anything moving fast on screen, just like the original. This must be caused by some of B&O's processing as when I turn on Monitor picture mode (which disables all processing and delivers raw picture) there are no artefacts or ghosting any more. So I have lot of calibration to do and will report back. It would be nice though if there were proper reviews out there.
Robert: This is the only review I know, from August 2016 BeoVision 14 https://www.flatpanelshd.com/news.php?subaction=showfull&id=1470814032
This isn't an actual review. It's just listing the press release stuff. There's nothing about actual experience with the tv. Nothing about how it performs etc. This is the weird thing with B&O's new TV's, there doesn't seem to be any in depth reviews.
Unfortunately and inexplicably no.
Solidsnake: Unfortunately and inexplicably no.
Regarding HDR
Solidsnake:Yes, it is definitely direct type rather than edge lit. B&O have updated the technical specs on their website to confirm. As for picture calibration of my original Avant. There were a few full reviews and calibration recommendations from places like flatpanelshd.com I found their one particularly good for getting a very natural picture. Unfortunately I can't find any such in depth reviews of B&O's new TVs. Maybe they didn't give any out for review? Regarding my original Avant, I've actually had three since launch. I've sent each of them back due to faults. The first one had smudges and marks all under the glass of the screen. The second one developed a kind of fogging up in numerous areas around the edge, beneath the glass of the screen over time and again looked like smudges. And the third one had a cluster of black, like dead pixels right in the middle of the screen. So I said I don't want another MKI and I'd rather wait to get the NG as a replacement. So far first impressions are that it is a more refined version of the Avant. 4K from YouTube or PS4Pro just works and looks wonderful. YouTube app is all new and allows you to choose quality now, up to 4K. And in the TV settings it actually tells you the resolution you're looking at - unlike the original. It is a little buggy but nothing that I wouldn't expect to be fixed in next update. The interface I find a bit more responsive than the original and I much prefer the satellite TV guide which has been updated with channel logos and other visual enhancements. Out of the box I find some of the same picture artefacts and things I don't like. Some weird ghosting on anything moving fast on screen, just like the original. This must be caused by some of B&O's processing as when I turn on Monitor picture mode (which disables all processing and delivers raw picture) there are no artefacts or ghosting any more. So I have lot of calibration to do and will report back. It would be nice though if there were proper reviews out there.
Beolab 50, Beolab 8000 x 2, Beolab 4000 x 2, BeoSound Core, BeoSound 9000, BeoSound Century, BeoLit 15, BeoPlay A1, BeoPlay P2, BeoPlay H9 3rd Gen, BeoPlay H6, EarSet 3i, BeoVision Eclipse Gen 2 55", BeoPlay V1-40, BeoCom 6000 and so much else :)
Solidsnake:Unfortunately and inexplicably no.
Chris Townsend:I don't want to keep droning on about this, but to sell a Tv at £7-8,000 that doesn't even the main UHD advantage in HDR is madness. It's like selling a £100,000 Range Rover that only comes in 2 wheel drive. Beovision 7-55 Mk2, Avant RF 28, Beolab 9, Beolit 15, Beoplay A1/A2, Beocom 2, Beotime, H3 ANC/H8/H6/H2, Form 2, Beoplay A3, Beovision 5-42 connected to a DVD1
Interesting article elephant
So it seems we are back to the HD days
I thought it was just 4K and now they refer to SDR and HDR (which I knew about), so SDR must be good ole 4k
Will wait and see how the landscape changes with the tech
Chris Townsend: Solidsnake: Unfortunately and inexplicably no. I don't want to keep droning on about this, but to sell a Tv at £7-8,000 that doesn't even the main UHD advantage in HDR is madness. It's like selling a £100,000 Range Rover that only comes in 2 wheel drive.
I don't want to keep droning on about this, but to sell a Tv at £7-8,000 that doesn't even the main UHD advantage in HDR is madness. It's like selling a £100,000 Range Rover that only comes in 2 wheel drive.
I really don't see what the fuss about HDR(+) is. My new Samsung 8005 4K tv has HDR+, and even when I look af HDR content from Netflix, I switch it off within 1 minute. It looks unnatural and gives some "soap opera" effect that I don't like..
For me it would not be a deal breaker with no HDR in a TV.
/Weebyx
Weebyx:I really don't see what the fuss about HDR(+) is. My new Samsung 8005 4K tv has HDR+, and even when I look af HDR content from Netflix, I switch it off within 1 minute. It looks unnatural and gives some "soap opera" effect that I don't like.. For me it would not be a deal breaker with no HDR in a TV. /Weebyx
Michael: Weebyx: I really don't see what the fuss about HDR(+) is. My new Samsung 8005 4K tv has HDR+, and even when I look af HDR content from Netflix, I switch it off within 1 minute. It looks unnatural and gives some "soap opera" effect that I don't like.. For me it would not be a deal breaker with no HDR in a TV. /Weebyx HDR+? Sounds odd. It's something special for Samsung. HDR does not give you a soap opera effect it just give you a wider span of colors and contrast. It's a good thing.
Weebyx: I really don't see what the fuss about HDR(+) is. My new Samsung 8005 4K tv has HDR+, and even when I look af HDR content from Netflix, I switch it off within 1 minute. It looks unnatural and gives some "soap opera" effect that I don't like.. For me it would not be a deal breaker with no HDR in a TV. /Weebyx
HDR+? Sounds odd. It's something special for Samsung. HDR does not give you a soap opera effect it just give you a wider span of colors and contrast. It's a good thing.
HDR+ is Samsungs way of "upscaling" non-HDR content to HDR, so that might just have confused you, sorry :)
But still.. I really do not like HDR content, and at least on my TV, it gives a weird effect. Yes, the color and contrast spectrum are wider, but to me looks unnatural. My tv has been calibrated to flatpanels.dk specs, and that made a fantastic difference according to factory (bling) settings. I feel that HDR gives me to much of the "store-buy-me" settings that does not look natural.
But peoples eyes are different, and I just don't like it :)
Weebyx:HDR+ is Samsungs way of "upscaling" non-HDR content to HDR, so that might just have confused you, sorry :) But still.. I really do not like HDR content, and at least on my TV, it gives a weird effect. Yes, the color and contrast spectrum are wider, but to me looks unnatural. My tv has been calibrated to flatpanels.dk specs, and that made a fantastic difference according to factory (bling) settings. I feel that HDR gives me to much of the "store-buy-me" settings that does not look natural. But peoples eyes are different, and I just don't like it :) /Weebyx
Thanks for your feedback.
Does the chassis keep making those unacceptable noises due to vibrations (bass frequencies) at high volume ?
I'm asking because in my opinion this problem was, in the 2014 Avant, what really tended to riun traditional B&O reputation (and, from this angle, recalling the old Avant in the name is even worse, because it can be a boomerang for the return in terms of image, as one of the strongest point in that previous (glorious) set is not good as it was....).
mauro
No hurry - HDR standarts haven't really settled in yet.
Next thing is, that we need new tv's that support HLG - used by tv providers for distributing their HDR content.
http://www.pocket-lint.com/news/139285-what-is-hybrid-log-gamma-and-why-should-you-care
MM
There is a tv - and there is a BV
Millemissen: No hurry - HDR standarts haven't really settled in yet. Next thing is, that we need new tv's that support HLG - used by tv providers for distributing their HDR content. http://www.pocket-lint.com/news/139285-what-is-hybrid-log-gamma-and-why-should-you-care MM
Not really correct.
HDR capable TVs will be firmware upgradable to support HLG.
Livingroom: BL3, BL11, BV11-46 Kitchen: Beosound 1 GVA, Beocom 2 Bathroom: M3 Homeoffice: M3, Beocom 2 Library: Beosound Emerge, Beocom 6000 Bedroom: M5, Essence remote Travel: Beoplay E8 2.0, Beoplay EQ, Beoplay Earset
beolit39:Thanks for your feedback. Does the chassis keep making those unacceptable noises due to vibrations (bass frequencies) at high volume ? I'm asking because in my opinion this problem was, in the 2014 Avant, what really tended to riun traditional B&O reputation (and, from this angle, recalling the old Avant in the name is even worse, because it can be a boomerang for the return in terms of image, as one of the strongest point in that previous (glorious) set is not good as it was....). mauro
beolit39: Thanks for your feedback. Does the chassis keep making those unacceptable noises due to vibrations (bass frequencies) at high volume ? I'm asking because in my opinion this problem was, in the 2014 Avant, what really tended to riun traditional B&O reputation (and, from this angle, recalling the old Avant in the name is even worse, because it can be a boomerang for the return in terms of image, as one of the strongest point in that previous (glorious) set is not good as it was....). mauro
I noticed that issue too on the original Avant. I haven't heard anything like that yet on the new one but will let you know if I do.
Millemissen:No hurry - HDR standarts haven't really settled in yet. Next thing is, that we need new tv's that support HLG - used by tv providers for distributing their HDR content. http://www.pocket-lint.com/news/139285-what-is-hybrid-log-gamma-and-why-should-you-care MM There is a tv - and there is a BV.
Hiort: Millemissen: No hurry - HDR standarts haven't really settled in yet. Next thing is, that we need new tv's that support HLG - used by tv providers for distributing their HDR content. http://www.pocket-lint.com/news/139285-what-is-hybrid-log-gamma-and-why-should-you-care MM Not really correct. HDR capable TVs will be firmware upgradable to support HLG.
Well, well.
According to Flatpanels:
'LG, Philips, Samsung, and Sony have each demonstrated HLG on 2016 products at trade shows
but none of them have committed to release a firmware update to add the functionality'.
I have not done a full calibration on my 55" Avant. I think I might still have an article from Flatpanels HD, where they did their calibration, with all of their settings if interested just pm me. Just a small footnote: I adjusted my Avant to Flatpanels HD settings, and while it made the top and bottom black bars disappear on widescreen movies, overall it was just too dark for my taste. It killed all of the picture highlights. So that said, happy to share with you theirs or my personal favorites settings (using the Oppo 103 player to 4K input).
Joe
Oops. I just read on Bang-olufsen.com about the new sets and according to specs it is like this now: 55”: Ultra High-Definition (4K), direct-type LED panel with global backlight dimming75”: Ultra High-Definition (4K), direct type LED panel with global backlight dimming85”: Ultra High-Definition (4K), direct type LED panel with 2D local backlight dimming I don 't think "global" is a good thing. It would mean that there is no zones dimming individually at all, instead that the entire screen is dimming as one big element(!). If this is true, then actually the old Avant is better than the new one in the case of backlight. I am not sure this is the case but a quick googling gave me this:
Global dimming One last trick isn't really "local" dimming as much as it's just "dimming," or maybe "global dimming." The entire image will get darker with dark scenes, and stay bright with bright scenes. On many models when given a full black image (like the fade-out at the end of a movie, but before the credits start) the LEDs will shut off completely, making it seem like the TV has a really good black level.
This is fake, of course, as you can't see anything else on the screen. If anything should appear, the LEDs kick back on, and the black level jumps up, revealing the TV's true contrast ratio. There are some tiny energy-saving benefits to turning off the LEDs, but visually this is distracting. It's also really common among projectors (where an auto-iris tracks the incoming signal).
Another variation of the theme senses the average brightness of the scene and, during darker scenes, ratchets down the whole backlight. Again black levels improve at the expense of highlights and sometimes-visible fluctuations in overall brightness.
Chris Townsend:This is local dimming on the 7-55 Mk2, but I can't find anything on global dimming. https://youtu.be/LhMp2Vt3r-M This was 6 years ago, so surely things must have moved on.
https://youtu.be/LhMp2Vt3r-M
This was 6 years ago, so surely things must have moved on.
I don't see how this matters for the Avant though. As I said, it says local dimming on the 85" only, and global dimming on the 55" and 75" now. (I think the "old" 75" also had local dimming). The "old" 55" Avant had "1.5D" local dimming meaning dimmable zones on the sides. Not super bad, and the leds were placed so a cinematic movie could be shown without the black bars being lit as well. If the new ones are truly global dimming it would mean that they are also lit up all the time, as long as there is graphics to be seen in the movie data.
Solidsnake: I was attempting to find a full hands-on review with calibration and can't find anything for the NG or the Beovision 14. Is it weird that there are no proper reviews online for either tv? Any reviews online are just first impressions or rehashes of the press release from B&O.
I don't think that B&O is very keen on the new Beovisions being reviewed yet, as the software still contains lots of bugs.