Avant 2014+

Dear all,

Since I have now decided on an Avant over the Eclipse, I would like to understand the key differences between the Mark 1 and Mark 2 versions as I have read some independent web reviews suggesting all Mark 2 versions (including the 55" that is my choice) have backlit dimming. I didn't think this was the case except for the 75" model. Am I missing something here? Be great if you could help me establish the differences between versions so I can make the correct choice when purchasing. With many thanks in advance...

I have the Mark 1 and its really good

When i first got it the Netradio was a bit flakey but the update they did fixed it.

It has a IR BeoRemote one versus the Mark 2 (by Mk 2 i mean the Avant NG)

The Avant NG has 2 wireless controllers versus 1, but I've never had an issue with mine

The NG has Android versus B&O OS

The NG has a different BeoRemote with a home icon and the list button is in a different spot

I remember reading that the panels were different , but from memory when i read about them i remember reading that the Mk 1 was better because of the local dimming

Swedish Michael do you remember the panel difference?

So I got an Avant Mk 1 a few months ago - from what I understand, in between the Mk 1 and the NG there was a very brief run of units with the old platform and the newer panels.

The dealers should have (on the more detailed product sheets) details of the serial numbers for Avant Mk 1, then those for the in between units, and then the serial numbers where the NG takes over

I have seen this product sheet myself on the screen of my dealer.

These product sheets do get updated from time to time, so the latest version may not show the intermediate serial numbers, but they exist.

I didn't want in the end the newer panels, so the MK 1 I think is a very solid choice

I have had both and I have found a number of pros and cons for both. It will come down to personal preference. The design from the front is the same on both. The design of the back is slightly different but nothing important. 

Hardware. The biggest differences are the screen - original has edge lit display while the NG has backlit. This is a personal preference but I prefer the NG here. With the original if you have a black screen with white text or anything bright in the center, you will notice light illuminating from the sides - resulting in uneven black. I used to find this quite distracting.  You don’t get this with the NG. I also find the picture processing on the NG to be superior to the original too. Not as many movement artifacts but still not perfect. Also, you don’t have as many full 4K inputs on the original. The start up procedure on the original is far smoother and relatively faster  - when you turn on, the speaker drops and then opens wide with the picture seamlessly. The NG isn’t as smooth - when you turn on, the speaker drops and then there is a big pause and finally the speaker opens wide with stuttering curtains.

Software - the original is certainly more classic B&O in design but it is quite limited and doesn’t feel like a modern 4K tv. I found the TV Guide on the original rarely worked and also no ability to install new apps and the apps that are available are terrible.  The NG obviously has android. Now I would prefer the original B&O look but I find the NG is far more connected and modern than the original. Android does allow you to download more apps to the tv, including 4K Netflix (when it works) and 4K YouTube and the ability to install 3rd party apps which I find really useful. I use Terrarium daily to stream tv shows and movies. The NG also has chrome cast built in allowing you to stream from phone, laptop etc. The NG was very buggy, like the 14 and Horizon on release but most have been ironed out now and it is just as stable as the original now.

So it does come down to personal preference. There certainly isn’t a clear winner but rather pros and cons on either side. It really depends what matters to you. 

 

 

I'd also add that the intermediate run of units is pretty small - it was only for a few months, 2 or 3 if I can remember.

Also the panel is the same as that being used in the 14, which I would avoid.

It's back lit yes, but globally dimmed - which is not the best to be honest. The product sheet that I saw did have details on the number of dimming zones, I can't remember the numbers.

But from what I understand, quite different from the more precise dimming on that MK 1 Avant 75 and 85.

True what SolidSnake said you don't really buy the Avant Mk 1 for the smart TV platform - its rubbish. But i never really use the / smart TV features. I just use the Apple TV, it's quicker and easier.

The speaker does open really elegantly and is nice that the screen is dark until it is ready.

Many thanks for all your comments so far. Do others agree with SolidSnake that on the Mark I you can see the light bleed on the screen during some scenes? I know this would bug me a lot if noticeable. Would also be interested to know how the Mark I handles motion as I am sure I remember thinking it wasn't great when I first viewed it on release several years ago, thanks...

BAND'OH!:

Many thanks for all your comments so far. Do others agree with SolidSnake that on the Mark I you can see the light bleed on the screen during some scenes? I know this would bug me a lot if noticeable. Would also be interested to know how the Mark I handles motion as I am sure I remember thinking it wasn't great when I first viewed it on release several years ago, thanks...

I don't notice it on mine

I'll say this

The 14 I had for 7 months or so had terrible motion handling - since June when i swapped it, things may have improved, but it wasn't good at all. And it was poor at dark scenes, to the point of unwatchable.

The Avant MK 1 I have now is much better at both. Don't notice the light bleed at all. Very occasionally a bit of panning issues, but I watch a lot of sports, no problems, looks good

Of course there are limitations with any LCD

The Avant 55" Mk I panels with 1.5D local dimming are notably better than the later one-zone global dimming panels.

Basically, if you look at the detailled specs of BV11-55 at bang-olufsen.com, Avant Mk I has a similar panel, except 4K of course.

The only downside of Mk I is that it has only one "future proof" 4K HDMI input. There was discussion and debate about this on these forums when Avant was launched – about the actual relevance of such inputs, back in the day. Now they are becoming more and more relevant, depending of course on 4K sources you need, if any.

Just a small addition. I don't have the MK2, "only MK1.

However, we just had some guests over today and they were really impressed by the elegant and subtle start up procedure of the TV. The discrete B&O logo "flash-fading" when starting up until the speakers appear and the curtains open.

That is just a small piece of elegant and conjuring opening of the TV. True B&O style.

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I have the Mk1, my third one. They first hd some manufacturing issues (which mostly are ironed out and still exciting on mk2 somewhat - fingerprint and dust risk on the inside of the contrast glass).

I think Mk2 has a different gasket around the glass to keep dust from entering though.

As Aussie Michael has pointed out main differences are the change to Android OS - which is super flaky at best. Even when I went into the store last time their BV14 and horizons where crashing constantly.

I very much enjoy my mk1 Avant and would prefer the edge lit panel of the backlit global dimmed mk2 because it is just one zone: meaning the entire screen dims when there is dark zones - making bright materials dimmer and really screwing with the picture too much.

Edge lit is actually a more expensive technology due to the glass dispersion plate design and stronger leds on the side but comes with the clouding issue that is more apparent. But at least it can dim zones. It also cuts the black bars on cinematic video perfectly. Meaning black bars. On the mk2 those bars will be bright black.

I've not seen any improvements on mk2 and the panel is a cheaper panel by far. Not a Samsung anymore either. Less color accuracy. Not even sure it is an IPS screen. All the Mk2 and BV14 I've seen seem to have a matte screen with the blank contrast glass leaving me with a perplexed opinion. It looks weird to me only. Mk1 has a glossy screen under glossy contrast glass. Meaning that colors pop more and it feels sharper. Maybe a little more glare but since there's a glass in front this will be there no matter what.

The panel in mk1 was a well thought of and expensive Samsung panel with high specs and probably longer life than the newer cheap panels.

Also mk1 custom OS looks better to me but of course lacks apps that's worth anything. The built in web radio works well and the DLNA player is quite good. I use the latter with Plex server but I mainly connect by my Apple TV or Nvidia shield.

One thing worth mentioning is B&Os sudden stop in updates. I have an issue with 4K Netflix over Nvidia shield. B&O wrongly implemented hdmi edid handshake not to report its Dolby digital plus capabilities and this makes the shield default Netflix to stereo sound.

Apple TV gives me surround on Netflix in full hd but I think it just doesn't care what the tv say. I have asked and told B&O about the issue and they have tried and confirmed it but their R&D department seemingly don't want to fix it(!). I've asked why and have not received an answer.

Since the tv is under warranty and is supposed to support it I will require them to fix it. For now I have to live with stereo sound upscale to fake surround by true image.

But except for this I'm very happy with the system. I would never replace it with the mk2 android.

Michael - I have the same issue with my Roku Premiere Plus where my Avant Mk1 no longer plays Dolby Digital Plus and have not been able to understand why.  Any suggestions on who I can contact to pressure B&O to fix this, as you are doing?  I'm also disappointed that we stopped receiving Software Updates on the Mk1 (last update was October 2016 to upgrade Netradio capabilities)

"One thing worth mentioning is B&Os sudden stop in updates. I have an issue with 4K Netflix over Nvidia shield. B&O wrongly implemented hdmi edid handshake not to report its Dolby digital plus capabilities and this makes the shield default Netflix to stereo sound."

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(duplicate... these were in moderation)

ssbrig:

Michael - I have the same issue with my Roku Premiere Plus where my Avant Mk1 no longer plays Dolby Digital Plus and have not been able to understand why. Any suggestions on who I can contact to pressure B&O to fix this, as you are doing? I'm also disappointed that we stopped receiving Software Updates on the Mk1 (last update was October 2016 to upgrade Netradio capabilities)

"One thing worth mentioning is B&Os sudden stop in updates. I have an issue with 4K Netflix over Nvidia shield. B&O wrongly implemented hdmi edid handshake not to report its Dolby digital plus capabilities and this makes the shield default Netflix to stereo sound."

I don't know. I even asked for a reply by one of the executives and was promised before summer to get an explanation but they have not done that yet. I am very surprised by this. Not sure the BeoLab 50 can even be connected to this set due to the lack of updates. But not being able to get surround sound in Netflix is really annoying. And the fix is so extremely simple. They have to change maybe a few words in one line of code...

BAND'OH!:

Many thanks for all your comments so far. Do others agree with SolidSnake that on the Mark I you can see the light bleed on the screen during some scenes? I know this would bug me a lot if noticeable. Would also be interested to know how the Mark I handles motion as I am sure I remember thinking it wasn't great when I first viewed it on release several years ago, thanks...

You have to see this for yourself and judge if it bothers you. A lot of people don't mind it. I did, I found it too distracting. It won't be noticeable at all with a full colour image or bright image. It is only noticeable on dark scenes or when the screen is mostly black, or dark - like titles. But that is the big downside to edge lit. Pop into a showroom and see if you can watch something with the lights in the room lowered. You will definitely notice it, it's just whether it bothers you or not.

The fact that you can't get a response is very disappointing.  I've sent an email to B&O support about this issue but I doubt that will get escalated anywhere.  I'll keep pursuing this.  If B&O doesn't update the Avant to allow for Beolab 50, that would be a clear signal they've completely given up on this model (that's only 3 years old at most).  They've updated it to allow for Beolab 90 connection but will await to see if they push an update for Beolab 50 connectivity.  

The main takeaway from this discussion is the pros and cons for both are completely subjective. Seems everyone else here has the MK1. I would highly recommend testing both out if you can before dropping that much money. Just a further note on the edge lit downside of the MK1 is here in the review from Flatpanels HD. Here is an image they took of the edge lit issue - the contrast is exaggerated here but this is the exact thing that I didn't like. Yes, you can get nice black bars on top and bottom but you get uneven light from the sides. You can obviously read the full review here : http://www.flatpanelshd.com/article.php?subaction=showfull&id=1408435339

 

Solidsnake:

The main takeaway from this discussion is the pros and cons for both are completely subjective. Seems everyone else here has the MK1. I would highly recommend testing both out if you can before dropping that much money. Just a further note on the edge lit downside of the MK1 is here in the review from Flatpanels HD. Here is an image they took of the edge lit issue - the contrast is exaggerated here but this is the exact thing that I didn't like. Yes, you can get nice black bars on top and bottom but you get uneven light from the sides. You can obviously read the full review here : http://www.flatpanelshd.com/article.php?subaction=showfull&id=1408435339

Thats not how it looks in reality.

Every time I take a picture of my Avant showing dark scenes I get very strange picture that is nothing like reality.

So even if contrast is exaggerated it is not this way it looks. Sure - in a black menu with some high contrast elements here will be bleed but it's not this bad. It's also a very uncommon situation.

ssbrig:

The fact that you can't get a response is very disappointing. I've sent an email to B&O support about this issue but I doubt that will get escalated anywhere. I'll keep pursuing this. If B&O doesn't update the Avant to allow for Beolab 50, that would be a clear signal they've completely given up on this model (that's only 3 years old at most). They've updated it to allow for Beolab 90 connection but will await to see if they push an update for Beolab 50 connectivity.

It is very, very annoying, sad and frustrating.

I think B&O made a wrongful decision closing their software development crew. I'm sure they will realize and so right with the new leadership team. I think what has happened is after years of planning and laying off people.

Hopefully they address these issues. It's of course unacceptable to cut support that early. Even the warranty is twice that time. (The latest update to my Avant came late last year I believe).

Michael:

Solidsnake:

 

The main takeaway from this discussion is the pros and cons for both are completely subjective. Seems everyone else here has the MK1. I would highly recommend testing both out if you can before dropping that much money. Just a further note on the edge lit downside of the MK1 is here in the review from Flatpanels HD. Here is an image they took of the edge lit issue - the contrast is exaggerated here but this is the exact thing that I didn't like. Yes, you can get nice black bars on top and bottom but you get uneven light from the sides. You can obviously read the full review here : http://www.flatpanelshd.com/article.php?subaction=showfull&id=1408435339

 

 

Thats not how it looks in reality.

 

 

Every time I take a picture of my Avant showing dark scenes I get very strange picture that is nothing like reality.

 

 

So even if contrast is exaggerated it is not this way it looks. Sure - in a black menu with some high contrast elements here will be bleed but it's not this bad. It's also a very uncommon situation.

 

 

Yes, I agree Flatpanels HD exaggerated the effect for demonstration purposes but I don't agree with you at all that it is a very uncommon situation to have high contrast elements. If you watch TV with the lights off and you have white text on black background - like almost every movie - you will notice the bleed from the sides. If you watch in a brightly lit room, it's not as noticeable. It also depends on your contrast settings and room adaptation settings. But if I was to buy this TV for the first time, I would want to know. It's not something that bothers you and that's great but it may bother others.

Solidsnake:

Yes, I agree Flatpanels HD exaggerated the effect for demonstration purposes but I don't agree with you at all that it is a very uncommon situation to have high contrast elements. If you watch TV with the lights off and you have white text on black background - like almost every movie - you will notice the bleed from the sides. If you watch in a brightly lit room, it's not as noticeable. It also depends on your contrast settings and room adaptation settings. But if I was to buy this TV for the first time, I would want to know. It's not something that bothers you and that's great but it may bother others.

Yes and it will be as bright on a global backlit display or even worse. Oled is of course way better here. And if you can move the text into the video like Netflix does then it's not an issue.

I only have subtitles on regular tv transmissions and I almost never watch that anymore. And then it's a little annoying but not much. I very seldomly watch tv in a room without light. Actually I prefer having dimmed lights on because my eyes are to strained otherwise.

I've never really noticed any bleed, either at night or during the day.

If my post ever gets out of moderation, I'd recommend going for Mk I.

Many thanks for the continued posts to this thread. I am finding the information extremely helpful in making a decision.

A thought occurred to me that I could also consider a BV12-65 as I will probably be paying similar amounts. Would that give better picture quality than the Avant MK1? I am guessing it would and that blacks would be blacker with little to no light bleed?

There's so much compromise as firstly, I worry that 65" may be overkill in my small space and secondly, the BV12 doesn't really have any B&O magic to it in terms of motorised/moving parts, so what do you guys think with this thrown in the mix?

Is the Avant Mk1 a top up from the BV11 models/panels by the way? I wasn't going to consider these but could do also.

Thanks again.

BAND'OH!:

Many thanks for the continued posts to this thread. I am finding the information extremely helpful in making a decision.

A thought occurred to me that I could also consider a BV12-65 as I will probably be paying similar amounts. Would that give better picture quality than the Avant MK1? I am guessing it would and that blacks would be blacker with little to no light bleed?

There's so much compromise as firstly, I worry that 65" may be overkill in my small space and secondly, the BV12 doesn't really have any B&O magic to it in terms of motorised/moving parts, so what do you guys think with this thrown in the mix?

Is the Avant Mk1 a top up from the BV11 models/panels by the way? I wasn't going to consider these but could do also.

Thanks again.

BV12 is plasma so it has less motion issues than any oled or LCD. However the technology ages in a way that the lightness fade.

It also lacks the moving speaker bar but looks good anyway.

You get a box to hide as well. And no room to hide an Apple TV etc in the box. If it's supposed to be on a stand then the BV12 is more of a hassle too.

BAND'OH!:

Is the Avant Mk1 a top up from the BV11 models/panels by the way? I wasn't going to consider these but could do also.

Apart from Avant Mk I being 4K, the panels and picture are very much the same as BeoVision 11.

The 12-65 is so much better for everyday use than the Avant MK 1. I have the 12-65 in my lounge, and Avant 55 in my bedroom. The Avant i am very happy with, lovely even picture and 4K is pretty nice, even if not HDR.

But really, the 12-65 is better in so many respects - brighter, richer colours, handles dark scenes superbly, motion and panning pretty deftly, and Blu-Rays look marvellous. It's effectively issue free.

Its not the all in one that the Avant / BV11(4) / Horizon etc are, but paired with a set of speakers, and you'll wonder why you waited so long.

 

Would be great if B&o will fix the “bug” with Deezer on the first Avant.😴🤗

Sandyb:

The 12-65 is so much better for everyday use than the Avant MK 1.

I agree. Or the BV11-55. I have both and both perform superbly and have their pros (BV11 has a sharper image and perhaps a little better for sport).

Just to point out I bought an Avant MK-1 and it was awful. Sold it after only 6 months. Bought the BV12-65 an, as Sandyb rightly says, is a better set in many ways.

Sandyb:

The 12-65 is so much better for everyday use than the Avant MK 1. I have the 12-65 in my lounge, and Avant 55 in my bedroom. The Avant i am very happy with, lovely even picture and 4K is pretty nice, even if not HDR.

But really, the 12-65 is better in so many respects - brighter, richer colours, handles dark scenes superbly, motion and panning pretty deftly, and Blu-Rays look marvellous. It's effectively issue free.

Its not the all in one that the Avant / BV11(4) / Horizon etc are, but paired with a set of speakers, and you'll wonder why you waited so long.

Sure, but the only thing that could hold you back, is the age.

What happens, if the display fails?

(P.S. How do you experience the performance of the built-in center speaker - is that ok?)

MM

It's pretty good in fact. I have nudged the sound settings to push the centre a touch harder, but not much. There can occasionally be movies where the speech is a little burying the mix, hence the adjustment. It's paired with 18's left and right, and 3's as rears.

But then again, even if I had something as capable as the Eclipse, I'd still have additional fronts and rears, as I like a room filling sound. Call it old age!

Two different sound/speaker concepts for a tv!

The 12 needs the added speaker - it is just a center channel.

IMO the center channel is the most important speaker in a multichannel setup - hence my question.

MM

Of course, yes different approaches

Though for me even the Eclipse isn't good enough to not require further speakers, but that's just me

Sure, but using the Eclipse speaker/s as a center speaker must be extremely good.

Looking forward to find a dealer, who has the Eclipse in a multi channel sound setup ;-)

MM

It will doubtless be highly impressive.

If i had a huge lounge / living space, my set up wouldn't be enough, but sadly i don't (my lounge is 5m by 4.5m, so not small).

The 12-65 with the 18s front, 3s rear and a 19 sub is enough to annoy the neighbours plenty.

B&O suggested to my dealer to display the Eclipse with 90s front and 50s rear.....which he won't, but even with 50s as fronts, that'll be awesome, though overkill for my situation. Anyway, audio wise, lots of excellent options.

If i moved to a bigger place, a pair of 50's would be first on the list, they're hugely enjoyable.