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
Folks,
As I mentioned in the "Eclipse" forum, I am very pleased to report that I have finally gotten my BILD7.77 and have very simply and successfully integrated my BL50 speakers. Volume is fully controlled by Loewe remote.
On the devices hooked, Oppo Blueray player 105D and Apple TV 4K have been connected directly in the TV and all the sound management is done by Loewe & Almando Multi Surround in very simple and intuitive fashion.
On the sound front, I have the full control on how the sound is played. I used 2 speaker mode for playing the music and TV speaker becomes silent and when watching Video / Movie, TV speaker becomes the Center Channel. For those who are interested in multi channel surround, Almando box gives you all the connections that you need (Rear / Subwoofer and another set of fronts).
On the screen side, I can switch the screen off when listening to music and the famous curtains are there with all their majesty.
As far as the screen quality goes, in my opinion, it is the best execution of OLED. Very noticeably better than LG C screen (AKA Eclipse :)
On the speaker sound, Loewe have some magic of their own. Sound from the TV speakers (120W) is rich, pristine and very enjoyable and is in complete harmony with my B&O BL 50.
Installing the TV on the stand was as simple as it gets. Typical German precision and mindset.
Design is very Bauhaus... Minimal is maximum. Looks beautiful.
Internet setup was straight forward and Netflix and You Tube etc. have been installed on the Loewe (but honestly they are already there on Apple 4K TV as well).
Internet Radio works like charm. Tidel app comes pre installed. I do not have the service so have not checked out the quality. but no reason to believe it is not the best here either. One can download more apps via the browser and other functionalities.
My next setup goal is using Blue Tooth to stream from Sony WALKMAN. I also have to learn the full functionality of "ALMANDO Multi Surround) which has so much that I doubt I will fully understand or use it.
I have thrown out my BS5 /MB5 combo. That is piece of garbage now with no ability to connect with Mac and loosing CD ripping and frankly, is not needed any more. Will not need any of the B&O sound products as the Apple TV integration with iTunes and further exploration of Almando already gives me more than I can ever use.
Since I am not a Mutiroom Set up person, I will not be trying that feature of the Loewe / ALMANDO but the Loewe BILD 7 have the full multiroom abilities and in combination with Almando, your imagination and effort is the limit.
Lastly, BILD 7 was imported into the USA from Loewe Gallery in Amsterdam and person in charge there (Cess) is a fantastic source of knowledge and an example of outstanding customer service.
Shipping and custom clearance was a non issue. Simple and straightforward. Delivery was perfect.
I have posted more pictures in the Media section with the music running via Apple TC
Let me know if I can help anyway..
Nice setup! Good to hear and see the brands work nicely together. As soon as my current tv goes out, this is more or less what will replace it.
I do wonder, is that a Loewe subwoofer you have there? I guess this is really not needed when you have a set of BL50's?
Beolit 12 - Beolab 4 pc (dead now) - Beoplay H5 - Beolab 9 - BeoRemote One BT - Beoplay M3
Very nice setup, and a no brainer if you want a 77" OLED, that is just great.
I have some small question,
I the Bild 7 with 3D?
Does Loewe have any PUC abilities, or are you using 3 remote controls?
Is there Netflix on the Loewe, I dont no where from, but I got the impression it did not work?
Are you using the Apple tv 4K?
How is the quality of the motorstand, noise vice?
Beovision Harmony 77" 2nd Gen, Beolab 5, Beolab 17, Beosound 1, Beoplay M3, Beoplay Portal, Beoplay Earset, Beoliving Intelligence
One more :)
What exactly Almando did you buy, and can you choose speaker type in any kind, or can you do that on the Loewe Bild?
crossbytje:I do wonder, is that a Loewe subwoofer you have there? I guess this is really not needed when you have a set of BL50's?
That is not a subwoofer. You are correct. With the BL 50, there is really no need for any subwoofer. That unit you though a subwoofer is actually B&O cart which holds my Oppo and Apple TV.
Emil Jensen: Very nice setup, and a no brainer if you want a 77" OLED, that is just great. I have some small question, I the Bild 7 with 3D? Does Loewe have any PUC abilities, or are you using 3 remote controls? Is there Netflix on the Loewe, I dont no where from, but I got the impression it did not work? Are you using the Apple tv 4K? How is the quality of the motorstand, noise vice?
BILD 7 2017 models are not 3D models. On my 7.77 , it shows 3D as one of the settings but it may just be a carryover from 2016 programming. As I understand, all the LG 2017 panels were without the 3D. Since I do not have any 3D movies, I cannot test if the 7.77 2017 model did indeed have the 3D but I am almost 100% confident that 2017 TVs did not have 3D.
On the PUC abilities, Loewe also have similar capabilities but honestly, I have not tested it yet. One thing I noticed that my Oppo 105 & Apple TV menus were controlled by the Loewe remote too. I will investigate more and report back.
Netflix works fine on Loewe. I have installed the app and used it.
Yes, I am using the Apple TV 4K. Works perfect. I am able to stream music from computer to Apple TV to Loewe and then to speakers.
Motorized stand and speakers are just a class act. Super silent and super smooth. Zero noise. Stands are very high quality material and the speaker bar and the TV back are covered in very classy acoustic fabric.
Loewe has some PUC capabilities. Apple TV can be controled under the STB button. Keep STB + STOP pressed for 5 seconds, than press 27 DONE !
Now Apple Tv can be controled when STB button is active.
Netflix works on the Bild 7
Floorstand is silent
Hi Emil
I bought the following product (Almando Multiplay Surround for Loewe & B&O)
https://almando.com/index.php/loewe-category/loewe-bo/almando-multiplay-surround-powerlink-switch.html
It was amazing how simple it was to connect Loewe BILD & BL 50 with just 2 cables (Cat 7). Almando box had 1 cable in it and I just purchase another Ethernet cable (RJ 45 ends and Cat 7). Nothing else is required. Almando does it all automatically and there is no sound delays.
BL 50 automatically get switched on when Almando detects a sound signal (just like BV TV would do).
Loewe sound set up allows speaker setup and it asks for the range of the external speakers (In HZ) and the distance form your sitting position etc. but of course It does not know if the speakers are BL5 or BL 50 etc. There is no setup required on Almando. There is an app coming from Almando and it may have lots more capabilities to tweak settings but I was informed by their CEO that it will be released very soon once Apple clears it.
New: Beovision Harmony, Beolab 50's, Beolab 28's, Beolab 18's, Beolab 17's, Beosound Stage & LG, Beosound 2, Beoplay M3, Beoplay A1, Beoplay Portal, Beoplay H4 gen 2, Beoplay E8 3.0
Mikipedia on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Mikipedia
Mikipedi4 on Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/mikipedi4
Mikipedia on Intagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikipedi4/
Old: Beosound 9000 mk3, Beolab 3's, Beovision Eclipse, Beolab 1's, Beolab 2, Beovision 10-46, Overture 2300, beolab 8000's, Beolab 4000's, Beovision avant 32" etc. etc.
Re 3D questions, all 2016 OLED panels (Generation 1 if you like) across all Bild OLED models are 3D. All 2017 panels are non 3D with 25% brighter colours compared to 2016 panels. Its a tricky one really because me for example, of course I'd like the 25% brighter colours on the later (this year) panels, but equally, I would also lime a 3D cable panel, which is only available from last years 25% less brighter panels! I'll always go with the latest panels at the end of the day and in fact, this is the main reason I've left B&O and looked towards Loewe and other brands. To think I was even going to consider spending c£5k on an older Avant Gen 1 LCD set, what a joke really, compared to what you can get for half the price. B&O are just too far behind. They've lost the edge. All other manufactures have caught up in terms of design, picture and sound capabilities. Nothing makes B&O stand out now. Simon.
B&O products are V1-32, BS2, H95, E8 and an Essence remote.11-46 now replaced with Sony A90J 65”, Sony HT-A9, Sony UBP-X800M2 and Sony SRS-NS7.
Do you/have you used 3D much in the past? I ask because while I've seen multiple demos of 3D on home sets, I've never found it enticing for me. My Panasonic is 3D capable, but I've never even bothered to get even one pair of glasses, although I actually own one 3D movie: John Carter, the only reason I own it is that it was a bundle, 3D BluRay, BluRay, and DVD in one box. I've seen three 3D movies in the theater, The Hobbit, Star Trek (the one with Khan), and lastly Blade Runner 2049 and haven't been impressed with any of them. Plus they all gave me headaches, and Blade Runner was at such an awful theater the dimness of the projector made the 3D version almost unwatchable.
Just curious, if you or anyone else truly uses home 3D?
Jeff
I'm afraid I'm recovering from the BeoVirus.
Mikipedia:Congrats on your purchase, it looks good! Enjoy it
Hi Mikipedia.. Thanks..
Two days in and I am in total love with Loewe BILD 7. Tremendous capabilities across vision and audio side. Seamless integration with Loewe & B&O via Almando Box. I am really wondering why more people have not tried it out that yet but I am sure, after my example, many more will do.
I got a true GERMAN Made product at a great price and not missed a beat on sound. Loewe sound is amazingly sharp / clean while not needing much boasting on the Watts and allows me full usage of my B&O loudspeakers. Best of both the worlds.
I am not a 3D fan at all and in fact dislike it. Never bothered to use anything 3D. Gives me headache and the picture dimensions are all messed up.
svinaik:I bought the following product (Almando Multiplay Surround for Loewe & B&O)https://almando.com/index.php/loewe-category/loewe-bo/almando-multiplay-surround-powerlink-switch.htmlIt was amazing how simple it was to connect Loewe BILD & BL 50 with just 2 cables (Cat 7). Almando box had 1 cable in it and I just purchase another Ethernet cable (RJ 45 ends and Cat 7). Nothing else is required. Almando does it all automatically and there is no sound delays.
BeoNut since '75
On the Almando site. If you look under "Loewe category" and select "Loewe Television & B&O Audio", you will see Multiplay Surround which has the Loewe DAL (Digital Audio Link) for the surround input (1 Cat 7 cable) and has the required DPL (Digital Power Link - RJ 45) sockets for any of the B&O speakers.
Item number is 1003.
I can personally vouch for simplicity and perfection of the operation. Almando folks are really genius and have created a true plug and play solution for something which many consider a very complicated situation i.e. integrating B&O with non B&O products.
svinaik: I am not a 3D fan at all and in fact dislike it. Never bothered to use anything 3D. Gives me headache and the picture dimensions are all messed up.
It's always given me a headache too. I think there's something about unsynchronized input to the eyes, some people are more sensitive to it than others. Years ago we were doing some early virtual reality work, expensive helmets, but we found that the video output to the two eyes had to be very carefully synchronized or the 3D effect was compromised and everyone would get staggering headaches after being in the helmets for a while. We had one implementation where the right eye would lag the left eye, by a tenth of a frame every frame, then drop after ten frames and resync. That was the worst version we had until we corrected it, but it would literally make people ill, to the point where we kept a bucket next to the workstation.
Folks
As I have started putting more hours on the Loewe BILD7, I will keep sharing things that I like or dislike.
So far, in the likes
User Interface is first class and intuitive. Very classy looking versus the Web OS based systems which I find cartoonish.
Sound setting are very easy and very effective. Easy to switch between 2 speaker mode to full surround mode for different media.
Speaker on Loewe BILD 7 is first class and full suitable partner with BL 50 that I am using. If someone were to use the TV speaker alone, I would say the Eclipse speaker would win ( and it should because that is the only selling point of Eclipse) but as stand alone speaker, Loewe TV sound bar is 2nd only to Eclipse.
Surround processing is really smooth and all the speakers are really engaged appropriately ( I am only Ising 3 speaker , 2 BL 50 and TV speaker).
Loewe picture processing seems lot more capable then the LG based processing. I am still playing with all the setting that are theoretically possible but impressed so far.
Curtains are fully programmable to increase or reduce the speed of closure.
Screen and stand motorization are first class. Absolutely silent. Not even a single bit of noise.
Materials on the TV are first class, I will post some pictures of the back of the TV also to show the full view.
No NETFLIX buttons ont he remote :)
On the dislikes
None so far. But I am sure there will be some as I use the TV more and more...
Hope that helps....
I have loaded a picture of Loewe BILD 7 back side with the Fabric cover in the Media section. Looks and feels very classy and upmarket.
I do not why the pictures gets rotated when loading but if you click on the photo, it will show in the proper orientation.
What is that box on the left side?
MM
There is a tv - and there is a BV
Millemissen: What is that box on the left side? MM
On the floor is Almando Box which gives me full integration with B&O speakers. It is really just 2 cables (Ethernet cables with RJ 45 connector). One cable is from Loewe TV to Almando IN, and other Cable is to BL 50 Master speaker (Front out).
Hi svinaik,
congratulation on your setup.
i am following your activities/progress as I am in the same boat as you...not convinced by Beovision Eclipse but eager to upgrade from current Beoplay V1 to OLED-based technology. And as I am German...Loewe is would be a natural fit ;-)
I visited a Loewe flagship store and talked to them. I completely understand how to integrate BeoLabs with Armando and Loewe. Really nice.
But there is one "huge blocking stone" before I go and buy a Loewe TV, which is the remote.
I do really love the look and feel of the Beoremote One. And the Loewe remote is not in the same class.
Are you aware of any solution/approach how to use a Beoremote with Loewe TV? The Loewe guys from the flagship store could not help me...
Have fun,
Kiwi4all
svinaik:I have loaded a picture of Loewe BILD 7 back side with the Fabric cover in the Media section. Looks and feels very classy and upmarket.
KMA
B&O product history since 1991: Ridiculously long to list in a signature.
svinaik: Millemissen: What is that box on the left side? MM On the floor is Almando Box which gives me full integration with B&O speakers. It is really just 2 cables (Ethernet cables with RJ 45 connector). One cable is from Loewe TV to Almando IN, and other Cable is to BL 50 Master speaker (Front out).
I did not write ‘behind’, but ‘on the left’....that big box there.
Maybe it is where you hide your booze ;-))))
Millemissen:What is that box on the left side?
Isn't that a BeoSystem 3 cabinet? Maybe Sviniak uses it to house his appleTV and other video / audio sources.
Millemissen: I did not write ‘behind’, but ‘on the left’....that big box there. Maybe it is where you hide your booze ;-))))
Oh yes. It is indeed the B&O Cabinet which houses the Oppo / Apple TV and BM-5 . Has place for few bottles of excellent Japanese Whiskey also :)
kiwi4all: I do really love the look and feel of the Beoremote One. And the Loewe remote is not in the same class. Are you aware of any solution/approach how to use a Beoremote with Loewe TV? The Loewe guys from the flagship store could not help me... Have fun, Kiwi4all
I am not aware of any other solution other than to use Loewe App for remote and then you do not have to use any remote :).
On the other side of argument, I did not like the Eclipse remote with "ugly" Netflix buttons etc. Loewe is the same standard issue and feels very good but I understand the preference for Beoremote 1.
I'm enjoying following your experiences in integrating the Loewe set with your B&O speakers. I truly wish Loewe had a presence in my country. The sets are attractive and much more reasonable in cost and performance than the Eclipse. Oops, I mentioned the Eclipse in a Loewe thread! I'm doomed!
Jeff:I mentioned the Eclipse in a Loewe thread! I'm doomed!
HAH! I was following the "other" thread having just gotten back from a trip, and did not expect the turn it took as I caught up from being away.
I echo Jeff's statements. I've enjoyed being a part of your journey, Svinaik. Thank you for taking the time to post your experiences / pictures, etc.
Out of curiosity, does the Loewe center speaker retract when not in use (i.e. when you're only using the BL50's)?
I don't really know, but is the Avant capable of doing this? The Avant is probably better suited, as the screen does not move wile doing so..
svinaik: Millemissen: I did not write ‘behind’, but ‘on the left’....that big box there. Maybe it is where you hide your booze ;-)))) Oh yes. It is indeed the B&O Cabinet which houses the Oppo / Apple TV and BM-5 . Has place for few bottles of excellent Japanese Whiskey also :)
So, probably where your mess behind the tv goes afterwards, then.
—-
In your post above you wrote:
’Sound setting are very easy and very effective. Easy to switch between 2 speaker mode to full surround mode for different media.‘
Could you please explain how the internal 2.0 speaker of the 7 is integrated with the Almando box solution.
How does it change to a center speaker and how do you configure it to do the job as the center with the BL50’s as front speakers?
The Loewe Bild has a built in surround processor, and the center channel is always send to the TV-speaker. The sound menu in the TV lets you choose the amount of speakers you want to hear. Configuration is done in the Loewe TV.
Also when the TV is switched of the TV screen drops down about 3-4 cm hiding the speaker. (Opposite to B&O Avant, here the speaker moves up)
Hi Svinaik,
I have a similar setup with the Loewe Bild 7.55 that I bought early in the year and combined this with the Beolab 18's and Beolab 19 connected. My setup has the Speakers hooked up to the Transmitter 1 to create a Wireless connection. The transmitter 1 box which I got £280 is then directly connected to the TV via the breakout cable I got directly from Almando costing 59 Euros and a tiny breakout box from Loewe for about the same price.
https://almando.com/index.php/loewe-category/loewe-bo/loewe-audiolink-adapter-30cm.html
The Bild 7's all have a 5.1 decoder built in so able to get 5.1 surround from the TV directly via the cables mentioned above. The breakout cable will provide a means of giving you 5.1seperate channels that you then plug in a RJ45 to phono cables that go directly into the Transmitter 1 box.
There was no need to buy the Almando decoder box in my opinion at it costs 699 Euros and you already have 5,1 decoder built in.
All the sound is controlled directly via the TV remote and works great.
John
Beovision Eclipse 55 Brass Edition with Oak covers and Brass Orbital stand
Beolab 50s silver & Oak, Beolab 18 Brass with Smoked Oak, Beolab 18 Rose Gold with Maple Covers, Beolab 19 Black.
With the Almando it is possible to connect an extra audio source (SONOS CONNECt), via tha almando box. There is no need to switch the TV on and select a source on the TV.
The Almando does all the switching, normally the B&O Tv would do this.
Ive used loewe with b&0 a few times and an almando box isnt really necessary. Each time i’ve used b&0 speakers i just purchased the loewe digital audiolink adapter which connects to the digital in on the loewe from there it’s just a case of buying the cables which go from speaker to the audiolink adapter.
With no issues.
In the case of the bild 7 i would daisy chain any of the newer beolabs with cat 5 in a master and slave configuration with one cable going from the speaker to the audiolink adapter into the tv.
Beoplay A2
In this case, you have to rely on the line in detection of the beolabs to switch on and off, and during 'silent' scenes, this could sometimes lead to unnecessary switching on/off while watching movies, or tv shows with a lot of speech.
I have a set of BeoLab 4s connected to my compyter, and sometimes they don't switch on unless I turn the volume up (and down again, because I don't want them to be that loud).
Anyway, I suppose the almando box takes care of the trigger signal to the beolabs. But if that is the only extra, it is a very expensive one...
Hi Jeff
i am also in the USA. My dislike for Eclipse was enough for me to import Loewe instead and I know I am on a limb if Loewe has any issue as there is no Loewe service in the USA. But with German build equipment , quality issues are last of my concerns 😊
I kind of got the impression you were in the US, and you're a brave man! But, hopefully the quality is really there, and I know Loewe seems to have a good reputation, so hopefully that'll work out. Interestingly enough, my old Panasonic 42 inch plasma is 10 years old and is still working fine at my mother-in-laws, whereas the version of the same TV they bought a couple of years later died 4 years ago with a power supply failure. it's always such a roll of the dice it seems with any complex electronics. I've not really lost anything except for when lightning hit my neighbor's house when I lived in a house on a very small lot. It damaged two components that used CMOS touch switches, they are quite sensitive, so much so one unit that suffered failure of these and had to have them replaced wasn't even plugged into anything, power or connections. The EMP from the lightning strike took the devices out! So far, knock on wood, my 4 and a bit year old VT series Panasonic is still working.
As for your decision to go with the 77 instead of the 65 Eclipse, I've never met anyone yet who regretted going with a bigger screen. Some, right after buying it were "Gosh, that's huge, did I make a mistake?" and then after owning it a week were saying "Man, glad I didn't go with the smaller set!"
crossbytje: In this case, you have to rely on the line in detection of the beolabs to switch on and off, and during 'silent' scenes, this could sometimes lead to unnecessary switching on/off while watching movies, or tv shows with a lot of speech. I have a set of BeoLab 4s connected to my compyter, and sometimes they don't switch on unless I turn the volume up (and down again, because I don't want them to be that loud). Anyway, I suppose the almando box takes care of the trigger signal to the beolabs. But if that is the only extra, it is a very expensive one...
Thanks for sharing your points. I must admit that I never explore any others ways of integrating B&O sound with Loewe other than just going the Almando Multi surround way but all I can say is that solution works a like a charm with just 2 Ethernet Cat 7 cables, In any case, since I was saving so much by going the Loewe route versus Eclipse, I had no trouble spending some money on Almando. Almando controls the speaker with in line voltage trigger for BL 50 and BL 50 works just like they worked with my BV9 or any other B&O TV. In future, If I decide to hook up my BL5 also as surround speakers, Almando will take care of that in a heartbeat.
So seems like there are many ways to go at different budget points.
Let the great thoughts keep flowing as this may help many more people in making a sound decision.
I have also put in a Shunyata defender and PS8 power strip and all the electronics are plugged into them. I am counting on Shunyata providing the requisite safety but to your point, life happens.
If you are interested in Shunyata, you may want to check on Dedicatedaudio.com as they had a nice “Package” offering on Shunyata PS8 with Defender and anti vibration feet. I personally believe in and love Shunyata products. They are US based and US made.
Hi guys. Just sold my BV10-46 and ordered the Loewe Bild 5.55 OLED with almando-surround box. Front speakers BL9, rear speakers Bl8000 MarkII & BeoSound4. Plus ordered the new Apple TV 4k 64GB. Alle things should arrive next week. Keep you up to date.
LOEWE bild 5.55 OLED + AppleTV; BS4; BL9; BL8000 MKII all black