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 emailed my dealer today asking about a Beovision 14-55. We have an Horizon on the wall just now but we want something bigger and we need to replace the TV we have down the stairs. So it would be a matter of moving the Horizon down stairs, 14 55 in its place. But according to my dealer it is no longer. Im really not a fan of the new Eclipse and it is quite an expensive TV. Im in 2 minds about an Avant 55 or the Ex demo 14 55 they have in the store.
Has anyone known about the 14-55 being discontinued and does anyone have any info on a replacement coming?
CJM1: Has anyone known about the 14-55 being discontinued and does anyone have any info on a replacement coming?
When I was at a major dealer last week, I asked about the BV14. They said they expected a replacement, but not until later in 2018. Nothing imminent for sure. All about the Eclipse for the foreseeable.
Most dealers know what’s coming in the next 6 months or so.
Bang & Olufsen have reduced the price of the Avant 55NG as this will cease when stock is sold out. Thats a good saving on a brand new TV.
Regards
Opman
Looks like its going to have to be a 55 Avant or a 14. I cannot stand WebOS. Its junk and its a real shame B&O have switched from android. The Eclipse doesn't seem like a quality item to me and I don't like the design. Its also a shame the curtains and anti reflective screen are no longer a feature. Do any of you guys own either 2 of the models I'm thinking of? which sounds better and is there any difference in the picture quality despite the panel being the same?
I swapped my 14-55 for an Avant 55 (pre-Android) 6 months ago.
Miss the looks of the 14-55 for sure, though i couldn't be doing with Android myself, so went for the pre Android Avant.
Bear in mind the panels used in the Android TV's (Avant, Horizon, 14) are a step down from the Avant mk 1.
Sandyb: Bear in mind the panels used in the Android TV's (Avant, Horizon, 14) are a step down from the Avant mk 1.
While the newer panels are backlit (potentially better than edge lit), they are also globally dimmed, as opposed to having a lot of local dimming zones.
So the combination of backlit and globally dimmed isnt great , and from my experience of having the 14 for 8 months or so, it was not good at all (at times unwatchable) for dramas with dark scenes. It was absolutely fine, very good in fact, for sports in HD, but struggled elsewhere as described.
The Avant Mk1 55 though, whilst edge lit, is better all round - the colouring is more even and pleasing, and it was/is better at rendering dark scenes.
For the record, i wouldn't have an LCD/LED as my main screen - the Avant i have is a second screen, and in my bedroom. The 12-65 i have in my lounge is far superior to any of the above (14/Avant 1, Horizon).
I didnt quite get the idea that the new panels were worse, when it was explained to me on here a year ago. But after having lived through the 14 and now switched to the Avant 55 Mk 1, i'm fully onboard.
Sandyb: For the record, i wouldn't have an LCD/LED as my main screen - the Avant i have is a second screen, and in my bedroom. The 12-65 i have in my lounge is far superior to any of the above (14/Avant 1, Horizon).
I have to disagree here, unless my panel is different.
I went from a BV7-55 Mk2 to a BV12-65 because I just wanted a bigger screen. Although the 12-65 was great, I considered the 7-55 the better TV.
I then gritted my teeth and went for the Avant 75 Mk1, hoping I'd not made the same mistake... and I hadn't. The Avant 75 is incredible. On 1080 it's great, and on 4k it's incredible.
I'm not saying the 12-65 isn't extremely good, but the Avant 75 is 'next-level' to my eyes. I'm selling mine soon purely due to size, but I'll be gutted to see it go.
Lee
Is yours an Android or pre Android Avant 75?
Sandyb:Is yours an Android or pre Android Avant 75?
BeoNut since '75
Ah yes sorry, my bad.
But that was exactly my point - the Mk 1 Avants are much better than the Mk 2 / Android Avants.
And the 75 inch Avant Mk 1 had a properly excellent screen, even better than the 55 Mk 1 - while the 75 inch i believe was backlit, it had some local dimming, which the new panels in the Android TV's dont, to their detriment.
My point was about the newer panels in the Android BV's.
The newer ones (in the Android Avant, 14 and Horizon) are back lit and globally dimmed, and not great.
I never thought it would be this hard to choose a new BeoVision ;)
Now I'm in the mind of better PQ or the convenience of Android. I wish B&O hadn't ditched local dimming. it was truly amazing! and when I look at something like a BV7 again theres just something about the picture quality of that TV which is awesome!
Any suggestions to help me with my decision?
If you are happy with the PQ of the Horizon, then the other Android BV's will work for you no?
I know they have just been discontinued, but it shouldn't be too hard to get an Android Avant or BV14 i would have thought. The panel is the same as the Horizon, the only difference is the filter / coating that the Horizon has different to the Avant / 14. But that assumes you are happy with Horizon PQ, especially on a larger 55 vs 40 inch.
Otherwise, its an Eclipse or wait for whatever comes in 6months+ from the B&O / LG partnership - though that will come with webOS.
Is an Avant MK 1 55 not an option? I went for that, largely because i don't need the built in apps of one of the "smart" TVs.
Unfortunately, buying a TV these days means chosing / accepting / ignoring the bundled OS.
CJM1: Now I'm in the mind of better PQ
Now I'm in the mind of better PQ
This 'better PQ' talk in 2017 really saddens me. It's marginal these days. It's nothing like the huge advances you saw quite a few years ago. Even the jump between the BV7-40 MKIII and MKIV was huge, within the space of 12 months.
As 9Lee rightly says, even an 'old' BV12-65 has a great picture and can rival the latest panels in terms of depth of colour and smooth picture. Watch a Blu-ray on the BV12-65 and it's stunning. Same with the Avan 75", BV7-55 MKII and so on. They are all up there.
Sure, the Eclipse might have an even sharper image, but definition isn't everything. When I had an Eclipse demo (various sources) last week, the picture looked incredibly sharp and detailed, but realised that detail simply means you can see every dot, indentation and mark on the subjects face. Really, does that enhance my visual experience? Not sure.
I do quite like the convenience of having the apps built into the TV. I have an Apple TV, but the youtube player is garbage and always tries to optimise the video for best quality and never plays (our internet is 4mb download, shocking I know) when you want it to.
Im happy with the PQ of the Horizon, but the BV14/Avant have always to my mind had better black levels as it is. I think the removal of the contrast screen unmasks this flaw. Obviously the Eclipse will no pun intended 'Eclipse all the TV's currently on black levels.
I love the BV14 design, I've always adored that picture frame look and it one day will become a design icon in my opinion. My dealer emailed me back today saying they have a silver framed one with the wood frets. if possible I would ditch the wood frets and get another cover. Im not sure if the wood frets are fixed as they are an option.
My only other question would be. Which one sounds better? There strenuous claims that the BV14 has better speakers but the avant seems to not disappoint. Plus you get the cool movement when it hunkers down when you turn the TV on.
Yes the Youtube app on the Apple TV is garbage, i agree, though when i have expressed that view on here it has had little traction.
I too love the 11/14 design - and i do miss it a bit having swapped it for an Avant, but such is life. I was just uneasy with the BV14 and the issues with software instability.
Both the 14 and the Avant have excellent sound, though the Avant is definitely better. I wasnt blown away by the 14 speakers, excellent tough they were - as opposed to the Avant (Mk 1) where the sound is superb. The retracting speaker does make a bit of a noise when in disappears back up, but not the biggest deal in the world to me.
Bear in mind, from what my installers tell me, that the speakers got a touch less powerful in the newer / Android BV's. So the 14 speakers were a touch less strong than the 11, for example.
Anyway, just something to bear in mind the considering audio - my Avant Mk 1 has superb sound, something i think most forum members would echo.
And the wood frets on the 14 are change-able to a fabric fret - its what i had on my 14.
Decisions decisions!
I haven't noticed any software issues on the Horizon. Its actually been pretty robust from the horror stories I have heard. I guess I bought into it late. its been on the wall since July and its not caused me any bother. The TV's will be linked to an S8 set up anyway. And I know both aforementioned TV's have better sound than the Horizon anyway.
From what I know, and I think it may be a contradiction from your previous statement that the 14 uses a different panel from the Avant and Horizon. I always found the avant to give a slightly softer but more contrasty look to than horizon.
If I were to break it down into plus's and negatives for both I would say the 14 looks better, will be a design icon to enjoy for years to come. And would probably suit the room a lot better. The Avant has the cool speaker drop down, and from what you are saying better sound.
Negatives of both would be no speaker drop down on the 14. I know its a small thing,l but we will have the TV for a while and I can see myself never getting bored of it. The frame on the 14 might be distracting as there is one window in the room that will give off light and reflect off it (you will be a better judge of this.) The Avant doesn't look as good, and it won't look that good in years to come. It does look a bit plain.
This is a hard. I wish there was a poll I could do on this post to get what owners of both would suggest for me. Im leaning more on the 14 just now purely for aesthetics. But I feel I might regret it!
shouldnt be a contradiction hopefully - i may have expressed it poorly.
The Avant Mk 1 used a different panel to the Avant Mk 2 / Horizon / BV14 - changing from edge lit panels to backlit / globally dimmed panels. As i mentioned yesterday, i believe the newer panels to be a bit of a step down.
As for choices, its not easy i agree - have a think about what's really most important to achieve.
For me i had to weigh up losing the 14 design vs gaining a better screen on the Avant MK 1 + more stable software - and am happy with the choice.
I didnt have any reflection off the frame issues with my 14, which was near a big window - so i wouldnt worry about that too much. And the 14 is quite the design statement, which the Avant doesnt come close to.
But in the end, design while important was secondary to primary functionality - preferred PQ and software OS to me. That would be my advice - go for the PQ and OS you prefer. Is HDR and / or 4K much of a factor in your decision (?) etc etc.
You wont find much support on here for the Android BV's - regardless of how many forum members have actually lived with one of them or not, the litany of initial software problems, their slow resolution and the slightly worse panel choice meant many just steered well clear of them.
And the Eclipse, while strongly spec'ed and relatively free of the software issues that plagued the 14, has been divisive and a can of worms. Personally i dont mind webOS, not my cup of tea aesthetically, but generally regarded as the best TV OS - shame there wasn't some B&O sheen applied to it.
You could consider a Loewe Bild, but while they're elegant, they're also no great shakes design wise - others seem to have had success in integrating one into a B&O sets without too much difficulty, so there is that option.
THREE question which could swing me to getting an Avant.
Does the Mk1 have HDMI 2.0?
Even though it doesn't have Web OS. Does it have its own built in software for viewing youtube and such?
Do the older TV's have integrated WIFI allowing control through the B&O mobile app?
The Mark 1 has one of its HDMI inputs as 2.0 - enough for me, maybe not for some users.
Has Youtube built in yes - and will appear on the remote display as a selectable option. The app is fine as well. Cant quite remember if it streams in 4K - i tend to use the YT app on my connected Amazon Fire TV (4K). I'll check the TV's built in app for you when i get a moment.
As for other apps, its sparse - it's smart engine and choice of apps is a bit meagre, but with a connected box (Apple TV, Fire TV etc) not an issue.
Yes the TV is controllable through the new app - has been for a while.
beolion:Well. I have the Avant mk1. The only part of the smart tv I am using is the YouTube app. For everything else I am using the new Apple TV (not 4K though), I am mainly using some tv apps, Media8 player and Infuse. And Airplay from time to time (used today to use the Avant tv showing maps over Wollongong area -near Sydney). I wonder what part of the smart tv people will be using in generally - and over time? Spending $200 (AUD) on a new Apple TV or something else seems much more future proof. Having got a Google Home I would like to see how I can integrate the tv into that universe, and that’s nothing to do with Smart TV. Will buy a Chromecast tomorrow (on offer in Australia now) and see where it brings me. Unfortunately B&O is not supporting HDMI-CEC according to what I have read on this forum. And. Sorry for brining the topic of the post out line.
I’ve got an Avant 55 mk1, ordered first week of release. Very happy with it, even if the Smart functions are crap. I only use YouTube there. Mostly we watch Satellite TV or streaming from Apple TV 4K. The kids plays a lot of XBox One.
Was aiming for a BV 14 with wooden front and easel stand as extra TV. Looks iconic but I will now wait to se what’s B&O will produce next.