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
They better not drop it from existing products because this is one of the key reasons I bought an Eclipse (send TV audio throughout the house, and especially, the yard), and why I've spent extra for Essence/Core devices vs Sonos (for example).
I have disabled automatic software updates just in case...
Stan
1990:The only hope I have is the new remote concept that has been rumoured for a long time. If B&O figure out a way to get the simplicity of control that existed in ML and NL, but now based on AP or CC, they have a winner. Certainly because then you’ll be free to add other speakers to e.g. a child’s room.
Does that work for all types of video content playing on the Eclipse?
Someone mentioned further up that the ability to do this for sources connected to the Eclipse via HDMI (as opposed to internal apps / tv aerial, which I guess he's saying can still be shared).
The previous generation of TV's (on the BS4 platform) had a setting option to "Share Audio from Video Sources", which even my dealer says doesnt exits as a setting option on the newer LG partnered BVs.
Would be good to know, at the very least, if you can still share audio from a set top box, be it SKY (which I use) or another.
And similarly, its a big use case for me.
Stan: They better not drop it from existing products because this is one of the key reasons I bought an Eclipse (send TV audio throughout the house, and especially, the yard), and why I've spent extra for Essence/Core devices vs Sonos (for example). I have disabled automatic software updates just in case... Stan
I have a Stage and cannot share the audio from the HDMI over NL.
For Harmony and Eclipse it seems to be different!
Sandyb:Does that work for all types of video content playing on the Eclipse? Someone mentioned further up that the ability to do this for sources connected to the Eclipse via HDMI (as opposed to internal apps / tv aerial, which I guess he's saying can still be shared). The previous generation of TV's (on the BS4 platform) had a setting option to "Share Audio from Video Sources", which even my dealer says doesnt exits as a setting option on the newer LG partnered BVs. Would be good to know, at the very least, if you can still share audio from a set top box, be it SKY (which I use) or another. And similarly, its a big use case for me.
BV Harmony 65 / Eclipse 55 / BL 50 / 19 / 18 / BS 2 all brass
BV Horizon 48 / V1 40 / BL 17 / Beoplay S3 all black
V1 / BL 3 / BS Essence MKII / Beoplay A3 all white
BS Moment / BS 3000 / BS 3200 / BL 400 all silver
Headphones / bluetooth speakers / BLC NL-ML / BLGateway
I know…B&O virus has grown on me !
1990:I have a Stage and cannot share the audio from the HDMI over NL. For Harmony and Eclipse it seems to be different!
I think you're referring to my comment. I have just tried joining my BS1 to Netflix App on my Eclipse (obviously part of the LG panel, not SoundCenter) and It works seamlessly. The only thing I have not tried is sound form HDMI sources from the LG panel, otherwise Eclipse streams own HDMIs and sound from TV apps through Multiroom without problem ;)
Sandyb: Does that work for all types of video content playing on the Eclipse? Someone mentioned further up that the ability to do this for sources connected to the Eclipse via HDMI (as opposed to internal apps / tv aerial, which I guess he's saying can still be shared). The previous generation of TV's (on the BS4 platform) had a setting option to "Share Audio from Video Sources", which even my dealer says doesnt exits as a setting option on the newer LG partnered BVs. Would be good to know, at the very least, if you can still share audio from a set top box, be it SKY (which I use) or another. And similarly, its a big use case for me. Stan: They better not drop it from existing products because this is one of the key reasons I bought an Eclipse (send TV audio throughout the house, and especially, the yard), and why I've spent extra for Essence/Core devices vs Sonos (for example). I have disabled automatic software updates just in case... Stan
Millemissen:Combining AP over NL and using AP2 for music distribution is not a good mixture
I've been playing around with airplay since this announcement and I have noticed that if I select playback to my beoplay M3 and beosound essence mk2 (integrated with my bv11) on my iphone there is a slight delay on the bv11, whereas if I airplay only to the m3, then press Join on the BV11 (using NL) all is in perfect sync. I'm guessing the link from the essence to the BV11 TV, which is ethernet, is adding a few ms delay when playing from airplay.
Rob.
Bit late to the party.
1. Balance looks a bit of a lump but I can see the attraction.
2. Dont have room for one..so cant buy. Stick with previous gen for now
3. I see the Balance is uploadable on the Beo App. So what can it do with the App?
4. Doubtful, but is this not one where a Core or a cheap Essence2 could still be used?
5. Doubtful again but a "mini-Core" if developed would solve the legacy issues.
Not totally attached to this product...principally because I dont need one right now so I wont over-think the questions above.
10
Mikipidia:last time I asked it was a 20/80 split between beolink and ap2/CC, I bet that has gone even more the way of AP2/CC.
For me it sounds like a self fulfilling prophecy.
Looking at the usability of the B&O app, listening to Radio / TuneIn the offered functionalities within the B&O app are good. When you want to listen too Deezer, the Musik functionalities are limited and I am forced to use the Deezer app at least sometimes (and over time I found myself using more often the Deezer app then the Bang&Olufsen app). When you want to access your own local music collection the usability of DNLA is worse within the B&O app, so I anyway had to find alternative Apps. Other music streaming providers (e.g. TIDAL, Amazon Music) are not supported at all.
Due to the B&O app lacking many functionalities and usability, customers are forced to use streaming protocols outside the Bang&Olufsen eco-system. So it is really not a surprise, that less and less customers are using Beolink NL when there is no content to access and distribute within the Bang&Olufsen eco-system.
So the wished (?) log-in effect of Bang&Olufsen customers within Beolink NL is not working / is not really supported by B&O. Even so that in my situation the Beolink NL works much more stable than AP2 / CC does and the touch to join functionality is nice to use. And I really like it, when you do not need always a second device like a iPad, just touching the loudspeaker is sufficient. But without content to stream Beolink NL is useless.
This leads to the logical consequent that Bang&Olufsen has to invest heavily into the B&O app to increase the access to audio content strongly to support Beolink NL or just give up on it. It looks like Bang&Olufsen decided to give up, because I believe that the financial situation of B&O is not supporting heavy investments any more.
Short term this decision will be a financial release, long term it makes competition much harder, because Bang & Olufsen looses another unique selling point and the last Bang&Olufsen customers will recognise that he is not anymore logged-in and will learn how easy it is to integrate / use equipment from competitors.
Maybe i am missing the real issue here, but my 2005 Beolinked home setup is fully airplay operational and controlled with BEO4 throught any room of the house. This consists of course the integration of a 3rd gen Apple TV to act as a mediator though.
Dimitris-
DrDimitris:my 2005 Beolinked home setup is fully airplay operational and controlled with BEO4 throught any room of the house.
Hi, could you please elaborate on your setup please? Thank you.
Of course. Maybe easier to lnk you to my recent thread for it:
https://archivedforum2.beoworld.org/forums/t/40202.aspx
Thank you DrDimitris.
@Alsfeld
Well summarized, the challenge is the audio content. No access to audio content no need for Beolink Multiroom.
Hi guys,
Partialy off topic.. might feed into that though.
Have a stage.. wonderful product...couple of M3s and a Beosound 1. Sound integration..be it AP be it CC and be it BeoLink... I am very satisfied.
But from a holistic multimedia point of view I am not happy.. reason..
Stage wired per HDMI ARC to Samsung Smart. I knew there is no multiroom on HDMI sources (still surprising because Sonos does it..) .. okey so I connected Samsung optical via converter to the line in of the tage. Distribution works on that but the stage doesnt have linein delay function.... guess what.. echo in my appt since the stage is ahead of every joined speaker...
Reached out to BO per feature request for linein delay on stage but they could only confirm they forwarded to Backoffe.. hmm... no timelines/outlook.
This is a bit the struggle I have... fair enough to opt for standards while refraining from proprietary stuff but currently bit of hotpotch w/o clear holistic strategy allowing users to get those capabilities that BO essentially always offered in the analog/semi-digital world.
My 2 cent about it;
I really think we should separate the beolink/networklink from the so so app!!
The NL protocol is awesome, take in principle, what ever source you are playing and send it to where ever you want. smooth, easy and make all the older stuff compatible with new. why on earth skip out on this?
Skipping having sources in the B&o app, fine by me. I only used the TuneIn part anyway. But I love the "alarm" function that uses TuneIn!
From what I understand B&o sees the NL to be a source, the same as AP2/CC. That to bad as I really see it as a great way to make their own products work a ton better then the competition!! Especially with AP2/CC as these cant transport legancy audio FROM a speaker (connected to whatever, gramophone, DJ bench...computer..) and makes even using AP2/CC easier as you now just can join by a tap, NOT PICKING UP THE DAMN PHONE and hassel... this is just dum to skip out on.
And as I´m a pro installer, I really loved this protocol. Say a restaurant, mount 4-10 Beoplay M3/edge/stage with ethernet and power, connect one speaker to a computer or mediaplayer, ipad whatever. Program a control system to use volume control an initial beolink connection between speakers. DONE! This is a foolproof as it gets. No remotes getting lost, everything is hard wired, B&o sound!
This means no more B&o sound at hotels, restaurants and so forth as we now then would need to use a b&o speaker as regular active speaker. But a worse one as there is then need for audio distribution at a costly addon.
Such a shame multiroom has gone. 9m testing out a Beosound Balance and whilst it sounds amazing I’d prefer it to be more than just a speaker and mic for my phone/tablet.
BeoVision Eclipse 55”, Beolab 18s, Beolab 19s, Beosound 1, Beoplay P2, H3, BeoRemote One IR, BeoRemote One BT, Beoplay S8, Beosound Essence MkII, BeoTime
Was the NL not the main reason for buning B&O sound equipment. What is today the difference between the Balance and any google speaker - the color?
Not sure it is a good choice to abandon NL.
Erik-nl: Was the NL not the main reason for buning B&O sound equipment. What is today the difference between the Balance and any google speaker - the color? Not sure it is a good choice to abandon NL.
What makes you think that NL is abandoned?
MM
There is a tv - and there is a BV
Its supposed to be coming back.
Though I wouldn't hold my breath for its return any time soon.
Yes, its return was "promised" just after the Balance release (over a year ago), but it doesn't look very likely before the end of this year at the earliest.
I can see the attraction of Beolink and Netlink .The tap to join is a great feature.
Netlink is probably an engineering delight, but over time, I am sure to make all products work is just a plain nightmare for B&O.Instead of keeping it simple, it does things no other system can do, but not that many users really need or care much about them.
If they want audio in the kitchen, Most will happily buy just another stand alone system for it to be honest. The amount of AP/bluetooth speakers over the last few years says enough. It is simple and efficient. People just want to 'play some music' or 'watch tv' with least amount of hassle.
My wife just about knows how to get the main entertainment system going, (BV and BS5) but will happily switch on another system in another room when she moves around the house.
We are not heavy cell phone users and mostly leave them charging in the evenings but we have a few housebound iPads around for AP streaming. Our tv's have appleTV's anyways. All my stand alone systems have older ATV's or echo's connected.
I have rebuild a small ML system, Yes, no need to point it out, I know it's old and dated and it is not perfect.BUT : The main draw is that It is simple to use, it works and it just about does all we need it to do. And I do this only because: 1) I have legacy ML items. 2) because I can and have a bunch of cables, etc around anyways.3) Though we live in close to downtown, internet can be wonky and has frequent slow downs and drop outs so streaming is not always the answer.
We will probably move next year and we will reevaluate at that point. Thinking of adding another Beosound1, stage and maybe a pair of 18's or 28's at that point.
Eclipse 65V1-32Beosound M5Essence MK2BLI
Seanie_230:So it Beolink going? This thread references it is back in March but since then it’s said they are adding it to the balance and other speakers. Eclipse 65 V1-32 Beosound M5 Essence MK2 BLI
cooldude:I have rebuild a small ML system, Yes, no need to point it out, I know it's old and dated and it is not perfect.BUT : The main draw is that It is simple to use, it works and it just about does all we need it to do.
Carolpa: NL is simple to use it works and is superior to ML and intergrates older ML systems.
NL is simple to use it works and is superior to ML and intergrates older ML systems.
ML is hardcoded into the systems I have connected and hardwired to each other, so it and is fully independent from software and IP protocol changes in the future. As long as these systems keep working, the ML will exist.
NL is mostly software based and will be totally useless in the future as the rest of technology moves to newer protocols and standards.
Yes, I am aware what NL offers, but personally, I have come to the conclusion that I do really need a lot of the 'extras' it offers. Nor could I validate the extra cost of integrating my ML systems into it.
cooldude: Carolpa: NL is simple to use it works and is superior to ML and intergrates older ML systems. ML is hardcoded into the systems I have connected and hardwired to each other, so it and is fully independent from software and IP protocol changes in the future. As long as these systems keep working, the ML will exist. NL is mostly software based and will be totally useless in the future as the rest of technology moves to newer protocols and standards. Yes, I am aware what NL offers, but personally, I have come to the conclusion that I do really need a lot of the 'extras' it offers. Nor could I validate the extra cost of integrating my ML systems into it.
None rhe less…..in your previous post you wrote:
’We will probably move next year and we will reevaluate at that point. Thinking of adding another Beosound1, stage and maybe a pair of 18's or 28's at that point.’
Millemissen: None rhe less…..in your previous post you wrote: ’We will probably move next year and we will reevaluate at that point. Thinking of adding another Beosound1, stage and maybe a pair of 18's or 28's at that point.’ MM
Indeed, but that does not mean I will change everything to NL. Beolab28's could be just power link speakers, replacing or adding to my existing ones and the stage is basically a stand alone system, no ?
I was just saying that I am happy with MY setup for now. It's pretty fool proof and without hiccups and does what we want it to do. Not more, but not less either.
But who knows what the future brings !?
No need to change everything to NL - I run a mixed setup too (that you can do this is one of the excellent things with B&O).
Just curious - if/when you add the mentioned products - how you are going to use them?
Maybe you will like the simplicity of starting somewhere and adding another device directly (the JOIN function) and if you will be using the ease of the MyButtons on the 28’s?
Please keep us posted.
I prefer not to use my phone to play music. If I get a call or a text I hear the notification sound on airplay/bluetooth speaker speaker. I don’t know if they fixed that in Airplay 2.0 or if chromecast behaves the same. Other than that I use spotify connect but that doesnt support multi room unless I use the BO App. I understood there was some licensing issue with that. . Once its playing though it doesnt rely on my phone which I think Airplay still does.
General problem with the whole B&O setup is that app is loading too slow and technically I have to juggle it with another app for playlist selection. And even the essence remote is more of a sluggish experience for me.
They need to offer a one stop shop that loads fast with integrated navigation for major streaming services. Then I could see more people start using the multi room features and what not.
I am thinking this is where they take the Halo
I am in need of a replacement for my A6 and the Balance would have been my preference. But that thing is utterly useless to me without any other remote than the BO app. They should not have launched that like this. I think the Level though my check all of my boxes.
Cheers
JK
jk1002: I prefer not to use my phone to play music. If I get a call or a text I hear the notification sound on airplay/bluetooth speaker speaker. I don’t know if they fixed that in Airplay 2.0 or if chromecast behaves the same. Other than that I use spotify connect but that doesnt support multi room unless I use the BO App. I understood there was some licensing issue with that. Cheers JK
I prefer not to use my phone to play music. If I get a call or a text I hear the notification sound on airplay/bluetooth speaker speaker. I don’t know if they fixed that in Airplay 2.0 or if chromecast behaves the same. Other than that I use spotify connect but that doesnt support multi room unless I use the BO App. I understood there was some licensing issue with that.
If that is your main problem, there is an easy solution to it.
Just get an (older) iPad Mini or iPad - even an iPod Touch or an old iPhone will do the job.
Configure that for nothing else than Spotify (and the music related apps, you need), get it on your local network……..leave anything that has to do with calls, text messages, mails etc away. Find a nice charging stand for it to ensure that it is always charged - and you are good to go.
No two setups are alike, I know.
I can happily play to my Essence box (no speakers connected) and join in on my BV’s from Spotify or from airplayed stuff - no need for the B&O app (other than for configuration purposes of course), if that was what I wanted to.
My beoremote does the volume control, muting, pause/play and turn off……
Same would apply to e.g. the BS2 or the A6, if you don’t prefer to play directly to it or perhaps use the MyButtons.
Even if the Halo had more features it would be hard - if not impossible - to choose the music there…..if you don’t just rely on previously made playlists.
As for Balance/Level….I would just wait for the updates to come, if they are not enough for you as they are now.
Millemissen: No need to change everything to NL - I run a mixed setup too (that you can do this is one of the excellent things with B&O). Just curious - if/when you add the mentioned products - how you are going to use them? Maybe you will like the simplicity of starting somewhere and adding another device directly (the JOIN function) and if you will be using the ease of the MyButtons on the 28’s? Please keep us posted. MM
Yes I am curious too ! I guess a lot will depend on wether I decide to replace my old BV setup with something more up to date to further integrate the newer stuff.
Hi JK
jk1002:If I get a call or a text I hear the notification sound on airplay/bluetooth speaker speaker. I don’t know if they fixed that in Airplay 2.0 or if chromecast behaves the same.
jk1002:General problem with the whole B&O setup is that app is loading too slow and technically I have to juggle it with another app for playlist selection.
jk1002:They need to offer a one stop shop that loads fast with integrated navigation for major streaming services.
jk1002:I...... Balance would have been my preference. But that thing is utterly useless to me without any other remote than the BO app.
jk1002:I think the Level though my check all of my boxes.
cooldude:I was just saying that I am happy with MY setup for now. It's pretty fool proof and without hiccups and does what we want it to do. Not more, but not less either. But who knows what the future brings !?
And I also would say it: "I'm happy with my setup (mostly NL with lots of older ML stuff). It's pretty fool proof and without hiccups and does what we want it to do. Not more, but not less either. Bring on the future!!"
Millemissen: If that is your main problem, there is an easy solution to it. Just get an (older) iPad Mini or iPad - even an iPod Touch or an old iPhone will do the job.
Your solution for people who won't have (more) Apple device, but prefer that B&O remotes and B&O NL handle their needs is to have more Apple devices. If I ever wanted to AirPlay things and to handle music via mobile phone I would not be paying a premium for B&O. Sonos is a great and cheaper solution then. Or any other mainstream alternative.
Some people don't want iPads or iPhones as control devices, and are willing to pay extra for that. We need and miss BL multiroom on Mozart devices.
If that is not a way forward (and I do respect that), then there is no differentiation between B&O and "plastic" brands for me.
Gotta save some money.
I guess the solution of a dedicated iPad / iPhone helps those who find the phones other functions getting in the way of the AP stream.
Personally I dont have issues with AP'ing, on the occasions that I do.
But more broadly, music control (of the whole experience) has to be done on a phone / tablet now. No one, let alone B^O, will make a dedicated music controller of any use now. B&O have removed (aside from B&O Radio) integrated services (Deezer gone), DLNA support seems to have either gone / become compromised - so this stripped down approach (the app being only used for setup / settings) points everyone in the direction of using a tablet / phone. And once you get to using a phone / tablet, its all 3rd party apps
The Halo should be ample reminder of the limited scope of control that any B&O hardware will provide.
I dont expect much to change even with the restoration of some NL type functionality to the Mozart platform, whenever that may come.
As for the B&O premium, I guess at least their speakers still look (for the most part) way better than the competition, and for the most part sound excellent. Whether thats enough for customers old and new, time will tell.
AnalogPlanet: Millemissen: If that is your main problem, there is an easy solution to it. Just get an (older) iPad Mini or iPad - even an iPod Touch or an old iPhone will do the job. Your solution for people who won't have (more) Apple device, but prefer that B&O remotes and B&O NL handle their needs is to have more Apple devices. If I ever wanted to AirPlay things and to handle music via mobile phone I would not be paying a premium for B&O. Sonos is a great and cheaper solution then. Or any other mainstream alternative. Some people don't want iPads or iPhones as control devices, and are willing to pay extra for that. We need and miss BL multiroom on Mozart devices. If that is not a way forward (and I do respect that), then there is no differentiation between B&O and "plastic" brands for me. Gotta save some money.
I wonder how you choose the music that you want to listen to?
Still using Beosound Moment for Deezer (like playlists, albums but as well the MoodWheel), and also quite frequently using Beoremote Halo either for browsing through my favourite radio stations or using preset buttons for the ones I like the most.
AnalogPlanet: Still using Beosound Moment for Deezer (like playlists, albums but as well the MoodWheel), and also quite frequently using Beoremote Halo either for browsing through my favourite radio stations or using preset buttons for the ones I like the most.
That explains it!
The concept of the BS Moment was brilliant (as long as one sticked to using Deezer).
It was the second attempt (after the BS5) from B&O to avoid the tablet/phone in the mix.
Unfortunately - for multiple reasons - they did not succeeed with this.
The Halo will never be able to replace this - it is an advanced remote control, but not a ‘music-chooser’….unless you rely solely on a few playlists and of course on radio stations.