B&O link capability - a true differentiator

Recently in a discussion on this forum, someone mentioned the fact that the B&O a/v link capabilities are not well known beyond a relatively small user group. 

Most of us somehow started with standalone systems, in my case Beocenter 7700, before building up a true link system based on multi rooms, different hardware, different i/o devices and a host of sound speaker options. Even without masterlink gateway, the capabilities are stupendous, supported in creativity by the config tool. 

It strikes me that this rather seamless link system does not get the credit it deserves... It rather looks as if everybody is clinging to the airplays of this world (no doubt a great connectivity as well) but missing the fact that a robust communication protocol and system exists.  

Although masterlink will evolve over time, the fact that legacy connectivity is protected while new capabilities (cat7 based) come on stream, should be marketed better. 

Enjoy your opinions...

True enough, but if the "company model" that says the traditional customer isn't really buying anymore and that they are trying to attract new customers is true, then masterlink compatibility might not really be that relevant anymore. Powerlink for speakers is fine, but what they may need to do is to ensnare customers into a new digital network/distribution system, based on their "realistically priced" products currently on the way or under development.

As such I wouldn't bet the company bank on Apple or Airplay (although I would be sure to incorporate what I could where I could) but I would be sure to be at the forefront of DLNA, it will be the broadest standard and B&O need to ensure their equipment works together seamlessly over this open standard and exceeds minimum requirements, whilst ensuring compatibility with at least the minimum standard for third party equipment.

pf85, I for one agree 100%. I think there's lots of mileage in older Masterlink products and the fact that it all seamlessly integrate with the NL standard (NL/ML converter) is brilliant.

No one else has anything close to it. Want a full audion or a/v system in the bedroom? One masterlink cable and a speaker / tv later and every source you have anywhere else is in the bedroom...

Music on the patio, again ML cable and BL3500 or similar and there you go, the CD's in the 9000 playing on the Patio.

Getting cable to Patio/bedroom/den a problem? Wireless ML to the rescue.

No longer interested in CD's? Connect an Airport express / Playmaker to the A.Aux on you audio master and stream away (again available in all the rooms at the press of a button) - not bad for a 20/30 year old platform.

Talking about pressing a button, all this of course happens with the same remote and same buttons you use in the living room - nothing new to learn, intricate key sequences etc. CD is CD, Radio is Radio etc. (the genius of option programming)

How many of us have friend with Niles/Russound/Other system with intricate keypads in every room, horrible speakers, puny 12 channel amplifiers with 14km's of speaker cable installed to connect it all and every time they try and use it it takes 5 minutes of trial and error to get the right source (half the time they give up).

Want to add automation? Lights, no problem, change switches and my remote happily plays along. Window blinds, same story - non b&o means Crestron, Control4 etc. lots of money time and again a new remote to master.

I guess not many people actually use all the functionality built into the B&O they already own, if they did there'd be a lot less talk about how much cheaper brand x or y is etc. Proper like for like comparison of a whole house A/V platform with some automation cobbled together from other brands (plural since no one else can supply it all like b&o) will likely cost the same/more for arguably inferior products, tons of integration heartache, clumsy control systems and god forbid something goes wrong / you want to add anything.

berlin2010:

I guess not many people actually use all the functionality built into the B&O they already own........................

Possibly the most important statement in your entire post. If you have a houseful of masterlinked product then backwards compatibility is important, if you only have a TV or a music system or if you are one of B&O's new target customers, then it doesn't matter a jot!

As an aside, many have complained about attempting to masterlink 1080P video across an analogue rf cable ................. masterlink was probably ground breaking in it's day but can no longer be relied upon as the basis of a modern system because the AV world has moved on apace since its introduction.

Puncher:

As an aside, many have complained about attempting to masterlink 1080P video across an analogue rf cable ................. masterlink was probably ground breaking in it's day but can no longer be relied upon as the basis of a modern system because the AV world has moved on apace since its introduction.

Same goes for the older predecessor ML system, the MCL system. There has to be a moment to upgrade the system.

Masterlink is the same shielded cable as Cat7 cable is. Add another Cat7 cable along with  it, and again you're able to stream HD content throughout your house. 

Well sure, I agree too. The Master Link system was well ahead of it's time. Although audio was much easier to distribute than video... A superb solution would of course been that the ML cable would have carried both audio and video.

But today it's 2013, and the ML system is dated. Firstly I hate cables. Sure you get the occasional hickup with wireless, but i still rather have wireless than a cable system.

It's also this media-hub that I've been talking about that is missing. A link for existing extended ML systems to get connected to the 21-century without third party hardware.

I've just moved, and had plans for a ML system in the new house. I'm going to skip that as the wiring of the system would be a nightmare, it's easier for me (and probably cheaper) to buy a few extra vintage B&O sets and speakers around the house.

 

Puncher:

As such I wouldn't bet the company bank on Apple or Airplay (although I would be sure to incorporate what I could where I could) but I would be sure to be at the forefront of DLNA, it will be the broadest standard and B&O need to ensure their equipment works together seamlessly over this open standard and exceeds minimum requirements, whilst ensuring compatibility with at least the minimum standard for third party equipment.

Occasionally we agree. Well said.

I never had any interest in Masterlink capabilities because of the way my living situation is. Even if I did, the ML way is probably not the solution I would use. Way ahead of its time in the day, now more of a "side" feature.

"Getting cable to Patio/bedroom/den a problem? Wireless ML to the rescue."

 

i guess you haven't used the Wireless 1s then.....

frog:

"Getting cable to Patio/bedroom/den a problem? Wireless ML to the rescue."

 

i guess you haven't used the Wireless 1s then.....

yes they are difficult to "tune", (and all must be at the same software level), but once I got mine in the right places and position (angled correctly) performance has been rock solid -- but it was a process of trial and error 

bayerische:

it's easier for me (and probably cheaper) to buy a few extra vintage B&O sets and speakers around the house.

Just an excuse to feed your Beovirus ! :-)

I hear you as I am moving from a master linked house to a mostly maser linked one. The difference is I now also have a lot of classic B&O so it all needs using.