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ARCHIVED FORUM -- March 2012 to February 2022
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This is the second Archived Forum which was active between 1st March 2012 and 23rd February 2022

 

The BeoSound Essence listed

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StUrrock
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StUrrock replied on Sun, Mar 23 2014 9:22 PM
DoubleU:

Just assumptions here, so don't hold it against me, but it would make sense to me!

If you play music stored on your iPad, you won't be using the BeoMusic app. Not certain about this, but if I compare this with the apps for Sonos or Squeezebox you can't do this either. Airplay is what you'll be using then, and not supported for 1-touch access, nor is it supported in the BeoMusic app.

In the first part of the document it says it has one-touch access to music services, internet radio and the BeoMusic app. I see no AirPlay..

- Music services = Spotify. 1-touch will continue the playlist where you stopped last time.

- Internetradio = TuneIn. 1-touch continues the same radio-station where you left last time.

- BeoMusic App = Access to your dlna-server. 1-touch continues the playlist where you left.

The 1-touch button won't start the BeoMusic app on your iPad. It's only a controller for the Essence, not a player. I never saw a device yet, that can open an app on your iPad. If the music plays after the 1-touch, and you start the app later on the iPad, it will only show what's playing, and you have control over the Essence.

My good lady hates the BS5 had to send it back, when I enthusiastically described the functionality of the Essence KNOB, her words were;

"Yet another good looking thing, that in reality is useless and obviously designed by a bloke"

That was quite hurtful, but the punch line was devastating;

"a bit like you, my dear"

OUCH!
jk1002
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jk1002 replied on Sun, Mar 23 2014 9:23 PM

What a-aux issue do you see?

 

i think the remote will behave exactly like the beo4 with the playmaker when you connect that to a aux.

 

you preset a volume on the devices playing or essence and then the remote will control the volume of the  beosound system rather then to the essence connected speakers.

 

this is how i understood the playmaker/beosound/beo4 combo is working.

only thing i would wish they would do is beef up the beomusic app to integrate spotify/music on iphone/itunes/dlna/internet radio and let the app work standalone and they would have something very decent.

the spotify integration could come in a few month whenever spotify finalizes their 3rd part integration software.

 

then you out that app onto the standalone tablet that they want to release and your golden until the next digital thing comes up.

DoubleU
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DoubleU replied on Sun, Mar 23 2014 9:26 PM

Millemissen:

P.S. Nobody interested in the 'A-Aux' issue?

How do you understand what is written in that doc?

Yes, I do. But your guess is as good as mine. I'll try...

Customers who own a PlayMaker

Well explained.

Customer who own a BeoMaster/BeoSound

Has to do with the IR mode thing and start an existing audio system and it says also old audio systems. So what does it send? I guess we only have three options here or did I miss something?

1. A.AUX to open the port where the Essence is connected.

2. FM-Radio which means the Essence is not in play here. It will only start the existing audio system.

3. CD for the same reason. (not very likely as it won't start where you left)

People who love their mobile devices

Also well explained. If you don't like mobile devices, the Essence is not for you.

People who want to avoid advanced technology

Vague explanation!

Millemissen
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jk1002:

i think the remote will behave exactly like the beo4 with the playmaker when you connect that to a aux.

That means that the remote 'knob' would have an ir-sender built in - otherweise it would not be able to open the 'A-Aux' port and to control the volume of the BM/BS.

The specs says nothing about ir and the 'knob' - only bluetooth is mentioned.

MM

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jk1002
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jk1002 replied on Sun, Mar 23 2014 9:52 PM

No,

 

remember the essence has a port for an IR out just like you have on the tvs ...

 

 

jk1002
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jk1002 replied on Sun, Mar 23 2014 9:59 PM

Actually i stand corrected, it says IR in on the box. The spec just say IR.

 

so unless the ir port os 2 way it wouldnt work. 

 

So then they prob mean that you control the essence via beo4 and that the new remote wont do much with sound systems.

Raeuber
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Raeuber replied on Sun, Mar 23 2014 11:51 PM
I assume the IR port at Essence is for connecting an IR sender, not IR receiver. So if you press the knob, the IR sender will send a command to an audiomaster (A.AUX) or a videomaster (V.AUX). This would be very usefull if you connect the Essence to an audiomaster or a videomaster instead of directly connected Beolabs.

I also assume that it will NOT be possible to use a Beo4 (or 5/6) with the Essence. Differently to the Playmaker you have to use the knob for remoting the Essence (via Bluetooth and not via IR).

Ok, just my assumptions...

Räuber
Millemissen
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And exactly those (and a couple more) were my questions above.

As I wrote - the answers are still to come - they don't come from the document.

N.B. The pic was just one page of the document - the other pages don't add anything to this subject.

MM

There is a tv - and there is a BV

Raeuber
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Raeuber replied on Mon, Mar 24 2014 8:59 AM
Right now the Beomusic app only works with the Essence and not with Playmaker or Beoplay A8.

The Essence is not much more than a Playmaker with access to Internet radio and Spotify connect. That's why my question is: Are these services only software based or is some kind of hardware required? If only software based, couldn't PM and A8 be updated to realize Internet radio and Spotify connect?

Regards

Räuber
Millemissen
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Definitely software-based.

But every software need a hardware - don't forget that. The HW must support an update.

They could update the two mentioned, if they would (and payed for it), but I don't think it will happen - at least not to the PM.

The PM will probably soon have reached EOL.

MM

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Hiort
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Hiort replied on Mon, Mar 24 2014 3:20 PM

Raeuber:
I assume the IR port at Essence is for connecting an IR sender, not IR receiver. So if you press the knob, the IR sender will send a command to an audiomaster (A.AUX) or a videomaster (V.AUX). This would be very usefull if you connect the Essence to an audiomaster or a videomaster instead of directly connected Beolabs.

This match very well how a dealer I talked to have understood the "intergration" with an exiting e.g. audiomaster. When you press the knob, the Essence wake the audiomaster and with an a.aux command. I have a Beocenter 2, and I wonder if it will look ugly if the IR sender is the type you use from e.g a Beovision to a e.g. DVD.

Or maybe the IR-sender will just shoot out the command, so that you can have it a little bit hidden.

 

/C

 

 

 

 

Livingroom: BL3, BL11, BV11-46 Kitchen: Beosound 1 GVA, Beocom 2 Bathroom: M3 Homeoffice: M3, Beocom 2  Library: Beosound Emerge, Beocom 6000 Bedroom: M5, Essence remote  Travel: Beoplay E8 2.0, Beoplay EQ, Beoplay Earset

Millemissen
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Still looking forward to hear the answer to that.

But why would they call the 'ir connection' 'for future use', if that is the way to do it. They are offering this function right from the beginning (see document above).

MM

There is a tv - and there is a BV

DoubleU
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DoubleU replied on Mon, Mar 24 2014 5:44 PM

Some here are mixing things up. The IR connection 'for future use' has nothing to do with what the document says. It says the BeoSound Essence Remote can be used in IR mode for direct controlling an existing BeoSound/BeoMaster. The remote has got to have a IR-transmitter inside.

There is no other way to control a BeoSound.

Raeuber
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Raeuber replied on Mon, Mar 24 2014 6:31 PM
DoubleU:

Some here are mixing things up. The IR connection 'for future use' has nothing to do with what the document says. It says the BeoSound Essence Remote can be used in IR mode for direct controlling an existing BeoSound/BeoMaster . The remote has got to have a IR-transmitter inside.

There is no other way to control a BeoSound.

That would make sense. But if so, it must say "... can be used in ADDITIONAL IR mode..." because with the knob you have to remote not only a Beosound/Beomaster but also the Essence in Bluetooth mode.

Regards

Räuber
BeoBoy68
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BeoBoy68 replied on Tue, Mar 25 2014 3:07 AM

 

Hiort
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Hiort replied on Tue, Mar 25 2014 10:22 AM

DoubleU:

Some here are mixing things up. The IR connection 'for future use' has nothing to do with what the document says. It says the BeoSound Essence Remote can be used in IR mode for direct controlling an existing BeoSound/BeoMaster. The remote has got to have a IR-transmitter inside.

There is no other way to control a BeoSound.

This is actually what the dealer said to me, that the "knob" would send an A-AUX command to wakeup e.g. an Audiomaster, so that the Essence could be integrated into an existing B&O setup.

But you still need your Beo4 to change source, radiochannel etc.

For me the Essence (and the app) would be sufficient for 99% of my music consumption. 

 

 

 

 

Livingroom: BL3, BL11, BV11-46 Kitchen: Beosound 1 GVA, Beocom 2 Bathroom: M3 Homeoffice: M3, Beocom 2  Library: Beosound Emerge, Beocom 6000 Bedroom: M5, Essence remote  Travel: Beoplay E8 2.0, Beoplay EQ, Beoplay Earset

DoubleU
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DoubleU replied on Tue, Apr 1 2014 8:07 AM

There are more guides online now on the website. Just found out the outer ring of the remote is to control the volume. Cool

Millemissen
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Nothing new about the BeoMusic app in there Sad

So far the Essence is nothing more than a Playmaker with netradio built in, support for Spotfy connect - which is not mentioned in the userguide - and the possibility to control some functions via the fancy 'knob' instead of direct on the PM device.

"Select a source on your hand-held device, with your BeoMusic App or start playback of an active source with BeoSound Essence Remote.

When you start playback with your BeoSound Essence Remote, playback of the last played source starts, if it is still active. If no source is active, Internet radio is selected as source. Depending on your source, pressing the button starts playback or unmutes and pressing the button pauses or mutes. Note that some sources such as AirPlay® or DLNA® must be activated on the streaming device first."

Would be nice to know more about a working BeoMusic app - what does that add to the experience and the usability?

 

N.B. Not one word mentioned about integrating with an 'older' AudioMaster via 'A-Aux' - still waiting for answers.

MM

 

There is a tv - and there is a BV

moxxey
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moxxey replied on Tue, Apr 1 2014 9:31 AM

Millemissen:

Would be nice to know more about a working BeoMusic app - what does that add to the experience and the usability?

According to my dealer (last week), dealers were going to have the BeoMusic app demonstrated this week, in Brussels, along with the new TV etc. Amazing no-one has more information. I wonder if B&O have toughened up on the information dealer's are allowed to leak, before a release? The new TV is due in a month and no-one has a single mockup or photo!

Raeuber
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Raeuber replied on Tue, Apr 1 2014 10:01 AM
Millemissen:

So far the Essence is nothing more than a Playmaker with netradio built in, support for Spotfy connect - which is not mentioned in the userguide - a nd the possibility to control some functions via the fancy 'knob' instead of direct on the PM device.

N.B. Not one word mentioned about integrating with an 'older' AudioMaster via 'A-Aux' - still waiting for answers.

MM

There is a tv - and there is a BV.

Hi MM,

I think it will be possible to connect the Essence to A-AUX like the Playmaker. But this is not enough for me: I want to start my Audio- or Video-Master with the knob. Therefore the knob or the Essence must send an IR signal to Audio- or Video-Master. If this is not possible the Essence is really not much more than a Playmaker and a product nobody has asked for.

Greets

Räuber
jk1002
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jk1002 replied on Tue, Apr 1 2014 3:03 PM

B&o website has been updated says avaialable in most stores now

moxxey
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moxxey replied on Tue, Apr 1 2014 4:37 PM

jk1002:

B&o website has been updated says avaialable in most stores now

So, based on that info, my dealer was right to say it was officially launching 1 April. Unless that's B&O's idea of an April fool's joke :)

koning
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koning replied on Tue, Apr 1 2014 6:44 PM

anymore news about the beopad?

shinobi52
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The Beomusic app is also avaible on Apple & Google App stores.

http://www.bang-olufsen.com/en/beomusic

moxxey
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moxxey replied on Wed, Apr 2 2014 10:41 AM

shinobi52:
The Beomusic app is also avaible on Apple & Google App stores.

http://www.bang-olufsen.com/en/beomusic

Looks pretty good to me!

My dealer just told me that their Essence is due in to the store next Tuesday, so should be hitting your local dealer very soon. He also told me that he was very impressed with some of the forthcoming new products after returning from his trip to Brussels :)

Bv7Mk3
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Bv7Mk3 replied on Wed, Apr 2 2014 1:22 PM
Sounds like good news.. New Products :-)
BeoMegaMan
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The IR function on the remote is if you want to send the Essence box to an audio master you can now turn it on and control the volume of said master with IR only. If you engage the remote to IR you will no longer be able to control the track etc of your Essence. The External IR eye is for when you want to connect a TV and control the essence through a Beo4/Beo6 IR remote rather than the BT remote. However it is still labeled as future use. I do not know when/how they will turn on that feature.  

Ah, you know... A little B&O here, a little there 

linder
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linder replied on Wed, Apr 2 2014 5:49 PM

BeoMegaMan:

The IR function on the remote is if you want to send the Essence box to an audio master you can now turn it on and control the volume of said master with IR only. If you engage the remote to IR you will no longer be able to control the track etc of your Essence. The External IR eye is for when you want to connect a TV and control the essence through a Beo4/Beo6 IR remote rather than the BT remote. However it is still labeled as future use. I do not know when/how they will turn on that feature.  

 

This is interesting and might make the Essence more useful.  Is it possible to connect a Beocenter 2 to an Essence using the Aux port?

Raeuber
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Raeuber replied on Wed, Apr 2 2014 7:11 PM
BeoMegaMan:

The IR function on the remote is if you want to send the Essence box to an audio master you can now turn it on and control the volume of said master with IR only. If you engage the remote to IR you will no longer be able to control the track etc of your Essence. The External IR eye is for when you want to connect a TV and control the essence through a Beo4/Beo6 IR remote rather than the BT remote. However it is still labeled as future use. I do not know when/how they will turn on that feature.

Ah, you know... A little B&O here, a little there

Hi BeoMegaMan,

Thanks for that interesting information, but still a lot of questions:

1. If I set the remote to IR mode it seems that the 'knob' only sends A.AUX and VOLUME commands to an audio master. But how can you start the Essence itself to listen to the last used radio station or spotify connect song? Can you start the Essence only with the Beomusic app?

2. How can the Essence be connected to a video master, especially to a Beosystem 4 based TV, but also to an older Beovision? I assume you have to use the V.AUX command on your Beo 4/6 to start a Beovision, so does this command also start the Essence?

3. What is labeled for future use, only the external IR eye for the Essence or also the IR mode of the 'knob'?

Sorry, but I would like to understand these special features to connect the Essence to an audio or video master. Especially because it's not described in the manual with any word!

Greets

Räuber

talisman
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 BeoSound Essence Remote can be set up for use with another Bang & Olufsen product using one of the  7 different IR mode settings. You can only set up  BeoSound Essence Remote for use with one product at  a time. 

 

 From the factory BeoSound Essence Remote is in mode O (Bluetooth) and ready to be paired with  BeoSound Essence. 

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Raeuber replied on Wed, Apr 2 2014 9:45 PM
talisman:

BeoSound Essence Remote can be set up for use with another Bang & Olufsen product using one of the 7 different IR mode settings. You can only set up BeoSound Essence Remote for use with one product at a time.

From the factory BeoSound Essence Remote is in mode O (Bluetooth) and ready to be paired with BeoSound Essence.

Can you tell what are these different 7 IR mode settings?
BeoMegaMan
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Answer to #1 = The BeoMusic app is how you would start it. 

 

Answer to #2 = The IR commands are simply to control the Master Product you have. No control of the Essence when in IR mode. Use the APP for that. One would speculate that the future use IR connection may lend it to act like a PM does today by controlling track etc. Pure speculation though. 

 

Answer to # 3 = Just the connection IR input is labeled that way. The Knob has the options built in so it can be used in any master/slave scenario for IR. 

Ah, you know... A little B&O here, a little there 

talisman
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talisman replied on Wed, Apr 2 2014 11:07 PM

 

Mode Description For operation of …
0 Bluetooth paired

BeoSound Essence

1 For future use
2 Beo4 IR (RADIO) A sound system intended for use with Beo4
3 Light mode A Home Automation System
4 Beo4 IR (PLAY) A sound system intended for use with Beo4 (BeoPlay)
5 For future use
6 For future use
7 For future use
linder
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linder replied on Wed, Apr 2 2014 11:21 PM

At first I didn't think the Essence was very interesting.  Now I think I will order one to use in a bedroom.

Millemissen
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First thing: thanks for clarifying - the IR-mode on the 'knob' and the IR-in on the 'hideaway-box' are two different features.

The use of the IR-in though is still a mystery The different IR-modes of the 'knob' (as described above' seems to hide some potiential, that is yest unknow. I wonder if the dealers are already informed about them all - will have to ask mine next time around.

 

But - thinking about the bespoken 'BeoPad' - there might be some relationship between the 'knob'/the BeoMusic app-combo and the expected 'music system'

Of cource we/I don't know if there is a 'BeoPad' to come, but a tablet-like new audiosystem was already that often bespoken, that it is likely to be true (?).

My thoughts - and these are just thoughts - are that a 'BeoPad' probably would need some 'hidden-away' hardware to work.

I imagine that it will be some kind of a 'big touchscreen remote control' (maybe with some hardware buttons for instant controlling as well).

The BS5 was/is a remote too - ok, it is hardwired, but it is just a 'remote control' depending on the 'hidden-away box (the BM5). And the BC2 control unit - in some ways - was just the same (with a built-in DVD-drive).

To me it might be possible, that the 'hide-away box' of the 'BeoPad' will/could be exactly the same as the one for the 'knob'/BeoMusic app-combo Whistle

Just my thoughts, but with the effords (the IR-in, the built-in netradio, the Spotify Connect...) B&O has had with this new 'hide-away box' - compared to the Playmaker - it might be obvious that the box will be used for a coming 'music system' as well. There are so many 'for future use' options, that I am sure that the 'box' will be used in different combinations in near future.

MM

 

There is a tv - and there is a BV

liberal
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liberal replied on Thu, Apr 3 2014 1:45 PM

Hi,

There are detiled instructions on how to use the IR in ov the Essence in the FAQ section on the Bang & Olufsen website as below.

Best,

Paul

How do I operate BeoSound Essence with my Beo4?

In order to operate BeoSound Essence with Beo4, you must connect an IR receiver (material number: 8089119) to the socket marked IR-IN on BeoSound Essence.

Operate BeoSound Essence with Beo4 …

 Beo4 button  Source or function
 A.MEM AirPlay 
 RADIO  Internet radio/ TuneIn
 CD iOS USB connected source 
 A.AUX* Line-in connected source
 NET*

DLNA source 

N.MUSIC  Spotify
 Centre button** Pause/play 
 PLAY/GO Resume playback
 STOP Stop playback
 Image Adjust volume up
 Image Adjust volume down
 Image Switch BeoPlay A9 to standby

Some apps may react differently to the described commands. Also the commands do not apply to a Line-in connected source. Playback must be started on the connected source.

* To use A.AUX, press LIST repeatedly on Beo4 to bring up the 'buttons' in the Beo4 display, then press the centre button to activate the source.
** The pause function is not available on a Beo4 without navigation button.

Note! Operation with the Beo4 remote control can only take place when the name of the source shows in the display: RADIO, A.AUX and N.MUSIC.

Millemissen
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Weird stuff!

"In order to operate BeoSound Essence with Beo4, you must connect an IR receiver" - well, that's clear!

But in the box below - the red dot (on Beo4) is used for:

'Switch BeoPlay A9 to standby".

And where is the USB connector (for iOS USB connected source) on the Essence box Crying

MM


There is a tv - and there is a BV

Raeuber
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Raeuber replied on Thu, Apr 3 2014 5:46 PM
And how will you remote the Essence with Beo4 if it's connected to an audio- or videomaster?

Really weird!

Räuber
DoubleU
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DoubleU replied on Thu, Apr 3 2014 8:35 PM

Millemissen:

Weird stuff!

"In order to operate BeoSound Essence with Beo4, you must connect an IR receiver" - well, that's clear!

But in the box below - the red dot (on Beo4) is used for:

'Switch BeoPlay A9 to standby".

And where is the USB connector (for iOS USB connected source) on the Essence box Crying

Exact same table for the A9. I'm sure this table needs some editing. 

 

Raeuber:
And how will you remote the Essence with Beo4 if it's connected to an audio- or videomaster?

Really weird!

You might have too much conflicts when choosing a source in this setup, so probably it's only recommended to use the additional IR-receiver if Beolabs are connected to the Essence. 

Millemissen
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DoubleU:

You might have too much conflicts when choosing a source in this setup, so probably it's only recommended to use the additional IR-receiver if Beolabs are connected to the Essence. 

i would think so too, as it is exactly the same as with the Playmaker - the BeoMusic app (or other app's) will be the 'real remote'.

And the 'knob' might - if in IR-mode - trigger the input on the BeoMaster and control the volume of it.

MM

There is a tv - and there is a BV

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