Beo4 remote control from Bang & Olufsen – overview guide

Beo4 can do more than the buttons show

Although Beo4 has relatively few physical buttons, the remote control contains far more functions than you might initially think.

Through which channels you reach those people, classic and out of the box. LIST button opens the Beo4 display, where a wide range of additional functions are available. Here you can:

• Access extended features for the selected source
• Turning on additional audio and video sources
• Operating connected accessories
• Enabling functions without dedicated buttons

When a source such as TV, RADIO or DVD is shown in the display, the LIST button gives access to more control options – almost as if Beo4 were given extra buttons.

Customizing Beo4 to your Bang & Olufsen system

Beo4 can be adapted to the specific Bang & Olufsen product it is used with. You can change the order of the functions in the LIST menu yourself, so that the most frequently used functions are displayed first.

Beo4 contains a complete list of the audio and video functions that Bang & Olufsen has developed over the years. Only those functions that are supported by the connected product will be active.

This means that Beo4 automatically adapts to your setup – whether it's a Beovision TV, a Beosound music system or a complete BeoLink system.

Beo4 versions and models (Mark I, Mark II, Mark III)

Bang & Olufsen has produced Beo4 in several versions over the years. The functionality is basically the same, but the design and navigation have been continuously refined.

Beo4 with Navigation Button

Beo4 with navigation button is a further development of the classic Beo4 and was introduced to provide a more modern and intuitive menu operation – especially in connection with flat-screen TVs and more advanced menu structures.

This variant is officially called "Beo4 with navigation button" and differs primarily by replacing the arrow keys with a central navigation button.

Features of Beo4 with navigation button

• Introductory period: approx. 2001–2002
• purpose: Improved menu and list navigation on newer Bang & Olufsen TVs
• Navigation: Central navigation button with push function (up, down, left, right + OK)
• Ergonomics: Faster and more fluid operation of on-screen menus
• Design: Same iconic zinc housing and overall Beo4 design
• LIST function: Full access to LIST menu and additional features
• Display: Same LCD display as other Beo4 variants
• IR protocol: Fully compatible with Bang & Olufsen BeoLink IR
• Batteries: 2 × AAA

Mode 1 and Mode 2 – what does it mean?

Beo4 with navigation button can be set to two different operating modes:

• Mode 1: The navigation button is used exclusively for menu navigation, while source and playback control are performed via the other buttons. This is the most common setting.
• Mode 2: The navigation button is deactivated and Beo4 functions as a classic Beo4 with arrow buttons. Mainly used for older TVs or setups that do not support navigation mode.

Compatibility

Beo4 with navigation button is designed to work with:

• Flat-screen Beovision TV (LCD / Plasma)
• Later CRT TVs with advanced menus
• Digital TV sources and BeoLink setups
• Modern Neo Master solutions where Beo4 is used as the primary remote control

Beo4 at Neomesteren

Neomesteren develops, manufactures and sells upgrade solutions for Bang & Olufsen products. Our goal is to extend the life of iconic B&O designs and preserve the original operating experience.

Beo4 is a perfect example of timeless Bang & Olufsen design, which continues to make sense – both technically and functionally – when combined with the right Neo Mesteren solutions.

Beo4 – Technology (software, EEPROM and compatibility)

Beo4 is not just a remote control with fixed buttons, but a modular and software-based control system. Its functionality is determined by a combination of application software (S/W) og operating data (EEPROM / EE), which together determine which sources, functions, and LIST commands are available.

Beo4 Remote control

Look at the fixed buttons at the top:

• Mark I (1994): Central AV-button.
• Mark II (1999): DVDbutton (AV moved away from button layout).
• Mark III (Nov. 2004): DTV, V.MEM og A.MEM as dedicated buttons.

Look at the navigation:

• Arrow keys: Classic Beo4.
• Navigation button: “Beo4 with navigation button” (with Mode 1/Mode 2).

IR technology (Bang & Olufsen 455 kHz)

Beo4 uses Bang & Olufsen's powerful infrared signal with a 455 kHz carrier frequency ((not 38 kHz like many other remotes).

This often provides a longer range than standard IR remote controls and means that you typically don't have to point exactly at the product's IR receiver.

Two types of software in Beo4

Beo4 always contains two software layers:

• Application controller (S/W): Controls the overall logic, navigation, LIST function, GO actions, and configuration.
• Operation data (EE / EEPROM): Determines factory setup, source prioritization, LIST content, secondary sources, and compatibility with specific B&O products.

Software display and service functions

Software version can be read directly on Beo4:

• Prints STAND-BY + LIST simultaneous
• Then press MENU + GO at the same time to see EEPROM version
• Prints LIST to see S/W version

In later software versions, you can also Serial Number can be read via the service menu (SER.NO?).

Overview of important software generations

S/W 1.0 – 1.1 (1994–1995)

• First Beo4 software
• Basic LIST function
• Limited support for lighting control and additional sources
• Introduction of A.SETUP and V.SETUP

S/W 2.x – 3.x (1995–1996)

• New configuration principle
• Faster command handling
• Extended LIST logic
• Support for CAMCORD, DOORCAM, P‑IN‑P, TURN and LOUDNSS
• Hidden configuration in EE 3.0, later made available again in EE 3.2

S/W 4.x / EE 4.x (approx. 2000–2004)

• Introduction of DVD button (AV moved to LIST)
• Prioritized LIST (frequently used functions at the top)
• New secondary sources (PC, V.AUX, Set-top boxes)
• MOVE function in LIST
• Improved feedback in the display

S/W 5.0 / EE 6.x (from approx. 2007)

• Support for BeoLink PC, N.MUSIC and N.RADIO
• Multiple DTV variants (DTV2, P-DTV2, L-DTV2, A-DTV2)
• Removing REC LOCK / REC UNLOCK
• Four different EE variants depending on Video/Audio configuration

Updating Beo4 software

Beo4 can not updated via software. Updating occurs by replacing the internal PCB:

• PCB spare part: 8001806 / 8003006 (depending on serial number)
• Older Beo4 may require new keyboard (V.MEM, A.MEM, DTV)
• Software 6.22 was introduced from 7. September 2007 (serial no. 00379978)

Meaning in practice

In practice, this means that two Beo4 remote controls can look the same – but function differently – depending on the software and EEPROM version. This is particularly relevant when:

• Use with newer TVs and digital sources
• Integration with BeoLink and PC-based solutions
• Use with Neo Mesteren products where proper LIST functionality is essential

At Neomesteren We take Beo4 software and configuration into account when advising on upgrades and compatibility.

BEO4 – LIST buttons

The LIST function on Beo4 gives access to many more functions than the physical buttons show.
Via the LIST button, additional commands, sources, settings and service functions can be called up in the display – almost as if Beo4 were given extra buttons.

The table below gives a general overview of the known LIST functions in Beo4.
Please note that which functions are displayed and can be used depends on the Beo4's software (S/W), EEPROM version (EE) and the connected Bang & Olufsen product.

FAQ about Beo4 remote control