Beolink 5000 – the classic B&O remote control
The Beolink 5000 marked the start of a new generation of remote controls from Bang & Olufsen. It was roughly the same size as the previous Beolink 1000, but introduced significantly more advanced functionality and a new way of interacting with B&O's audio and video systems.
The remote control supported both one-way and two-way operation of Bang & Olufsen products. A built-in LCD display showed which product was currently being operated, and in two-way mode the remote control could also display basic information from the music and video system. The display was centrally located and could be read from both sides of the remote control.
On the back, there were extra buttons for functions that were used less frequently. These were grouped in a transparent strip in the middle of the back, which made it possible to read the LCD display from both the front and back. This solution was both functional and a clear expression of Bang & Olufsen's design philosophy.
The Beolink 5000 was primarily intended for the top-of-the-range systems, including the Beocenter 9500 and the AV 9000 system. However, it could also be set to one-way mode, thus acting as a direct replacement for the Beolink 1000 in many setups.
The design of the Beolink 5000 is by David Lewis, who was behind a long line of Bang & Olufsen's most iconic products. The design combines aesthetics, functionality and ease of use into a whole, where the remote control is experienced as an integrated part of the system.
Throughout its lifespan, the Beolink 5000 was produced in several versions, differing by generation (MK1 and MK2), market and internal programming. The MK1 generation was on the market from 1991 to 1993, while the MK2 generation was launched in 1992 and was in production until 1996.
| Type number | Version | Market | Launched | Obsolete | Remark |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1531 | MK1 | EU / International | 1991 | 1993 | First MK1 version |
| 1534 | MK1 | USA | 1991 | 1993 | First version for the US market |
| 1620 | MK2 | EU / International | 1992 | 1996 | Replacement for type 1531 |
| 1623 | MK2 | USA | 1992 | 1996 | MK2 version for the US market |
Although all versions of the Beolink 5000 share the same basic design and operating principle, there may be minor differences in programming and compatibility depending on the type number and market. Therefore, it is relevant to know the exact version when setting up, troubleshooting or integrating into an existing Bang & Olufsen system.
Technical background and design challenges
The idea for Beolink 5000 originated with David Lewis in 1991, when he saw a table clock in an airport. The clock could be read from both sides and was made of glass with crystals, so the dial was visible from both the front and back. He wanted to transfer this idea to a remote control, where the information on the display could be seen no matter how the remote control was turned.
For the development department at Bang & Olufsen, this posed a number of significant technical challenges. The remote control had to be not too thick, otherwise it would not fit well in the hand. The low construction height was difficult to achieve, as the components at that time – even with the use of SMD technology – still had a relatively large height.
Inside, the terminal had to house a display that could be read from both sides. This meant that the text had to automatically turn correctly when the remote control was turned, so that the information always appeared readable. At the same time, there had to be both an IR transmitter and an IR receiver, which are very noise-sensitive components, located close to a microprocessor with display control, which itself generates electrical noise.
There was also only room for three batteries, which gave a nominal voltage of 4,5 volts. However, the remote control had to be able to function down to a battery voltage of 3 volts. To achieve this, a specially designed switch-mode power supply. However, such a power supply generates additional electrical noise, which added to the complexity of the design.
All of this had to be integrated into a very compact housing, which placed extreme demands on both mechanical construction and electronic design. The combination of low build height, noise-sensitive electronics and advanced functionality made the Beolink 5000 one of the most complex remote control projects in Bang & Olufsen's history. Despite these challenges, the design was realized and a remote control was far ahead of its time, both technically and in terms of design.
Technical specifications
- Power supply: 3 × AAA batteries
- Weight: 240 g (incl. batteries)
- dimensions: 255 × 37 × 19 mm (L × W × H)