BeoPlay V1 has self-contained speakers and can hold Apple TV

Bang and Olufsen has unveiled the BeoPlay V1, the first television from the high-end audio manufacturer's brand B&O Play. The television uses self-contained speakers set in a Scandinavian-industrial style powder-coated steel cabinet, contrasting with the previous TV releases. The manufacturer also noted an iOS docking station, called the BeoPlay A8, which adds Apple AirPlay support as an update to the original BeoSound 8.

The V1 32-inch and 40-inch televisions house Bang and Olufsen's ICEpower amps with an integrated 5.1-channel surround module for adding more speakers to the system. The user interface is claimed to be intuitive, with automatic detection and configuration of set-top boxes, game consoles and other living room devices. An Apple TV can even be placed inside the cabinet, with extra connectivity afforded for NAS servers and external hard drives.

The BeoPlay A8 shares the same design as its predecessor, with the new model retaining the 70-watt, five-inch midrange and bass speakers; 35-watt tweeters measuring three quarters of an inch, and removable Apple docking connector. The main draw of the dock is the inclusion of AirPlay, allowing for wireless streaming from an iPhone or iPad and offering the choice between dynamic two-way speakers and Class D amplifiers.

The A8 dock is priced at $1150 and the V1 televisions start from $3250, through their showrooms and online from the end of May.

by MacNN Staff