Bang & Olufsen BEOLINK VIDEO User manual

BEOLINK
Master Link Handbook

MASTER LINK
FOREWORD
This manual describes the Bang & Olufsen BeoLink
®
system (Master Link)
with particular reference to the installation requirements. The manual is
therefore of special interest to dealers and installers.
The installation of all products, whether stereo equipment, PC’s, natural gas
equipment etc., used in systems (networks), makes it necessary to meet
certain connection requirements. These requirements serve to ensure the
best possible use of the system once connected.
This also applies to the Bang & Olufsen BeoLink system. There are not too
many of these system requirements, but it is important that you are familiar
with them, as meeting the basic requirements is often what ultimately
determines whether the system works correctly once the installation has
been completed.
The manual provides a short and precise introduction to the basic rules that
need to be observed when installing BeoLink, and describes how you
achieve compatibility between Master Link products and Master Control
Link products.
The manual is to some extent structured as a reference work, but it it
should be read in its
entirety
to give you a complete overview. Only then
will it be suitable for use as a reference work.
January 2004

MASTER LINK
CONTENTS
1
READING GUIDE
How should I read the manual?
2
OVERALL DESCRIPTION
What is the BeoLink system/Master Link system, and what can it do for
me?
4
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
Description of BeoLab 3500, BeoLab 2000 and BeoLink kits
11
SETUPS
Description of the recommended Master Link setups, compatibility
setups, special setups and option programming
22
DIMENSIONING
Description of possible cable lengths
23
INSTALLATION TYPES
Description of the different ways of installing BeoLink
26
INSTALLATION TIPS
Practical advice relating to the installation
31
TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION
Description of the different types of cable typically used
34
TROUBLESHOOTING
Possible problems if the system is not working
38
GLOSSARY
Description of speci c words, concepts and abbreviations
42
ACCESSORIES

MASTER LINK
READING GUIDE
Different symbols are used in the manual to illustrate the audio products, video
products and loudspeakers. Unless otherwise mentioned in the text, these
symbols should only be taken to refer to one of the above-mentioned
product categories, and not to the speci c product depicted in the
illustration.
As the manual places special emphasis on the basic rules for installation of
the BeoLink system, we mention the common features of the products and
insofar as possible avoid mentioning any differences in detail there may be.
The manual will therefore always be relevant to the installation of Master
Link, whether the products were launched before or after the manual came
out. The basic rules for Master Link will always be the same.
If you require product-speci c information, please refer to Bang &
Olufsen’s Product Con guration Guide.
1

MASTER LINK
2
OVERALL DESCRIPTION
What is BeoLink?
BeoLink is a Bang & Olufsen concept. It covers the following:
1. The ability to create and operate audio/video systems
2. The ability to distribute sound and pictures from a Bang & Olufsen
system in a main room to other rooms in the home and to operate the
main room system from the rooms that are connected using BeoLink.
BeoLink is not a product – it is a number of qualities that arise as a result of
the intelligent interaction between products, a synergistic effect.
BeoLink can be constructed in various ways depending on the products
being used: basically either using the Master Link system or the Datalink/
Master Control Link (MCL) system (the older system).
An introduction to Master Link
As a connection method, Master Link has certain bene ts over the MCL
system.
One such example is that while the connection in the main room previously
had to be made using a speci c type of cable (7-pin Datalink – also known
as Audio Aux Link) and the connection between the main and link room
with another type of cable (Master Control Link), the Master Link system
uses a bus-type connection which handles all links, i.e. both between the
main room’s audio/video systems and between the main and link rooms.
A further bene t is totally independent volume adjustment and tone
control in all link rooms which is provided by the distribution of audio
signals at line level and the use of a power ampli er in each individual link
room.
Unlike the previous signal distribution system, Master Link signals are
distributed as balanced signals, making it possible to distribute CD quality
sound, even over relatively long cable distances.
Finally the accessories used for distribution have been improved by the
introduction of a thinner cable and new cable termination methods,
among other things. The main bene t of these improvements is that
installation has become simpler and more elegant. This applies in particular
to small installations, e.g. of an intelligent kitchen loudspeaker, which is
now simple and effective, while larger installations still require a fair
amount of planning and knowledge of installation methods – a fact
illustrated by the very existence of this manual.

MASTER LINK
3
BeoLink has the ability to distribute both audio and video signals. In the
Master Link system audio and control signals are distributed using a single
cable, while the distribution of video signals requires an aerial network
(coax).
Only BeoLink-compatible products can be fully integrated into a BeoLink
system, whereas products from earlier seasons can to a limited extent be
used as described in the section on compatibility setups, page 17.

MASTER LINK
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
Below you can  nd descriptions of the Master Link products and accessories
supplied with them, together with details of how they are used.
Contents
BeoLab 3500
BeoLab 3500 is an integrated active link room loudspeaker with right and
left sound channels. BeoLab 3500 has a Master Link (ML) connection,
IR receiver and display. BeoLab 3500 also has a Master Control Link (MCL)
connection. Finally there is a built-in time display in BeoLab 3500.
BeoLab 3500 is supplied with a mains cable and  ttings for wall mounting.
4
3m
Use
BeoLab 3500 is used in link rooms where an integrated active loudspeaker
is to be used. BeoLab 3500 enables you to listen to and operate all sources
in the main room, both audio and video sources.
BeoLab 3500 has a built-in sound control circuit, allowing volume and
sound adjustment to be performed individually in relation to the main
room.
The sound adjustment facilitates individual adjustment of balance, bass,
treble and loudness.
BeoLab 3500 has the following local control options:
-
Timer on/off
-
PLAY / ST.BY
Type number
1160111 (EU)
1160211 (GB)
1160311 (USA/CDN)
1160411 (JAP)
1160511 (AUS)
1160711 (KOR)
1160811 (CHN/HK)
Miscellaneous
In addition to the accessories supplied, the installation may require a
Master Link cable and plugs, sockets and junction boxes (see also section on
installation types, page 23).
1160611 Table stand for positioning on shelf/table ( at surface).

MASTER LINK
Contents
BeoLab 2000
BeoLab 2000 is an integrated link room loudspeaker that consists of an
active loudspeaker with a Master Link (ML) connection, an IR receiver and a
local control panel.
BeoLab 2000 is supplied with a mains cable with  ttings for wall mounting.
Use
BeoLab 2000 is used in link rooms where an integrated active loudspeaker
is required. BeoLab 2000 allows you to listen to all sources from the main
room, both audio and video sources.
BeoLab 2000 has built-in volume adjustment which allows the volume to be
adjusted independently of the main room.
BeoLab 2000 has the following local control options:
-
Timer on/off
-
PLAY / ST.BY
-
Volume up/down:
-
Local selection of Radio, CD and TV
-
Step button for changing channel or track
5
Type number
1164126 (EU)
1164226 (GB)
1164326 (USA/CDN)
1164426 (JAP)
1164526 (AUS)
1164626 (KOR)
1168026 (CHN/HK)
Miscellaneous
In addition to the accessories supplied with BeoLab 2000, the installation
also requires a Master Link cable and socket, plug sockets and junction
boxes (see section on installation types, page 23).
1206626 Corner mounts (for installation in corners).
3m

MASTER LINK
Contents
BeoLink Active
BeoLink Active consists of a control box, an IR receiver, a cable to the
IR receiver and a mains cable.
Use
BeoLink Active is used in link rooms together with active loudspeakers.
Any type of Bang & Olufsen active loudspeaker can be connected. If you
connect a BeoLab 8000, you will also need a Y link, as BeoLink Active only
has one Power Link signal, and the signal cannot be looped further into
the BeoLab 8000.
BeoLink Active has a built-in sound control circuit, allowing volume and
sound adjustment to be performed individually in relation to the main
room.
The sound adjustment facilitates individual adjustment of balance, bass,
treble and loudness.
BeoLink Active enables you to listen to the sound from all products in the main
room – both video and audio sources.
BeoLab Active provides the following local control options:
-
Timer on/off
-
PLAY / ST.BY
-
Volume adjustment
6
Type number
1163666 (EU)
1163766 (KOR)
1163866 (USA/CDN)
1163966 (JPN)
1168166 (CHN/HK)
5m
1.5m
Miscellaneous
In addition to the accessories supplied, the installation also requires a
Master Link cable and plugs, sockets and junction boxes (see also section on
installation types, page 23).

MASTER LINK
Contents
BeoLink Passive
BeoLink Passive consists of a control box, an IR receiver, a cable to the IR
receiver and a mains cable.
Please note the following for installation: the ampli er block is designed to
function within a temperature range of 10-40º C. At temperatures outside
this range it can block the whole Master Link system if connected to one.
Use
BeoLink Passive is used in link rooms together with passive loudspeakers.
All Bang & Olufsen passive loudspeakers can be connected.
BeoLink Passive has built-in sound control, which means that sound and
volume can be adjusted independently of the main room.
Using the volume adjustment it is possible to adjust balance, bass, treble and
volume individually.
BeoLink Passive enables you to listen to the sound from all the main room’s
products – both video and audio sources.
BeoLink Passive has the following local control options:
-
Timer on/off
-
PLAY / ST.BY
-
Volume up/down:
7
Type number
Miscellaneous
In addition to the accessories supplied with BeoLink Passive, the installation
also requires a Master Link cable and plugs, sockets and junction boxes (see
section on installation types, page 23).
5m
1.5m
1165566 (AUS)
1165666 (EU)
1165766 (GB)
1165866 (USA/CDN)
1165966 (KOR)
1166766 (CHN/HK)

MASTER LINK
Contents
BeoLink Video
BeoLink Video consists of a control box, a mains cable and a Datalink cable.
Installation also requires a coax cable connected to the HF socket of the
Video system in the main room. The other end of the coax cable connects
to the aerial socket of the link room TV.
3m
1.5m
Use
BeoLink Video is used in rooms where both sound and picture are to be
reproduced on an older Bang & Olufsen TV without a Master Link socket.
BeoLink Video connects to the link room’s TV via the Datalink cable
supplied.
BeoLink Video gives you access to all sources in the main room equipment.
It should be especially emphasized that it is possible to operate and watch
SAT programmes and video tapes, and in such cases it is also possible to
watch and operate decoded programs from TV and SAT receivers in the
main room. You can also access all audio sources reproduced through the
loudspeakers in the Bang & Olufsen link room TV. If you wish to have a
broader stereo perspective and higher volume, active loudspeakers can be
connected to the link room TV.
BeoLink Video connects to the TV via the attached 7-pin Datalink-cable and
to the main room system via a Master Link cable. In addition there is a coax
cable (see page 24).
8
Type number
1161566
Miscellaneous
In addition to the accessories supplied, the installation also requires a
Master Link cable, a coax cable, plugs, sockets and junction boxes (see also
section on installation types, page 23).

MASTER LINK
Contents
BeoLink Converter
BeoLink Converter consists of a control box and a mains cable.
1.5m
Use
BeoLink Converter is used to connect an audio and a video system where
one system is based on Master Link and the other on Datalink
(Audio Aux Link).
BeoLink Converter can be used both with an audiomaster and a
videomaster. BeoLink Converter has autocon guration, which means that it
can automatically decide if it is in a Master Link video system or in a
Master Link audio system. Con guration takes place after mains
connection.
BeoLink Converter can also be used as an ML driver*, which means that it is
possible to connect e.g. a BeoCenter 2300 via the BeoLink Converter to the
Master Link and thereby distribute the sound to all link room products
(see page 17).
BeoLink Converters are used in compatibility setups (see section on
recommended compatibility setups, page 17).
Type number
9
Miscellaneous
In addition to the accessories supplied, the installation also requires a
Master Link cable and plugs, sockets and junction boxes (see also section on
installation types, page 23).
*
NOTE!
BeoLink Converter, type no. 1161466 cannot be used as an ML driver.
1160966 (KOR)
1161166 (EU)
1161266 (USA/CDN)
1161466 (old version)

MASTER LINK
1.5m
Contents
ML/MCL Converter
ML/MCL Converters consist of a control box and a power ampli er.
Use
ML/MCL Converters are used when it is necessary to convert from Master
Link (ML) to Master Control Link (MCL). A conversion is necessary where an
existing MCL installation is to be used together with a Master Link driver in
the main room, e.g. a BeoSound Ouverture.
ML/MCL Converters can also be used if the main room system consists of a
BeoSystem AV 9000 and a Master Panel AV 9000 with distribution via an
existing MCL system.
See section on setups using ML/MCL Converters, page 19.
Type number
1165066 (AUS)
1165166 (EU)
1165266 (GB)
1165366 (USA/CDN)
Use
BeoLink PC2 allows you to listen to your saved music  les in the rest of your
Master Link system (e.g. in the main room). It is also possible to listen to
sources while sitting at your computer (e.g. radio and CD).
It is possible to connect an IR eye (8087030) and Power Link loudspeakers.
10
Jack
USB
Mains
Contents
BeoLink PC2
BeoLink PC2 consists of a control box which is connected to the computer
via a USB and jack plug cable. All connections are made to this box (Mains,
Master Link, Power Link and any IR eye).
If you want to watch TV and DVD on the computer via BeoLink, a TV card
must also be installed in the computer (the card can be purchased as an
accessory) and a coax cable from the video system’s HF socket in the main
room.
Type number
1670 (EU)
1674 (JPN)
1671 (DK)
1675 (AUS)
1672 (GB)
1678 (CH)
1673 (USA/CDN)
1679 (I)
Miscellaneous
In addition to the accessories supplied, the installation also requires a
Master Link cable and plugs, sockets and junction boxes (see also section on
installation types, page 23).

MASTER LINK
SETUPS
11
Recommended setups
A mechanism constructed using several components can generally only be
put together in one way, if the intended result is to be achieved. For
example, a gear box in a car will not work at its best if you do not  t all the
necessary gear wheels. If you manage to  t one gear wheel too many this is
likely to cause problems.
The point of the above is that you can only make things work properly by
putting them together in the way they were designed.
This also applies to the Bang & Olufsen BeoLink system. In theory Bang &
Olufsen products can be combined in many different ways. As it would be
totally impossible to gain an overview of even a fraction of the many
combination possibilities, Bang & Olufsen has selected the most attractive
setups. These selected combinations are referred to as recommended
setups. The recommended setups are the focus of product development
and service.
When planning a BeoLink system, it is therefore very important to adhere
to the recommended setups.
If the recommended setups are not followed, you could easily risk  nding
yourself in the same situation as that mentioned above, i.e having a gear
box with one gear wheel too many or too few.
In addition, Bang & Olufsen ONLY services the recommended setups.
Option programming
One of the conditions required for the setups to function optimally is that
the products included in the setup "know" the type of system they form
part of.
The actual option programming is performed by entering a particular key
sequence on the remote control.
When you use Beo4, the programming sequences are as follows:
V
Press and hold down the button
then
t
Press to access the setup function. The display on Beo4 shows
[OPTION?] – release both buttons
O
Press to accept that you wish to perform option programming
t
Press to change the text on the display to
[V.OPT] for BeoVision, or
[A.OPT] for Beomaster/BeoSound, or
[L.OPT] for link room products
then
1
Press the correct number for the selected option, e.g. 1.

MASTER LINK
12
When you use BeoLink 1000, the programming sequences are as follows:
BeoVision:
"number"
Beomaster/BeoSound:
"number"
Link room product:
"number"
The number selection depends on the setup.
Option 0
=
No IR reception
Option 1
=
Two IR receivers in the same main room
Option 2
=
One IR receiver in the main room
Option 4
=
Link room product connected to one or two main room
products in the same room
Option 5
=
Two IR receivers in the same link room
Option 6
=
One IR receiver in the link room
Most of the main room products are delivered with the correct option
setting from the factory and are therefore "ready for use". Link room
products generally have to be option programmed, depending on the
setup they are used in.
It should be noted that in some situations you can  nd yourself working
with products that have been installed previously, e.g. in connection with a
conversion of the home. We have therefore provided the correct option in
all illustrations, including those that are supplied "ready to use" from the
factory.
NB:
If the option programming is not performed correctly, there will be errors in
operation.

MASTER LINK
13
Recommended main room setups
Audio system in one room
BeoSound option programming
:
Ready for use
BeoSound factory programming
:
Option 1
Video system in one room
BeoVision option programming
:
Ready for use
BeoVision factory programming
:
Option 1
AV system in one room
1.
BeoVision option programming
:
Ready for use
BeoVision factory programming
:
Option 1
BeoSound option programming
:
Ready for use
BeoSound factory programming
:
Option 1
Master Link
Master
Link
2.
BeoVision option programming
:
Option 2
BeoVision factory programming
:
Option 1
BeoSound option programming
:
Option 0
BeoSound factory programming
:
Option 1
AV system in two rooms
BeoVision option programming
:
Option 2
BeoVision factory programming
:
Option 1
BeoSound option programming
:
Option 2
BeoSound factory programming
:
Option 1
Master
Link
Master
Link
Master Link
Master
Link
Master Link
Master Link

MASTER LINK
Master Link
Master Link
14
Recommended setups for one product in a link room
BeoLab 3500
Option programming
:
Ready for use
Factory programming
:
Option 6
BeoLab 2000
Option programming
:
Ready for use
Factory programming
:
Option 6
BeoVision MX 4200
Option programming
:
Ready for use
Factory programming
:
Option 1
Master Link
:
Accessories
BeoLink Active
Option programming
:
Ready for use
Factory programming
:
Option 6
BeoLink Passive
Option programming
:
Ready for use
Factory programming
:
Option 6
Master Link
Master Link
Coaxial
Master Link

MASTER LINK
15
BeoVision Avant
BeoVision option programming
:
Option 6
BeoVision factory programming
:
Option 1
BeoLink Video
BeoVision option programming
:
Option 6
BeoVision factory programming
:
Option 1
NOTE!
Information on options and programming for a BeoVision connected to
BeoLink Video can be found in Bang & Olufsen’s Product Con guration
Guide.
BeoSound 3000
BeoSound option programming
:
Option 6
BeoSound factory programming
:
Option 1
Master Link
Coaxial
Master Link
BeoLink PC2:
BeoLink option programming
:
Option 6
BeoLink factory programming
:
Option 6
Master Link
Master Link BeoLin
k
Video
Datalink
Coaxial

MASTER LINK
16
Recommended setups for one audio and one video product in link rooms
1.
BeoLab/BeoLink option programming
:
Option 5
BeoLab/BeoLink factory programming
:
Option 6
BeoVision MX 4200 option programming
:
Option 5
BeoVision MX 4200 factory programming
:
Option 1
NOTE!
Information on options and programming for a BeoVision connected to
BeoLink Video can be found in Bang & Olufsen’s Product Con guration
Guide.
*
NB:
Applies to all Audio link room products.
**
NB:
Applies to Video link room products incl.
BeoLink Video
2.
BeoSound option programming
:
Option 5
BeoSound factory programming
:
Option 1
BeoVision Avant option programming
:
Option 5
BeoVision Avant factory programming
:
Option 1
Master Link
Coaxial
Master
Link
Master Link
Coaxial
Master
Link
Audio*
Video**