IR Eye - with/without autocontrast?

CharlieWednesday

Gold

670 posts

Posted August 30, 2024 at 09:54 GMT

I have a handful of IR eyes now, more than I need (2 of the old rectangular type and 4 of the newer round type). I only recently realised however that the newer round type has a version with 'auto contrast'. Can anyone tell me, how do I know if any of mine are that model? They seem to look exactly the same in images I've found online. One of my IR eyes does not have labels on the buttons, but I had always assumed the lettering had just rubbed off! Is that a different version; maybe that's the one with auto contrast? Reason I ask - I am on the lookout for a Beosystem 3, and I believe the version of the IR Eye with auto contrast will work with that.

Location: Liverpool

My B&O Icons:

Old enough to have gazed at classic B&O HiFi in Plumbs shop windows in the 80s...

Guy

GoldModerator

4508 posts

Posted August 30, 2024 at 10:26 GMT

#711290

As far as I know there are two versions of IR eye for the BS3 (neither has lettering):

Auto-contrast version has 7 connectors inside and is fitted with a 9-pin serial plug for connection to BS3
Non-auto-contrast version has 5 connectors inside, only three of which are used and connect to the BS3 via a 3.5mm 'headphone type' plug.

I'm guessing that different versions of the BS3 need (or work with) different versions of IR eye.

Location: Warwickshire, UK

My B&O Icons:

CharlieWednesday

Gold

670 posts

Posted August 30, 2024 at 10:36 GMT

#711291

Thanks Guy - I've checked inside and all of mine have 5 connectors, so none have the auto-contrast then. While I knew there were different versions of the BS3 I did not realise they might have different connection types for the IR eye, so I'll keep that in mind while looking for one - thanks.

Location: Liverpool

My B&O Icons:

Old enough to have gazed at classic B&O HiFi in Plumbs shop windows in the 80s...

Guy

GoldModerator

4508 posts

Posted August 30, 2024 at 10:45 GMT

#711292

/api/files/94b0f597ad3446359cb932c5c6d6621f
Location: Warwickshire, UK
My B&O Icons:

BeoCenter-9500.png
Beoremote-Beo4.png
Beovision-10.png
Beotime.png
Beosound.png
Beosound-Explore.png
Beosound-Essence.png
Beoplay-P2.png
Beoplay-M3.png
Beoplay-H4.png
Beoplay-H3.png
Beoplay-Form-2i.png
Beoplay-Earset.png
Beoplay-A2.png

CharlieWednesday

Gold

670 posts

Posted August 30, 2024 at 10:53 GMT

#711293

Ah, well that will make it easy then, I guess it doesn't matter which version I get. I know the later ones also had 2 HDMI out instead of 2 DVI out, but I don't really mind if I get an earlier version with DVI and SCART; I can still use it. I want one so I can add more inputs to my BV8 TV, and add my projector to the BS3 too, then control the whole lot with my Beo4. Seems a worthwhile endeavour if I can get a BS3 cheap enough - I've seen them go on eBay for around £100.

Location: Liverpool

My B&O Icons:

Old enough to have gazed at classic B&O HiFi in Plumbs shop windows in the 80s...

Guy

GoldModerator

4508 posts

Posted August 30, 2024 at 11:02 GMT

#711294

There's lots of advice about Bs3 versions in ArchivedForum2 so it's well worth having a search - threads like this:

Location: Warwickshire, UK

My B&O Icons:

MA

Madskp

Gold

1759 posts

Posted August 30, 2024 at 12:11 GMT

#711297

Location: Denmark

CharlieWednesday

Gold

670 posts

Posted August 30, 2024 at 12:18 GMT

#711298

I had always assumed the lettering had just rubbed off one of mine, so good to know that this is not the case, and it was actually made that way! It was originally included with a Beolink Active which I bought used from eBay, so I guess the original owner may have replaced their original (labelled) IR eye with this one at some point. I also hadn't considered the fact that the buttons would not work if connected via minijack, but that does make sense. I have a Beolink PC2 to which you can connect an IR Eye via minijack, but I've never felt the need.

Location: Liverpool

My B&O Icons:

Old enough to have gazed at classic B&O HiFi in Plumbs shop windows in the 80s...

MA

Madskp

Gold

1759 posts

Posted August 30, 2024 at 12:54 GMT

#711299

As an extra info the Beolink handbook has some pages showing the different versions of the round IR eyes and how the wires are connected for the different connection types

Location: Denmark

or

Join BeoWorld

Register to access the forums, reference material, and exclusive member benefits — including our monthly prize draw.

Become a Member

December 2026 Prize Draw

Gold Members Only

As a Gold member you're automatically entered into our exclusive prize draw — your chance to win iconic Bang & Olufsen products. A unique benefit of BeoWorld Gold membership, every draw brings a new opportunity to win something special.

View Prize Go For Gold