Bang & Olufsen Beovision 3702 (1982)

Name: Bang & Olufsen Beovision 3702
Brand: Bang & Olufsen

The Bang & Olufsen Beovision 3702 is a landmark television set produced in the early 1980s, representing the Danish company’s unwavering commitment to blending cutting-edge technology with minimalist, elegant design. Released in 1982, the Beovision 3702 was part of Bang & Olufsen’s premium Beovision series, which targeted discerning consumers who valued both audiovisual performance and aesthetic sophistication. Unlike mass-market televisions of the era, the 3702 was crafted for integration into high-end living spaces, often becoming a centerpiece of modernist interiors.

Design and Build Quality

The Beovision 3702 is instantly recognizable for its sleek, angular cabinet crafted from high-quality materials. The outer shell is typically made of anodized aluminum and dark-tinted acrylic glass, giving it a futuristic appearance that remains striking even by today’s design standards. The television features a distinctive wedge-shaped profile, with a sloping front that houses the 26-inch CRT (cathode ray tube) display. This design not only enhanced viewing ergonomics but also concealed internal components, contributing to a clean, uncluttered look.

One of the most iconic design elements is the motorized flip-up front panel. When the TV is turned off, a polished aluminum cover slides down over the screen, protecting it and transforming the unit into a sculptural object. This feature, common across many B&O products of the era, emphasized the idea of the television as a piece of furniture rather than a utilitarian appliance.

The build quality is exceptional. Every component, from the precision-machined casing to the smooth-acting controls, reflects Bang & Olufsen’s obsession with craftsmanship. The set was available in various finishes, including silver aluminum and black, allowing it to blend seamlessly into different interior styles.

Display and Video Performance

The Beovision 3702 features a 26-inch color CRT display, which was considered large for its time, especially in Europe. It supported PAL and SECAM broadcast standards, making it suitable for use across Western and Eastern Europe. The CRT technology provided deep blacks, rich colors, and excellent motion handling—qualities that were ahead of many contemporaries.

The television incorporated B&O’s proprietary video processing circuitry, designed to enhance picture clarity and reduce noise. It featured multiple video inputs, including RF, composite video, and SCART (known in Europe as Péritel), which was a relatively new standard at the time. The inclusion of SCART allowed for higher-quality analog signal transmission from external devices such as VCRs and early laser disc players.

Unlike many televisions of the period, the 3702 was engineered for optimal performance in low-light environments. Its anti-reflective screen coating and precise convergence adjustment ensured a sharp, stable image even during extended viewing sessions.

Audio Capabilities

True to Bang & Olufsen’s heritage in audio engineering, the Beovision 3702 delivered exceptional sound quality for a television. It was equipped with a built-in stereo sound system featuring two 8 cm midrange drivers and a 25 mm tweeter, all housed in acoustically optimized chambers within the cabinet. The total output was rated at 85 watts, which was unusually powerful for a TV at the time.

The audio system was designed in collaboration with B&O’s acoustic engineers, using principles derived from their high-fidelity speaker lines. The result was a rich, balanced soundstage with clear dialogue reproduction and surprisingly deep bass for a compact enclosure. The 3702 also supported external audio output, allowing connection to a separate hi-fi system via dedicated audio jacks.

An innovative feature was the inclusion of a remote-controlled tone adjustment system, enabling users to tailor the sound signature to their preferences or room acoustics. This level of audio customization was rare in consumer televisions and underscored B&O’s focus on user experience.

Connectivity and Controls

The Beovision 3702 was remarkably advanced in terms of connectivity. In addition to SCART and composite inputs, it featured a dedicated antenna input with signal amplification for improved reception. Later models included support for teletext decoding, allowing access to news, subtitles, and program information.

Control was primarily handled through the BeoRemote 3, a sleek, minimalist remote control crafted from aluminum and rubber. The remote used infrared signaling and featured a logical layout with dedicated buttons for input selection, volume, channel, and picture settings. The on-screen display (OSD) was one of the earliest implementations in a consumer TV, offering a clean interface for adjusting settings such as brightness, contrast, and color balance.

Technical Specifications

Screen Size: 26 inches (diagonal)
Display Type: Color CRT
Resolution: 576i (PAL standard)
Aspect Ratio: 4:3
Audio Output: 85 W (2 x 42.5 W RMS)
Speaker Configuration: 2-way stereo (2x 8 cm midrange, 1x 25 mm tweeter)
Inputs: RF, Composite Video, SCART (Péritel)
Outputs: Audio out (RCA), Antenna loop-through
Power Consumption: Approx. 120 W (operational), <5 W (standby)
Dimensions: 65 cm (W) x 58 cm (H) x 45 cm (D)
Weight: 32 kg

Legacy and Collectibility

Today, the Bang & Olufsen Beovision 3702 is highly sought after by collectors of vintage audiovisual equipment and design enthusiasts. Its combination of innovative engineering, luxurious materials, and timeless aesthetics makes it a standout piece of 1980s industrial design. Original units in good working condition can command high prices at auctions and specialty dealers.

The 3702 also represents a transitional period in television history—bridging the gap between analog broadcast technology and the digital future. It was one of the last CRT-based models to receive such extensive engineering attention before flat-panel displays began to dominate the market in the 2000s.

Bang & Olufsen’s design philosophy, evident in the 3702, continues to influence modern product development. The company’s emphasis on minimalism, material quality, and user-centric features can be seen in contemporary smart TVs and multimedia systems.

Conclusion

The Bang & Olufsen Beovision 3702 is more than just a vintage television—it is a statement of design excellence and technological ambition. From its motorized screen cover to its high-fidelity audio system, every aspect of the 3702 reflects a commitment to quality that few manufacturers have matched. For collectors and design aficionados, it remains a symbol of Scandinavian modernism and the golden age of analog television. Whether powered on or off, the Beovision 3702 commands attention, proving that true design transcends time.