Bang & Olufsen calls its new BeoSound 5 the company's first "fully digital" audio system, affording access to one's music collection, and employing the company's signature artistic (and funky) design.

The elegant looking unit incorporates an aluminum wheel and tactile buttons with a laser pointer and specially-developed user interface, displayed on the ample 10.4" LCD screen. Use the wheel to scroll through a music collection or Internet radio stations. B&O's patent-pending MOTS (More Of The Same) intelligent playlist technology automatically captures the musical identity of a track, including sound, dynamics, and rhythmic aspects, then builds a playlist of similar music by scanning one's library for similar tunes.

There are actually two components to the BeoSound 5: the 500 GB BeoMaster 5, which stores the music files and sits out of sight, and the master player device. The BeoMaster is about the size of a VCR or receiver, which means it can easily (and discreetly!) sit among other home theatre components.

"We believe this product will resonate with music enthusiasts of all ages as it will encourage a new way of listening to music in a high-quality, interactive manner," says Bang & Olufsen America president Zean Nielsen.

The BeoSound 5 will be available this month for an MSRP that starts at US$5,900 for both units. A matching floor stand will be available for $500, a table stand for $250, and a wall bracket for $100.