Essential Install Magazine; profiling 10 years of Blustream success and innovation.

 

The DMP168 has been a key release

 

BLUSTREAM AT 10: A DECADE OF INNOVATION, RELIABILITY AND AV EXCELLENCE

Phil Davis, EMEA Managing Director at Blustream, underlines the progress and strong reputation the company has built during its decade of existence.

This year marks a major milestone for Blustream, our 10th anniversary and I couldn’t be prouder of what we’ve achieved. A decade ago, we set out with a clear vision: to deliver dependable AV signal management solutions that the professional installation market could truly rely on. Fast forward to today and that vision has grown into something much bigger than we imagined. Blustream has become one of the most trusted and respected brands in the global AV industry.

From day one, our mission has been focused and unwavering; create high-performance AV distribution products that solve real-world challenges for both residential and commercial integrators. We’ve never chased trends for the sake of it. Instead, we’ve listened carefully to what our customers need and we’ve built our roadmap around solving the problems installers face every single day. That installer first mindset has earned us incredible loyalty and trust over the past 10 years, and it’s something we’re incredibly proud of.

Reliability is at the heart of everything we do. Whether it’s a large-scale commercial fit-out or a bespoke home cinema, integrators know that Blustream products will perform when it matters most. Our range now includes everything from HDBaseT and AV over IP distribution, to HDMI, fibre, IP and an increasingly powerful line-up of audio solutions. Across the board, our goal is simple: to deliver robust, real-world solutions that installers can count on.

CONTINUED PROGRESS We’re not ones to rest on our laurels. In fact, we’ve used our 10th year as a launchpad for more innovation. In just the past six months, we’ve introduced over 30 new products, clear evidence of the energy and investment we continue to put into R&D.

Our Technical Director, Aiden Jones, puts it perfectly, “Innovation at Blustream always starts with listening.” The way people consume content is constantly evolving and so are the technologies that support it. But it’s the feedback from our installers that really drives us forward. That’s what shapes our product direction and it always will.

You can see that philosophy in action in our latest audio solutions. We’ve worked hard to deliver products that are compact, powerful, and truly installer-friendly. One standout is the DMP168, a 16x8 audio matrix processor loaded with DSP functionality. As our CTO, Toby Leader, explains, “It’s one of the most flexible audio products we’ve built.” And it’s already proving its worth in several installation environments”.

 

Then there’s our new ultra-compact amplifiers, the NPA20ANA and NPA20ARC, featuring our proprietary I2DClass technology. Despite their size, they pack a punch with 2x10W stereo output and exceptional clarity. With multiple inputs and full IP, RS232 and IR control, they are perfect for smaller zones or remote display installs. Aiden sums it up best, “They’re exactly what installers need, compact, reliable, and flexible. And with I2DClass, we’ve raised the bar, these amplifiers need to be heard to be believed.”

Another exciting addition is the SW42DA, a 4x2 HDMI switch with integrated 9.1 audio downmixing and Dante outputs. Designed with the marine AV market in mind, this is a one-box solution offers 4K switching, Dolby and DTS downmixing, and Dante audio distribution, all in a sleek form factor. It’s a direct response to requests from our partners and a great example of how we continue to collaborate closely with the installer community.

 

The SW42DA is aimed primarily at the marine market

 

SMART POWER
As part of our 10th-year celebration, we’ve also launched our new Smart Power Solutions, a whole new product category designed to improve system control, uptime and serviceability. Our IP-enabled power solutions provide remote management, real-time monitoring, and smart reboot functions to reduce downtime and boost efficiency.

A key product here is the PWR8VDC, which features one IEC C14 inlet and eight variable voltage outputs, perfect for powering low-consumption devices with precision and peace of mind. Ultimately, Smart Power is about infrastructure that gives you confidence, making everything else in the system run smoother.

While this anniversary is a time to reflect, it’s also a moment to look ahead. We’re more focused than ever on product development, expanding our global presence and embracing new technologies as the AV world continues to evolve.

Over the past year, we’ve grown our team, launched more products than ever before and doubled down on our commitment to training and support. And honestly, the most exciting part? We’re just getting started.

As we look to the next chapter, I want to personally thank all our partners, customers, and colleagues who’ve helped us reach this incredible milestone. Blustream has always stood for innovation driven by installer feedback, rock-solid performance, and products that just work out of the box. That’s what built our reputation, and that’s what we’ll keep delivering. Here’s to the next decade of AV excellence.