CEDIA 2018

A major update to Lenbrook Industries’ BluOS wireless-multiroom technology is adding new streaming services, customized voice control through Alexa-equipped devices, and more control options through custom-installed smart-home systems.

BluOS-equipped speakers and streaming devices are available from Lenbrook-owned audio brands Bluesound and NAD as well as from DALI (Danish Audiophile Loudspeaker Industries), whose products are distributed by Lenbrook in the U.S. Monitor Audio and Roksan have also pledged to offer BluOS products.

BluOS 3.0 updates will be available as a firmware update in late September to current owners.

New BluOS music services include SoundMachine in 65 countries, including the U.S., and the Baidu service in China. SoundMachine subscriptions are available to commercial customers, offering curated music stations and the ability to play promotional messages for a subscribing business.

In developing its own custom version of Alexa voice skills, Lenbrook enables voice control of more than just the basic functions of its wireless-multiroom products, unlike Alexa-controlled wireless multiroom systems from other companies, said Greg Stidsen, Lenbrook’s director of technology and product planning (pictured above right with product manager Jeff Earl). In the U.S., for example, owners will be able to use their voice to select and play local music-library content and control all BluOS music services, not just select services enabled by a standard Alexa skill. Users will also be able to issue voice commands to select up to 40 BluOS presets, including custom playlists.

Lenbrook also plans to add voice control through devices equipped with other voice assistants.

In other BluOS 3.0 changes, BluOS functions can be controlled from installed home-control systems based on Crestron’s new PYNG 2.0 platform. And keypads and apps for Lutron’s Caseta Pro and RA2 Select smart-lighting systems will control BluOS functions, as Lutron’s Radio RA2 and HomeWorks systems already do.

In other custom developments, select NAD AVRs and AVPs can now be controlled from home-control systems running on Crestron’s new PYNG OS2. And NAD is expanding the selection of Control4-compatible products beyond AVRs and integrated amplifiers in NAD’s Classic and Custom Install series to include NAD Masters products, including the M12 preamplifier, M32 integrated amplifier, and M17 V2 pre-amp/surround processor.

DALI: Under the DALI brand, Lenbrook unveiled DALI’s affordable Oberon series of six passive speakers, bringing technologies that previously started at around $2,000/pair to prices ranging from $549/pair to $1,399/pair for two floorstanding speakers, two bookshelf speakers and an on-wall speaker. A center channel is priced at $499.The technologies include distortion-reducing SMC motors and wood-cone drivers, which are light, fast, and rigid to enhance realism and feature, Earl said.