By WiFi HiFi
BluOS 3.8 is the latest software version of the BluOS multi-room music management platform from Lenbrook International, adding a host of new features for home theatre as well as integrators.
Those with BluOS on their devices will be prompted to update their BluOS players to BluOS 3.8, at which time, they will gain these updates and improvements. Among the updates is support for Apple AirPlay 2 on the NAD M12 and M32 with the addition of an MDC BluOS 2i card; the addition of POWERNODE products to Bluesound Home Theater groups; support for MQA-CD ripping on Bluesound Vault and Masters M50 products; support for MQA-CD playback on Masters M50 products; the option to disable rooms on a NAD CI 580 or Bluesound Professional B400S; expanded IR learning capabilities; new front panel display layouts for the NAD Masters M10; support for BluOS Controller when multitasking on iOS devices; and custom channels and Qsic, new music streaming services for businesses and commercial spaces.
Owners of the Bluesound Vault and NAD Masters M50.2 BluOS-enabled players will be able to rip and store MQA-CDs as well using BluOS 3.8. “The unique way in which MQA-CDs are encoded allows them to deliver studio-quality sound in the CD format,” says BluOS, “which has never been possible previously due to space limitations inherent to the format.” NAD Masters M50 and M50.2 owners will have the additional ability to decode and play back MQA content from an MQA-CD.
Meanwhile, the Bluesound Powernode can now be used as part of a wireless BluOS Home Theater setup with the new BluOS 3.8 version to play true Dolby Digital surround sound. Using a Powernode 2i (with HDMI) or a Soundbar 2i as the primary source connected to a TV and acting as front left and right channels, rear channels can then be added by using a pair of Pulse Flexes or another Powernode of any generation. Users can easily set up a home theatre group using the intuitive wizard in the BluOS Controller.
Custom integrators in the residential and commercial sectors will have greater control over their players as well, including expanded IR learning abilities and the option to disable zones in key rack-mounted streaming products.