PoE Application Guide

Bluesound Professional: Versatile, Easy-to-Install Networked Audio for Commercial Installations

Introduction to Bluesound Professional

Bluesound Professional offers a versatile way to incorporate streaming music into a commercial installation. A fusion of hardware and software, Bluesound Professional's suite of streamers, amplifiers, speakers, controllers, and accessories bring easy-to-install, expandable, and conflict-free networked audio to retail shops, restaurants, bars, gyms, and other hospitality use cases.

The Power of PoE Technology

Bluesound Professional utilizes PoE (Power over Ethernet) technology to support commercial installations of all sizes with the most efficient means of powering speakers. PoE is a highly convenient innovation in network technology. Where normally two connections are made for networked devices (a network connection and a power connection), a PoE (15 watts), PoE+ (30 watts), or PoE++ (60 watts) device receives its supply of both power and data over a single Cat5e or Cat6 cable. Bluesound Professional's network active loudspeakers, including the BSP200, BSP500, and BSP1000, benefit from this one-wire solution.

Easily Create Branded Environments

With hardware supporting nearly unlimited zones of audio and natively-integrated, commercially-licensed music streaming services like SoundMachine, Custom Channels, SiriusXM for Business, Qsic, and Tunify, Bluesound Professional partners provide seamless, convenient, and legal options to create the perfect atmosphere for business goals.

Be Supported by Network Stability

A stable network connection is crucial for high-quality, undistorted audio playback and music streaming. A PoE connection via Ethernet eliminates unwanted dropouts and ensures streaming stability.

Save on Installation Costs

Most powered speakers, even "wireless" models, require AC mains receptacles and power cables. Hiring an electrician to install AC receptacles is costly. PoE connections radically reduce installation costs, especially in multi-channel systems, by providing network and power through a single Ethernet cable connected to a PoE switch or injector.

Have Flexible Placement Options

PoE network active loudspeakers can be placed anywhere in a commercial installation without needing to be tethered to a power outlet. Wall-mount brackets facilitate easy installation.

A Simple Setup

Bluesound Professional's PoE-enabled speakers feature integrated music streamers, allowing for easy grouping and zone flexibility. The setup and connection process is straightforward, eliminating complicated cable runs.

PoE Configuration Choices

Mid-Span

This configuration connects your device to a PoE inline-injector, which are cost-effective.

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PoE Enabled Switch

This configuration connects your device to a PoE-enabled network switch.

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When to Use PoE+ and PoE++

Speakers like the BSP500 and BSP1000, designed for medium to large commercial installations, are compatible with both PoE+ (30 watts) and PoE++ (60 watts). Doubling the power increases the maximum SPL by 3dB. A setting on the speaker indicates the power usage, defaulting to 30 watts for PoE+.

A PoE++ capable switch is the most versatile option, offering more power (60 watts) for a 3dB higher maximum SPL and the ability to downgrade to PoE+ if needed. A PoE+ (30-watt) switch is sufficient for the BSP200, or for the BSP500 and BSP1000 when high SPLs are not required.

Injector or Switch?

A single PoE+/++ injector can support one speaker and is cost-effective for installations not requiring many speakers. However, each injector requires AC power. A PoE+/++ switch, though slightly more costly, is recommended for installations requiring numerous speakers, as one switch can support many, saving the need for multiple AC outlets.

PoE as Part of an Ecosystem

BluOS Enabled

All Bluesound Professional PoE products operate using BluOS, a premium, multi-room audio platform. BluOS allows users to manage music and stream it directly to any BluOS-enabled streamer or speaker via phone, tablet, computer, or the optional CP100 wall-mounted panel. The BluOS platform is an integrated system that is remotely accessible and voice command enabled.

Flexible and Unlimited Grouping of Zones

Configuring PoE speakers in a larger BluOS system allows for grouping into user-definable groups of any size, alongside other connected Bluesound Professional players, amplifiers, or network speakers.

Easy to Configure

Self-discovery makes setup and configuration painless. Bluesound Professional players on the same network find each other automatically. The BluOS Controller app's intuitive icons allow users to group players, create zoned audio content, and lock out unauthorized users.

[Visual Description: Screenshot of the BluOS Controller app showing a list of connected players like BSP 125, BSP1000, BSP200, and options for grouping and playback control.]

What does Bluesound Professional do?

Bluesound Professional is a fusion of purpose-built hardware and software for high-performance networked audio in retail shops, bars, restaurants, hotels, gyms, and other commercial applications. End users can connect and control various audio sources, including streaming services, internet radio, or networked hard drives. Installers can confidently specify rack-mounted hardware that integrates seamlessly with smart controllers.

Powered by BluOS, an award-winning multi-zone audio management software platform, Bluesound Professional makes commercial audio installation projects easy to configure, deliver, and use.

Bluesound Professional provides peace of mind that audio is expertly handled by quality hardware and intuitive, stable software.

How is Bluesound Professional different from its competitors?

Bluesound Professional is the first decentralized multi-zone streaming solution for commercial use. It minimizes space requirements in the control room and offers maximum flexibility for system configuration. Players feature an intuitive app and controls, with native integration of commercial streaming services. Bluesound Professional systems are easy to set up, stable for long-term operation, and purpose-built for commercial spaces.

Our PoE, PoE+, PoE++ Powered Products

CP100 Control Panel

[Image Description: A sleek, unobtrusive wall-mount control panel with a glass and aluminum construction.]The CP100 is an elegant, unobtrusive wall mount control panel constructed from glass and aluminum, mountable over any international back box. It is powered by Power over Ethernet (PoE) and features illuminated controls for easy access and panel lockout for security. Control of volume, muting, play/pause, and preset selection is possible from this low-profile, surface-mount unit.

BSP200 Network Streaming Speaker

[Image Description: A compact, modern-looking black speaker.]The BSP200 is a PoE+ powered network active loudspeaker with integrated streaming capability, designed specifically for commercial installations. It is based on the established BluOS platform and can play and distribute content from local network storage and a wide range of streaming services, including SoundMachine, Custom Channels, QSIC, SiriusXM Music for Business, and Tunify.

BSP500 Network Active Loudspeaker

[Image Description: A larger, more robust black speaker, suitable for indoor or outdoor use.]The BSP500 is a network active loudspeaker with integrated streaming capability, designed for indoor or outdoor commercial installations. It is powered by Power over Ethernet (PoE+ or PoE++) allowing a one-wire connection for both power and audio. It can be used stand-alone, in stereo pairs, or in multiple mono or stereo configurations within a room. The BSP500 integrates into larger BluOS systems for grouping with other BSP500 units or Bluesound Professional players.

BSP1000 Network Active Loudspeaker

[Image Description: A premium, larger black speaker, similar in design to the BSP500, suitable for indoor or outdoor use.]The BSP1000 is a network active loudspeaker with integrated streaming capability, designed for indoor or outdoor commercial installations. It is powered by Power over Ethernet (PoE+ or PoE++) allowing a one-wire connection for both power and audio. It can be used stand-alone, in stereo pairs, or in multiple mono or stereo configurations within a room.

Pair our AC Powered Products with PoE Speakers

BSW150 Network Active Subwoofer

[Image Description: A compact, discreet black subwoofer.]The BSW150 is a network active subwoofer with streaming capability, designed for commercial installations. Its discrete design fits neatly in boardrooms or small commercial establishments. This compact subwoofer provides deep bass and can be easily paired with PoE speakers in a BluOS system.

BSP125 Network Active Loudspeaker

[Image Description: A compact, modern-looking black speaker, similar to the BSP200 but potentially smaller.]The BSP125 is a network active loudspeaker with integrated streaming capability, designed for commercial installations. It can be used stand-alone or in stereo pairs. The BSP125 integrates into larger BluOS systems, allowing for grouping with other BSP125 units or Bluesound Professional players.

Application Examples: PoE+ and PoE++ Speakers

Small Application – 1 Zone

For smaller, single-zone indoor commercial installations, the compact BSP200 speakers powered by PoE+ (30-watt supply) are a viable option. This example shows four wall-mounted BSP200s configured in a restaurant or café setting, with the addition of a BSW150 subwoofer for added depth of sound.

Configuration:

BSP200 Network Streaming Speaker x 4
BSW150 Network Subwoofers

[Diagram Description: A floor plan of a restaurant showing a single zone labeled "Main Restaurant". Four speaker icons are placed strategically around the seating area, and one subwoofer icon is placed near a seating area.]

Large Application – 4+ Zones

For large, multi-zone commercial installations with both indoor and outdoor areas, a combination of PoE+ and PoE++ speakers can be used. This example illustrates a 4-zone space, such as a hotel, including a main restaurant, outdoor patio, bar, and small and large meeting rooms. To sustain such size and function, the recommended configuration includes a combination of four BSP200 (indoor), four BSP500 (indoor/outdoor), four BSP1000 (indoor/outdoor) speakers, and one BSW150 (indoor) subwoofer to provide high-quality, undistorted audio to every area.