Bluefish444
Bluefish444 designs and manufactures professional uncompressed SDI video I/O hardware and ingest software for broadcast, post-production, virtual production, and government clients, with 29,000+ systems deployed across more than 10 countries.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1998
- HeadquartersNorth Melbourne, Australia
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Bluefish444 does
Bluefish444 (BlueFish Technologies) is an Australian designer and manufacturer of professional uncompressed SDI video I/O hardware, founded in 1998 and headquartered in North Melbourne, Australia. The company produces video cards, capture and playback devices, and converter products used in broadcast, post-production, live events, virtual production, and government applications, with an installed base exceeding 29,000 systems globally. The company operates as a privately held entity with 11-50 employees and has not disclosed any external funding rounds or M&A activity.
The company's core technology is a proprietary 12-bit video processing engine supported by a unified driver stack maintained across Windows, Linux, and macOS for over two decades. Its product portfolio spans the KRONOS and Epoch card families covering 4K, 2K, HD, and SD formats; Synapse converter boxes (SDI110, HDMI120, ANA140); the IngeSTore ingest software platform; and an SDK with API access. Hardware support for NVIDIA GPUDirect and AMD DirectGMA enables low-latency GPU-direct workflows. Bluefish444 maintains certified compatibility with more than 40 industry software partners including Adobe, Avid, Unreal Engine, Vizrt, NVIDIA, Epic Games, Aximmetry, ClassX, FOR-A, and RT Software.
The business model is a direct and distributor-led hardware sale model supplemented by a global reseller network (Broadfield, JB&A, Versatile, Up-Market, Blitz Micro, Neo Video, OM Solutions) with active presence in 10 or more countries. Revenue is generated primarily through sale of high-margin professional hardware SKUs and complementary software (IngeSTore, BlueToolBox, BlueCodecPack, BlueRT). The customer base spans national broadcasters, production houses, gaming and virtual production studios, and government and parliamentary clients, with no single segment appearing to dominate revenue.
Bluefish444 firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Bluefish444
- Legal name
- BlueFish Technologies
- Website
- https://bluefish444.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1998
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Bluefish444 designs and manufactures professional uncompressed SDI video I/O hardware and ingest software for broadcast, post-production, virtual production, and government clients, with 29,000+ systems deployed across more than 10 countries.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Bluefish444 industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Professional Video I/O Hardware
- NAICS
- Audio and Video Equipment Manufacturing (3343), Computer Terminal and Other Computer Peripheral Equipment Manufacturing (334118)
- SIC
- Electronic Components & Accessories (3670)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Playout Infrastructure & Hardware (Servers, Storage, SDI/IP Gateways) (MPAHAKAJ)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Ingest, Recording & Capture Systems (MPAHAKAC), Video Player SDKs & Playback Apps (Web/Mobile/CTV) (MPAHAJAD)
Keywords
Where Bluefish444 is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- North Melbourne
- HQ country
- Australia
- HQ region
- Oceania
Offices12 records
Markets served
Bluefish444 business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Technology or R&D, Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Video I/O Hardware Cards: Sale of professional and developer video capture/playback cards (KRONOS, Epoch ranges) supporting SDI, HDMI, and IP video interfaces at various resolutions up to 4K/UHD.
- Software Licenses and Codec Packs: Sale of IngeSTore codec licenses including BlueCodecPack (DNxHD, ProRes, H.264, Sony XDCAM, AVC-Intra 100 codecs), JPEG 2000, Avid DNxHD license, and BlueRT plug-in for additional codec support.
- IngeSTore Server Appliances: Sale of pre-configured 3RU centralized ingest server appliances with Windows 10 Pro, NVIDIA Quadro GPU, Bluefish444 Epoch video card, and IngeSTore software.
- Signal Converters: Sale of Synapse SDI, HDMI, and Analogue signal mini converters in desktop form-factor.
- Developer SDK Access: SDK registration and download access for software developers integrating Bluefish444 hardware into applications. Developer registration requires manual approval and provides access to SDK downloads and developer support.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Freemium | One time/ perpetual license | IngeSTore bundled free with video cards |
| One time/ perpetual license | One time/ perpetual license | IngeSTore codec license upgrades |
| One time/ perpetual license | One time/ perpetual license | IngeSTore Server 3G Appliance |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels7 records
Bluefish444 product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Bluefish444 designs, manufactures, and markets professional SDI video I/O cards (KRONOS and Epoch ranges) supporting uncompressed 4K/UHD/2K/HD/SD capture and playout with proprietary 12-bit processing. The company also sells IngeSTore multi-channel capture software, IngeSTore Server ingest appliances, Synapse signal converters, codec licenses, and a developer SDK, serving broadcast, post-production, virtual production, live event, and archival customers worldwide.
Product overview
Bluefish444 is a manufacturer of professional video hardware and software solutions comprising three main product lines: (1) Professional and Developer SDI Video I/O Cards (KRONOS K8, KRONOS Optikos3G, KRONOS Optikos3G ST IP, KRONOS Optikos3G CX SDI, Epoch Neutron, Epoch 4K Neutron, Epoch Supernova CG, Epoch 4K Supernova S+) offering video capture and playout at up to 4K/UHD 60p with 12-bit processing; (2) Software products including IngeSTore 2.0 (multi-channel capture, free with cards), IngeSTore Server (centralized ingest appliance), IngeSTore REST API (remote control), IngeSTore NetAccess (web client), IngeSTore Scheduler (scheduled recording), and BlueToolBox (output routing/duplication); and (3) Synapse signal converters (SDI110, HDMI120, ANA140) for format conversion. The ecosystem is unified by the Bluefish444 SDK enabling third-party development, and supports video over IP workflows via SMPTE 2022-6 and 2110 standards through the IPConnect API.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- KRONOS: Range of video, audio, and data processing I/O cards for broadcast, production and post-production workflows supporting multi-channel 4K/UHD 60p, HDR, and High Frame-Rate SDI.
- Epoch
- Synapse
- IngeSTore
- BlueToolBox
Products and services
- KRONOS K8 High-bandwidth multi-channel 4K/UHD 60p SDI video I/O card with 12-bit processing, PCIe x8 Gen3 interface, and Thunderbolt compatibility for broadcast, production, and post-production workflows.
- KRONOS Optikos3G Multi-channel 3G SDI video I/O card with 12-bit processing for professional broadcast and production workflows.
- KRONOS Optikos3G ST IP Hybrid SMPTE IP and SDI video I/O card with interchangeable SFP+ interfaces supporting SDI over coaxial, SDI over fiber, HDMI 1.4, and SMPTE 2110/2022 via approved SFP+ modules.
- KRONOS Optikos3G CX SDI Multi-channel 3G SDI I/O card with dedicated BNC outputs designed for SDI duplication and routing applications.
- Epoch Neutron HD/SD SDI video I/O card with 2K/HD/SD capability, AES Digital Audio I/O, Analogue Audio Output, LTC I/O, SDI monitor BNCs, and dedicated Genlock/Reference BNCs supporting ASI capture and playout.
- Epoch 4K Neutron 4K/UHD SDI video I/O card with 4K/UHD/2K/HD/SD capability, AES Digital Audio I/O, Analogue Audio Output, LTC I/O, dedicated Genlock/Reference BNCs, and ASI transport stream flexibility.
- Epoch Supernova CG High-performance SDI video I/O card designed for broadcast graphics applications with 12-bit processing and hardware keyers for key/fill workflows.
- Epoch 4K Supernova S+ Professional 4K/UHD SDI video I/O card with multi-channel 3G/HD/SD-SDI I/O, AES Digital Audio I/O, Analogue Audio Output, LTC I/O, and BFLock capability for multi-card synchronization.
- IngeSTore 2.0 Multi-channel production and archival acquisition software supporting SDI, NDI, HDMI, and ST2110/2022 video interfaces with 1 to 8 simultaneous independent recordings, Edit-While-Record, chunk recording, REST API control, and direct NAS capture; bundled free with all Bluefish444 video I/O cards.
- IngeSTore Server Pre-configured 3RU centralized ingest server appliance capturing 4 independent HD/SD streams or 2 streams of 3G video simultaneously; configurable up to 8 channels with Windows 10 Pro, NVIDIA Quadro GPU, dual port 10Gb NIC, and an Epoch 4K Supernova S+ card.
- Synapse SDI110 Desktop SDI to SDI signal converter in a compact form factor for Bluefish-quality video and audio signal conversion.
- Synapse HDMI120 Desktop HDMI to SDI signal converter for converting HDMI sources into SDI signals with Bluefish-quality components in a compact enclosure.
- Synapse ANA140 Desktop analogue to SDI signal converter for digitizing analogue video sources to SDI with Bluefish-quality components.
- Bluefish444 SDK Software Development Kit providing Windows, Linux, and macOS drivers and APIs, including the IPConnect API, that allows developers to integrate Bluefish444 hardware into professional video applications.
- BlueCodecPack Codec licence upgrade for IngeSTore software including DNxHD, Apple ProRes, H.264, Sony XDCAM, and AVC-Intra 100 codecs.
- BlueRT Plug-in Plug-in required for additional codec and format support in IngeSTore, available as a separate perpetual licence.
- SyncVV Workstation Virtual production sync workstation appliance for synchronizing multiple video feeds in virtual production environments.
- Switchblade LPU4 Production switcher appliance available in vMix Pro Switcher, Enterprise with vMix Pro, and 6-channel ST 2110 + 2-channel 3G-SDI SDI I/O configurations.
Quantifiable outcome
- 12-bit processing provides 4x the quality of 10-bit processing (4,096 vs 1,024 discrete color values per channel)
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use Bluefish444
Customer profileNamed customers15 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Bluefish444 technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- Yes
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration64 records
AI capability4 records
Feature6 records
Bluefish444 partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
15 partnerships are on record, tiered core and flagship.
- VizrtcoreViz Engine 5 support announced for KRONOS K8 and Epoch 4K Range of SDI video cards, enabling broadcast graphics workflows with Vizrt's real-time graphics engine.
- ClassX and FOR-A ItalyflagshipCLASSX, FOR-A Italy and Bluefish444 partnered together to win RAI Radiotelevisione Italiana tender for live broadcast graphics systems. The KRONOS K8 video card was selected as part of this winning solution for real-time electronic graphics creation and broadcasting.
- VICONcoreVICON Shogun Live 1.6 support with KRONOS K8 for 4K in-camera virtual production workflows, enabling real-time VFX and on-set visualization.
- AximmetrycoreAximmetry's Virtual Studio Software gained video I/O compatibility with Bluefish444 KRONOS K8 and Epoch SDI cards for real-time 3D graphics in broadcast and entertainment. The partnership enables virtual production workflows with ultra-low latency.
- RT SoftwarecoreRT Software, a leader in broadcast graphics, added Bluefish444 SDI video card support for its Tactic and Swift broadcast graphics products, announced March 2025. This partnership enables RT Software customers to leverage Bluefish444's high-quality SDI I/O for broadcast graphics workflows.
- NVIDIAcoreNVIDIA GPUDirect support on KRONOS K8 cards for direct GPU memory access, enabling low-latency video processing workflows. NVIDIA Quadro GPUs are included in IngeSTore Server appliances.
- AdobeflagshipAdobe Creative Cloud integration including Premiere Pro support with Bluefish444 cards. DNxHD license for IngeSTore available via Avid's Partner Program. Edit-While-Record support for growing file workflows in Adobe Premiere Pro.
- AvidflagshipAvid Media Composer and Avid Pro Tools support with KRONOS K8 for multi-channel 4K/UHD output. DNxHD codec license for IngeSTore available via Avid's Partner Program and worldwide reseller network.
- Epic Games (Unreal Engine)flagshipBluefish444 Professional Video I/O plugin published to Unreal Engine FAB Marketplace, supporting Unreal Engine 5.5, 5.6, and 5.7 with HDR 4K SDI and HD SMPTE IP I/O. Awarded Epic MegaGrant in 2022 for lowest latency 4K SDI integration.
- Unreal EngineflagshipBluefish444 Professional Video I/O plugin published to Unreal Engine FAB Marketplace, supporting Unreal Engine 5.5, 5.6, and 5.7 with HDR 4K SDI and HD SMPTE IP I/O. Awarded Epic MegaGrant in 2022 for lowest latency 4K SDI integration.
- FoundrycoreFoundry Nuke and Nuke Studio 12 support with KRONOS and Epoch hardware for quality 2K/HD/SD-SDI output in compositing and VFX workflows.
- TechtelcoreAustralian-based systems integrator that integrated Bluefish444 IngeSTore Server with Inflo for Tasmanian Parliament's centralized SDI ingest system.
- Ideal SystemscoreSystems integrator that designed and built RTM's national TV archive project using Blue Lucy BLAM and IngeSTore Server, winning APB Award. Also integrated IngeSTore with Adobe Premiere Pro for live editing workflows.
- JascocoreSystems integrator that deployed IngeSTore Server with Avid infrastructure for the 2019 Indian Island Ocean Games for Mauritius Broadcasting Corporation.
- NewTekcoreNewTek NDI integration for SDI to NDI conversion, enabling real-time multi-channel HD and 4K/UHD 60p SDI input/output to Network Device Interface protocol for hybrid SDI/IP workflows.
Scale indicators5 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Bluefish444 competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Blackmagic Design: Blackmagic Design is a direct peer and the largest competitor in professional video I/O with its DeckLink and UltraStudio card lines targeting the same broadcast, post-production, and live production customer base as Bluefish444's KRONOS and Epoch ranges.
- AJA Video Systems: AJA Video Systems is a direct peer — both companies manufacture professional SDI/HDMI video I/O cards (KONA, Corvid, Io) for broadcast, post-production, and live event workflows with similar uncompressed 4K capability and SDK-based integration models.
- YUAN High-Tech: YUAN High-Tech is a direct peer manufacturing professional SDI capture/playback cards for broadcast and surveillance applications, serving OEM and integrator channels similar to Bluefish444's developer card ecosystem.
- Matrox Video: Matrox Video is a direct peer producing professional video I/O cards (Matrox DSX, Matrox VERO) and developer SDKs for OEMs serving broadcast graphics, medical imaging, and industrial vision applications — directly overlapping Bluefish444's developer-card category.
- Magewell: Magewell is a direct peer offering SDI/HDMI capture and playback cards (Pro Capture, Eco Capture) used in broadcast, live streaming, and pro AV workflows. While often positioned at lower price points, Magewell competes for the same developer and integrator mindshare as Bluefish444's developer cards.
- Deltacast: Deltacast is a direct peer and Belgian manufacturer of SDI and IP video cards (Deltacast cards) for broadcast and medical imaging applications, with a comparable SDK-driven OEM business model targeting integrators in the same professional video ecosystem as Bluefish444.
Emerging players
- Haivision: Haivision is an emerging player in low-latency video contribution and IP video transport (SRT, Haivision Play, Makito X), serving similar broadcast and live event customers with software-centric and IP-focused workflows that partially overlap with Bluefish444's Video Over IP strategy.
Broad incumbents
- Evertz: Evertz is a broad incumbent in broadcast infrastructure offering IP routing, multiviewers, and processing platforms for SMPTE 2110 workflows. It represents an alternative higher-level solution for the same broadcast customers transitioning to IP that Bluefish444 targets with its Optikos3G ST IP card.
- Grass Valley: Grass Valley is a broad incumbent in broadcast technology offering cameras, switchers, routers, and integrated playout/IP solutions. While not a direct SDI card competitor, it operates in the same broadcast and live production customer accounts and competes for share-of-wallet with Bluefish444's OEM partners.
Regional players
- AVerMedia: AVerMedia is a regional player (strong presence in Asia) offering professional capture cards (CL+, Live Gamer series) for live streaming and broadcast applications, with comparable SDI/HDMI capture capabilities and SDK access for integrators.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Bluefish444 social profiles
Digital presenceBluefish444 financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Bluefish444 leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Bluefish444 funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Bluefish444 M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Bluefish444
What does Bluefish444 do?
Bluefish444 designs, manufactures, and markets professional SDI video I/O cards (KRONOS and Epoch ranges) supporting uncompressed 4K/UHD/2K/HD/SD capture and playout with proprietary 12-bit processing. The company also sells IngeSTore multi-channel capture software, IngeSTore Server ingest appliances, Synapse signal converters, codec licenses, and a developer SDK, serving broadcast, post-production, virtual production, live event, and archival customers worldwide.
Is Bluefish444 a public or private company?
Bluefish444 is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Bluefish444 founded?
Bluefish444 was founded in 1998. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Bluefish444 based?
Bluefish444 is headquartered in North Melbourne, Australia, in the Oceania region.
How does Bluefish444 make money?
Five revenue lines are on record. Video I/O Hardware Cards are the primary driver. The others are software Licenses and Codec Packs, ingeSTore Server Appliances, signal Converters and developer SDK Access.
Who are Bluefish444's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Blackmagic Design, AJA Video Systems, YUAN High-Tech, Matrox Video, Magewell and Deltacast. Haivision is listed as an emerging player. Broad incumbents are Evertz and Grass Valley. AVerMedia is listed as a regional player.
Does Bluefish444 have an API?
Yes. IngeSTore REST API allows for remote control functionality of the IngeSTore capture system via an easy-to-use, flexible, and network-friendly API. This API enables control of an IngeSTore capture machine or IngeSTore Server remotely, with a fully customisable interface. This allows for complete control of the user interface, provides a platform to add extra functionality for capture which is not currently found within IngeSTore software, and control multiple capture devices and appliances from a single application. Developer documentation is at www.bluefish444.com/products/software/details/7/api/4/bluefish444-ingestore.html.
What industry is Bluefish444 in?
Bluefish444's product category is Professional Video I/O Hardware. Its primary akta.pro industry code is MPAHAKAJ, Playout Infrastructure & Hardware (Servers, Storage, SDI/IP Gateways), with a secondary code of MPAHAKAC, Ingest, Recording & Capture Systems. Its NAICS code is 3343 and its SIC code is 3670.