Balingen Police Department will showcase burglary alarm triggers over the network; Barix IP devices will link an alarm system and the C-MOR video monitoring solution

ZURICH, SWITZERLAND, May 11, 2011 — Barix AG today announced its latest in a string of successful integration partnerships with leading software and solutions providers in the security and surveillance market. Barix has now partnered with za-internet GmbH, developer of the C-MOR remote video surveillance solution, to fully integrate Barix Barionet products into the C-MOR solution as universal, IP based I/O interfaces.

At IFSEC (May 16-19, 2011, NEC, Birmingham, England, Hall 4, Stand G155), Barix is planning a unique demonstration that will exhibit how Barix Barionet IP control and monitoring devices will be used in the burglary prevention center showroom of the Balingen Police Department in southern Germany to trigger alarms in C-MOR solutions.

C-MOR, a well-known, affordable remote video surveillance solution (www.c-mor.com) is available as software or as an appliance, targeting residential and commercial security markets. Popular commercial applications include surveillance in retail environments, horse stables, and gas stations.

The Barionet’s versatile I/O establishes communication between C-MOR and external “things” systems such as lights, security systems or motion sensors. Interfacing to sensors (motion sensors or a an alarm output of a security system) and actors such as lights, lock-down equipment and security system trigger inputs is fully supported. This functionality further allows C-MOR to serve as a versatile internet alarming upgrade for a traditional security system, as it can raise alarms over the internet to browser-capable mobile phones, supporting live video feeds of the site in alarm.

The Barionet product family is specially developed for automation and monitoring applications as well as interfacing solutions in buildings, industry and IT systems. Barionet devices provide an ideal link between hardware/hard-wired solutions and the IT world in an era of increased convergence.

In the case of the C-MOR integration, Barionet devices communicate with the surveillance solution via TCP/IP and with sensors and actors via traditional hardware interfaces such as contact closures and serial ports. Implementation with C-MOR is especially simple as the only tool needed is a standard web browser.

The Barionet 50 used in this application is a freely-programmable I/O device server with contact closure inputs, relay outputs and serial ports, so even highly specific and complex interface functions can be implemented. No programming is required for standard applications, and the device supports the most common IP-based standard protocols such as SNMP, web/cgi, Modbus/TCP and ASCII based I/O protocols.

SureView adds Barix Barionet IP control and monitoring solutions to Immix platform after success with Barix Audio over IP integration

ZURICH, SWITZERLAND, May 10, 2011 — Barix AG announces that SureView Systems, a commercial security monitoring service provider, has progressed its integration of Barix IP devices to an advanced, second phase.

The first phase began in 2009, when SureView integrated Barix Annuncicom two-way IP audio device support into its Immix platform. The Annuncicom integration allows the monitoring of unlimited remote audio surveillance locations and integration of intercom/help points within the Immix management solution — often consolidated with video surveillance.

SureView has now added support for Barix Barionet IP control, automation and monitoring equipment. The Barionet integration vastly increases I/O and relay interfacing capabilities of the Immix system, enabling SureView customers to easily connect a large number of security devices and functions to the network. Immix users activate controls and functions connected through Barionet devices, such as switching on lights and opening doors, through a simple press of a control button at a remote monitoring station.

The Barionet also enhances remote monitoring operations, allowing Immix users to directly interface motion detectors or building management sensors tied to HVAC, water, temperature, lighting, alarms and other systems for monitoring environmental and security aspects.

“The Barionet integration gives our customers a range of flexible deployment options, solving existing challenges and providing a more integrated, value-added solution to meet new customer requests,” said Craig Evans, director of SureView Systems. “Like the Annuncicom, the Barionet integrates seamlessly into the Immix platform so that the product itself is transparent. The customer simply presses a button to initiate an action, turning features on and off as if working a light switch.”

Evans added that the Barionet integration requires no addition training or expense for Immix customers. “It is exactly the same user-friendly experience,” he said.

The Annuncicom integration continues to prove successful in the professional security marketplace. Evans noted that Corps Security in Glasgow, Scotland, a leading security solutions provider in the UK, is the most recent customer, deploying the integrated remote surveillance solution to more than 50 sites in the UK.

“The success of the Annuncicom integration for improving audio quality at the surveillance point has been an ideal blueprint for how we can extend the partnership, notably through enhanced I/O and relay/sensor capabilities,” said Johannes G. Rietschel, CEO and Founder of Barix AG. “The Barionet will allow Immix users to bring more devices onto the network for control and monitoring purposes. This includes “actor” capabilities such as switching on lights and opening doors, as well as monitoring functions with motion and other sensors for surveillance purposes. The possibilities are boundless.”

The announcement comes as both companies prepare for the IFSEC 2011 professional security show, taking place from May 16-19 at NEC in Birmingham, England. Barix exhibits in Hall 4, Stand 155.

About SureView Systems (www.sureviewsystems.com)
SureView Systems owns, develops, sells and supports the Immix(R) product line. Immix(R) Enterprise and Cloud are video centric software platforms designed to receive alarm events from video, video analytics, access control, automation systems and GPS location aware devices. The products are UL Certified in the USA and BS8418 compliant in Europe.

Sureview Systems UK, Technium 1, Kings Road, Swansea SA1 8PH, UK. Tel. +44 1792 485600
Sureview Systems US, 400 N. Ashley Dr., Tampa, FL 33602, USA. Tel +1 (877) 712 8766

ZURICH, SWITZERLAND, March 30, 2011 — Barix comes to Prolight + Sound (April 6-9, Messe Frankfurt, Hall 8, Booth M65 with new Audio over IP solutions for the stage and general pro audio applications.The company will show its new Exstreamer P5 amplified decoder — the IP speaker without the speaker — and a new Barix IPAM Series module for IP Audio streaming applications.

The new IPAM 100 Industrial IP Audio Module, being shown to pro audio audiences for the first time, is ideal for use in ruggedized OEM applications.It is essentially the core module of the Barix Annuncicom 155, developed specifically to operate within challenging environmental conditions indoors and outdoors.

The IPAM 100 Industrial module is “hardened” for reliable operation in harsh environments, manufactured with precise components, mountings and conformal coating to resist vibrations, shock and moisture.The module is engineered to operate within a wide temperature range of -40 to 80 degrees Celsius (-40 to 176 degrees Fahrenheit), meaning that there are few if any limitations for OEM customers building their own solutions.

“Many applications in pro audio, stage and mobile environments need ruggedized equipment that can work at extreme temperatures and withstand shock and vibration,” said Johannes G. Rietschel, CEO and Founder of Barix AG. “Barix IPAM modules are ideal for OEM customers that want to build amplifiers, speakers and other professional audio equipment, add IP Audio capabilities, or bring non-IP-based audio distribution to the IP environment. The IPAM 100 Industrial module takes further, giving more power to audio and stage professionals building custom solutions for harsh conditions.”

Barix will also show the Exstreamer P5 at Pro Light + Sound. Introduced at ISE in February, the Exstreamer P5 gives systems integrators and end users the freedom to turn nearly any 8-ohm speaker into an IP speaker solution.The all-in-one solution for high-fidelity Audio over IP distribution features a built-in amplifier and connects directly to 8-ohm speakers for use in an IP or Ethersound network — hence, the “IP Speaker without the Speaker.”

The Exstreamer P5 supports universal IP standards including TCP/IP, RTP, SIP, Multicast and Ethersound. Like the Annuncicom 155 two-way audio hardware device and IPAM 100 Industrial module, the Exstreamer P5 is capable of reliable operation in high-temperature environments such as overhead/ceiling speaker systems.The P5 also supports zoning applications for multi-speaker systems, allows individual local/remote channel selection and volume control and includes Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) capability to simplify deployments.

ZURICH, SWITZERLAND, March 30, 2011 — As ISC West approaches, Barix announces that its Audio over IP devices and contact closure interfaces are now qualified for integration into Singlewire Informacast® solutions for professional security applications.

InformaCast is a mass notification platform that allows users to simultaneously send audio streams and text messages to multiple IP phones, IP speaker end points, computer desktops and overhead paging systems. Systems integrators deploying InformaCast systems can now use Barix Exstreamer decoders and Annuncicom two-way audio devices for encoding/decoding to distribute IP audio streams to end points. Integrators can further enhance systems by installing Barix Barionet devices for interfacing to a variety of systems.

Singlewire Software targets its InformaCast software solution for organizations requiring emergency broadcasts, multi-location paging and complex audio scheduling needs. Live, pre-recorded and scheduled announcements are easily dispatched from a single button on an IP phone or PC. The addition of Barix Audio over IP hardware adds more interface options to the Informacast suite for two-way audio support and tighter integration to loudspeakers.

The integration of Barionet devices allows integration and alarm triggers to and from real-world interfaces such as relays, horns, contact closures, push buttons and displays. Barionet devices are open-standards-compliant, intelligent IP I/O controllers that directly interface to common electrical interfaces. Devices are programmable for special cases such as the extraction of alarming information from a serial data interface.

“Barix has a great reputation in the industry for manufacturing high-quality products and providing scalable solutions to their customers,” said Ken Bywaters, executive vice president of product development at Singlewire. “By making these systems compliant with Singlewire InformaCast, Barix customers will gain the value of industry-leading software tools to manage and deliver a host of next-generation notification solutions.”

At ISC West (April 6-8, Sands Convention Center, Las Vegas, Booth 7131), Barix will explain the InformaCast integration and possibilities — including the potential for two-way audio capability supported by Barix Annuncicom devices to enable talkback/intercom functionality. Barix will also detail how the new Barix Exstreamer P5, the “IP Speaker without the speaker,” provides flexibility of loudspeaker choice to Informacast deployments while lower the cost of IP Speaker-based systems.

“Barix has successfully performed proof-of-concept tests in conjunction with Singlewire in advance of bringing the full solution to market,” said Johannes G. Rietschel, CEO and Founder of Barix AG. “By supporting InformaCast solutions, Barix can further diversify its IP paging and public address systems and deliver a more comprehensive solution to the professional security industry — while also bringing enhanced functionality to the InformaCast platform.”

All Barix products are inexpensive, low-power devices that are scalable to the growth of the operation offer high reliability through a PC-FREE design with no moving parts; and serve as a flexible platform for integration into virtually and operation requiring audio transport and delivery over IP networks. Barix also offers its programmable BCL standard open to all customers to easily customize applications for specific needs. Local control, audio relay and low-latency streaming are a few examples of custom programs using Barix’ BCL software environment.

ZURICH, SWITZERLAND, March 14, 2011 — Barix AG comes to ISC West 2011 (April 6-8, Sands Convention Center, Las Vegas, Booth 7131) with an emphasis on delivering complete IP paging and public address systems for professional security applications.

The IP audio and control pioneer, having recently announced technical alliances with industry leading security vendors including Milestone Systems, Sureview International and ipConfigure, is gaining attention in the professional security industry for its strength in building reliable, hardware-based IP solutions. At ISC West, the company will showcase its ability to deliver complete IP systems while also showing how new and existing Barix IP devices comprise such solutions.

“Security installers and systems integrators require working systems that are simple to install and pose no risk of operation,” said Johannes G. Rietschel, CEO and Founder of Barix AG. “Barix IP paging and public address solutions offer security professionals a trustworthy, system-driven communication solution.”

Barix IP Paging and Public Address systems are based on various Barix Exstreamer IP audio decoders and Annuncicom two-way IP audio devices. Security professionals can mix and match a variety of devices based on the size and scope of the system, including two new products:
• Exstreamer P5, an amplified IP decoder with Power over Ethernet (PoE) capability that can turn nearly any 8-ohm speaker into an IP speaker
• Annuncicom 155, a ruggedized IP intercom and announcement device built to the EN50155 transportation standard for survival in harsh environments

All Barix Exstreamer and Annuncicom devices offer IP addressability — ideal for targeting messages to specific Barix end point devices and zones in a single or multi-location IP Paging or PA system — as well as SIP integration for extending notifications to phones and mobile devices. Annuncicom IP devices add the capability of two-way intercom, allowing security personnel responding to an event to engage with human subjects at a door, access point or other location.

Large scale systems benefit from adding the Annuncicom PS16 Paging Station. The PS16 is a multifunction, standalone IP intercom, paging and PA master station that can connect to multiple Exstreamer and Annuncicom end devices — without the need for PCs or server software. The unit features 16 buttons with individual LED indicators (expandable to 112) for targeted, selected zones or “all-call” communications in larger facilities, parking garages, outdoor lots and other large spaces.

Visitors to the Barix booth can see all the above products, including the new Exstreamer P5 and Annuncicom 155 devices.

Exstreamer P5
The Exstreamer P5 gives integrators a way to install ‘IP Speakers’ without limiting their architectural and environmental options, including retrofits for legacy systems. In addition to its built-in amplifier and PoE capability to simplify deployments, the device enables zoning applications for multi-speaker systems and allows individual local/remote channel selection and volume control. Its ability to operate reliably in high-temperature environments makes the P5 ideal for ceiling speaker systems.

Annuncicom 155
Developed foremost for on-vehicle use in the transportation industry, the Annuncicom 155 can act as a door intercom, PA, emergency announcement system and background music device. Its two-way capability also enables complex monitoring functions during critical situations that allow security personnel to listen in on an event. I/O options include supervised speaker/microphone connections, and the device incorporates a network switch for daisy-chaining Ethernet to simplify installations.

All Barix products are inexpensive, low-power devices that are scalable to the growth of the operation offer high reliability through a PC-FREE design with no moving parts; and serve as a flexible platform for integration into virtually and operation requiring audio transport and delivery over IP networks. Barix also offers its programmable BCL standard open to all customers to easily customize applications for specific needs. Local control, audio relay and low-latency streaming are a few examples of custom programs using Barix’ BCL software environment.

ZURICH, SWITZERLAND, March 16, 2011 — Barix comes to the 2011 NAB Show (April 11-14, Las Vegas Convention Center, Booth C8316) with new updates to its Reflector Service for STL, Syndication and Remote Contribution aimed at simplifying integration within existing broadcast infrastructures.

The Reflector Service simplifies the setup of audio transport connections by removing the need for specialist knowledge. Hosted by Barix partner StreamGuys (www.streamguys.com), the application serves as an online center to configure and monitor the audio transport bridge while providing a straightforward relay of the audio feed. The Reflector Service is paired with Barix Audio over IP hardware at the send and receive points, creating a plug-and-play installation that can have broadcasters streaming audio over IP links within minutes.

Barix has added a host of new features to extend the service:
· Tunneling of encoder inputs through to decoder relay outputs
· Ability to flag stream loss on local encoder and decoder output relays
· Automatic failover to locally stored content at decoder
· Automatic generation of e-mail alerts
· Improved performance with lower bandwidth connections
· Modifications for tuning system performance and resilience

“The Reflector Service has been delivered to the market with the help of many willing customers who took part in the beta test last year, including successful deployments with Bell Media Group in the United States and Total Star Network in the UK,” said David Gostick, product manager for Barix Reflector Service. “In addition to enriching the service with new features, the user interface has been updated to provide all significant information at a glance, with enhanced reporting and status information for all components.”

The Barix Reflector firmware comes pre-loaded on the currently shipping Exstreamer 500 and Exstreamer 1000 professional Audio over IP devices for broadcasters. In addition to standard STL connections for program audio transport, broadcasters and service providers can use the Reflector Service for syndication and remote contribution.

Syndication
Organizations of any size can use the Reflector Service to distribute programming to multiple Barix Exstreamer decoders. A single uplink to the service using a standard DSL connection supports programming feeds to any number of affiliates. StreamGuys hosts the Reflector service and provides the necessary bandwidth to route the single audio feed to multiple destinations.

Remote Contribution
Broadcasters and news organizations armed with Barix audio encoders can access the Reflector Service in the field to stream live audio back to a flagship or affiliate station. A simple connection to the internet via a fixed network cable or wireless 3G router allows reporters to stream live interviews and event coverage to a station or studio. Remote production personnel can also quickly establish a live stream from an arena or stadium to support a live sports broadcast.

The Reflector Service simplifies installations for broadcasters using broadband internet connections by eliminating firewall poking and costly static IP addresses that require specialist knowledge to configure. The Reflector Service even eliminates basic router forwarding configuration, as the devices are automatically partnered following connection to the Reflector Service via the World Wide Web.

StreamGuys, a streaming media provider and content delivery network that has earned high marks in the broadcast industry for performance and reliability, offers the Reflector Service as a subscription service. Once signed up, users register their devices and make simple decisions regarding audio setup. The auto-configuration process enables communication between the server and the two devices to begin streaming live audio within minutes.

Individual stations, broadcasters and small networks that wish to host the service themselves can request the Reflector Service framework instead of using the hosted service option.

ZURICH, SWITZERLAND, March 14, 2011 — Barix AG comes to ISC West 2011 (April 6-8, Sands Convention Center, Las Vegas, Booth 7131) with an emphasis on delivering complete IP paging and public address systems for professional security applications.

The IP audio and control pioneer, having recently announced technical alliances with industry-leading vendors including Milestone Systems, Sureview International and ipConfigure, is gaining attention in the professional security industry for its strength in building reliable, hardware-based IP solutions. At ISC West, the company will showcase its ability to deliver complete IP systems while also showing how new and existing Barix IP devices comprise such solutions.

“Security installers and systems integrators require working systems that are simple to install and pose no risk of operation,” said Johannes G. Rietschel, CEO and Founder of Barix AG. “Barix IP paging and public address solutions offer security professionals trustworthy, system-driven communication solutions.”

Barix IP paging and public address systems are based on various Barix Exstreamer IP audio decoders and Annuncicom two-way IP audio devices. Security professionals can mix and match a variety of devices based on the size and scope of the system, including two new products:

· Exstreamer P5, an amplified IP decoder with Power over Ethernet (PoE) capability that can turn nearly any 8-ohm speaker into an IP speaker
· Annuncicom 155, a ruggedized IP intercom and announcement device built to the EN50155 transportation standard for survival in harsh environments

All Barix Exstreamer and Annuncicom devices offer IP addressability — ideal for targeting messages to specific Barix end point devices and zones in a single or multi-location IP paging or PA system — as well as SIP integration for extending notifications to phones and mobile devices. Annuncicom IP devices add the capability of two-way intercom, allowing security personnel responding to an event to engage with human subjects at a door, access point or other location.

Large scale systems benefit from adding the Annuncicom PS16 Paging Station. The PS16 is a multifunction, standalone IP intercom, paging and PA master station that can connect to multiple Exstreamer and Annuncicom end devices — without the need for PCs or server software. The unit features 16 buttons with individual LED indicators (expandable to 112) for targeted, selected zones or “all-call” communications in larger facilities, parking garages, outdoor lots and other large spaces.

Visitors to the Barix booth can see all the above products, including the new Exstreamer P5 and Annuncicom 155 devices.

Exstreamer P5
The Exstreamer P5 gives integrators a way to install ‘IP Speakers’ without limiting their architectural and environmental options, including retrofits for legacy systems. In addition to its built-in amplifier and PoE capability to simplify deployments, the device enables zoning applications for multi-speaker systems and allows individual local/remote channel selection and volume control. Its ability to operate reliably in high-temperature environments makes the P5 ideal for ceiling speaker systems.

Annuncicom 155
Developed foremost for on-vehicle use in transportation, the Annuncicom 155 can act as a door intercom, PA, emergency announcement system and background music device. Its two-way capability also enables complex monitoring functions during critical situations that allow security personnel to listen in on an event. I/O options include supervised speaker/microphone connections, and the device incorporates a network switch for daisy-chaining Ethernet connections to simplify installations.

All Barix products are inexpensive, low-power devices that are scalable to the growth of the operation offer high reliability through a PC-FREE design with no moving parts; and serve as a flexible platform for integration into virtually and operation requiring audio transport and delivery over IP networks. Barix also offers its programmable BCL standard open to all customers to easily customize applications for specific needs. Local control, audio relay and low-latency streaming are a few examples of custom programs using Barix’ BCL software environment.

New amplified decoder gives businesses a true IP speaker solution to reach every customer in the building

ZURICH, SWITZERLAND, January 25, 2010 — Barix is targeting the Digital Signage Expo (February 23-25, Las Vegas Convention Center, Booth #1239) as the U.S. debut of its Exstreamer P5 amplified IP decoder, a new IP Audio innovation that allows businesses to integrate standard loudspeakers into IP-based, in-store/on-location audio systems. Its ability to operate in high-temperature environments and support Power over Ethernet (PoE) distribution provides many options for system deployments.

The Exstreamer P5 features a built-in amplifier and I/O connections to turn nearly any 8-ohm speaker into an “IP Speaker” solution. This enables a true end-to-end Audio over IP solution for businesses and organizations pushing background music, advertising, paging and other audio content to one or more speakers, zones or locations — from the entrance to the aisles, all the way to the restrooms.

Retailers, restaurants, clubs, hotels, offices, schools and universities are among those that can benefit from installing the Exstreamer P5 as part of a new IP Audio system or as retrofits into existing IP or legacy systems. The P5 can also integrate with SIP phone systems to bridge telecom and security, merging audio streams and real-time paging into an efficient, centralized messaging system. Integration with digital signage systems to synchronize audio and video is another possibility.

“There is a growing desire to improve audio distribution, in combination and synchronization with video in digital signage systems,” said Rietschel. “The all-in-one design of the Exstreamer P5 addresses the common concerns: affordability, robustness, an open-standards approach and the support of high-quality, low-latency applications such as audio-for-video. This includes universal support of IP standards including TCP/IP, RTP, SIP, Multicast and Ethersound. The P5’s flexibility also ensures that businesses are not limited in their architectural or environmental options.”

Like all major Barix products for digital signage/in-store audio applications, the Exstreamer P5 features IP addressability to enable targeted delivery of music and messaging to multiple zones within a single location; or to multiple locations in a chain of businesses. The P5’s rugged design can withstand high temperatures, making the device an ideal choice for ceiling speaker systems. Power over Ethernet (POE) support reduces infrastructure costs and simplifies deployments.

Some standalone examples of Exstreamer P5 audio deployments include:
Hospitality, including general and in-room systems for hotels, venues and cruise ships
In-store audio systems for retail stores, restaurants and other businesses
Background music and paging systems for office buildings and corporate facilities
Security applications, including PA playback points and SIP-based notification
Soothing audio in public locations, underpasses and corridors

Barix will also demonstrate its Store and Play software solution, a centralized, automated FTP/HTTP download and playback application introduced last year; and the Adiosys ad-insertion service for targeted, localized delivery of music, advertisements, promos and other audio programming.

“The Adiosys service has proven reliable for real-time ad insertion to chain stores and businesses with multiple locations, as well as in live, low-latency event streaming,” said Rietschel. “The service allows individualization of advertising and other inserts down to the device level, based on a streaming architecture which can be monitored in real time from a central location.”

All Barix products are inexpensive, low-power devices that are scalable to the growth of the operation offer high reliability through a PC-FREE design with no moving parts; and serve as a flexible platform for integration into virtually any operation requiring audio transport and delivery over IP networks. Barix also offers its programmable BCL standard open to all customers to easily customize applications for specific needs. Local control, audio relay and low-latency streaming are a few examples of custom programs using Barix’ BCL software environment.

Exstreamer P5 connects traditional speakers to IP Audio and SIP phone systems; design enables operation in high-temperature environments

ZURICH, SWITZERLAND, December 15, 2010 — Barix AG comes to ISE 2011 (February 1-3, RAI Exhibition Centre, Amsterdam, Booth #2A71) with a new IP Audio innovation that gives systems integrators and end users the freedom of choice to turn nearly any 8-ohm speaker into an IP speaker solution.

At ISE, Barix will show the Exstreamer P5 amplified IP decoder in Europe for the first time.  The Exstreamer P5 is an all-in-one solution for high-fidelity Audio over IP distribution, supporting universal IP standards including TCP/IP, RTP, SIP, Multicast and Ethersound.  The amplified device can directly connect 8-ohm speakers to an IP or Ethersound network, effectively extending the popular Barix Exstreamer product range into new environments for end users and systems integrators.

“The Exstreamer P5 gives integrators a way to install ‘IP Speakers’ without limiting their architectural and environmental options — including retrofits for legacy systems,” said Johannes G. Rietschel, CEO and Founder of Barix AG.  “For general applications, the biggest benefits are low-cost and flexibility.  You can IP-enable almost any speaker with this device, and establish addressability and monitoring down to the individual speaker in larger installations.”

The Exstreamer P5 operates reliably in high-temperature environments and enables zoning applications for multi-speaker systems, also allowing individual local/remote channel selection and volume control.  These features, along with exceptional, hi-fi audio quality and Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) capability to simplify deployments, make the Exstreamer P5 the perfect choice for overhead/ceiling speaker systems.  Applications include:
Hospitality, including general and in-room systems for hotels, venues and cruise ships
In-store audio systems for retail stores, restaurants and other businesses
Residential multi-zone audio distribution
Background music and paging systems for office buildings and corporate facilities
Security applications, including PA playback points and SIP-based notification
Disaster warning systems, including earthquake and tsunami alerting

The Exstreamer P5 borrows design innovations, including PoE support and high-efficiency class D audio amplification, from the Barix Annuncicom range of two-way IP audio devices.  Its reliable operation in ceiling installations, ruggedized case and simplified mounting options draw inspiration from the recently-introduced Annuncicom 155 for the transportation industry.  The device can operate in temperature ranges of 32 to 131 degrees Fahrenheit (0 to 55 Celsius) and withstand storage conditions to 158 degrees Fahrenheit (70 Celsius).

All Barix products are inexpensive, low-power devices that are scalable to the growth of the operation offer high reliability through a PC-FREE design with no moving parts; and serve as a flexible platform for integration into virtually and operation requiring audio transport and delivery over IP networks.  Barix also offers its programmable BCL standard open to all customers to easily customize applications for specific needs.  Local control, audio relay and low-latency streaming are a few examples of custom programs using Barix’ BCL software environment.

Company establishes NCCU Sports Network using Barix Audio over IP Technology to distribute college football and basketball games to eight radio stations

ZURICH, SWITZERLAND, November 30, 2010 — Barix AG announces that syndicated content provider Bell Media Group of Raleigh, North Carolina, has successfully deployed the Barix Reflector Service to distribute live North Carolina Central University football and basketball games to eight regional AM radio stations comprising the NCCU Sports Network.

Bell Media Group is among the earliest Reflector Service customers, establishing a reliable and cost-efficient Audio over IP distribution network for its syndicated college sports programming service.  Barix introduced the Reflector Service last spring to help broadcasters with limited IT resources to establish IP links for single stations and broadcast networks with minimal effort and hassle.

“Satellite communications was very expensive, and ISDN was also out of my range,” said Jay Bell, president and chief engineer for Bell Media Group.  “IP has saved me between $3,000-4,000 on distribution alone.  I became familiar with Barix and beta-tested the Reflector Service for the 2010 college football season.  All the tests went well and we will continue using the Barix Relector service for sports, music and other remote broadcasts, with the goal of adding more radio affiliates.”

The universal Barix hardware used for the service can be installed in minutes and most deployments for STL, remote contribution and studio-to-studio links are established with just a few clicks in a web browser.  Once installed with internet access, the devices configure themselves automatically, and the encoder and decoders are automatically partnered after entering basic device settings into the service platform.

Barix has partnered with streaming media and content delivery provider StreamGuys for the NCCU Sports Network project.  The StreamGuys-hosted service receives the single feed from BMG Studios in Raleigh and simultaneously “reflects” the signal to each affiliate.  This minimizes network bandwidth and technical support requirements for Bell Media Group.

“Barix partners with StreamGuys as they are streaming infrastructure specialists and offer worldwide technical support 24/7,” said David Gostick, product manager for the Reflector Service at Barix.  “Their streaming service complements our technical skills, allowing us to jointly deliver a professionally hosted and operated service to our customers, with confidence it is being monitored around the clock.”

Jay Bell operates the network from BMG Studios.  The live stadium feed comes in over a POTS line, where a Barix Exstreamer 1000 Audio over IP device receives and encodes the signal.   The StreamGuys streaming platform picks up the Reflector Service stream for distribution to the affiliates, where Barix Exstreamer 100 IP audio devices receive and decode the signal for immediate broadcast.

The Reflector Service is a hosted application that acts as the bridge between the studio and the network affiliates, providing a straightforward relay of the audio feed.   The application simplifies Barix installations for broadcasters by eliminating firewall poking, router forwarding configuration and costly static IP addresses.  The significant reduction in complexity means that users have only a few simple decisions to make related to audio quality and general device settings.

“The hardware was plug-and-play and the streaming service was simple to set up,” said Jay Bell.  “I was skeptical early, as were some of the network affiliates, who were most concerned with the audio quality.  We tested the Barix Reflector Service with several radio affiliates; many program directors and general managers were floored upon hearing the audio quality.  It is a very versatile system, and I’ve taken advantage of the network capacity for side projects, particularly remote broadcasts.”