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

ZURICH, SWITZERLAND, November 11, 2010 — Barix AG is preparing to unveil its latest Audio over IP innovation at the InfoComm Asia show this month (November 17-19, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, Booth 4B09).  The show marks the world debut of the Exstreamer P5, the company’s solution for IP Speaker applications.   It extends the popular Barix Exstreamer product range into new environments for end users and systems integrators.

The Exstreamer P5 is an all-in-one solution for SIP and hi-fidelity Audio over IP distribution, supporting universal IP standards including TCP/IP, RTP, SIP, Multicast and Ethersound.  The amplified device directly connects any 8-ohm speaker to an IP or Ethersound network.  It enables zoning applications for multi-speaker systems, and allows individual local/remote channel selection and volume control.  The Exstreamer P5 also operates reliably in high-temperature environments.

These features, along with exceptional, hi-fidelity audio quality and Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) support, 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
Background music and paging systems for office buildings and corporate facilities
Security applications, including PA playback points and SIP-based notification

The Exstreamer P5 connects to any 8-ohm speaker, in contrast to “IP Speaker” solutions where the system integrator is limited to certain speakers.  This gives integrators and end users the freedom and versatility to permanently install the Exstreamer P5 in diverse situations, including legacy upgrades.

“The first OEM project will incorporate Exstreamer P5 electronics into hundreds of ‘listening boxes’ throughout a performing arts center in northern Europe, giving the cast, crew and personnel the ability to monitor performances, adjust local volume levels and mute the audio by zone,” said Johannes G. Rietschel, CEO and Founder of Barix AG.  “This is an ideal example of using the Exstreamer P5 for low-latency, high-audio-quality streaming to IP speakers.  The built-in 5W RMS amplifier exceeds the typical 1-to-3W requirements of IP speakers, providing plenty of signal power.  And the local interface for an infrared (IR) receiver or volume/source control provides more benefits for the user.

“For general applications, the biggest benefits are low-cost and flexibility, as the Exstreamer P5 does not lock integrators and users into a limited range of speaker choices,” continued Rietschel.  “You can IP-enable almost any speaker with this device, and take advantage of its PoE capability to simplify deployments.”

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 warm installation points, 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).

The Exstreamer P5 begins shipping worldwide at the end of January 2011. A limited amount of samples are available now.

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.

Lighting Sioux Radio Network distributes live UND football and hockey games to 12 broadcast affiliates in two states

ZURICH, SWITZERLAND, November 8, 2010 — Barix AG, a pioneer in IP-based audio, intercom, control, and monitoring, has partnered with streaming media provider StreamGuys to establish a low-latency IP distribution network for University of North Dakota football and hockey broadcasts.

Twelve radio stations across North Dakota and Minnesota comprise the Fighting Sioux Radio Network.  The network, seeking to expand its broadcast footprint, selected IP distribution after comparing costs and automation capabilities with competitive distribution systems.  The choice enabled a lower startup cost while ensuring uptime and smooth operation at unmanned facilities.

The network deployed Barix Exstreamer 1000 professional IP audio codecs across the distribution chain.  The Exstreamer 1000 encodes and decodes program audio and relay signals, all delivered over the StreamGuys streaming platform.

“The Barix Exstreamer 1000 has balanced audio inputs and outputs, and that made it perfect for the broadcast environment where cleanliness of audio is a must,” said Jeremy Eisenzimmer, IT Director and Network Engineer.  “The devices also have built-in closures that enable automated functions for our unmanned facilities, delivering relay signals to trigger stop-sets, legal IDs, liners and other elements from studio automation systems.   StreamGuys provides the bandwidth, low-latency delivery and turnkey network development and support we need to keep the network running smoothly.”

Flagship station KQHT-FM in Grand Forks, North Dakota encodes the audio using the Exstreamer 1000, which passes the encoded signal and relay closures to the StreamGuys platform.   StreamGuys deploys Barix Real-Time Protocol (BRTP) to deliver the signal across the network with very minimal delay, and provides plenty of bandwidth to eliminate network congestion.  The Exstreamer 1000 devices at the affiliate stations decode the signal, separating the audio and the relays.  KQHT monitors the entire network with a backup Exstreamer 1000, configured in “Streaming Client” mode to verify that the audio and relays are reaching the affiliates.

Eisenzimmer added that the Barix/StreamGuys solution costs one-quarter the price of satellite distribution, and hopes to add more affiliates in the future.  This is achieved simply by adding a Barix device at each new affiliate and notifying StreamGuys of the new destination points.

“IP distribution was without question the best option for cost, and the availability of high-speed connections made deployment quick and easy,” said Eisenzimmer.  “The automation functions have been nothing short of a dream for the network.  This allows smaller stations that are low on resources and manpower to carry the games for their hometown fans.  It’s entirely a win-win.”

Eisenzimmer also noted that setup is simple, only requiring that he load the firmware and enter the stream information, and that affiliates wire and plug in the devices to be up and running.  “The simplicity of it will allow our network to grow,” he said.

ZURICH, SWITZERLAND, October 21, 2010 — Barix AG, a pioneer in IP-based audio, intercom, control, and monitoring, announces that more than 1000 Barix Audio over IP devices were used for contribution, distribution and monitoring of live broadcast audio for the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi, India.

The 2010 Commonwealth Games, held from October 3-14, were considered the largest multi-sport event staged in India.  More than 6,000 athletes from 71 Commonwealth nations and dependencies competed in 21 disciplines.  Host broadcaster Prasat Bharathi, India’s largest public broadcaster, produced the official “International Signal” live from 12 competition venues.

Prasat Bharathi contracted Mahanahar Telephone Nigam Limited (MTNL), a telecom service provider and the largest provider of broadband services in Delhi, to install and operate a redundant fiber network from all 12 venues to the International Broadcast Center (IBC), transporting IP audio over MPLS.  The IBC managed and delivered more than 40 contribution and 250 coordination feeds to and from the venues, and served as the origination point for broadcast signals delivered globally to rights holders.

Barix Exstreamer 1000 professional IP encoding/decoding devices were the core audio transport solutions, with special firmware from Barix to deliver very low-latency audio (between 20-30 milliseconds of delay).  Redundant pairs of Exstreamer 1000 devices contributed live sports commentary and broadcast-quality event audio from each venue to the IBC.  Many broadcast facilities receiving live feeds from the IBC used Barix Exstreamer devices to receive and decode the program audio.

MTNL, using Barix IP audio and CISCO network components, established an IP network that exceeded the performance levels of traditional telephone links, and met the signal quality requirements of all broadcast partners.  Barix IP devices additionally provided SNMP traps that allowed personnel to monitor the links from the MTNL network center at the company’s operational headquarters.

Mr. Jidendra Garg, Deputy General Manager of MNTL, recognized the success of the IP network, noting feedback from home broadcasters and rights holders that indicated high channel availability, reliable bilateral audio feeds, and superior quality of the coordination circuits.  He opined that the IP coordination circuits provided bandwidth capacity equal to the IP contribution circuits — not possible with traditional links.

Garg also observed that the production partner, SIS Live; and GTV, the official broadcasting partner to Prasar Bharathi, were very satisfied with the Audio over IP delivery achieved through Barix. He expressed appreciation over the high level of professional support that Barix and systems integration partners HCL Infosystems and BNA Technology Consulting offered through the duration of the event.

Senior officials from Prasar Bharathi expressed similar views, appreciating “the team efforts of the technology providers and the systems integrators for their efforts in making the Audio over IP delivery platform a grand success.”

Johannes G. Rietschel, CEO of Barix AG, expressed gratitude at the opportunity to show the world the value of using cost-effective, feature-rich Barix Audio over IP devices for contribution and distribution of broadcast-quality program audio; and the reliability of Barix devices for live broadcast events and network monitoring.

“We appreciated the opportunity to deploy more than 1000 Barix IP devices for the Commonwealth Games, which flawlessly distributed live broadcast audio from the venues to the world,” said Rietschel.  “We are proud to have delivered ‘incident-free’ performance for the 12-day event at an affordable cost, working in a fully-redundant link model in cooperation with the region’s leading broadcast, production, telecom and integration companies.”

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 will also showcase new Exstreamer 500 IP Audio device for radio broadcast program transport

ZURICH, SWITZERLAND, October 19, 2010 — Barix AG, a pioneer in IP-based audio, intercom, control, and monitoring, will bring its latest innovations for the radio broadcast industry to Broadcast India (October 21-23, Bombay Exhibition Centre, Booth E.510). The company will introduce a new time reference accessory for applications such as broadcast, in-store audio and IP-based data collection, while also showcasing its latest hardware and device firmware.

“For many years, Barix Audio over IP solutions have given broadcasters affordable and reliable options to deliver program audio and associated data between studios and transmission points,” said Johannes G. Rietschel, CEO and Founder of Barix AG. “Our latest offering gives broadcasters using Barix devices more options in the way they configure their IP Audio links. Meanwhile, Barix continues to grow its product portfolio with new IP Audio hardware devices and associated accessories, such as our new RTC Dongle to be introduced at Broadcast India.”

RTC Dongle

The Barix RTC Dongle is a real-time clock accessory that provides a consistent time reference for embedded devices and control equipment. Thought to be the only product of its kind, the RTC Dongle attaches to any device, Barix or otherwise, that offers an RS232 serial port. The RTC Dongle keeps time for up to three days without power, and requires no batteries — eliminating service requirements. This allows connected devices to immediately retrieve accurate time information after returning to power, with immediate start-up for time-dependent applications such as firing station IDs, jingles and other scheduled events.

“The RTC Dongle fills a gap in the market where we could not find a device with similar functionality,” said Rietschel. “In a Barix IP Audio system, the device is only needed in cases where Barix devices are used offline or have no network connectivity when information is needed. Once set, the device will maintain time on its own, bridging periods of power loss.”

The RTC Dongle keeps time in the Unix format (seconds) with 32-bit resolution. The device has minimum charge requirements, operating with a “gold cap” of high capacity to store the necessary energy for two-to-three days of operation.

Exstreamer 500 Device and IP Audio Firmware

Barix will also display its recently introduced, cost-effective Exstreamer 500 IP audio device built specifically for radio broadcasters. The Exstreamer 500 is a one-half, 19-inch rack mount solution with encoding and decoding capability. Now shipping, it is essentially a lower-cost version of its high-end sibling, the Exstreamer 1000, retaining important features like balanced inputs and outputs and contact closure interfaces. Broadcasters can purchase the Exstreamer 500 through the Barix global network of established broadcast distributors, accessible at www.barix.com.

Barix will also demonstrate its new, easy-to-configure device firmware that provides more technical options and functionality for program audio transport. The new “STL software package,” pre-loaded onto new Exstreamer 500 and 1000 devices, is also available as a free update at the Barix website and can be loaded onto all existing Barix Instreamer encoders and Exstreamer decoders. This enables new features including full-duplex audio transport (48kHz sample rate PCM, full duplex devices only) and trap-based alarming. Applications supported through the new firmware include directed or unidirectional microwave-carried STL IP, remote contribution, and low-bandwidth internet streaming.

Barix has included the Reflector Service client into the same software load. This previously announced service simplifies connections for broadcasters via a plug-and-play scenario. The Reflector Service completely removes any need for user configuration: The hosted application serves as an online center to configure and monitor the audio transport bridge while also providing a straightforward relay of the audio feed, enabling almost immediate audio streaming between multiple devices. Exstreamer 500 and 1000 customers can switch between the new STL software (the default on Exstreamer 1000) and the Reflector client (default on Exstreamer 500) via web browser.

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.

Exstreamer 100 and Instreamer 100 provide clear signals and improve audio quality

ZURICH, SWITZERLAND, September 20, 2010 — Barix AG, a pioneer in IP-based audio, intercom, control, and monitoring, announces that Radio Notimil, the official radio station for the Armed Forces of Ecuador, has deployed a Barix Audio over IP network to distribute programming to radio stations in four cities. Diseños Integrados y Telecomunicaciones (DIT), a design and integration telecommunications company specializing in providing networking solutions, designed and installed the system on behalf of Radio Notimil.

Located in Quito City, Radio Notimil is an FM station that began emitting its signal over the Internet with the intention of establishing an IP distribution network for its broadcast signal.  The Senatel in Ecuador, the national telecommunications office that authorizes the use of frequencies, granted Radio Notimil permission to simultaneously or independently transmit programming in Emerald City, Tulcan City and Coca City. To achieve this, DIT suggested a Barix Audio over IP solution with two distinct encoding and decoding points to distribute programming from the master studio and provide local studio-to-transmitter connections.

According to Jorge Cardenas, business development director for DIT, Barix offered a cost-effective solution with outstanding signal strength and audio quality for a complex and challenging distribution strategy.

“We investigated analog technology prior to choosing an Audio over IP solution,” said Cardenas. “The Barix Instreamer/Extreamer solution provided a three-to-one cost savings compared to analog distribution,” said Cardenas. “Integrating the stations on a national level presented a logistical problem, given their distances between the studios. The Barix solution addressed our distance challenge and offered wide bandwidth and very high-quality audio transmissions.”

DIT designed and configured a LAN network to transport program audio throughout the entire audio chain. Radio Notimil in Quito City encodes the audio using a Barix Instreamer 100 for transport over the internet. A Barix Exstreamer 100 decoder connects to a studio console in each city as a continuous program source, allowing the local operators to control what is sent out over the air. The signals are then re-encoded through an Instreamer coming out of the console and delivered to a second Exstreamer at each transmission facility for local over-the-air transmission.

DIT established OFDM links to enable the local Instreamer-to-Exstreamer connections for STL transport. At the transmission site, the Exstreamer decodes the audio and sends it to an aural exciter, which restores harmonics and improves the audio quality of the over-the-air signals from the FM transmitters.

All Barix products are inexpensive, low-power devices that are scalable to the growth of the operation; offer 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. Barix also offers its programmable BCL standard open to all customers to easily tailor applications for specific needs. Local control, audio relay, and low-latency streaming are a few examples of custom programs using Barix’ BCL software environment.

Montreux-Oberland-Bernois (MOB) Railways (MOB Railways) invests in a modern passenger information system based on the new Barix Annuncicom 155 device

ZURICH, SWITZERLAND, September 8, 2010 — Barix AG, a pioneer in IP-based audio transmission, intercom, control and monitoring, announces that Montreux-Oberland-Bernois Railways in Switzerland will become the first customer of the new Barix Annuncicom 155, a networked Audio over IP device specially designed for harsh everyday operation on railways, buses and ships.  Barix partner Railtec Systems GmbH will exhibit a new panorama carriage with the device on the open-air grounds at the Innotrans show in Berlin, Germany (Stand FGSUED/FC/10), taking place September 21-24 at the Messe Berlin Exhibition Centre.

Railtec Systems, based in Switzerland, is currently outfitting 14 locomotives and railcars and about 60 passenger carriages operated by MOB Railways with networked Annuncicom 155 devices.  The devices are integral to the configuration of MOB Railways’ pioneering passenger information and announcement system.  The Annuncicom 155 is responsible for the bidirectional exchange of live announcements as well as priority, monitoring and control information over a TCP/IP network.

“The Annuncicom 155 is a very robust, flexible Audio over IP device and fits perfectly into our information systems,” said Lorenz Trachsel, Managing Director of Railtec Systems.

In Railtec’s system concept, the Annuncicom 155 components will typically be used for informational and emergency two-way communication between a passenger and a train conductor or guard.  In the case of an emergency call, the Annuncicom 155 can open a two-way channel with an external destination only accessible via radio transmission.

The system can also assume the functions of a public address system in addition to the intercom function.  It enables live and pre-recorded announcements, in manual or automatic mode.  Possibilities include selective announcements in individual zones or to groups of devices; or all-call announcements broadcast to all connected systems.

According to Trachsel, the zone-splitting function is of particular significance to MOB Railways.   “The ‘Golden Pass Services’ route is very scenic and attractive, and MOB Railways offers a very diverse range of services for tourists,” he said.  “With selective announcements, systems configured by Railtec enable the relay of commentary to travel groups as they pass by the mountain panorama.  This is an ideal feature as the 4,000-meter peaks of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau mountains are on this route.”  Pre-stored texts can also be retrieved using GPS, enabling specific and automatic commentary to be provided on particularly scenic places of interest.

The Annuncicom 155 also demonstrates flexibility in preserving the corporate identity of customers, as the operator buttons and intercom panels can be designed in accordance with customer requirements.  In terms of control, the system offers a broad level of adaptability to the tasks at hand.

“We can program Barix devices ourselves, enabling perfect tailoring to customer requirements,” said Carmelo Dimotta, Project Leader at Railtec Systems. “Crucial in our decision in choosing Barix was the fact that we can monitor all inputs and outputs in the system.  Every Annuncicom 155 also checks continually for short circuits and line breaks.  These readings are displayed in the locomotive or control car, providing the train conductor with a continuous overview of system status.  In addition, prioritizing of announcements is programmable, giving automatic priority to safety announcements.  The systems are certified for emergency calls through this level of safety.”

The first installations were delivered to MOB Railways in August 2010.  Most of the carriages have been in service for years and have been or will be upgraded to support Audio over IP.  Some new carriages are being ordered and outfitted as comfortable panorama carriages.

Please also visit Barix at Stand 216 in Hall 4.1 and Railtec Systems at Stand 210, Hall 2.2.

Company ships latest Exstreamer device, introduces new firmware for IP Audio links

ZURICH, SWITZERLAND, September 1, 2010 — Barix AG, a pioneer in IP-based audio, intercom, control, and monitoring, continues to innovate for the radio broadcast industry.  The company will showcase its latest hardware and device firmware at IBC 2010 (Booth 8.B16, RAI Exhibition Center, Amsterdam, September 10-14), giving broadcasters more options in the way they use Barix for delivery of program audio between studios and transmission points.

Now shipping, Barix will display its Exstreamer 500 IP audio decoder to international audiences for the first time at IBC.  The Exstreamer 500 is a professional Audio over IP hardware device designed specifically for radio broadcasters, offering a one-half, 19-inch rack mount solution with encoding and decoding capability.  It is essentially a lower-cost version of its high-end device, the Exstreamer 1000, while retaining important features like balanced inputs and outputs and contact closure interfaces.  Broadcasters can purchase the Exstreamer 500 through the Barix global network of established broadcast distributors, accessible at www.barix.com.

Barix will also introduce new easy-to-configure device firmware that provides more technical options and functionality for program audio transport.  The new “STL software package,” pre-loaded onto new 500 and 1000 devices, is also available as a free update at the Barix website and can be loaded onto all existing Barix Instreamer encoders and Exstreamer decoders.  This enables new features including full-duplex audio transport (48kHz sample rate PCM, full-duplex devices only) and trap-based alarming, while reducing external hardware requirements previous necessary for such enhancements.

“The new universal, feature-filled Barix software is a fully configurable application that fits well into many different scenarios a broadcaster may have for program audio transport, such as directed or unidirectional microwave-carried IP, remote contribution, and internet-based low-bandwidth applications,” said Johannes G. Rietschel, CEO and Founder of Barix AG.  “Through manual fine-tuning of the software, we offer many of the professional features that broadcasters rely on for high-quality audio transport between locations.  This, along with quick set-up, is especially ideal for Exstreamer 1000 users that want more freedom to configure various options onto their devices.”

Barix has included the Reflector Service client on the same software load.  This previously announced service simplifies connections for broadcasters via a plug-and-play scenario.  The Reflector Service completely removes any need for user configuration:  The hosted application serves as an online center to configure and monitor the audio transport bridge while also providing a straightforward relay of the audio feed, enabling almost immediate audio streaming between two devices.  Users of the STL software package can switch between the new STL software (the default on Exstreamer 1000) and the Reflector client (default on Exstreamer 500) via web browser.

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.

New Annuncicom 155 solution allows for on-vehicle configuration of reliable communication systems based on existing LAN/WAN infrastructures

ZURICH, SWITZERLAND, August 24, 2010 — Barix AG, a pioneer in IP-based audio transmission, intercom, control and monitoring systems, introduces the Annuncicom 155 IP intercom and announcement device developed foremost for use on trains and in rail stations and tunnels.

The device, to be introduced at the Innotrans rail transportation show in Germany (Messe Berlin Exhibition Centre, September 21–24, Hall 4.1, Stand 216), enables systems integrators to set up tailored communication systems ranging from simple door intercom, PA and background music systems to complex monitoring functions and emergency announcement systems.  It is also the first Barix device to meet EN50155 standard requirements for rail vehicle installations.  (“Railways Applications Electronic Equipment Used on Rolling Stock.”)

The basic principle of an Annuncicom 155 communication system is both elaborate and simple.  At least two devices are connected to a standard TCP/IP LAN network to exchange live announcements as well as priority, monitoring and control information for a standalone system.  Barix SIP firmware can enable integration into conventional SIP-based telephone systems.  Control signals and a serial port allow the connection of a selector switch, buttons or display.  This allows for destination selection and the control and display of connection status.

The Annuncicom 155 system can operate as a standalone system or in conjunction with PCs and central IT management in a standard network, enabling low-cost and quick configuration of the communication system while guaranteeing future expansion.

“As with all Barix products, the Annuncicom 155 is based on standard TCP/IP and works with Audio-over-IP.  This means it can be integrated very easily and conveniently into existing networks, and allows for wide-range networking and deployment – even in Multicast mode to simultaneously address any number of subscribers,” said Johannes G. Rietschel, CEO and Founder of Barix AG.  “Its stable design is perfectly suitable for harsh everyday operation in trains, buses and ships, as well as for deployment in general applications under harsh environments, including transport and industrial.”

The Annuncicom 155 conforms to the usual transportation standards including EN50121 and EN50155.  Devices without EN50155 conformity are typically not used in trains, carriages and other rolling stock for railways.

“The requirements for such devices are quite demanding, and we are happy to offer the first Barix product to the rail transportation industry that meets requirements for on-board use,” said Rietschel.