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.