NY Times recently published a nice article about the benefits of Tai Chi for everyone’s general constitution.

At Barix, we have now our first year anniversary of implementing a weekly Tai Chi lesson in the office. We have scheduled the lesson so that all employees who are interested can attend, and it is defined “business matter” so the time spent counts towards the working time.

I guess some of our customers may have noticed a further decrease of bugs and increase in quality of our products (IP Audio devices) .. a coincidence ? I guess not .. we have good reasons to continue the Tai Chi classes !

Johannes

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.

Innotrans 2010 Outside Exhibits

A Barix OEM Product could be spotted at Innotrans in the Goldenpass panoramic carriage in the outside exhibition area.

Goldenpass Carriage, Innotrans

The product, called “Annuncicom VME”, is effectively an Annuncicom in a VME card form factor, which fits in a common 19” VME rack and draws the power from the backplane. It features a ruggedized design, able to be compliant with EN50155, -40..+70’C temp range etc, with balanced audio, 2 RS-485 interfaces and digital I/O.

Goldenpass Carriage, Inside view

The Annuncicom VME is used by Railtec Systems GmbH in various projects as part of their Passenger Information Systems (IP based PIS). It is already the seccond product from Barix which is compliant with EN50155.

Hmm, in here:

In here .. which one is it ??

Being an OEM product, the Annuncicom VME is not available to the general market, if you have projects where you think this product can be of use, please contact me.

Johannes

the Annuncicom VME card

Hello,

here is a nice photo picturing a large installation of Barix Exstreamer 1000 devices (hundreds, this is only a part of the installation) …i can’t disclose as of now where that is – a press release and success story will follow 🙂

Johannes

Barix Exstreamer 1000 Installation

Hi,

we are currently exhibiting at Innotrans in Berlin, Hall 4.1 – swing by to check out our offering, and the first one referring to this blog entry, approaching us at the booth, will be treated with a coffee 🙂

The favorite for our visitors is the brand-new Annuncicom 155, the first Barix Audio over IP product which is EN50155 compliant and thus fulfills the stringent requirements for on-board equipment in trains, busses, vessels. With IP65 rating and -40… +70’C operating range, it is also suitable for outdoor installations, bus stations etc. A great product for IP Audio call boxes too, especially when used with the SIP firmware …
Here’s a pic of our booth.

Greetings

Johannes

Barix Booth at Innotrans

Folks,

a new STL firmware is now available here. This software provides a host of new features, yet simplifies the use. It can be downloaded freely and installed on all our standard Barix IP Audio devices (Exstreamer, Instreamer and Annuncicom). Not all features are working on all hardware (for example, on an Exstreamer 100 you can only use the decoding functionalities, obviously). Best performance and full features are available if you use it on Exstreamer 1000 or Exstreamer 500 hardware.

Here’s a screenshot:

STL Firmware screenshot

Major improvements and new features:
– New WEB User Interface with profiles (Locations) and single Apply
– Full Duplex PCM (uncompressed), up to 48KHz sample rate
– Analog Audio Output Silence Detection
– Analog Audio Input/Output VU meter bars
– Low Latency Frame Buffering
– Selectable high quality A/D converter (at 32 and 48 KHz)
– USB playback as fail-over or by relay trigger
– Reflector Client included in same load (either/or selection)

The camouflaging algorithm which takes care of dropouts has been further improved as well, brief dropouts due to RTP useage (which is unidirectional) are practically unhearable. It’s probably a quite well hidden secret that our devices do this since many years …

Greetings

Johannes

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.

Many people use IP Phones at home. A very popular phone is the Siemens Gigaset product range, which provides analog line as well as VoIP/SIP connectivity. Models C470IP, C475IP, S675IP and S685IP are currently in the market.

But .. how do you connect a door intercom or door station to them ?

Fortunately, the latest SIP firmware for the Annuncicom makes a perfect companion for the Siemens Gigaset IP phones, it can talk with the Siemens phone via IP !

• A visitor, who presses the “ring” button on the phone, places a SIP call to the Siemens base. This can be done “peer-to-peer”, so it won’t consume an account entry, and it does not need a PBX or server to work.

• The DECT phones will ring, indicating a call from the IP address of the Annuncicom

• The user can answer the phone talk to the person in front of the door, and also open the door by typing a configurable number sequence on the keypad (for example, “11”).

• Even multiple Annuncicoms can be used in this fashion, for example, for front door and back door !

The solution works, of course, also with other SIP PBXes like Asterisk, but the beauty with the Siemens IP phones is that there is no servers, no PBX, only little configuration needed.

Contact us if you are interested in more details, or check out our wiki pages.

Johannes