All,

there is a new application firmware out for the Barix IP Audio devices. SIP Client version v01.07 brings a major change intended to make the use of the devices much more easy.
The Web UI, through which the device is configured, now offers “profiles”, to allow easy configuration of different use cases

1) SIP phone
This profile is intended for applications on bidirectional devices, for applications which are similar or identical to a SIP phone. The Barix devices can be used ideally in call stations, help points etc, preconfigured numbers can be called using the contact closure inputs etc.

2) SIP paging endpoint with Background Music support
This profile works on all devices which provide output capability (all Exstreamer and Annuncicom devices) and is typically used for “IP Speaker” application or to drive a paging amplifier.

3) SIP door station
This profile enables typical door station functionality, is able to operate in automatic “half duplex” mode to support simple door intercom panels (Aiphone), and also allows to activate a relay via SIP Info/DTMF to open the door.

4) SIP gateway
An interesting “glueware” application, when this is selected, the device can work as a “SIP to standard Multicast RTP” converter, will serve as an endpoint, and re-broadcast (or multicast) the received audio stream so it can be used with any device which can play audio from a standard RTP stream.

5) SIP based audio monitoring
This mode is typically used for audio surveillance, covert operations, etc. In this mode, the device can establish a call silently to a configured destination if it picks up audio above a certain level.

The SIP application firmware now supports the PS16, the desktop IP paging station from Barix, and on the Annuncicom 155, even the microphone and speaker supervision are supported.

The firmware can be downloaded, as usual, from our website free of charge and devices can be updated via browser.
Johannes

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.

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

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

It took some time, but now – finally – the Ethersound implementation in the Barix devices is ready for prime time !

Barix was able to implement the ES100/Spkr variant (output only, no daisy chaining), which integrates perfectly within an Ethersound system, in Software.

The Functionality is useable in all Exstreamer and Annuncicom products, so you now have a wide choice of interfaces from Ethersound to amplifiers, direct to speakers, AES/EBU …. everything Barix can offer !

Very low delay (much less than 10ms with Exstreamer 1000), 2 independent channels per device which can be configured and dynamically controlled to output any of the 64 Ethersound Channels, and a very affordable solution are the key reasons for using Barix devices in an Ethersound installation.
And, of course, the same device can also be used for standard IP Audio distribution (but not at the same time, Ethersound needs exclusivity of the network).
If you want dynamic channel selection, you can combine the Exstreamer with an IR remote control or the VSC – volume source control.

The first customer project has been successfully installed and announced: Barix Ethersound installation

Typical applications include

– audience speaker interface in theaters, dance floors, stadiums
– listening stations in dressing rooms in theatres
– Ethersound based transportation audio systems – speakers
– Retrieve an Ethersound audio channel/signal and feed into an IP network (2 Barix devices back to back)

Please contact Barix for any questions !

Johannes

read more on the Barix wiki – here is the direct link to the Ethersound page: Barix Wiki