Barix Instreamer audio-over-IP encoders simplify delivery and recording of aircraft noise levels monitored across surrounding neighborhoods
ZURICH, SWITZERLAND, November 30, 2016 — Centennial Airport (APA)—an international public use airport in the Denver/Aurora, Colorado metropolitan area—has shifted to Audio over IP as a simpler and more cost-effective means of monitoring aircraft-related noise and its effect on human life in adjacent vicinities. The multipoint system simplifies the gathering, recording and review of noise exposure data – ultimately for the benefit of maintaining and improving regional community and business relations.
Each Noise Monitoring Terminal (NMT) features a Brüel & Kjaer system with an integrated Barix Instreamer. The Instreamer encodes the aircraft noise captured at each NMT, and streams it over IP to a control center where it’s correlated with flight tracking information. These portable field NMTs are currently situated at 12 permanent, noise-sensitive sites throughout the surrounding communities, including two on the airport grounds. Two additional portable units can also be quickly deployed to specific locations, allowing Centennial operators to monitor noise levels in response to specific residential complaints.
“Before we obtained this noise monitoring technology, we didn’t have a direct way of correlating noise complaints with the actual aircraft in the air,” said Aaron Repp, Noise & Environmental Specialist for Centennial Airport, which is owned and operated by the Arapahoe County Public Airport Authority. “Now, we can listen to audio recordings and study the data, including the duration and decibel level of monitored noise events, to verify if a particular noise was the direct result of specific flight activity in that area.”
Prior to deploying the NMTs, Centennial Airport was limited to just logging and tracking complaints, or calling upon nearby Denver International Airport to check their noise monitoring system. Having its own reliable, round-the-clock NMTs enables Centennial Airport’s noise monitoring team to maintain a detailed noise exposure database over time, and develop a five-year forecast of noise levels based upon the projected volume of airport traffic.
“Today, when we speak to local planning commissions and city councils about noise exposure in the airport vicinity, we’re no longer resorting to estimates of aircraft noise levels,” said Repp. With its rapidly growing population, the Denver metro typically sees a great deal of residential and commercial real estate development and construction.
“We can now support our case with hard facts and figures—and even furnish a historical perspective analyzing noise data in a particular area over a specified period of time,” added Repp. “Having concrete data like this is especially valuable to prospective home buyers and business owners that may wonder how much aircraft noise they’ll experience if they locate near this airport.”
Centennial proactively conducted its own “Centennial Airport Part 150 Noise Compatibility Program,” based on a voluntary FAA program that recommends guidelines for airport noise compatibility planning. Based on the study’s many recommendations, the APA applied for and received a $1.5 million grant to fund the Brüel & Kjaer NMT package, including the company’s subscription-based Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) for hosting and maintenance. Brüel & Kjaer also integrated the Barix Instreamer devices, distributed by LineQ in the United States, which have a proven record of reliability and simplicity in a wide range of real-time Audio over IP encoding and streaming applications.
“Live audio of noise events are picked up by the NMT microphone, and the Barix Instreamer streams it to a server that records the event. The recordings enable us to study noise exposure on a case by case basis, such as an unusually loud military flight,” said Michael Fronapfel, director of planning and development for Centennial Airport.
“As one of the busiest airports in the country, Centennial Airport contributes more than $1.4 billion to the local economy,” added Fronapfel. “This NMT technology helps us strike a balance between the needs of this regional airport and the noise exposure that local citizens experience as a result of its flight operations. More importantly, it’s been absolutely key to fostering a strong relationship with the residents and businesses in our local communities.”
About LineQ
LineQ is a full-service distributor specializing in complete Audio over IP solutions, with a complete portfolio of premium, networked end point solutions from IP audio specialist Barix, pro AV specialist Ecler and Cornered Audio loudspeakers; and key partnerships with streaming and software companies to ensure rock-solid multipoint content distribution for in-store radio and other IP delivery systems. LineQ’s customized approach ensures tailored systems to meet the needs of systems integrators and end users in the Pro AV, broadcast and security markets. LineQ’s experience in retail, corporate, transit and education further differentiates its position as an expert solutions provider for an array of businesses and organizations. Additionally, LineQ’s unique Digital Product Manager software simplifies ordering, design, installation and maintenance in the field through an intuitive, easy-to-use mobile app. Visit www.lineq.com or e-mail sales@lineq.com for more information.
Barix: We Move Audio (www.barix.com)
Barix supplies simple and reliable solutions and components to systems integrators and end users worldwide. We move high-quality audio across IP networks, adding value to customer solutions for more than a decade with hundreds of thousands of devices installed worldwide. Background music distribution with dynamic advertising insertion for retail shops, bars and hotels; public address solutions for schools and public spaces; and intercom and entry systems for facility surveillance, protection and security are among the many applications of Barix solutions. Barix also supports OEM projects for a number of Global 500 listed companies serving many industries worldwide.