IP and EtherSound™: Two technologies – one device

Barix has integrated EtherSound™ technology in its IP Audio device families, Exstreamer and Annuncicom

Barix has integrated the ES-100/spkr technology into its Exstreamer and Annuncicom product lines as well as into the IPAM series of OEM modules.
Barix' ES-100/spkr implementation is the first of its kind. Fully implemented in software on the standard CPU used in Barix devices, for a cost effective, reliable solution.
It is now available in the standard firmware at no additional charge and can be activated in the configuration.

The devices serve as:
IP Audio Decoders (Annuncicom or Exstreamer),
EtherSound output devices according to ES100/spkr Standard

What is ES-100/spkr ?

ES-100/spkr is a variant of the network audio standard EtherSound™ suitable for network terminal points, where only unidirectional streams and audio-output devices are required. (e.g.in-wall/ceiling speakers)

What is EtherSound ?

EtherSound is a very low latency, deterministic protocol used to transmit 64 high quality audio streams over Ethernet networks. The principal architecture is daisy chain, with output/downstream distribution being possible via switches.
EtherSound is widely used in live sound applications. It provides excellent means to route audio in a studio, stage or concert hall environment. Because the Ethernet (100MBit) used for the distribution is loaded at nearly 100% capacity, the same network cannot be used for other purposes.
EtherSound is NOT IP based or compatible and cannot be routed. It is also not to be mixed up with other, proprietary „network based“ Audio distribution systems. For more information on EtherSound visit www.EtherSound.com

What is IP Audio Distribution ?

IP Audio distribution uses, as the name suggests, standard IP based networks to distribute Audio. As standard TCP/IP is used, audio streams are generally routable and transmittable over any IP infrastructure, provided there is enough available bandwidth.
Barix devices support a variety of codecs, supporting voice quality (8kHz uLaw) up to uncompressed, linear, CD quality audio (48kHz PCM) at bandwidth requirements of roughly 40kbps just up to 2MBps (for an uncompressed, stereo, 48kHz PCM stream).
As the addressing is done using IP and standard protocols are used, IP Audio distribution solutions from Barix can coexist with other IP applications and services as long as enough bandwidth is available.
Using standard IP, the amount of data frames sent on the network must be kept in a reasonable range, and to cover for network jitter (which probably exists due to the use of the same network by multiple applications), higher buffering, resulting in higher latency, is required. End to end latency of course mainly depends on the network speed. With carefully optimized settings and networks, just a few msecs of delay can be achieved.

Which method (Ethersound or IP Audio Distribution) should i use for my application ?

The answer depends on the requirements. If latency and end-to-end delay is not much of a concern, IP Audio Distribution is probably the method of choice, due to the much lower requirements to the Infrastructure („any switch“ or router will do).
If very low latency, the synchronous transfer of many channels in high quality, for example in live and stage applications is required, Ethersound is the clear winner.

What interfaces (Audio and I/O) do the Barix devices support ?

The Annuncicom 200 can be powered over the Ethernet (PoE), and with its 8W amplifier, it provides an ideal choice for „in-ceiling“ applications, listening stations, room paging installations etc, being it EtherSound or IP Audio technology.

How do i select between EtherSound and IP Audio?

Barix Exstreamers and the Annuncicom 1000 ship dual function. As Default (and whenever reset to factory defaults), IP is activated. The devices can be easily configured by accessing the unit with a web browser. On the configuration pages, EtherSound can be selected. After a reboot the device works as an ES100/Spkr endpoint, until reset to factory defaults.

With Annuncicom 100 and 200 devices you need to load the ABCL firmware and then configure the device to use EtherSound.

What functions are supported and implemented ?

With the IP Audio choice, a vast set of features and functions are available using Barix devices. The functionality of the products can even be easily customized by programming the devices in an easy to learn programming language. Well documented control API's, typically accessible by TCP,UDP,HTML/cgi, are available on the device to control the functionality. With the EtherSound implementation, the Barix devices provide one or two output channels, the devices, selection of channel, control of the volume, and contact closure/serial interfaces, where available, can be controlled using the standard EtherSound control APIs.

What control APIs do i have ?

On the IP Audio devices, this depends on the actual software used. Most Barix Firmware provides UDP, TCP and HTTP/cgi interfaces, which are documented in their respective manuals. For EtherSound, the standard EtherSound control protocol is implemented, so the devices can be accessed and controlled via the network from Audio Manager.

Can i implement the technology into my own products (speakers, amplifiers) ?

Sure you can ! Barix offers the IP Audio Module series of OEM Modules which contain all necessary components to „network enable“ audio devices with little effort. Both IP Audio as well as Ethersound functionality is available (Ethersound requires the OEM to have a basic Ethersound License/Vendor ID from Digigram, per-unit license is included in the modules).

Why use a Barix device as an EtherSound end point?

Barix Hardware is extremely reasonably priced and can provide a very cost effective solution for people who wish to distribute 2 audio channels to particular end points, especially when compared to equipment from other manufacturers.