Barix Introduces New Solid-State Player Applications for Audio over IP Devices. Barix BCL software enables digital message repeating, store-and-forward capability among other possibilities.
ZURICH, SWITZERLAND, August 21, 2008 — Barix AG, a pioneer in IP-based audio, intercom, control, and monitoring, has developed new solid-state player functionality for its range of Audio over IP devices using Barix’s powerful open source BCL (Barix Coding Language) software. Barix customers in the radio broadcast and professional audio industries can now use Barix Exstreamer audio decoders and Annuncicom intercom/VoIP devices in the studio or at a receive point as a cost-effective solution for reliable, high-quality audio playback. Barix will showcase solid-state player applications, including digital message repeating, music on hold, and store and forward functionality, at several upcoming trade shows: PLASA08 in London (September 7-10, Earl’s Court, Booth A43M); the IBC convention in Amsterdam (September 12-16, RAI Exhibition Center, Hall 8 Booth A18); and the NAB Radio convention in Austin, Texas (September 17-19, Austin Convention Center, Booth 372). “The Barix BCL environment is at the core of our ability to develop powerful and useful new applications for Barix customers in the many markets we service, including Radio Broadcast and Pro Audio,” said Johannes G. Rietschel, CEO and Founder of Barix AG. “Our new solid-state player applications provide a very cost-effective and no moving-parts, and a low-power alternative to traditional solid state players on the market that includes the capability to update audio content over a network connection. The source code of the applications is delivered with the firmware and allows engineers and consultants to customize their Barix Audio over IP solutions to meet specific technical requirements.” Barix devices and Barix OEM products are now installed and active in thousands of locations around the world within the radio broadcast industry for STL connectivity, remote pick-ups, confidence monitoring, and internet radio program distribution, among other applications. In the studio, Barix Exstreamer and Annuncicom devices now also serve as ideal digital message repeaters for scheduled playback of station IDs, promos, EAS tones and other audio content. Messages are triggered using integrated contact closures, serial or web interfaces, and all Barix devices are interoperable with digital and analog studio equipment, including consoles and audio networking equipment. In-store audio is typically either a live stream, or playback of stored content. Barix supports both scenarios, and the new Barix solid-state player application is ideal for store and forward platforms. Retail environments, restaurant chains, and other business with multiple locations can use the new Barix solid-state application for the Annuncicom or Exstreamer at the receiving sites. In a typical store and forward configuration, the Barix devices communicate with the central server and check for content updates over the network. The Barix devices recognize playlist updates, download new content, and update the local USB media storage, adding new songs, promos and other messages to the playback. Content can be encrypted right to the exact point of playout to comply with potential strict copyright requirements. Barix in-store solutions require only an IP connection, and offer more flexibility and options for localized messaging in point-to-multipoint applications compared to traditional satellite delivery systems. Content can be delivered on a scheduled basis and updated locally on the Barix devices via a web browser. Barix Annuncicom users can take advantage of an audio input for “voice over” functionality, mixing announcements with an external music feed with automatic fade-in and fade-out. The new BCL applications for solid-state functionality can also be applied to music-on-hold applications for businesses, and besides the analog audio output, the Barix devices can also interface to IP and SIP based phone systems, providing the on hold audio as a unicast or multicast RTP stream. All Barix products are inexpensive, very 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 environment free of charge to all customers to easily tailor applications for specific needs.