Barix Revolutionizes STL for Broadcasters with new Reflector Service
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New
Firmware and optional Reflector Service dramatically simplify setup
of “STL over IP” applications for radio broadcasters
LAS
VEGAS, April 12, 2010 —
Barix AG, a pioneer in IP-based audio, intercom, control, and
monitoring, is simplifying STL installations for its customers with a
plug-and-play package that can have broadcasters on the air within a
matter of minutes.
At
the 2010 NAB Show, Barix introduces a new application package for its
popular Exstreamer Audio over IP devices that both simplifies STL
setup and includes the end points for its new revolutionary Reflector
Service. The hosted application serves as an online “STL center”
to configure and monitor the STL bridge while also providing a
straightforward relay of the audio feed.
The
application dramatically simplifies installations for broadcasters
relying on basic high-speed internet connections for STL and
point-to-multipoint distribution by eliminating firewall poking and
costly static IP addresses that are difficult to configure. The
Reflector Service even eliminates basic router forwarding
configuration, as the devices are automatically partnered following
connection to the Reflector Service via the World Wide Web.
Barix
will offer the Reflector Service as part of a new low-cost STL “out
of the box” package featuring the new Exstreamer 500, a low-cost
version of the Barix Exstreamer 1000 Audio over IP device for
professional radio broadcasting. The STL package, priced at $1195
U.S., includes two Exstreamer 500 devices and activation of the
Reflector Service.
“Larger
broadcast companies and broadcast engineers operating their own
networks have found it easy to establish IP-based STL connectivity
with our hardware,” said Johannes G. Rietschel, CEO and Founder of
Barix AG. “Many of our customers that use a basic internet
connection to transport point-to-point audio have had challenges
getting past firewalls and setting up static IP addresses. The
Reflector Service essentially auto-configures the devices over the
internet and serves as an intermediary; the encoder forwards the
program audio to the server and the decoder pulls the stream. It’s
an out-of-the-box solution that greatly simplifies the setup process
for our customers, also adding powerful 24/7 monitoring and
statistics.”
Initial
setup requires opening an account at www.barixreflector.com, plugging
in the two Exstreamer 500 devices and entering the unique MAC address
for each device into the web page. After (optionally) selecting
audio quality and adjusting audio levels, the auto-configuration
process enables communication between the server and the two devices,
which are streaming live audio within minutes.
The
Exstreamer 500, like the Exstreamer 1000, is a professional Audio
over IP device designed specifically for radio broadcasters, offering
a one-half, 19-inch rack mount solution with encoding and decoding
capability. Like the Exstreamer 1000 it also includes balanced
inputs and outputs and a set of contact closure interfaces.
Barix
will offer the Reflector Service free of charge to Exstreamer 500 and
1000 customers for several months before charging a nominal annual
fee. The monthly fee will add up to less than the cost of a static
IP address, which ranges from $20-50 per month. Hot standby/backup
service and 24/7 monitoring of the stream will be made available at a
later date.
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.