New enhancements to radio broadcast, partyline intercom solutions enhance quality and streamline configuration

ZURICH, SWITZERLAND, April 2, 2013 — Barix comes to the 2013 show with new enhancements to its professional two-way IP audio solutions for broadcast radio and intercom, improving quality in sound and communications. Barix also continues to simplify system setup for customers, eliminating traditional IP configuration processes to have customers streaming audio within minutes.

The company will show its Partyline Intercom solution at the 2013 NAB Show, highlighting open-channel communications across multiple parties without audio interference — especially ideal in fast-paced video production environments. New enhancements eliminate the need to configure IP addresses and servers, stripping away the complexity often associated with multipoint IP audio system setup.

Barix will demonstrate how camera operators and other production personnel can use the compact Annuncicom PS1 on the move, utilizing a push-to-talk button with selectable audio channels to facilitate communications amongst directors and production personnel.

Radio Broadcast Solutions
Barix enhances its Exstreamer 500 bi-directional audio device at the 2013 NAB Show to improve audio quality and streaming flexibility. The device now supports both constant and variable bitrate, with the former added to simplify streaming to Shoutcast and Icecast servers – pertinent for extending how broadcasters incorporate Barix IP audio solutions for live streaming and syndicated program distribution. A new chip improves quality of the analog-to-digital conversion path to enhance professional broadcast sound.

The Exstreamer 500 is a multiprotocol encoder and decoder with balanced audio and professional I/O options for signal relay and control. In broadcast, it is ideal for STL and remote contribution applications. Broadcasters can simplify configuration using the Exstreamer 500 with the Barix Reflector Service, creating a complete streaming audio solution that replicates a received stream to an unlimited number of destinations through the public internet. The Reflector Service is based on a simple server-client architecture that removes IP address, server and other configuration hassles.

Solution connects fixed and mobile devices, strips away “complexity of IP”

ZURICH, SWITZERLAND, March 18, 2013 — IP audio and control specialist Barix heads to ISC West with a new IP paging solution that allows end users and integrators to set up multi-point systems within minutes.

The plug-and-play solution combines fixed and mobile paging to extend reach and capability, while removing configuration hassles typically associated with IP. This ensures that schools, hospitals, office buildings and other commercial and public facilities can be up and running quickly instead of configuring IP addresses, servers and ports for receiving devices.

Importantly, the dedicated Barix Paging firmware enables the paging master to automatically identify all zones and Barix IP hardware on the network, including other paging stations and receivers. Furthermore, a Barix iOS paging app enables iPhones and iPads as paging devices — cleanly integrating the mobile capability into the overall solution.

“The Barix IP Paging solution retains the flexibility of IP without the complexity of IP, simplifying connections and removing headaches for businesses and security professionals,” said Johannes G. Rietschel, CEO and Founder of Barix AG. “We’re essentially delivering a solution where customers can plug in cables, connect loudspeakers and talk.”

The Barix IP Paging solution includes all pre-configured hardware, including paging masters and receiving devices equipped with the IP Paging firmware. Complete solutions can scale to the end customer’s needs, with no limits to the number of paging zones. The company’s two-way VoIP devices can be used at receiving points to enable intercom capability over the same network, and integrated amplifier options are available to further reduce costs and infrastructure.

Barix will showcase various hardware options and mobile capability for its IP Paging solution at ISC West (Booth 16138), taking place April 10-12 at the Sands Expo Convention Center in Las Vegas.

Company to introduce new accessory at ISE in Amsterdam

ZURICH, SWITZERLAND, December 3, 2012 — Audio over IP pioneer Barix addresses network downtime with its new Real-Time Clock accessory, ensuring that audio and control devices continue operating uninterrupted during network failures — keeping mission-critical operations for broadcast radio, streaming media, building automation and other applications on time.

The market-agnostic, self-sustaining reference clock plugs into any device with an RS232 serial port, including but not limited to Barix IP audio and control products. The Barix Real-Time Clock (RTC) maintains time, even when unpowered, for years. This allows the RTC to provide time information immediately after a device startup, independent of a network-based time reference.

“Barix devices are normally network-connected and receive the time through that connection, but what if, after a power outage, the network connection remains down?” asks Johannes G. Rietschel, CEO and founder of Barix AG. “It’s a serious concern if your operation requires time-dependent logging or control. The Barix Real-Time Clock provides that time source to maintain operations.”

Rietschel points to specific examples for streaming media and building automation. Retail businesses, for example, often operate “Store and Play” systems for in-store audio that are programmed to run time-based announcements and playlists. The Barix Real-Time Clock allows the device to work offline without network connection, playing out audio messages and time-sensitive content on time. Similarly, broadcasters streaming syndicated programs with local network IDs, jingles, ads and promos can trigger events on schedule without affecting the on-air content.

For building automation, Rietschel notes that Barix Barionet IP control devices can use the RTC to gain independence from network time references, continuing to switch lights and boilers on and off if the network goes south. This ensures that energy-saving techniques for schools, businesses and other facilities continue without disruption.

“The overarching benefit for any operation is that your devices can read the time from the RTC and run critical programs as scheduled,” he said. “It’s a low-cost accessory that can make a big difference.”

Barix will show the Real-Time Clock along with its latest one-way and two-way IP audio devices at the ISE show in Amsterdam, taking place January 29-31, 2013 at the RAI Exhibition Center (Booth #2-E64).

One little known feature of the Barix INSTREAMER is it’s built in support for live streaming in a Cisco environment – easy to overlook in such a feature packed device!
Nonetheless, word is getting back to us more and more frequently of customers using the functionality, primarily in one of two configurations:

- as a ‘Live Stream’ where users can dial an extension and hear the Instreamer audio; a dealer room is one example of where this can be useful, the Instreamer is streaming a live feed of market data.

- to stream live audio for music on hold; for example a local radio station (make sure that you have the rights / have paid the royalty fees before rebroadcasting any radio channel!). A great customer story here: http://www.netcraftsmen.net/resources/blogs/live-stream-music-on-hold-and-cisco-uc-on-ucs-barix.html

This second option is distinct from ‘traditional’ Music/Messaging on Hold supported by the Exstreamer MOH Client firmware, where a fixed file is played repeatedly to callers on hold. More here: http://www.moh-technology.com/news/161/

Demonstration to emphasize significance of audio integration into IP video systems for life safety and security

ZURICH, SWITZERLAND, September 4, 2012 — Barix AG, a pioneer in IP-based audio, in-tercom, control, and monitoring, will exhibit at ASIS International (September 10-13, Philadelphia Con-vention Center) for the first time – bringing its range of IP audio and control solutions to the profes-sional security end user.

Barix will exhibit within the Milestone Systems booth (#3126), underlining the increasing significance of audio in surveillance operations, and the importance of improving audio quality and flexibility of distribution for live paging and public address.

“Security professionals have realized that video is no longer enough,” said Johannes G. Rietschel, CEO and founder of Barix AG. “Human beings have ears and a mouth to go with the eyes, and there is a clear advantage when all three of these senses are used in surveillance and other security-related appli-cations. The ability to cleanly integrate high-quality audio and video over a common IP network delivers cost savings and greatly simplifies installation for the user.”

Many video-centric security industry vendors have already integrated Barix audio over IP into their solutions, including industry leaders such as Milestone Systems. Milestone integrates Barix Exstreamer one-way and Annuncicom two-way IP audio devices into Milestone XProtect IP video management software to support paging and public address (one-way); and audio surveillance and intercom (two-way). Milestone also supports Barix Barionet IP control devices within its XProtect software to bridge physical device and software layers, effectively triggering camera movements and activating video recording based on motion, lights, doorbells and other events.

Barix will show its latest IP audio and control devices on the Milestone booth, including the Annuncicom 60 introduced this June and being shown to security audiences for the first time. The Annuncicom 60 is a low-cost IP audio device that serves as a gateway between VoIP, IP paging and intercom systems, and traditional components including call boxes, loudspeakers and microphones. The device offers plenty of flexibility, with operators able to issue verbal warnings or instructions to people under surveillance; or to communicate with callers at an SOS help point, for example.

Barix will also demonstrate how its latest Exstreamer audio output devices with Power over Ethernet (PoE) and built-in amplification can help end users consolidate and minimize technology components at end points — simplifying infrastructure and reducing deployment costs while offering very high audio quality for voice clarity.

Marcel van der Meijs, vice president of sales and marketing for Barix, will offer a presentation on Barix integration to XProtect at 11am, Wednesday, September 12 at the Milestone booth. Attendees will learn how IP audio can help security personnel more effectively draw attention to criminals, monitor activity and communicate, reliably trigger video recordings and alarms, and even deliver background music over the same network — with priority interruptions for page messages, warnings and security announcements.

“There is no limit to the benefits that audio can bring to video-centric security systems,” said van der Meijs. “The ability to talk back to a location in a city surveillance project, for example, can easily prevent a crime from taking place. And the ability to trigger lights and video in dark areas based on audio events can offer security personnel a clear picture into what is happening. Meanwhile, gunshots, screams and other emergency situations captured by these devices can automatically trigger alarms for immediate attention from monitoring centers. These are all important benefits that can make a real difference.”

We’re happy to announce the posting of the latest youtube video on the BarixAG channel, the video is about Barimon; the Barix Monitoring service from our long term partner MOH Technology.

Barimon collects data from Barix devices and allows users to review, or graph the data, and also export it for further analysis. Barimon works with the Streaming Client and FTPMP3 standard firmwares and can be easily integrated into any BCL application. Click here to view the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9dHzfYvBBlA

.. we think that this is a key feature of Barix. The best IP Audio codec, STL device or automation controller won’t help you much if there is an issue “somewhere” in the system. Although an IP connection, once set up, is typically stable, things may go bad after some time .. being it a temporary issue at the ISP, the local router or an aging ethernet cable, the reasons are numerous.
Barix solutions can report various live statistics to help diagnose and are typically quite resilient to problems. However, at some stage, you, our customer, will probably have the need to talk to someone in person who is quick, competent  and able to help !
We are able to support in at least 5 world languages, and our staff does not ask about forms to be filled out and expensive hotlines to call. They just help.

We deem this an important part of Barix’ culture and it is one of the reasons why Barix is so highly regarded in the market.
Below is a recent customer feedback which speaks for itself.
We always appreciate to hear back from you, in such cases as well as in others where we could have done better !
Johannes

Good Morning!

Shawn Newman
Radio Asia – NJ/PA/DC

Swedish company exclusively uses Barix to enhance the shopping experience through the power of music

ZURICH, SWITZERLAND, March 5, 2012 — Barix is exclusively providing IP audio decoding solutions to Music in Brands for the delivery of unique music programming to retail stories and other public areas. The company uses Barix for both direct audio streaming and store-and-forward solutions in businesses around Sweden, providing flexible, low-cost playout solutions for in-store campaigns.

Based in Stockholm, Music in Brands creates musical identities for brands through audio, designing specialty programs that match the business and its customers. The company produces a custom radio station for each business, building unique playlists that update regularly to keep programming fresh and store environments lively.

“Music is a very important piece of the shopper experience, and we want to play music that matches the environment without repeating the same songs over and over,” said Anders Svensson, president of Music in Brands. “There is a lot of psychology involved because customers can shop elsewhere if they don’t like the music. We operate similarly to a radio station to improve the atmosphere. This results in increased loyalty, more committed personnel and increased buying behavior.”

Svensson points to several customers currently using Music in Brands audio branding with Barix in-store technology, including Swedish automobile manufacturer Volvo; telecom companies Telenor and 3; retail businesses JC and Polarn O. Pyret; and the Scandic Hotels chain. Barix Exstreamer IP audio decoders reliably receive and play out high-quality audio at multiple locations for these businesses, while minimizing expenses through low device cost and simple installation. Svensson and his team configure the devices and ship them to the store locations, where employees typically install the devices themselves.

Locations with plenty of network bandwidth receive continuous, high-quality AACplus audio streams, while those with stricter bandwidth limitations — like JC and Polarn O. Pyret — use Barix’s store-and-forward capability to download the streams to the devices for MP3 audio playout.

For Scandic Hotels, Music in Brands produces five music channels streamed simultaneously to the hotel. Staff can choose jazz music in the bar or easy-listening in the lounge using the Barix channel selector function. Svensson has found the Barix Exstreamer 200, featuring a built-in amplifier (2x25W), especially helpful in smaller stores such as those operated by Telenor and 3.

“We have mostly used Exstreamer 100s to this point, but the Exstreamer 200 is a very cost-effective and space-saving solution for small shops,” said Svensson. “We can provide an entire solution with an Exstreamer 200 and a few speakers, with Barix providing the IP receiver and amplifier in one device.”

Svensson also noted the importance of Barix’s open-source software, which allowed him to freely build a custom monitoring program to access information from every device in the network. “Barix takes care of all the in-store playout needs while allowing us to see everything that is happening across the network,” said Svensson. “They were clearly the best choice for cost, flexibility, audio quality and reliability.”

Professionally-produced, private-label radio station now heard in nearly 90 stores

ZURICH, SWITZERLAND, February 14, 2012 — Barix is exclusively providing IP audio decoding solutions to RFC Media for its private-label, retail radio network for Spec’s Wines, Spirits and Finer Foods that has grown to nearly 90 store locations across Texas.  The project underscores Barix’s expertise in Audio over IP solutions for both radio broadcast and in-store media applications.

RFC Media, managed by longtime radio broadcast professionals, creates custom-produced, Internet-delivered radio stations for private enterprises, supplying music with live breaks to create a true broadcast experience.  The company uses Barix Exstreamer 100 IP audio devices to receive and decode its professionally-produced program streams at client locations, citing ease of use and setup, stability, low cost and audio quality as key differentiators from competitive solutions.

“Barix gives us the power we need to ensure our clients have continuous, uninterrupted service of a living, breathing radio station,” said Pat Fant, co-founder and chief operating officer, RFC Media. “Plug in the Exstreamer, and it’s ready to make radio. I’m not sure we could deliver the same quality broadcast experience at the same price without Barix.”

RFC Media differentiates itself from background music services by offering a true hosted radio station experience. “Host presenters” make announcements — live or on delay — related to the business during music breaks. All clients receive customized music programs updated every 24 hours, including Spec’s Radio, the private-label radio station created for the Texas retail chain.

“We’re not a playlist company – we’re radio people,” said Fant. “We have a professional production studio with the equipment and software to put together and stream a full presentation. This stems from our background as broadcasters. We approach this differently from interruption-style media common in background music systems. We talk to the customer instead of advertising to them.”

Fant adds that Barix makes it simple to add locations. The RFC Media staff handles device configuration (five minutes or less per device) and adds new IP addresses to the network. The devices are shipped to client locations along with instructions for two simple connections.

“The fact that these are simple to use and configure makes it easier for us and our clients,” said Fant. “We minimize our costs by not sending installers to each store with a toolkit and spools of wire. The locations just need a high-speed internet connection and the ability to plug an Exstreamer into a sound system, and they are ready to go.”

“Broadcasters approach in-store media with a different twist,” said Johannes Rietschel, CEO and founder of Barix. “Playlist-based elevator music is often boring, and the personal touch RFC Media adds with individual programming and live announcements makes full use of Barix capabilities: reliable, real-time streaming with system-wide ease of use.”

Spec’s Radio can also be heard online at http://www.radiofreecruze.com/SpecsPlayer.html and via a custom mobile iPhone app. RFC Media is building a similar network for NASA, although at this time the private radio station, “Third Rock, America’s Space Station, is online only at http://www.nasa.gov.

New app gives iPhone, iPad users a true IP audio paging solution — without the complexity of IP

ZURICH, SWITZERLAND, January 30, 2012 — Barix AG, a pioneer in IP audio, control and monitoring, brings voice paging to the iPhone and iPad via the Barix Wi-Fi Paging App — the first open-standards IP and multicast voice announcer application for mobile iOS devices.

The Barix Wi-Fi Paging App, now available in the iTunes App Store, enables zoned voice paging from iOS devices in commercial, public and residential properties. Barix’s open-standards approach turns nearly any VoIP or IP Audio receiving device into a simple IP paging/announcement system. Besides the full range of Barix IP Audio devices, many IP phones are supported, as well as third-party IP Paging gateways and speakers. A one-time configuration process ensures that users can quickly set up a paging solution for immediate and ongoing use without hassle.

“Barix is bringing more than ten years of knowledge and leadership in VoIP and IP audio devices to the smartphone universe,” said Johannes G. Rietschel, CEO and founder of Barix. “The Barix Paging App draws from our professional IP Audio and paging knowhow to make Wi-Fi paging available for millions of smartphone owners across commercial, residential, medical and professional markets.”

Ease of use is central to the Barix Paging App. Upon download, users add existing paging receivers such as IP phones, IP speakers or VoIP paging gateways in the setup part of the application. Multicast addresses can be used to set up zones with multiple receiving devices. Configurations are stored within the app or an optional location device, ensuring a one-time setup process per site. For existing Barix customers, the configuration process can automatically discover Barix IP Audio devices.
Users can assign photos to each device or zone to create clear visuals for the paging targets. Once setup is complete, users can make announcements to one, many or all configured targets by simply touching the appropriate zone icons and initiating audio with the “push-to-talk” soft-button. Real-world applications include calling the kids for dinner, making general announcements to all classrooms in a K-12 school, paging doctors in a hospital, and announcing new security measures across a large corporate campus.

All Barix VoIP-enabled IP Audio products are compatible with the Wi-Fi Paging App, including:
* Single- and multi-zone VoIP Paging Gateways (Exstreamer and Annuncicom two-way audio product families)
* The “IP Speaker without the speaker” (Exstreamer P5)
* The ruggedized Annuncicom 155 for use in harsh environments
* The Exstreamer 205, which provides up to 50W output power for high-quality music distribution applications — and now Wi-Fi Paging
* Affordable Power over Ethernet (PoE) master paging stations (Annuncicom PS1 and PS16)

More information can be found at http://www.wifi-paging.com or the Barix homepage.