Exstreamer 1000

The Exstreamer 1000 combines the instream and exstream technologies into a single device. It is a versatile network device suited for a variety of high quality audio applications. The Exstreamer 1000 can be used as an audio decoder (Exstreamer functionality), or as an audio encoder (Instreamer functionality). Audio can also be transmitted bidirectionally in a full duplex configuration (ABCL application).

The Exstreamer 1000 features:

- Balanced I/O (DSUB9 XLR adapter cable available as an option),

- AES/EBU fully digital transmission path

- High quality A/D converter

- Contact closure interfaces (4 inputs, 4 relays)

NOTE: HW features availability is related to the specific Firmware loaded on the device

Firmware

The Exstreamer 1000 is a universal hardware platform and can run various Barix application firmwares. All audio application firmwares provided for download on the website support the Exstreamer 1000. Firmare packages and documentation is available free of charge from Barix. The following standard application firmware from Barix can be used:

Instreamer Standard FW

Turns the Exstreamer 1000 into a high quality audio encoder supporting MP3 compression, shoutcast/icecast source protocol, RTP broadcast/multicast and raw TCP streaming.

Contact closures are NOT yet supported in the Instreamer firmware.

USB flash memory interface is not supported in the Instreamer firmware.

Exstreamer Standard FW

Turns the Exstreamer 1000 into a high quality audio decoder supporting MP3 compression, uncompressed playback, RTP/raw UDP/TCP stream reception, synchronous audio playback etc. Serial port tunneling for the RS-232 port is supported, and the serial port can also be used as a command interface.

Contact closures are NOT yet supported in the Exstreamer standard firmware.

USB flash memory interface is not supported in the Exstreamer firmware.

Streaming Client FW

Turns the Exstreamer 1000 into a high quality stream receiver with MP3 compression and uncompressed audio support. The Streaming Client firmware allows configuration of up to 3 URLs, with auto-fallback in case of link/server failure, use of a USB flash stick for backup audio in case of higher priority stream failures etc. All standard functionality of the Streaming Client firmware is supported.

Contact closures are NOT yet supported in the Streaming Client firmware.

STL application ABCL firmware

This ABCL-based application is intended for unidirectional, high quality, uncompresssed streaming of mono or stereo audio feeds. Contact closures are supported by this application, and sent to the receiver(s) using standard UDP (separate “channel”). The target address for the stream can be a device IP address, Multicast group or the Broadcast address. Up to 4 destinations can be independently configured for the stream. In case of a point-to-point application, contact closures can also be sent back.

For sample rates up to 24kHz, the STL application firmware also allows full duplex audio transmission (uncompressed).

Preloaded ABCL kit FW

By selecting the specific application (drop down menu) the Exstreamer 1000 can be used to archive audio MP3 files to a server, to record audio in MP3 to a USB stick, as a network audio player, as an intercom client, as an intercom master, as a full duplex intercom component, or even as a SIP Client for VOIP phones!

Applications

Different applications with different characteristics need different Firmware. The following is a list of typical applications and which software is recommended to be used:

STL – Studio Transmitter Link

The Exstreamer 1000 is ideally suited to set up studio transmitter links over IP infrastructure, being it Ehternet, wireless, LAN, optical fibre or WAN connections. STL application ABCL firmware is supporting uncompressed PCM/16, stereo streaming at up to 48kHz sample rates. Along with the Audio, I/O (4 contact closures) can be transmitted. In the current implementation, the I/O is sent asynchronously using UDP. With Uncompressed, 48k/16bit encoding, a delay of about 50ms or less can be expected. I/O transmission is almost immediate. In addition to the above delay, of course, network delays need to be accounted for. For the STL application, RTP is used as the transport. TCP is not really suitable for this application, especially if low latency is required, due to its unpredictable and time-consuming retry handling. Due to the uncompressed nature of the sampled audio, a constant network load of rouhgly 1.6MBps per stream target will be generated. Beware – this is more than a common “T1” or ADSL link. Compression u/A-law can be configured in the STL application, however, it then can only be used half duplex, and the end-to-end delay significantly inreases (min. 200ms).

If MP3 compression is needed or TCP/shoutcast/icecast protocols should be supported, then standard Instreamer and Exstreamer or Streaming Client Firmware must be used.

Full Duplex Audio Bridge

For full duplex audio bridging applications, either the STL application or the “Annuncicom full duplex” applications can be used. For broadcast/radio applications, the STL application should be best matching.

NOTE: Full duplex functionality is limited to sample rates up to 24kHz and point-to-pont applications.

Shoutcast/Icecast encoder

If shoutcast/Icecast streaming is required, use the Instreamer firmware

Internet Radio Receiver

For almost all cases, the Streaming Client firmware with its backup capabilities is the best choice.

Radio Syndication, Audio and Contact closures

Currently, Barix customers are using Instreamer 100s and Exstreamer 100s loaded with the Streaming Client firmware to transport syndicated content, however this lacks the transport of contact closure states that could be used, e.g. to transmit commands to play the station identification or insert local content.

Barix is developing an application to address this feature, whilst keeping low bandwidth requirements. If bandwidth is not an issue, the STL application can be used here, provided that the number of destinations is small or Multicast can be used.

Hardware

Audio Interfaces

In contrast to the -100 series products, the Exstreamer 1000 features symmetric (“balanced”) audio inputs and outputs as well as an AES/EBU interface (for both input as well as output). The audio signals, as well as the AES/EBU interface, are provided on ITT Cannon connectors commonly known as DE-9/DB9. These high quality, screw lockable connectors are very commonly used for serial connections, and also in many areas where higher density connections are needed. Broadcasters often are interested in “XLR” connectors. Due to the many functions and interfaces and the decision to pack the Exstreamer 1000 in a ½ size 19 case, the use of XLR connectors was not possible (space constraints). Barix offers an interface “cable set” which contains adapter cables between DB9 and XLR connectors. This cable set is available as an option. For “fixed” installations (such as in STL applications), it is recommended that the installer uses DB9 connectors with direct wiring instead of using XLR connectors.

A/D converter

The Exstreamer 1000 contains a high quality A/D converter which ise used with 32kHz and 48kHz sample rate settings. If other sample rates are used, the A/D converter in the DSP is used.

AES/EBU

The AES/EBU Interface can be used with 32kHz and 48kHz sample rates and 16bit audio samples. Other sample rates are not supported.

Case size and mounting options

The Exstreamer 1000 case is ideally suited for 19 rack mounting. Due to its dimensions, two devices can be mounted in 1 HU rack space next to each other, using either standard 19 equipment holders, or – better- using the Barix 19 rack mounting bezel. Using the Barix bezel, the front plate, together with the bezel, forms a flat, full size surface, so “piles” of devices mount easily. The “-100” series products also can be mounted on the same 19 bezel, and need 1/4th width, so any combination of -1000 devices (using ½ width) and -100 devices can be mounted. Attention: the devices are screwed onto the rack mount bezel and are not “slide in/out”.