Multi source, multi destination
System Description
The below is a very powerful concept and can be used for many applications.
The devices use a special firmware and distribution protocol we call BARP (this stands for BARix Paging protocol). The concept allows for min. 1000 "receivers", hundreds of concurrent audio channels, 255 different priority levels, and can use all standard Barix devices (and also OEM modules).
The system can be broken down in the following areas:
Channel/Program sources
Every Channel source is one of the following:
Instreamer
The Instreamer (or Exstreamer-1000, if symmetric or AES/EBU input is needed) is an ideal hardware based, single (stereo) channel encoder. In this context, it encodes a source in real time and streams that source to a specific port number ("channel"), constantly, using RTP, to either a multicast or broadcast address.
Solid State Background Channel Generator
This is essentially an Exstreamer-100 with specific application code. It can take a file from the USB stick and stream it out like an Instreamer (RTP, multicast or broadcast target address). An ideal source for constantly repeating audio channels like info channels, background music channels without actual relevance (no news).
PC with software
Barix provides a free software tool which can read .m3u playlists or the iTunes library format, and generate multiple simultaneous background streams on a network. The software can also *rebroadcast* Internet Radio stations (if it uses icecast/shoutcast standard and MP3 codec), is written in Java, and runs on multiple platforms. Note: the software does not transcode - audio files are streamed "as is" and must be currently MP3 format. The software is available for download free of charge from the Barix website ("MP3_RTP_Streamer").
Paging Station
The PS16 (or, with more limited features, an Annuncicom-100 or -200 or -1000) can be used to generate audio channels too in the BARP concept. Use for paging is obvious .. targets can easily be selected by buttons (PS16) or contact closures (Annuncicoms, eventually extended with an X8) and audio streamed (typically at a higher priority than the background music channels). But the PS16 (and also the other devices) can also be used in conjunction with a flash disk (already installed in the PS16) to play back recorded announcements "on demand", "on button press" or if requested by an external device/Control system.
Combined output/input
An Annuncicom can generally be used as a dual-function device in the system. It can serve as a zone output device, and with a locally connected audio source (typcially a microphone), it can as well be turned into an audio source for the system. Local "pass through" for local paging is possible as well as paging to a group of devices.
Emergency Audio Source
An Annuncicom is the ideal device for priority messages, being it "stored" messages (from USB stick) or live audio. Typically triggered by a contact closure, audio is sent at high priority, so the zone receiving devices will immediately switch to the Annuncicom and play back ths stream it is providing.
Zone Output Devices
For each Zone, a "decoder" or "output device" is needed. That is typially an Exstreamer or Annuncicom, but it can also be an OEM product such as an amplifier with built-in IPAM or an IP connected Speaker with a Barix IPAM inside. Each Zone device can be individually monitored and controlled, and can play any source available on the network. Zone Devices themselves decicde which channel they currently need to play, based on "selection" of the device by a source and priority of the stream.
Zone Decoder with analog output
The Exstreamer-100 is the low cost device of choice for that application. If a built-in Amplifier is needed, the Exstreamer-200 will serve well. If a relay is needed, for example, to activate an amplifier in case of an Alarm, the Exstreamer-110 (one relay) or Exstreamer-1000 (four relays) is the solution.
Zone Decoder with AES/EBU output
The Exstreamer-1000 is ideally suited for that application. It has balanced audio outputs and AES/EBU capabilities.
Zone Speaker or powered output with POE Supply
The Annuncicom-200 has built-in PoE support and an 8W digital amplifier. It can drive a 4Ohm or (preferred) 8Ohm load directly. The Exstreamer-200 has a powerful class-D amplifier (2x25W) built in, but can also be used with a PoE Adapter, in which case the output power is reduced to 2x4W.
System Control and Channel/Volume selection
Free software (ICGraph) is available from Barix to manage and monitor the complete system. However, it is not mandatory for system operation. If used, a central office can see the availability of the devices, make announcements, and even set the actual channel to be played per Zone or to groups of output devices.
For an individual zone, besides "central" control of Channel/Volume, there are also options to control locally:
- 1 using a browser (or iPhone etc), directly controlling the Exstreamer
- 2 using a command interface on the Exstreamer from an automation system (such as Crestron)
- 3 using a remote control with the Exstreamer
- 4 using the VSC (Volume Source Control), connected to the Exstreamer
