FAQ

FAQ

This is a list of common questions and answers, for most of the answers a detailed description is linked

General questions - IP, Addressing, Multicast etc

• What is SonicIP?

SonicIP is a feature of all Barix audio devices which at the start-up announces the device's IP address to the attached headphones/speakers. This is useful for the technician in the installation phase before the device gets a fixed IP address; e.g. when it is attached to a DHCP network for the first time after unpacking. Typically after the device is configured the SonicIP is switched off not to disturb the listeners in the operational environment if the device is eventually reset.

• What is AutoIP, IPzator, etc.and how do I use them?

These are methods to automatically obtain an IP address if the device is not configured to a fixed address. Read more in this AutoIP Howto

• Do the Barix products support Multicast and IGMP ?

Yes, the Barix products do fully support Multicast and IGMP. However, depending on the firmware and application used, there maybe are some caveats. Read more here: Multicast

• Do the Barix products support IPv6 ?

No, at the current time, no IPv6 support is implemented in the Barix products

• I want to set up a local network with more than 250 devices, what do i have to do ?

No Problem - but you will not be able to use a "class C" address (192.168....). A "private" range well useable for larger networks is 172.16.x.x, with the default netmask 255.255.0.0. This gives you roughly 65000 possible hosts ... should be sufficient ?

• I want to do a broadcast over different subnets, is that possible ?

A broadcast is a local function, read here: broadcast. Broadcasts can not be sent over different subnets. However, you may be able to use Multicast. Barix devices can also provide "rebroadcasting" functionality, which means that a device in a remote network receives a stream and sends it back out to the local network as broadcast or multicast. Using that functionality, a broadcast can be sent to a remote network.

• How do the devices get their IP address ?

When you plug the power supply into the power jack of the device and the other end into the power outlet of the wall, the Barix devices, when using their default configuraton, will search for a DHCP server to get an IP address. If no DHCP Server is found, the device will try to sniff the network to find a "free" IP address. If that does not work either (because there are no other devices generating traffic), the device will pick an IP address of 169.254.x.x, according to the "Auto-IP" standard. In any case, after max. 5 minutes the device will have an IP Address and announce it via the audio interface (headphone interface on encoding products).

• What if my routers don't have a fix IP address from the ISP (Internet service provider) ?

When your routers don't have a fix IP address and the dynamic IP address changes every day, then it makes sense to use a DNS name because you cannot change the configuration of the Instreamer / Exstreamer every day. DNS translates a unique name to a IP address. On the Internet there are some DNS registration services, DYNDNS.org is a very popular DNS service and supported from many routers. Before you can use a DYNDNS – DNS name you have to create a account on www.dyndns.org, and select/register your DNS name. The account and the registration of a DNS name on DYNDNS is free of charge. The name should be a little more specific than 'myhome' and must be unique in the whole world. Once you have created your account and registered a valid DNS name then you have to configure your router so that the router updates the DYNDNS server every time when the router gets a new IP address from the ISP. Check first which services are supported on your router.

• How do i connect a Barix device to HSPDA, UMTS, CDMA, EVDO, wireless networks ? *

There is a special wiki article about that - please read this: Connecting to 3G Networks

• How do I configure the devices ?

You can adjust network settings, streaming destinations, monitoring settings and more with the Web interface. To enter the configuration mode you will need:

• • the IP address announced over the audio outputs (see the Quick Install Guide)
  • a standard web browser

• The device already has a password either I don't remember or I don't know, how do I erase it ?

Enter 25 characters to erase the current password and click on the "Apply" button. Then you can create a new one of up to 24 characters.

• Ho do I do a web update of a device ?
  • download the software package you want to use
  • unzip the package at your computer
  • at the device press the update button
  • click on the link: Please click here to continue
  • press the browse button and navigate to the compound.bin file in the update_rescue folder
  • press the upload button and wait for a successful message
  • press on the update link
  • press the reboot button and wait until the device has do a reboot
  • refresh your browser page

Now the new software is loaded to the device.

• How do I set the device back to factory defaults ?
  • Look for the "Defaults" button in the configuration page. This procedure will NOT erase the network settings.
  • To revert ALL settings (including the network settings, passwords, etc) to factory defaults the “Reset” button has to be pressed for about 5 seconds while the Barix Instreamer is powered. Use this method if a connection to the Barix Instreamer cannot be established. If this fails we recommend to perform a “Serial Rescue”

• How do I perform a "Serial Rescue" of the device if it becomes unreachable ?

First of all you have to do this not by web browser but using a serial crossover cable. Download the corresponding firmware package of the device from Barix' website as usual. Once the firmware is downloaded and unzipped, you will find the file called "_readme1st.txt". Please follow the instructions contained there.

The "Serial Rescue" loads the entire firmware and resets the device to factory default settings (current configuration is overwritten). It is therefore helpful to note the current setting. Printing out the “status” page is the quickest way as the page contains all configuration parameters.

• How do I get the "status page" of any device ?

Open your web browser and type in the IP address of the Barix device in the URL field followed by “/status” and hit the “Enter” key. • Example: “192.168.0.12/status”

• What if the device is still unreachable after a serial rescue ?

You can still use the "ARP" method to address the device, but for that you need a LOCAL connection. After doing factory defaults, you can ALWAYS use the ARP method or serial method to set up an ip address to the unit and enter the configuration and re-enable it. To use the arp-command to set an IP address to the Exstreamer manually, please do the following:

• • connect power, loudspeaker and the cable to the device
  • open a cmd console at your PC, using Windows do the following: "Start Button" --> "Execute" --> "cmd"
  • type in "arp -s <ip address> <MAC address> (e.g. arp -s 192.168.0.201 00-08-e1-00-6c-e7)
  • type in "telnet <ip address> 1 (e.g. telnet 192.168.0.201 1)

A connection will be initialised. After a short period (app. 2 seconds) you'll get an error message, that´s ok !! Now the device has learned the ip address and you should be able to configure the device through your browser.

• What does RTP stand for ?

RTP means Real Time Protocol . The RTP is a stream of UDP frames that apart from audio content contains a small header with time sequence information. This information is used by the receiving party (e.g. Exstreamer) to detect and replace lost frames.

• AND what does BRTP stand for ?

BRTP is a modification of the RTP by Barix and works in pulling mode.

• How much latency should I expect in an Instreamer/Exstreamer setup using BTRP ?

We generally say "expect 500ms", it very much depends on the codec used, network bandwith - and very important, network jitter ! NOTE: the higher the encoding quality and bitrate, the better (lower) latency .. this sounds awkward but due to buffers being "shorter" in that case, it's true.

Best case about 200ms, if the network adds a lot, or you have to configure higher buffering (because of network jitter), then numbers are higher of course.

• How do emergency messages work ?

The way it works is that you can set up your Exstreamer or Annuncicom to look for a priority stream on a certain port. When it sees that stream, it disconnects the normal stream and subsitiutes the audio from the priority stream. When the priority stream goes away the unit automatically switches back to the original stream. There's even a separate volume control for the priority stream- so you can have music playing in the background at a low level and then sue the priority stream for emergency messages at a much louder level.

Audio FAQ

Questions related to audio formats in general

• What is the difference in using PCM MSB and PCM LSB? (e.g. in the STL application)

MSB and LSB are two different ways of sending 16-bit PCM samples over the network. The difference is in the byte order (most vs. least significant byte first).

The setting must be compatible to the communicating partner. For a communication between two Barix devices (e.g. STL link) it does not matter what you choose, but configure both to the same value. If you are interfacing another equipment (e.g. a PC), your selection must be compatible to it.

MSB is the network standard. LSB is usually generated by PC programs.

Instreamer/ Encoding related questions

• Can the Instreamer also encode WMA ?

No. The Instreamer can encode only MP3, PCM or G711.

• Can the Instreamer also encode AACplus ?

No. The Instreamer can encode only MP3, PCM or G711.

• Do you have a product to encode AACplus (or a plan to do this ?)

No. There are no current plans to provide a product with AACplus encoding

• What kind of streams does the Instreamer produce ?

It converts audio from any analog or digital (optical/coaxial S/P DIF) source into:

• • G.711 (aLaw/uLaw) streams at 8 or 24 kHz sample rate,
  • PCM (16 bit) streams at 8 or 24 kHz sample rate or
  • high-quality MP3 streams at adjustable bit rates (VBR) between 35 and 192kbps
  • Encoding up to 48kHz PCM/stereo is possible with alternative firmware.

The audio is encoded in real-time, and the generated audio stream can be distributed, via an IP-based network or the Internet, to one or more receivers or Shoutcast / Icecast-servers.

• May I configure the stream EXACTLY at 64 kps (or some other value) on Instreamer 100 ?

The Instreamer generates VBR (variable bitrate), so an exact bitrate cannot be configured, but if you use the right settings the bitrate will average +-5% to a value near to or below 64kbps (or the desired value).

• How much bandwidth do I need to stream audio ?

The amount of bandwidth depends on the parameters you select on the Instreamer regarding encoding, quality and protocol. For mp3 the range is between 30 and 210 kbps. Example: At CD quality, each stream is approx 192kbps. FM Stereo is 128kbps.

If you want to do a linear feed (no perceptual coding), a 44.1 kHz PCM stream will consume most of a 1.544 mbit T1 line. See Bit Rate Calculation for bandwidth consumption of audio streaming with Barix applications.

• How many destinations can I stream to ?

There are up to 8 direct destinations to stream to (or 32 in a specific configuration). Each one can be directed to a device, or a multi- or broadcast address (destination connection types) or be set up as a listener waiting for a connection to be initiated by the other side (listener connection types). Each entry has its own IP address and Port. See Stream To Considerations on how to set the “Stream to” entries.

• Which is that specific configuration ?

BRTP This is a "pulling" RTP method, where the destination (Exstreamer) sends a request to the Instreamer and the Instreamer then sends the RTP stream. Big advantage: the Exstreamers can be using a DHCP address and they even can be behind NAT. Only the Instreamer needs a static IP address. Using this approach, up to 32 streams can origin from a single Instreamer (at 64kbps)

• But I need more than 32 destinations, how can I do ?

There are ways to address this, depending upon your situation and requirements: For example, FM Stereo quality requires 128kbps of bandwidth so, for 100 destinations it will demand quite some bandwidth!

• • If you do not have such capacity / don't want the headache of providing it and managing it, there are specialist firms such as Streamguys (www.streamguys.com) who can help - you send them the feed, they rebroadcast it.
  • If you have the capacity, you can set up a shoutcast server and stream yourselves.
  • A third option is our 'Replicator' software - We have written a software for the Barionet, which can receive an RTP stream and send it to up to 100 destinations (at 80kbps) with very low latency. The application can be managed/configured via web browser or it can pull a text file with the destinations from a server.

• I have set up multiple shoutcast destinations on my Instreamer. Can I use different passwords for different streams?

No, there is only one password common for all shoutcast destinations. If you need multiple passwords use an external shoutcast server and configure the Instreamer as Shoutcast Source streaming to this server.

• How do I set the Instreamer to feed streaming audio to a stream hosting company ?

In the streaming tab, scroll down to the middle of the page where there are eight 'stream to' boxes. In one of them select Shoutcast. In the boxes beside the Shoutcast, put in the IP address the stream hosting company resolves to. In the port box put the listen port number you use. Go to the bottom of the page and click apply.

Now, go to the security tab. There's a line to put a password that says Ice/Shoutcast. Put the password that the stream hosting company gave you here. Go to the bottom of the page and click apply.

Finally, you have to set your audio quality. In the audio tab select MP3 44.1 kbps and start out with a quality level of 2. Also select mono or stereo (mono will require less bandwidth than stereo). Check with the stream hosting company to make sure that you are at the bandwidth setting you bought with them but not over. If you are low, set the quality level to 3, if high, set the quality level to 1.

• I want to play the stream of an Instreamer with Windows Media Player, but it does not work

Windows Media Player can decode VBR MP3 streams as generated by the Instreamer, but in recent versions it does not calculate the buffering correctly. This is *not* a problem on the Barix side, it has been proven to be a problem with WMP. There is a simple workaround: when WMP starts with "buffering", press the play button a second time and the stream will start playing.

• Is there a way to connect to the Barix Instreamer directly? We would like to get the audio from the device with as little lag as possible.

Sure. All you have to do is assignthe Instreamer an IP address and connect a computer or an Exstreamer right to it with a crossover cable, switch or hub. It will stream directly to the device.

• How do I configure a Instreamer-Exstreamer audio connection within the same LAN ?

You can download the Instreamer-Exstreamer How To PDF guide from the Downloads section of Barix site.

• How do I configure a Instreamer-Exstreamer audio connection over the Internet (known as STL connection)?

You can download the STL connection over Internet PDF guide from the Downloads section of Barix site.

• When using the Instreamer 100 to encode / feed a Shoutcast Server, how do I insert Artist / Title / Station-name text ?

Read how to send metadata

Exstreamer related questions

• SonicIP Voice - can i change this and record my own ?

Yes, to do so follow this SonicIP Howto.

• How to use the Exstreamer 1000 as a PCM STL ?

• How do I play an AAC stream? What version of AAC do you support?

To play an AAC stream use an Exstreamer 110 labelled with "AAC+ capable" on the bottom. The software must be the Streaming Client 2.x (preloaded in the Exstreamer 110).

Both the AAC (AAC LC) and AAC+ (HE-AAC) are supported. In AAC+ both SBR (v1) and PS (v2) are supported.

• How do I know what the LED blinking means ?

You can find that information in the "Exstreamer Technical Manual". (Faster Green and Red LED)

• Can I download audio files from a remote server to be played ?

YES. There is an application called "FTP/HTTP store and forward MP3 player" contained in the ABCL-Kit Software (you can download it from Barix website www.barix.com). Basically it downloads playlists and MP3 files from a configured FTP or HTTP server to the local USB drive and plays them according to the configured time schedule (definable in the playlist). Features background update of mp3 files and playlists.

• How do I configure the Exstreamer 100 to play files from a flash drive attached to the USB port when the Internet goes down ?

You have to use the Streaming Client Software on the Exstreamer and check if "playlist.m3u" is set in the 3rd URL. Copy your mp3-files into the root directory of the usb-stick. After rebooting, the Exstreamer will find the attached usb-stick and play the music if there is no network available.

Note: There are some rules for the usb-stick. See USB_device_compatibility_list#Limitations

• How do I stream from a PC to an Exstreamer ?

There are several solutions possible:

a) zServer Software: Please install the zServer software on your pc (download it from Barix website). Set the Exstreamer (with Standard SW) to factory defaults and it will find the zServer automatically.

b) MP3_RTP_Streamer Application: Please install this java-application on your pc. The application will create a rtp-stream and send it through your network.

c) HTTP-Server: Please install a http-server software like Apache or SimplyServer on your pc. Now you are able to pull the stream with the Exstreamer from the server. To get it to work please do the following:

• • start your http server
  • create a txt file with include the names of your playlists and name it playlists.txt
  • the playlist.m3u file must include the complete path to the mp3-files (e.g. http://<ip-http-server>/music/example.mp3)
  • at the Exstreamer (with the Standard SW) use Mode 2 "Webserver"
  • at the Exstreamer's homepage you should see the content of the playlist.txt file

d) VAcard Application: Install the VAcard software on your Windows PC (download it from Barix website). This application will create a virtual soundcard and stream the audio to the Exstreamer.

• How can I monitor an Exstreamer ?

For monitoring you can use the mtell-application. Please go to http://www.m-tell.de and click on the "create a new free demo project" link. In the mtell-settings you have to set the MAC address of the Exstreamer. Now you are able to sent the status of the device to the mtell-server. At the Exstreamer you have to set the MTEL URL to "http://www.m-tell.de" and the "MTELL Report Periode" to 5 seconds.

• What is the capacity of contact of the relay in an Exstreamer-1000 ?

24V - 0,5A

Annuncicom related questions

• Can I build an intercom system with Annuncicom?

Yes, use the PS16 as the central station. Follow this howto to set up the system.

• What are the ratings for the relay on the Annuncicom ?

The ratings for the relay are: max 50V/1A

• Does the Annuncicom feature SIP functionality ?

Yes it does. To use the SIP application it is necessary to download the ABCL Kit. ABCL (Audio Barix Control Language) is a free programmable language like basic. The ABCL Kit includes a SIP Client for the Annuncicom. You can download it from the Download section of Barix website (Within "Software Solutions" category)

• Is an Annuncicom 100 with standard firmware able to receive audio using RTP protocol ?

Not with the standard firmware, but with the "Annuncicom Fullduplex" application contained in the ABCL kit.

IPAM related questions

• What is the difference between IPAM 200 and IPAM 300?
  • IPAM 300 is an "upgrade" drop in replacement of the IPAM 200
  • one more connector (4 pins) for I2S (digital output)
  • no other hardware changes
  • slightly better audio quality
  • newer version of the DSP, can now also handle AACplus v2 (needs to be licensed if needed) and Ogg Vorbis
  • runs the same software
  • same price

Control FAQ

X8 related questions

• How do i update an X8 with the latest firmware ?

You need a Barionet to do this. There is a special application for the Barionet which helps in doing this. Here is a detailed howto page on this wiki describing this: X8-Update

Barionet related questions

• How do i read an I/O register using SNMP ?

All registers in the Barionet which hold I/O values can be read and written via SNMP. You can easily control the relays, for example, by using SNMP set requests on registers 1 and 2.

The detailed register map is documented in the Barionet manual.

How do the registers map to Object ID's ?

This is defined in the Barionet MIB, which is included in the device (you can access it with the URL /barionet.mib on the device), and on the Barix website. Here is, for example, the OID for register 201 (digital input 1):

1.3.6.1.4.1.17491.1.1.2.1.2.201.0

Note the .0 at the end - and the number before is the register.