Application
More and more stores and restaurants are looking for a solution to distribute audio from one source (e.g. head office) to all their branches in real-time so that customers in each location get to hear the same music and on-the-fly advertising. Up to now, this has been achieved through expensive equipment and monthly memberships which may require calibrated satellite dish installations on roof tops. This technology also made it difficult to provide localized advertising within the stores since a store chain tapped into the same audio content stream which is beamed down from the satellites.
Barix has developed a much more intelligent solution by using standard IP Network infrastructure for the distribution of audio content as opposed to expensive satellite equipment and memberships as well as postal mail distribution operations. The audio content can now easily be delivered to the stores via Internet which also allows each store to be addressable for customization of audio. With this technology it is now possible for a store to localize customized advertisements by state, county, city, store and even store department.
Benefits
- Easy and simple since the system operates over Internet infrastructure (no expensive satellite dish on every roof, no mailing of CDs or data sticks, no dedicated lines needed).
- Localized music or advertisement customization per store or even store department.
- Inexpensive and simple installation and usage. Just plug the Barix device into the network.
- Globally manage thousands of stores from one central point.
- Highly reliable
- Bandwidth is not a problem due to high ADSL downlink capacity
- Immune against network dropouts and interference thanks to highly developed Barix technology
- Technology has proven its reliability in Military operations
- Technology has proven itself for the radio industry in applications such as studio transmission links (STL over IP)
- Easy monitoring of destination points due to back channel (not available with satellite).
- Continuous monitoring and proof of playback at destination.
- Clear identification of connection loss or poor connection.
- Fool proof instant start-up, automatic restart, solid solution that is free of moving parts. No wear and tear.
- Global audio distribution coverage via Internet.
- PC-Free A to B. The audio can be streamed out directly from the studio to the Internet without the need of a PC using the Barix Instreamer. The audio can then be streamed in the store without the need of a PC by using the Barix Exstreamer.
Products
Barix Instreamer 100 (encoder, audio in)
- A Barix exclusive
- Using embedded stand-alone technology the Instreamer replaces a Mac or PC and audio encoding software
- Less than 5 Watt power consumption; „cold technology“
Barix Exstreamer 100 (decoder, audio out)
- Back-up function
- Automatically switches to Back-up stream if main stream fails
- In case of IP network breakdown, the Exstreamer can play from an USB stick
- Can be configured and updated over the network
- Programmable timetables (in the product) for specific play times
10 Reasons for an IP-based Instore Streaming Solution
- Inexpensive solution (single, small component)
- Simple, quick installation (network connection and devices)
- Reliable system operation
- Proof of playback of a broadcast or advertisement in targeted store
- Localized advertising and messaging (no extra equipment needed)
- Global coverage
- Back-up mode in case of network breakdown (automatic switch to USB stick)
- Customization and individualization of audio feed in real-time
- Easy detection of device connection or audio quality loss (direct report to server)
- Centralized management and monitoring of all stations
