Barix streamlines Euro 2008

News

Andrew Low Jun 2 2008, 9:47am

UEFA has selected IP streaming components from Barix AG

In each one of the eight Euro 2008 stadiums, UEFA is installing one or two Barix Instreamer 100s, each with a microphone connected to record the background noise at various points. Other Instreamers with mikes are installed in the commentary boxes specially equipped for the blind and visually impaired so that they can hear the match commentary.

The audio data are sent via the existing local-area networks in the stadiums to the Exstreamer 100s and then to the lounges reserved for the blind and visually impaired spectators. Both the Instreamers and the Exstreamers are directly connected to the LAN without additional PCs. The Exstreamers receive the audio streams they need via the local network and deliver them via standard analogue outputs to the amplifiers and loudspeakers installed in the lounges. When the commentary is distributed, the background noise is cut off, ensuring the running commentary is not drowned out by the shouts of spectators and that the listeners always know what’s happening at that very moment – including the tremors produced when ten thousands fans jump from their seats in the grandstand.

IP audio distribution at an unbeatable price

The IP audio distribution between the Barix Instreamers and Exstreamers is via existing IP/Ethernet networks or the Internet and uses IP standard protocols only. This ensures that bandwidth is minimal and no additional servers or PCs are needed. Those were precisely the deciding points behind UEFA’s decision in favour of Barix technology. “Our devices immediately convinced UEFA because it enables the existing local networks in the eight stadiums to be used.

That makes installation very simple and cheap,” says Barix founder and CEO Johannes G. Rietschel. “Plus, the value for money offered by our IP streaming components proved to be unbeatable.” At about 160 euros for an Exstreamer 100 and 400 euros for an Instreamer 100, Barix devices are an absolute bargain.

Live feeling for blind and visually impaired football fans across Europe

The special service for the blind and visually impaired will be offered in June at all eight stadiums hosting UEFA Euro 2008 in Austria and Switzerland. In addition, audio streams will be available at facilities for this segment across Europe. In this case, the audio signals will be sent via WAN connections and the Internet to their destinations where Barix Exstreamers will receive and decode them for relay to loudspeakers and amplifiers. The Exstreamers can be preconfigured to receive commentaries in the chosen language.

The system already passed a test run held at the end of March 2008 involving several trial groups in the stadium and in Basel where fans could follow the Austria–Netherlands match in Vienna’s Ernst-Happel stadium aided by the Barix solution. All participants were very impressed with the high audio quality and intensive experience. “We hope that this solution will be installed in more stadiums after the European championships and so increase the fun factor for as many blind and visually impaired people as possible at sporting events,” says Rietschel.
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