At the upcoming ISE 2018 conference in Amsterdam, Barix will introduce the third generation of AudioPoint, the company’s audio signage platform that brings digital signage and TV content together with today’s BYOD trends. AudioPoint helps end users deliver audio associated with video content to mobile devices over a local Wi-Fi connection, driving a more intimate connection with consumers and lending a voice to the screen.
AudioPoint 3.0 increases the value proposition for systems integrators and end users with an all-in-one integrated solution that removes the need for an external channel server. AudioPoint 3.0 is based on a brand-new hardware platform, engineered by Barix, that builds the channel server into the Barix Audio Signage Encoder to significantly reduce cost and integration time. The encoder supports both single- and multi-channel audio streaming for up to 250 simultaneous users.
Enhanced networking intelligence underneath the hood also ensures that AudioPoint 3.0 works with most professional and off-the-shelf routers to immediately enable Wi-Fi streaming. As previous generations required a specific type of router, this flexibility in router choice removes testing and configuration headaches in advance of deployments; and quickly sets end users on the path toward strengthening customer and audience engagement.
While all Barix Audio over IP solutions are renowned for low-latency delivery, AudioPoint 3.0 reduces latency even further to tighten lip-sync. This optimises AudioPoint 3.0 for new applications to serve hearing-impaired audiences, live translations and presentation support in corporate, worship and education environments. These benefits also make AudioPoint 3.0 an ideal audio delivery system in live event venues, where fans can see and hear the action in concourses and at concession stands in real time without missing a beat. Meanwhile, the value proposition for traditional AudioPoint applications in hotel lobbies, sports bars and museums is further strengthened through real-time, synchronised delivery.
“Barix was at the forefront of the BYOD trend with AudioPoint upon its introduction five years ago,” said Reto Brader, vice president of sales and marketing, Barix. “The low price of Barix AudioPoint 3.0, combined with the fact that users bring their own receiver devices, has opened new markets for this solution. Even smaller venues and facilities can now provide targeted personal audio streams to end users. Lower delay means support for new applications, such as hearing-impaired audiences at live events including live corporate presentations, local stage performances, worship services, promotional vehicles, and entertainment experiences.”
Beyond integrating components into a single platform, the AudioPoint architecture remains unchanged. Audio associated with a video feed is streamed from a mixer and/or microphone to a Barix Audio Signage Encoder’s analogue audio input; that audio is sent to a Wi-Fi access point that consumers connect to from their mobile devices. The Barix Audio Signage App, available in app stores or via a QR Code advertised on location, immediately enables the live stream on the consumer’s device. Channel selection is made available to consumers when multichannel streams are enabled, allowing users to select another language or an alternative soundtrack for another local screen.
Brader adds that the latest Barix Audio Signage Encoder that comprises the technical core of AudioPoint offers the company’s fastest signal processing to date. This ensures robust and reliable streams, while the devices remain plug-and-play for quick and simple deployments.
Barix: www.barix.com
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