Barix Exstreamer 205 targets retail and hospitality environments

The manufacturer states that hotel and spa treatment rooms in larger hospitality systems are ‘perfect examples’ of where to use the Extreamer 205, which includes a built-in amplifier.

The manufacturer reports that each room or location requires a single Exstreamer 205, a network connection and power outlet, two common high-quality audio speakers and minimal wiring, which it claims make retail and hospitality applications ‘dramatically simple’.

The device includes features designed to simplify infrastructure and reduce deployment costs for in-store media systems. Its built-in 2x25W class-D amplifier is an example of this, and is included to minimise equipment needs at the end point, which lowers costs. Businesses can distribute branded retail radio broadcasts, customised ‘store and play’ programs, or simple background music streams to as many locations as the network can support, without the need for separate amplifiers.  

As the first Barix IP audio device to add a local, line-level stereo input, the Exstreamer 205 allows direct connection of an in-zone audio source to the device for local playout.  This is said to be ideal where local, non-streaming content is available, whether from a guest's iPod or a digital signage system.  

Additionally, the Exstreamer 205 offers priority ports for connection into a master paging system, such as the Barix Annuncicom PS16. This allows a facility manager, security guard or other operator to break into the network stream to make a page or announcement — also overruling any local audio sources.

Like previous models, the Exstreamer 205 decodes and plays multi-protocol and multi-format audio streams, including MP3, AACplusV2, WMA, PCM, G.711 and EtherSound. Volume and channel selection is controllable via an API through IP or serial port, a built-in IR receiver or the Barix Volume Source Control (VSC) device.

The manufacturer reports that businesses operating digital signage systems can also benefit from adding the Exstreamer 205 to out-of-home networks.  Operators can establish a general background stream for the entire network, with the flexibility to interrupt the stream and play out local content at any location.  Offline content protection is enhanced via a MicroSD slot, which enables local playout of (encrypted) content directly from the device while minimizing opportunities for theft or modification.

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