Barix Upgrades RetailPlayer Multi-Site Background Music Streaming Solution

Audio over IP leader Barix has announced new extensions to its flexible RetailPlayer multi-site background music streaming solution that further simplify installation, operation and management for systems integrators and end-users.

A new playout hardware model supports Power over Ethernet (PoE) to minimize wiring requirements, while new software capabilities allow player devices to be turned on or off automatically and tightly integrated into third-party management systems. Last but not least, an updated subscription model offers access to the platform’s core, cloud-based management functionality at no cost.

Barix will showcase the new enhancements at the upcoming ISE 2020 show in Amsterdam, where the company will exhibit in stand 8-K275 from February 11 to 14.

Providing the latest background music delivery technology on the market, Barix's RetailPlayer solution enables retail, hospitality and corporate customers to easily manage streamed music and messages across any number of locations over the internet with stringent security. Robust hardware playout devices at each receiving site feature advanced buffer technology for fast channel switching and resilience to varying internet performance, while the cloud-based or customer-hosted RetailPlayer Portal provides centralized configuration, management, status monitoring and stream switching through a web browser or mobile device.

The new RetailPlayer SP400 playout hardware combines the same optimized buffer management, exceptional audio quality and compact form factor of the earlier RetailPlayer S400 model with new support for Power over Ethernet, enabling the devices to be remotely powered over the network via a PoE-equipped network switch. This simplifies installation by minimizing cabling requirements while flexibly enabling the units to be installed in locations without an available power outlet. With the RetailPlayer S400 and new RetailPlayer SP400, customers can now choose: “power socket” or PoE.

Barix has also revised its RetailPlayer Portal pricing model to offer a free basic account with no subscription cost. "Customers can register and manage as many devices as they want for free on our RetailPlayer cloud management platform," said Reto Brader, CEO of Barix. "This free subscription includes basic stream management as well as mobile phone based remote channel selection and volume control features, plus the new on/off scheduler. We plan to offer a fee-based Premium subscription in the future for more bandwidth-hungry applications, but for the current functionality, RetailPlayer Portal is now free of charge for everyone."

www.barix.com