Barix Supplies Audio over IP Equipment for Euro 2008

TV pictures and radio commentary cannot convey what fans watching a

football match experience from the grandstand. The blind find it

difficult to follow the action on the pitch from the stadium when

commentaries from a sighted person are drowned out. UEFA helps blind

fans during EURO 2008 by providing an exciting live experience. For

audio distribution, UEFA selected the IP streaming components from Barix

AG. In each one of the EURO 2008 stadiums, UEFA is installing one or two

Barix Instreamer 100s, each with a microphone connected to record the

background noise. Other Instreamers with mikes are installed in

commentary boxes specially equipped for the blind. The audio data are

sent via the existing local-area networks in the stadiums to the

Exstreamer 100s in the lounges reserved for the blind spectators. The

Exstreamers receive the audio streams 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 that the listeners always know what´s

happening. The audio distribution is via existing IP/Ethernet networks or the

Internet, uses IP standard protocols, needs minimal bandwidth and no

additional servers or PCs. "Our devices

convinced UEFA because it enables the existing local networks in the

stadiums to be used. That makes installation simple and cheap," says Barix founder and CEO Johannes G. Rietschel. "Plus

the value for money offered by our components proved to be unbeatable." At about 160 euros (Exstreamer 100) and 400 euros

(Instreamer 100), Barix devices are an absolute bargain. The service will be offered in June at all eight stadiums hosting Euro

2008. In addition, audio streams may be distributed to facilities for

this segment across Europe. In this case, the audio signals will be sent

via WAN connections and the Internet to their destinations. There

Exstreamers receive commentaries in the chosen language. The system

already passed a test run where fans could follow a match in Vienna´s

stadium and in Basel. All participants were very impressed with the high

audio quality and intensive experience. Photos at www.barix.com/photo