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
