The new Annuncicom 50 is built specifically for OEM applications. Barix is now shipping to OEM partners, including a key player in the education and classroom automation market. The device delivers open standards design and multi-format audio capability at a very low cost for OEM customers.

Furthermore, Barix are covering new ground with the Annuncicom 60, a universal, programmable and ultra-compact device that offers what they believe to be the industry’s lowest cost today for reliable IP encoding and decoding. The small form factor is roughly 40 percent the size of most existing Annuncicom devices, which are already renowned for offering a compact footprint to systems integrators and end users.

In simple terms, the Annuncicom 60 is an ideal single-zone paging interface device that can decode VoIP codecs as well as MP3, AACplus and PCM audio. Its inclusion of a built-in speaker amplifier, balanced line output and microphone interfaces, serial and contact closure control interfaces, and Power over Ethernet (PoE) support is unique to the market — delivering universal functionality at a competitive price.

“The Annuncicom 60 brings full-fledged functionality for low-cost paging and intercom while providing the high audio quality and format flexibility required for background music systems,” said Johannes G. Rietschel, CEO and founder of Barix AG. “With advanced capabilities like built-in, efficient amplification and PoE support to simplify installation, the Annuncicom 60 is ideally positioned to support the continuously growing number of IP audio applications.”

According to Barix the Annuncicom 60 enables striking cost and technical advantages for applications suited for many markets as it is able to reduce costs of entry for Barix IP intercom applications by at least 25 percent, whilst also reducing high quality microphone encoder costs by at least 25 percent, whether for technical or security-related audio surveillance; or classroom lecture audio capture. In addition VoIP and MP3/AACplus audio decoding capabilities enable merging of paging and background music applications.

The Annuncicom 60 is also the lowest priced IP audio product from Barix to feature a symmetric output, making it suitable for in-store audio and general audio distribution applications requiring a 600-ohm balanced output. The 5W amplifier, when combined with an efficient 8-Ohm speaker, provides enough power for a typical room, hallway, lobby or classroom — making it ideal for single room paging zones and audio “help points” in retail stores and visitor attractions, for example.