BARIX Streaming Client User Manual

Streaming Client

Network audio decoder firmware for
WMA and MP3 streaming (HTTP,
UDP, RTP) with automatic failover
and USB playback

User Manual

Firmware V1.31
Released 8. Jan. 2007
Supports:

• EXSTREAMER (legacy)

• EXSTREAMER 100

• EXSTREAMER 200

• IP Audio Module

• IP Audio Module 200

STREAMING CLIENT

Table of Contents

1 Introduction....................................................................... 7

1.1 About the “Streaming Client” firmware.......................................... 7

1.2 Features................................................................................................... 7

1.3 Installing the device...............................................................................8

1.4 Additional documents.......................................................................... 8

1.5 Preloaded Firmware............................................................................. 9

1.6 About this manual................................................................................. 9

Links to chapters................................................................................... 9

Links to the Dictionary........................................................................ 9

Bookmarks pane in Adobe Acrobat................................................. 9

Chapter overview............................................................................... 10

2 Standalone Player Mode.................................................11

3 Device Configuration......................................................13

3.1 Network settings................................................................................ 14

Use SonicIP...........................................................................................14

IP Address............................................................................................ 14

Netmask................................................................................................ 15

Gateway IP Address........................................................................... 15

Primary DNS ...................................................................................... 16

Alternative DNS..................................................................................16

DHCP Host Name............................................................................. 17

Web Server Port................................................................................ 17

HTTP Proxy URL............................................................................... 17

3.2 Streaming settings............................................................................... 18

General Streaming URL Syntax....................................................... 19

Supported protocols vs. audio formats......................................... 19

M3U playlist URL syntax................................................................... 20

http:// URL syntax...............................................................................21

mms:// URL syntax............................................................................. 22

mmst:// URL syntax............................................................................ 22

rtp:// and brtp:// URL syntax............................................................ 23

file:// URL syntax................................................................................. 23

Stream Check Period......................................................................... 24

Check Period Limit.............................................................................24

Buffer..................................................................................................... 24

3.3 Priority stream settings..................................................................... 25

RTP Port............................................................................................... 25

Buffer..................................................................................................... 25

3.4 Play settings.......................................................................................... 25

Volume.................................................................................................. 26

Shuffle.................................................................................................... 26

USB Autoplay.......................................................................................26

3.5 Remote management settings.......................................................... 27

Update URL......................................................................................... 27

Remote Update Period......................................................................27

MTELL URL.......................................................................................... 27

MTELL UDP Port................................................................................27

MTELL Report Period........................................................................28

SNMP Trap Receiver......................................................................... 28

3.6 Advanced settings............................................................................... 28

Reset...................................................................................................... 28

Factory Defaults.................................................................................. 28

IR Input.................................................................................................. 29

User Agent........................................................................................... 29

3.7 Security settings.................................................................................. 29

Set Password........................................................................................29

Old Password / New Password.......................................................31

3.8 APPLY and CANCEL buttons..........................................................32

APPLY....................................................................................................32

CANCEL............................................................................................... 32

4 Updating the Firmware.................................................. 33

4.1 Downloading the latest firmware....................................................33

4.2 Serial Rescue........................................................................................ 34

4.3 Web Update........................................................................................ 34

5 Step by step “How To”.................................................. 39

5.1 How to pull a stream from an Internet radio station................ 39

5.2 How to pull a BRTP stream from an Barix Instreamer ............ 40

Instreamer Configuration..................................................................40

Exstreamer Configuration................................................................ 40

5.3 How to receive a RTP stream from an Barix Instreamer ........41

Instreamer Configuration..................................................................41

Exstreamer Configuration................................................................ 41

6 IR Remote control...........................................................43

6.1 IR key functions ................................................................................. 43

6.2 Serial IR receiver ............................................................................... 44

7 Advanced user section....................................................45

7.1 Network configuration using supplied serial cable..................... 45

7.2 Control API (CGI)..............................................................................48

8 Dictionary.........................................................................49

9 Legal Information............................................................51

User Manual “Streaming Client“ - V1.31 - 8. Jan. 2007

1 Introduction

1.1 About the “Streaming Client” firmware

The “Streaming Client” firmware was designed for the
professional field: audio bridging, audio distribution, in
store and standalone applications.

It is capable of playing MP3 and WMA files using various
protocols. Up to three sources can be defined (both
streaming over network and playing from a local USB
storage) for streaming with automatic failover.

Thanks to easy remote control and monitoring the
“Streaming Client” firmware can be used on Barix
devices to build a manageable distributed audio network.

The standalone capability (playing from external USB or
internal flash memory, without network connection)
allows the use of the Barix Exstreamer 100 or the Barix
Exstreamer 200 as a simple MP3/WMA player with
automatic start on power up.

1.2 Features

• Plays MP3 streams from network (HTTP, BRTP, RTP)

and M3U playlists (HTTP)

• Plays WMA streams from network (MMS) and WMA

files (HTTP) *

• Plays MP3 files, M3U playlists and WMA files from

external USB memory *

• Supports authentication (HTTP, Shoutcast, Icecast)

• Supports up to 3 sources with automatic failover

• Control and configuration using a standard web

browser

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• Supports automatic remote update of settings,

configuration and firmware

• Monitoring using SNMP and MTELL (HTTP, UDP)

• Supports the Barix IR Remote Control

• Automatic network configuration (BOOTP, DHCP,

AutoIP and IPzator) as well as manual static IP
configuration

• Features SonicIP ® announcing the IP address on

power up over the audio outputs

• Supports proxy server (HTTP proxy support)

• Autoplay functions plays all audio files without playlist

(standalone mode)

* These features are not available for legacy devices
(Exstreamer, Exstreamer Wireless, Exstreamer Digital
and Exstreamer Gold) as the USB port is missing.

1.3 Installing the device

For the installation of the Barix Exstreamer 100 or the
Barix Exstreamer 200 please refer to the corresponding
“Quick Install Guide”.
A printed version is included in the box and can also be
downloaded from our site www.barix.com.

For the installation of the Barix IP Audio Module or the
Barix IP Audio Module 200 please refer to the
corresponding “Development Specification” which can be
downloaded from our site www.barix.com.

1.4 Additional documents

Technical specifications can be found in the
corresponding product sheet which can be downloaded
from our site www.barix.com.

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For detailed technical information about the CGI
application programming interface (API), the remote
update server requirements and about the MTELL
capabilities please download the “Streaming Client
Technical Documentation” from our website.

1.5 Preloaded Firmware

Barix preloads all Exstreamer family devices with the
“Standard” firmware version, which suits most home and
consumer applications.

Before continuing with this manual the firmware has to
be changed from “Standard” to “Streaming Client”
firmware. Please proceed to chapter 4 Updating the

Firmware.

1.6 About this manual

Links to chapters

References to chapters (e.g. X Chapter name) are red
and underlined and serve as direct links when viewed in
Adobe Acrobat Viewer. Click on the link to jump to the
referenced chapter, click on the left arrow icon to jump
back to where you came from.

Links to the Dictionary

Some technical terms (e.g. DHCP) are underlined and
red. Click on them to jump to the dictionary at the end
of this manual, click on the left arrow icon to jump back.

Bookmarks pane in Adobe Acrobat

The complete “Table of Contents” is available in Adobe
Acrobat Viewer. Click on the “Bookmarks” pane tab on
the left side of Adobe Acrobat Viewer to open it. Click
on any bookmark to directly jump to the corresponding
part of the manual.

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Chapter overview

This manual is divided into the following chapters:

• Standalone Player Mode (explaining the use without

network playing from USB memory)

• Device Configuration (explaining all configuration

parameters)

• Updating the Firmware (explaining how to update or

how to change from “standard firmware”)

• Step by step “How To” (explaining configuration for

external services and devices)

• IR Remote control (explaining the functionality of the

Barix IR Remote control)

• Advanced User section (explaining configuration via

Serial cable and reference to the CGI API)

• Dictionary (explaining technical names and expressions

used in this manual)

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2 Standalone Player Mode

Powering the device without a network cable will switch
the Streaming Client firmware into the standalone player
mode *.

A connected USB media (memory stick) will be scanned
for a M3U playlist named “playlist.m3u” pointing to the
files on the USB media. The audio files contained in the
playlist are played if found and skipped if missing.

If “playlist.m3u” is not found, the Streaming Client will
play all the MP3 and WMA files found on the USB media
using the Autoplay function.

For further details about supported USB media,
supported playlist formats and the Autoplay function
please refer to chapters:

• 3.2 Streaming settings/ file:// URL syntax

• 3.2 Streaming settings/ M3U playlist URL syntax

• 3.4 Play settings/ USB Autoplay

* With factory default settings the Autoplay is switched
on after approx. two minutes. The device tries to
discover a DHCP server. To prevent the network
discovery, either set the IP to a static address or set the
IP to “0.0.15.0” and switch off the SonicIP to prevent the
announcement of the IP address. This way it starts in
Autoplay mode right after start up.

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3 Device Configuration

You can adjust network settings, streaming sources,
monitoring settings and more with the Web interface. To
enter the configuration mode you will need:

• the IP address announced over the audio outputs (see

the Quick Install Guide)

• a standard web browser

Open your web browser and type in the IP address of
the Barix device in the URL field and hit the “Enter” key.

• Example: “192.168.0.12”

You will see the following window content:

To store changed settings click on Apply button at the
end of the page. The device will restart with the new
settings.

To obtain a quick insight into the configuration
parameters click on the icon (red question mark) next
to the section title. The help information will show up in
the right, grey frame of the browser window.

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3.1 Network settings

This chapter explains how to adjust the network settings
of the Barix device.

We recommend that you set a Static IP address. With a
static (permanent) IP address the device does not have to
get a new IP address at power on or reboot.

Use SonicIP

If “Use SonicIP” is set to yes, the device will announce its
IP address over the audio output during start up.

IP Address

Enter the 4 values of the desired static IP address e.g.:

• “192.168.0.12” for an internal LAN

Attention: Make sure that you enter a free IP address.
The device will check this and will not be available until
the device using the same IP is disconnected or switched
off. The command Ping can be used to ensure that a
specific IP address is unused (i.e. No reply).

The automatic discovery functions are not executed if a
static IP address is set.

Enter 4 zeroes to enable it:

• “0.0.0.0” for automatic discovery (Discovery order:

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BOOTP, DHCP, IPzator, AutoIP)
To enable automatic discovery but disable certain IP
discovery functions set all but the third value to zero.
For each function you want to disable add the value from
the table below:

• “0.0.1.0” to disable AutoIP

• “0.0.2.0” to disable DHCP

• “0.0.4.0” to disable BOOTP

• “0.0.8.0” to disable IPzator

Examples:

• “0.0.3.0” disables AutoIP and DHCP

• “0.0.11.0” disables all but BOOTP

Attention: “0.0.15.0” disables all discovery functions
which locks you out unless you reset the device to
factory defaults by pressing the reset button for about 10
seconds.

Netmask

Enter the 4 values of the desired Netmask e.g.:

• “0.0.0.0” for a default Netmask depending on the IP

Address used

• “255.255.255.0” for a C class network

Note: Try first the Netmask your PC is set to or ask
your Network Administrator.

Gateway IP Address

A correct setting of the Gateway IP address is needed to
connect to streams from the Internet or from outside
your local network (LAN).

Enter the 4 values of the desired Gateway IP address e.g.:

• "0.0.0.0" for no Gateway or automatic discovery

• "192.168.0.1" for a Gateway in a LAN

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Note: If you have set the devices IP address to automatic
discovery and your server or router has issued an IP
address then most probably it also has supplied a valid
Gateway address, “0.0.0.0” will then work fine.

If you have set a Static IP address then you will need to
configure a valid Gateway address manually. Try first the
same Gateway IP address your PC is set to. If it doesn’t
work then ask your Network Administrator for a correct
Gateway IP address.

Primary DNS

A correct setting of the primary DNS IP address is
needed to connect to URLs (e.g. “www.radio.com”).

Enter the 4 IP address values for the primary DNS e.g.:

• “0.0.0.0” for no DNS

• “192.168.0.111” for a DNS

Note: If you have set the devices IP address to automatic
discovery and your server or router has issued an IP
address then most probably it also has supplied a valid
DNS address, “0.0.0.0” will then work fine.

If you have set a static IP address then you will need to
configure a valid DNS address manually. Try first the
same DNS IP address your PC is set to. If it doesn’t work
then check your Network Administrator or your
Internet Service Provider for correct DNS addresses.

Alternative DNS

Enter the 4 IP address values of the desired alternative
DNS e.g.:

• “0.0.0.0” for no alternative DNS

• “192.168.0.111” for a DNS

Note: An alternative DNS is needed only in case the
primary DNS is not reachable.
See also the note in the Primary DNS section above.

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DHCP Host Name

Name of the device sent in DHCP request. If not set, a
name based on the device's MAC address is automatically
generated. Enter up to 15 Characters.

Note: This can help the administration of multiple
devices when a descriptive DHCP Host Name is given
and the DHCP server can list the attached devices as
shown in the picture below (see entry #2).

Web Server Port

The port of the internal Web Server can be adjusted. If
set to zero the default port 80 is used. When changing
configuration parameters remotely is desired but a web
server using port 80 is already installed in the LAN you
can change the Web Server Port of the Barix device to a
different port (e.g. 8080).

Attention: During an update using a web browser this
port has to be set to 0 (see chapter 4.3 Web Update )!

HTTP Proxy URL

The HTTP Proxy Server is a server that acts as a broker
between the Web browser and the HTTP Server. It is
used on many networks, as it can provide caching and/or
content filtering. On such networks, connecting to the
Internet is usually restricted to the HTTP protocol via
HTTP Proxy server.

The Barix Exstreamer can use an Internet connection
served by the HTTP Proxy for streaming from HTTP
sources, for automatic configuration, firmware update
and for MTELL monitoring. Streaming of protocols other
than HTTP is not supported by the HTTP proxy.

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Enter the URL of the HTTP Proxy in the format

“http://name:password@host:port” e.g.:

• “http://user1:[e-mail]:8888”

• “http://user1:Px2Wu3@192.168.0.1:8888”

Only basic authentication is supported.

Port is optional, if none is given, default port 8080 is
assumed. Name and password can be omitted as well, if
proxy is not authenticating e.g.:

• “http://proxy.company.com”

3.2 Streaming settings

This chapter explains how to adjust the way the Barix
device gets its streams, files and playlists.

Up to three independent audio sources (URLs) can be
set. Each may contain a full address of a playlist, file or a
stream. The three entries have different priorities, the
first one has the highest priority and the last one has the
lowest priority.

The device processes the sources in a loop and tries to
connect to the highest priority source available.

For details please refer to the explanation of the
parameter “Stream Check Period” towards the end of
this chapter.

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General Streaming URL Syntax

The stream sources URLs use this general syntax:

“protocol://user:password@host:port/path”

If the protocol is omitted the file:// is assumed.

Note: If the URL contains any unsafe, non-ASCII or
reserved characters, they must be escaped using the
“ <hex digit><hex digit>” escape sequence according to%
RFC1738. The dollar sign ($) has to be escaped as “ 24”%
unless it is used as a variable delimiter. The use of
variables in the URL is explained in the “Technical
Documentation”.

Supported protocols vs. audio formats

Depending on the protocol, some parts of the above
mentioned general URL syntax are not used. User,
password, and port parts are optional for most
protocols.

Supported protocols are HTTP, MMS, MMST, RTP, BRTP
and FILE. These can be combined with supported audio
formats as shown in the following table:

HTTP MMS MMST RTP BRTP FILE

M3U

playlist

ü ü

MP3

stream

ü

*

ü ü

MP3 file

ü ü

WMA

stream

ü

**

ü

**

WMA file

ü ü

* MP3 stream over HTTP covers the Shoutcast and the
Icecast protocol.
** The MMS stands for MMS over HTTP whereas MMST
stands for MMS over TCP.

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M3U playlist URL syntax

To play a M3U playlist enter the URL in the format

“protocol://user:password@host:port/path/playlist.ext”
e.g.:

• "http://user1:[e-mail]:80/rock/today.m3u"

• "file://playlist.m3u"

The second example points to a playlist stored on the
USB memory device.

M3U playlists are accepted under the following rules:

• Relative Paths in the playlists are accepted.

• Absolute Paths in the playlists are accepted and root

directory of the server is treated as their root.

• Playlists must point to media files, not to other

playlists

• Comments (lines beginning with '#') are skipped.

• Empty lines are skipped.

• Playlists of up to 2000 entries are supported.

• Allowed line separators are the ASCII characters

“CR+LF” (hex 0D, 0A) and “LF” (hex 0A).

• The content of the Playlist will be shuffled if Shuffle is

enabled in the configuration or if the playlist is on a
local USB media and there is a file shuffle.txt in the
root directory of the USB media

• If Autoplay is enabled in the Web Interface and source

URL is pointing to a nonexistent playlist on a local USB
media, the Streaming Client will try to play the audio
files on the USB media using the Autoplay function.
A file named shuffle.txt is created on the media and
playlist named __exstr.m3u is played. If such a playlist
does not exist, the Streaming Client searches the USB
media for files with suffices mp3 and wma and creates
the playlist __exstr.m3u. The file system tree is
searched to the sixth depth level.

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• When playing a playlist from a local USB media, the

Streaming Client periodically saves the current playlist

position on the USB media into a file named “plist.id”

so that streaming can continue with the next playlist

item after restart. The Streaming Client also saves the

serial ID of the currently used FAT16 file system in

memory and the “plist.id” is used only if the same file

system is detected after restart.

If the Streaming Client starts without any USB media

connected, the file system serial ID is forgotten so that

the Streaming Client starts playing from the beginning

of the playlist next time regardless of which USB file

system is connected.

http:// URL syntax

Both MP3 and WMA files as well as MP3 streams can be
played using the HTTP protocol e.g.:

• “http://host.com/topten/song1.mp3”

• “http://host.com/topten/song1.wma”

• “http://host.com/topten/stream”

Full URL is supported; the file to be played can be on a
remote server running on an arbitrary port e.g.:

• “http://host.com:12345/topten/song1.mp3”

To support authentication, username and password can
be provided e.g.:

• “http://user1:[e-mail]:88/topten/song.mp3”

If the web server specifies the MIME type of the file, this
type is considered, otherwise the file type is determined
from the extension of the file. MIME types audio/mpeg
(audio stream) and audio/x-mpegurl (playlist) are
recognized.

Note: The HTTP protocol is influenced by the “HTTP
Proxy URL” settings (see chapter 3.1 Network settings
and 5.1 How to pull a stream from an Internet radio

station).

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mms:// URL syntax

The MMS protocol is the Microsoft HTTP Streaming
Protocol (MMS over HTTP) and is used by most Internet
radio stations broadcasting in ASF. Only WMA/ASF
streaming is supported with this protocol e.g.:

• “mms://host.com/topten/stream.asf”

Full URL is supported; the file to be played can be on a
remote server running on an arbitrary port e.g.:

• “mms://host.com:12345/topten/stream.asf”

To support authentication, username and password can
be provided e.g.:

• “mms://user1:[e-mail]:88/stream.asf”

Notes: There is no “HTTP Proxy server” support for
this protocol.
If the WMA stream is not played you should change the
protocol to “mmst://…” (see description below) to try if
the stream is delivered as MMS over TCP.

mmst:// URL syntax

The MMST protocol is the Microsoft TCP Streaming
Protocol (MMS over TCP) and is used by some Internet
radio stations broadcasting in ASF.
Only WMA/ASF streaming is supported with this
protocol e.g.:

• “mmst://host.com/topten/stream.asf”

Full URL is supported; the file to be played can be on a
remote server running on an arbitrary port e.g.:

• “mms://host.com:12345/topten/stream.asf”

To support authentication, username and password can
be provided e.g.:

• “mms://user1:[e-mail]:88/stream.asf”

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rtp:// and brtp:// URL syntax

The RTP and the BRTP protocols are supporting MP3
streams e.g.:

• “rtp://host.com:12345”

• “brtp://host.com:12345”

“BRTP” stands for Barix RTP and is similar to the RTP
protocol but modified so that listening to streams is
possible even behind a firewall or NAT. There is no need
to reconfigure the firewall or the device. BRTP works
with common architectures — typical ADSL or cable
modems, NAT and firewall devices, which pass data from
the local network to the Internet but not vice-versa (see
also 5.2 ”How to pull a BRTP stream from an Barix
Instreamer).

file:// URL syntax

For the file protocol only protocol and path parts can be
used to play a M3U playlist, a MP3 or WMA file e.g.:

• “file://folder1/playlist.m3u”

• “file://folder1/song1.mp3”

• “file://folder1/song1.wma”

When the protocol part is omitted then the file://
protocol is assumed automatically e.g.:

• “folder1/song1.mp3”

• “song1.wma”

Path should determine a file stored on a USB media
connected to the Client. Filenames and directory names
can be up to 255 characters long and should contain only
ISO-8859-1 characters (Western European character
set). The USB media must conform to the USB Mass
Storage Standard. Only files on the first partition can be
played and this partition should use the FAT12, FAT16,
VFAT12 or VFAT16 file system.

Note: The Streaming Client will restart the device every
time you connect or disconnect a USB media.

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Stream Check Period

The Barix device processes the URL sources in a loop
and tries to connect to the highest priority source
available. This value sets the amount of time (in seconds)
that a URL with a higher priority has to be available
before the device will switch from a lower priority URL.

Default: “30” seconds

Notes: If the lower priority URL is a file then the file will
be played to the end before switching. This value works
only if more than one URL is configured. The selected
value is used when the higher priority URL is interrupted
the first time. To prevent frequent switching between
URLs (due to network drop outs) the value is multiplied
by 4 on every further drop out up to the value of “Check
Period Limit” (see below).

Check Period Limit

To prevent frequent switching between URLs (due to
network drop outs) the “Stream Check Period” value is
increased (multiplied by 4) on every drop out up to the
“Stream Check Limit” value in seconds. Every time the
higher priority URL becomes available the current value
is decreased (divided by 4) until it drops to the
configured “Stream Check Period” (see above).

Default: “1800” seconds

Buffer

For smooth playing the stream or file is buffered in
memory (up to 64kB). The Buffer value sets the period of
time stored before starting the playback. Increase this
value to prevent sound interruptions caused by network
problems. Decrease the value to shorten the playback
start delay when switching between streaming URL’s. The
“max” value uses all the buffer available.

Default: “max”

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3.3 Priority stream settings

For public address, announcements or evacuation
messages the current stream or file play can be
interrupted by a received priority RTP stream.

RTP Port

Configure the RTP streaming listen port on which the
device will listen for a priority stream. A received priority
stream will be buffered (see below) and played back until
the priority stream stops, forcing the device to switch
back to the previously played stream.

Default: “0” (disabled)

Buffer

For smooth playing the priority stream is buffered in
memory (up to 64kB). The Buffer value sets the period of
time stored before starting the playback. Increase this
value to prevent sound interruptions caused by network
problems. Decrease the value to shorten the playback
start delay when switching to the priority stream.

Default: “100ms”

3.4 Play settings

This chapter explains how to adjust the way the Barix
Exstreamer gets its streams, files and playlists.

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Volume

Select the preferred output volume (Headphone out,
RCA Line out, Speaker out) to be adjusted at power up.

Default: “50” percent

Shuffle

This feature works only when playing from a playlist.
When Shuffle is enabled the play order of songs in a
playlist is randomized (shuffled).

Default: “Off”

Exception: When playing from the local USB memory
and a file called “shuffle.txt” is present then shuffling is
enabled regardless of the “Shuffle” setting (see USB
Autoplay).

USB Autoplay

This feature enables the automatic creation and playback
of a playlist containing all MP3 and WMA songs on a
connected USB media (in case the active URL is pointing
to a missing playlist). The songs found are stored in the
playlist named “__exstr.m3u” and a file called “shuffle.txt”
is created to enable the shuffled play back of the songs.
To prevent the play back of the same song after a power
failure the number of the current file played is stored in
the file “plist.id”.
A connected USB media (memory stick) will be scanned
for a M3U playlist named “playlist.m3u” pointing to the
files on the USB media. The audio files contained in the
playlist are played if found and skipped if missing.

Default: “On”

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3.5 Remote management settings

This chapter explains how to adjust the way the Barix
device can be configured and update remotely as well as
how to configure it for current status information
delivery. For detailed information about the remote
update server requirements refer to the “Technical
Documentation”.

Update URL

Enter the URL of the web server (http) containing the
“configuration meta file” which can be used to remotely
change the configuration and / or to update the firmware.

Remote Update Period

Enter the time interval (in minutes) for the periodic
update check.

Default: “720” minutes

MTELL URL

Devices can be monitored using the MTELL technology
(see www.mtell.de). Enter the URL of the MTELL server.

MTELL UDP Port

Enter the port on which the current status of the device
can be discovered using the MTELL over UDP protocol.
Setting the port to “0” disables this function.

Default: “0” (disabled)

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MTELL Report Period

Enter the time interval (in minutes) for the periodic
sending of the monitoring report.

Default: “5” minutes

SNMP Trap Receiver

Enter the IP address of the desired SNMP Trap receiver
e.g.:

• “0.0.0.0” for no receiver

• “192.168.0.12” for a specific receiver

3.6 Advanced settings

This chapter explains how to adjust advanced functions.

Reset

Enable or disable the “Reset” function on the Reset
button. In order to restart the device, press the Reset
button once.

Default: “enabled”

Factory Defaults

Enable or disable the “Factory Defaults” function on the
Reset button. To reset the configuration to factory
defaults keep the Reset button pressed until the red LED
starts blinking (approx. 10 seconds).

Default: “enabled”

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IR Input

For reception of IR commands select between external
“Serial Dongle” (from Barix) and “Built-in” (built-in IR
receiver available on some devices such as the Barix
Exstreamer 200). For details about IR functionality please
refer to chapter 6 IR Remote control .

Default: “Serial Dongle”

User Agent

When connecting to a HTTP/Icecast/Shoutcast server a
so called “User Agent” identifier string is sent. If left
empty the string “Barix Streaming Client” is sent instead.

Default: empty (automatic: “Barix Streaming Client”)

3.7 Security settings

This chapter explains how to configure and to use the
security features of the “Streaming Client” firmware.

Set Password

This is visible as long as no password is set.
Enter a password (up to 25 characters) and hit the
“Apply” button.

After the restart you will be asked to supply user name
and password.

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The user name can be omitted but the password has to
be supplied in order to see the web configuration.

Once logged in you will see the “Logout” button at the
top of the configuration frame. Click on it to log out.

Note that only one user at a time can be logged in. Any
further request will be refused.

Note that you have to enter the password in the field
above the "Apply" button before hitting the "Apply"
button.

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Old Password / New Password

These fields are visible as long as a password is set.

To allow free access (clearing the password) enter the
old password and leave the field "New Password" empty.
Enter the old password in the password field above the
"Apply" button as well and then hit the "Apply" button.

After the restart you will not be asked for user name and
password any more.

To change the password enter the old password and
enter the new password in the field "New Password".
Enter the old password in the password field above the
"Apply" button as well and then hit the "Apply" button.

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After the restart you will be asked for user name and
password. The user name can be omitted but the new
password has to be supplied in order to see the web

configuration.

3.8 APPLY and CANCEL buttons

APPLY

To store changed settings click on "Apply". The device
will restart with the new settings.

Exception: When security is enabled a password has to
be entered. See previous chapter for details.

CANCEL

To disregard changes click on "Cancel".
The page will reload with the current settings.

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4 Updating the Firmware

Barix preloads all Exstreamer family devices with the
“standard firmware” version, which suites most home
and consumer applications.

Barix recommends the use of the “Serial Rescue” method
when changing from “Standard” to “Streaming Client”
firmware.

For the alternative method “Web Update” the
“Web server port” has to be set to “0” or “80” to work
properly (0 will set the default port “80”).

If the web update is interrupted during the process
(power or network loss) the device might become
unreachable. In that case the “Serial Rescue” procedure is
the only remedy. Please keep that in mind when planning
a remote update.

4.1 Downloading the latest firmware

To download the latest “Streaming Client” firmware
version please visit www.barix.com.

• In the menu on the left side click on “downloads”

• In the center column select one of the Barix

Exstreamer devices and click on the name of the

device.

• Click in the section “Firmware” on the “Streaming

Client Update Kit” link to download it.

• Save the ZIP file and unpack it to a local drive.

• Read the "_readme1st.txt" file for detailed instructions.

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4.2 Serial Rescue

The “Serial Rescue” procedure loads the entire firmware
and resets the device to factory default settings (current
configuration is overwritten).

It is therefore helpful to note the current setting. Printing
out the “status” page is the quickest way as the page
contains all configuration parameters.
Open your web browser and type in the IP address of
the Barix device in the URL field followed by “/status”
and hit the “Enter” key.

• Example: “192.168.0.12/status”

To apply the Rescue using the supplied serial cross cable
and a PC running Windows 2000, Windows XP or Linux.

Follow the steps in the “_readme1st.txt” carefully as
there are several different applications (batch files) to be
started depending on the Barix hardware (new or legacy)
and the PCs COM port number used.

Calculate approximately 2 minutes to complete the
“Serial Rescue” procedure. After a successful rescue the
device is ready for configuration according to your needs
(see chapter 3 Device Configuration ).

4.3 Web Update

To apply the “Web Update” procedure you will need a
standard web browser and the IP address of the device
(announced by the SonicIP feature).

Make sure that the “Web server port” is set to “80”
before starting the procedure.

Calculate approximately 2 minutes to complete the
“Web Update” procedure.

STEP 1

Open your web browser

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STEP 2

Type in the IP address of the Barix device and press
Enter

• Example: “192.168.0.12”

STEP 3

Click on the “Config” link if you see one. If you do not
see that link (you are already running “Streaming Client”
firmware on your device), proceed to step 4.

STEP 4

Click on the UPDATE button to enter the update page.

You will see the following screen:

STEP 5

Click on “Please click here to continue” to launch the
update process. The device will restart in a special mode
called “Boot loader” and the following screen appears
showing a number counting down from 4 to 0.

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Upon start up the following screen appears:

STEP 6

Click on "Browse..." to select the file you want to update.

The file is named compound.bin located in the folder
“update_rescue”.

Select the file and click on the “Open” button.

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STEP 7

Attention: If you load the wrong file the device will not

work and the “Serial Rescue Procedure” must be applied!

Click on “Upload” to start the upload process which will
take approximately 2 minutes.

Warning:
If the web update is interrupted during the process
(power or network loss) the device might become
unreachable. In that case the “Serial Rescue” procedure is
the only remedy. Please keep that in mind when planning
a remote update.

After a successful upload the following window appears:

STEP 8

Click on the update link and then click on the "Reboot"
button in the following window:

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The following screen appears:

STEP 9

After the device has rebooted click on the “here” link to
reload the main page.

The device is now ready for configuration according to
your needs (see chapter 3 Device Configuration ).

Note: The “Web Update” procedure does not change
the current configuration. Barix recommends
nevertheless checking for correct parameters in the
configuration as well as to set parameters for newly
added features.
If you observe strange behavior after an update Barix
recommends resetting the configuration to factory
defaults by keeping the Reset button pressed until the
red LED starts blinking (approx. 10 seconds) and to start
over with the configuration of the device.

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5 Step by step “How To”

5.1 How to pull a stream from an Internet radio station

As a company based in Switzerland we are happy to bring
you modern Swiss music with this configuration example.
We assume that you have connected the device to your
network switch or hub which is linked to the Internet.

STEP 1 Open your Web Browser

STEP 2 Enter the IP address of the Barix device (as announced

over the audio outputs by SonicIP) and press Enter.
Example: 192.168.0.12

STEP 3 Look at the section NETWORK SETTINGS.

If the IP Address is set to 0.0.0.0 (Automatic discovery)
you can proceed to step 6 further below.

STEP 4 Enter the Gateway IP address

Example: 192.168.0.1

STEP 5 Enter the primary DNS IP address

Example: 192.168.0.1

STEP 6 Scroll to the section STREAMING SETTINGS.

In the “1. URL” field enter the following:
mms://dms-cl-017.skypro.tv/virus

STEP 7 Select “2s” for two seconds in the “Buffer” selection.

STEP 8 Click on “APPLY” button at the end of the page. The

device will restart, and after some seconds you will hear
the Swiss national radio channel “VIRUS”.

Here the complete list of the national channels
(We are a very small country so only 4 channels):

DRS 1 mms://dms-cl-017.skypro.tv/drs1
DRS 2 mms://dms-cl-017.skypro.tv/drs2
DRS 3 mms://dms-cl-017.skypro.tv/drs3
DRS Virus mms://dms-cl-017.skypro.tv/virus

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5.2

How to pull a BRTP stream from an Barix Instreamer

For applications where an audio stream has to be sent
over the Internet the Barix Instreamer can be used as an
audio encoder. “BRTP” stands for Barix RTP and is
similar to the RTP protocol but modified so that listening
to streams is possible even behind a firewall or NAT.
Only the firewall on the Instreamer side has to be
configured to allow the UDP port access from outside. In
this example we will use port 4040 but you are not
restricted to this port number.

Instreamer Configuration

STEP 1 Configure your Instreamer to “BRTP 0.0.0.0 : 4040” in

the first “stream to” entry (only the first supports BRTP)
in the Streaming configuration tab.

STEP 2 Configure your Router/Modem/Firewall to pass UDP

port 4040 from outside to the IP of your Instreamer.

STEP 3 Check in your Router what public IP address you have or

configure “Dynamic DNS” if you plan to use a URL name
instead of an IP number.

Exstreamer Configuration

STEP 1 Open your Web Browser

STEP 2 Enter the IP address of the Exstreamer (as announced

over the audio outputs by SonicIP) and press Enter.
Example: 192.168.0.12

STEP 3 Look at the section NETWORK SETTINGS.

If the IP Address is set to 0.0.0.0 (Automatic discovery)
you can proceed to step 6 further below.

STEP 4 Enter the Gateway IP address. Example: 192.168.0.1

STEP 5 Enter the primary DNS IP address. Example: 192.168.0.1

STEP 6 Scroll to the section STREAMING SETTINGS. In the “1.

URL” field enter the following (replace the IP by the
current public IP of the Router on the Instreamer side):

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brtp://208.144.116.12:4040
If you configured “Dynamic DNS” the used URL name
e.g.: brtp://mystudio.dyndns.org:4040

STEP 7 Select “2s” for two seconds in the “Buffer” selection.

STEP 8 Click on “APPLY” button at the end of the page.

The device will restart, and after some seconds you will
hear the audio that is encoded by the Instreamer.

5.3

How to receive a RTP stream from an Barix Instreamer

For applications where an audio stream has to be sent
over the internal network (LAN) the Barix Instreamer
can be used as an audio encoder. Barix recommends the
use of the RTP protocol instead of the HTTP protocol.
In this example we will use port 4040 but you are not
restricted to this port number.

Instreamer Configuration

STEP 1 Configure your Instreamer to “RTP 0.0.0.0 : 4040” in the

first “stream to” entry (only the first supports BRTP) in
the Streaming configuration tab.

Exstreamer Configuration

STEP 1 Open your Web Browser

STEP 2 Enter the IP address of the Exstreamer (as announced

over the audio outputs by SonicIP) and press Enter.
Example: 192.168.0.12

STEP 3 Scroll to the section STREAMING SETTINGS. In the “1.

URL” field enter the following (replace the IP by the IP of
the Instreamer): rtp://192.168.0.33:4040

STEP 4 Select “500ms” for half a second in the “Buffer” selection.

STEP 5 Click on “APPLY” button at the end of the page.

The device will restart, and after some seconds you will
hear the audio that is encoded by the Instreamer.

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6 IR Remote control

Follow the instructions below if the IR Remote control
was included or if you purchased the optional IR Remote
kit.

6.1 IR key functions

No function yet

Switch to previous / next song

Decrease /Increase volume

No function yet

Digits for Channel selection

No function yet

Confirmation of entered digits

No function yet

No function yet

Toggles the Shuffle Play Mode

No function yet

No function yet

To prepare the IR Remote Control for usage open the
battery compartment and check the signs of polarity.
Insert the two batteries accordingly into the IR remote
control. The IR Remote Control is now ready to operate.
For details on how to use the channel selection please
refer to the “Technical Documentation”.

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6.2 Serial IR receiver

For the Barix Exstreamer 200 you can skip this section as
the IR receiver is built into the front of the device.
The use of the serial IR receiver makes sense only if the
device will be placed hidden (behind a wall, above the
ceiling etc.)

Plug the serial connector of the IR Serial receiver into the
serial port of the Barix Exstreamer. Make sure you have
line of sight with the IR receiver from where you want to
use the IR remote control.

On power up the red LED will be on until the Barix
Exstreamer has set the network and announced the IP
Address. Configure the IR input for the “Serial Dongle”
(see chapter 3.6 Advanced settings )

Note: On the Exstreamer 100 the old Serial Dongle
(blue LED, produced in 2003) will not work. Use a new
Dongle instead (red LED, produced in 2006)

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7 Advanced user section

7.1 Network configuration using supplied serial cable

STEP 1 Open a Terminal program.

STEP 2 Go to the settings menu and adjust the following settings:

Speed 9600 bit/sec, 8 Data Bits, no Parity and 1 Stop Bit.

STEP 3 Unplug the power supply of the Barix Exstreamer.

STEP 4 Connect the supplied serial cable to your PC’s COM port

and to the serial port of the Barix Exstreamer.

STEP 5 Keep the Reset button pushed and plug in the power

supply.

Release the Reset button as soon as you see following
screen:

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STEP 6 Hit <s> to skip network discovery if not connected to a

network and the following screen appears:

STEP 7 Hit <s> to get to the Barix Exstreamer´s setup.

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STEP 8 Hit <enter> to enter the Barix Exstreamer setup mode.

STEP 9 Type in <0> and hit <enter> to enter the network

configuration. Enter all requested values:

STEP 10 Type in <9> and hit <enter> to save the network

configuration.

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7.2 Control API (CGI)

For integration of the Barix device into various control
applications and home automation systems, Barix has
developed a control API (Application Protocol Interface)
for the control using CGI in a web browser.

For a detailed list of the CGI API commands refer to the
“Streaming Client Technical Documentation” available on
the Barix website www.barix.com

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8 Dictionary

DHCP Short for Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol, a

protocol used to assign an IP address to a device
connected to a Network.

IP Short for Internet Protocol, the IP is an address of a

computer or other network device on a network using IP
or TCP/IP. Every device on an IP-based network requires
an IP address to identify its location or address on the
network. Example: 192.168.2.10

IPzator Barix IPzator™ technology is designed for the purpose

that the Barix device can create its own IP address
according to the network structure in case it can’t
receive one from your network. If DHCP, AUTOIP or
BOOTP fail, IPzator will create an IP address within the
subnet and test it. If the address works and is not being
used by another device on the network, it will give the
address to the Barix device.

MAC address Abbreviation for Medium Access Control, a MAC is a

unique address number formatted in hexadecimal format
and given to each computer and/or network device on a
computer network. Because a MAC address is a unique
address a computer network will not have the same
MAC address assigned to more than one computer or
network device. Example: A1:B2:C3:D4:E5:F6

Netmask A number used to identify a sub network so that an IP

address can be shared on a LAN (Local Area Network).
A mask is used to determine what subnet an IP address
belongs to. An IP address has two components, the
network address and the host address. For example,
consider the IP address 150.215.17.009. Assuming this is
part of a Class B network, the first two numbers (150.2)
represent the Class B network address, and the second
two numbers (.017.009) identify a particular host on this
network. The Netmask would then be 255.255.0.0 .

Ping Ping is a basic Internet program that lets you verify that a

particular IP address exists and can accept requests.
Example: ping 192.168.2.10

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SonicIP Barix SonicIP® technology is designed to vocally

announce the Barix devices current IP address. This
makes it easier and faster to obtain the necessary
network information. To make use of SonicIP plug in the
included earphone into RCA audio out, connect the
network and plug in the power supply. It will announce
the address over the earphones right after power up.

Static IP A Static IP is a fixed IP address that you assign manually

to a device on the network. It remains valid until you
disable it.

Telnet Telnet is a user command and an underlying TCP/IP

protocol for accessing remote computers. On the Web,
HTTP and FTP protocols allow you to request specific
files from remote computers, but not to actually be
logged on as a user of that computer. With Telnet, you
log on as a regular user with whatever privileges you may
have been granted to the specific application and data on
that computer. Example: telnet 192.168.2.10

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9 Legal Information

© 2006 Barix AG, Zurich, Switzerland.

All rights reserved.

All information is subject to change without notice.

All mentioned trademarks belong to their respective
owners and are used for reference only.

Barix, Exstreamer, Instreamer, SonicIP and IPzator are
trademarks of Barix AG, Switzerland and are registered
in certain countries.

For information about our devices and the latest version
of this manual please visit www.barix.com.

Barix AG
Seefeldstrasse 303
8008 Zurich

SWITZERLAND

Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

Internet

web: www.barix.com

email: [e-mail]

support: [e-mail]

Legal Information 51