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| Muzika InStore configures Barix devices for each client, preloading Exstreamers with FTPMP3 firmware |
IP audio specialist Barix is supporting audio streaming and delivery for Muzika InStore, the new Croatia-based in-store audio service that allows customers to manage their own content. Muzika InStore exclusively uses the Barix Exstreamer 100 IP audio device to receive and decode programming at retail stores and businesses, citing exceptional audio quality, reliability, ease of use and low energy consumption.
The Muzika InStore service is a classic "store and forward" operation that includes two in-house developed web applications to support program development and management. The first application, MIT AddSite, gives customers complete freedom to create in-store audio programs that enhance the retail experience or business atmosphere. The second, MIT FTPstats, focuses on network-wide monitoring and troubleshooting. Current clients include KTC d.o.o, a Croatian chain of retail store and restaurants for which Muzika InStore produces 210 weekly promotions and advertisements; as well as retail businesses Metro, Emmerzeta, Trgocentar and Trgostil.
Robert Malekovic, CEO of Muzika InStore, says that the Barix devices help to ensure continuous playout of all in-store audio programs, while delivering a quick return on investment for both his company and his in-store clients.
"No operator in the world can guarantee 100 percent availability of the live internet stream, so we developed our 'forward and play' operation with Barix so that we do not have to depend on constant connections," said Malekovic. "Barix devices are extremely reliable for playout and since each device consumes less than 4W of electricity, customers with multiple devices experience a return on investment in less than one year."
Muzika InStore's MIT AddSite application assists the creative process, allowing customers to freely and easily add, schedule and delete music, announcements and local advertisements through a central admin section. It also retains all customer information for simple ongoing management, including hours of operation as well as databases, playlists and musical preferences down to specific genres. Users can also generate reports to show proof of play for advertisers.
"We find the new Barix devices on our servers so that the client can immediately start with creation of music programs and management of ads and promos" |
Once live at a business, the overall system refreshes itself at the same time each day, creates a playlist for the next week and then disconnects from the Internet to save network resources, ensuring that credit card authorization, point of sale systems and other primary retail systems are unaffected.
Malekovic adds that the ease of setup and installation further reduces his cost of investment. Muzika InStore configures the Barix devices for each client, preloading Exstreamers with Barix FTPMP3 firmware and shipping the plug-and-play devices direct to clients. Muzika InStore also preloads USB sticks, which are attached direct to the Exstreamer 100 to provide secondary, local audio source. This is especially helpful upfront to reduce the initial download needs and minimize network congestion. Meanwhile, newly installed devices automatically connect to Muzika InStore's network.
"We find the new Barix devices on our servers so that the client can immediately start with creation of music programs and management of ads and promos," said Malekovic. "The devices start and stop playing based on information the client has input within the AddSite application, so there are no manual interactions required by employees of the shop."
