User Manual RetailPlayer

Introduction

The purpose of this document is to guide users through the features and functionality of the RetailPlayer. It provides a detailed description of each component of the RetailPlayer system, explaining the purpose and operation of every button, LED, webpage, and more. This will enhance the user's understanding of the product.

What is RetailPlayer?

RetailPlayer from Barix is a multi-site, multi-channel streaming platform for background music distribution and message scheduling playback. RetailPlayer is a cloud-managed solution, the best choice when there are multiple devices installed in different geographical locations, configured, controlled and supervised from a centralized web app.

The solution encompasses 2 key elements:

1. The RetailPlayer Devices - compact and robust audio decoders, easy to install, connected to the network, and to the amplification system through standardized connections

2. The RetailPlayer Portal - Cloud-based management solution where an organization can register their RetailPlayer devices and control them at once with an easy-to-use interface

The RetailPlayer devices, out of the box, estrablish a secure connection with the RetailPlayer Portal (over web secure socket) and retrieve their configuration from it (streaming channels, volume, scheduling information and much more).

Applications

RetailPlayer is suitable for:

• Distributing background music (e.g., in retail stores, restaurants, gyms, hotels, etc.)

• Radio distribution systems with centralized management

• Corporate audio streaming solutions

• Music on Hold systems

• Sonic branding organizations seeking a professional music playback solution

About this manual

This manual is designed for distributors, installers, and users of the RetailPlayer solution. It covers the functions of the RetailPlayer device, how to set up connections, and how to access and utilize the Portal’s features. The manual is written for those with basic networking knowledge.

This guide assumes that the RetailPlayer device and the Portal are running the latest firmware versions. (For more details on the release history and change log, refer to the release notes.)

Barix strongly recommends using the latest firmware version to benefit from important new features, security fixes, and updated libraries and components.

RetailPlayer allows firmware updates either locally via its web interface or remotely through the Portal (see the Update Page section for details).

Additional documents and support

The following additional documents are available for the RetailPlayer Solution:

• RetailPlayer Quick Install Guide: This document explains the essential steps to quickly set up the RetailPlayer on an S400 decoder.

• RetailPlayer Knowledge Base Articles

In addition to regularly visiting the Barix website and Help Center, users can access support through several channels:

• Contact your local distributor for the technical support they provide. A list of distributors is available on the Barix website at this link.

• Reach out to a Barix support technician directly via email at: support@barix.com.

RetailPlayer devices

RetailPlayer runs on the following Barix Products, from this point onward referred to as “RetailPlayer Devices”:

First Installation

RetailPlayer devices connect to the network via an Ethernet wired interface. By default, each device is configured as a DHCP client, requiring connection to a DHCP server to obtain an IP address.

For more information on network requirements, click here.

After booting, the device will immediately attempt to connect to the RetailPlayer Portal, a cloud-based platform used to manage all devices within an organization.

Portal URL: https://manage.barix.com

To request an account, send an email to support@barix.com with the following details:

• Organization Name

• Organization Address

• Organization Website

• Admin Full Name

• Admin Email Address

• RetailPlayer Device MAC Address

Your account will be verified and opened in maximum 2 working days.

Below is an example of how to connect a RetailPlayer S400 to an amplification system:

1. Connect the audio cable to the 3.5mm line-out of the RetailPlayer device.

2. On the opposite end of the cable, the two connectors carry the left and right channels of the stereo stream. Connect these to the input of your amplification system, mixer, or DSP unit.

3. If you need to hear the IP address during boot (using the Sonic IP® function), increase the volume on your amplification system.

4. Connect the network cable to the RetailPlayer device.

5. Connect the power. The device will boot. Listen for the IP address announcement via Sonic IP®

6. The LED on the front panel will turn green. It will blink if the device is not yet registered with the RetailPlayer Portal, and will remain solid once registered and able to connect to the Portal.

Local web configuration interface

The RetailPlayer device offers some level of control via local web configuration. Specifically the local configuration can be accessed to:

• Change the Priority streaming url

• Change the Portal URL

• Change the RTP Forwarding capability

• Change the device’s IP configuration (DHCP or Static)

• Change the time servers configuration (NTP)

• Change the security policy of the RetailPlayer device

These settings can only be changed via local web configuration interface. Accessing this interface is not mandatory unless one of the above settings must be changed. Any other configuration is perfromed via RetailPlayer Portal.

Additionally, it is also possible to:

• Update the firmware of the device

• Apply reset to defaults

• Reboot the device

In order to access the local web configuration interface type the IP address of the device in the browser URL. .

Sonic IP® function

Each device comes with a feature from Barix called “Sonic IP®”. When the device boots and connects to a network with a DHCP server, it automatically acquires an IP address and announces the address through the audio output. This feature is particularly helpful when accessing the device’s web interface for the first time.

To access the web interface of the device the "Webconfig" flag on the Portal must be set to enabled otherwise the unit will reply with a ‘connection timeout’ or ‘connection refused’ when trying to open the web configuration interface. This option can be found in Devices → Basic Settings → Device Webconfig. More details are provided in the RetailPlayer Portal chapter of this manual.

In the following paragraphs, the settings and the different sections of the local web interface are described. 

The Settings Page

As soon as the web interface is accessed it visualizes the SETTINGS page.

The interface is organized into three main sections:

1. Top Navigation Bar: This includes options for Settings, Status, Logs, Defaults, Update, and Reboot. In the top-right corner, you’ll also find the device’s MAC address and the current firmware version installed.

2. Operational Area: This is where users can input values and configure parameters.

3. Side Help Section: This section provides a brief overview of the parameters and values, assisting users without requiring them to leave the page.
   TIP: Each parameter has a default value, which is also displayed in the help section.

Application Settings

This section is used to configure the device’s main operational mode.

Playback Priorities 

This chapter clarifies the various audio sources that the RetailPlayer can handle. One of the key strengths of RetailPlayer is its range of fallback mechanisms designed to ensure continuous playback under all circumstances.

The playback sources are organized into three categories: PRIORITY, FOREGROUND, and BACKGROUND.

Se the RetailPlayer Portal configuration chapter to learn how to setup the playback material on the RetailPlayer device.

Network Settings - Ethernet

IIn this section, you can configure the network settings for the RetailPlayer device. You can choose between dynamic or static address assignment methods for the Ethernet interface.

The RetailPlayer supports the Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP), which enables the device to acquire an IP address from a pool managed by a DHCP server. When the device is discovered on the network, the server assigns an available IP address. This address is associated with a lease time, meaning that once the lease expires, the DHCP server may reassign the IP address to other devices on the network, potentially giving it a different address than before. Additionally, the DHCP server provides all related information to the requesting device, including subnet, gateway, and DNS addresses.

While DHCP offers a convenient way to assign IP addresses, there are situations where static IP addresses are necessary. In these cases, you can manually assign a static IP address to the RetailPlayer device to ensure it remains consistent over time.

IMPORTANT
While is possible to use either DHCP or Static IP methods to assign an IP address to the Ethernet (wired) interface of the RetailPlayer, the wireless interface supports only the DHCP method. If you are operating your RetailPlayer solely on a wireless connection (with no Ethernet cable plugged in), ensure that the Ethernet method field is set to DHCP. Failing to do so will prevent your device from connecting to the wireless network.

Network Settings - Wireless

RetailPlayer devices are equipped with (2x) USB ports in the front panel that can be used for a WiFi Dongle to be connected, in this way the device can connect to the network wirelessly.
It is necessary to configure the wireless parameters to access the WiFI network. 

RetailPlayer devices are compatible with the Realtek RTL8188EU and RTL8812BU chipsets.

To connect your RetailPlayer to a wireless network, follow these steps:

1. Insert your WiFi USB dongle into one of the USB ports (it does not matter which port you choose).

2. Refresh the local web interface in your browser or power on the device if it was turned off. You should now see an indication stating "not configured" next to the WIRELESS label.

3. Select the SSID you wish to connect to from the drop-down list.

4. Set the Security Protocol to WPA.

5. Enter the password for the selected SSID.

6. Ensure that the IP assignment method is set to DHCP. As of firmware version 5.3.0, static IP assignment is not available for the WLAN interface. Also, make sure the Ethernet method is set to DHCP; otherwise, your device will not connect to the wireless network.

7. Click on Submit at the bottom of the page. The device will apply the configured settings and reboot. After rebooting, the WiFi status should show as connected, indicated by a green dot next to the WIRELESS label.

8. Visit the Status page of the web interface to locate the Wireless Settings. Here, you can check the IP address configured on the device. Make a note of it if you intend to access the device via WiFi.

9. Power off the RetailPlayer and disconnect the Ethernet cable. Power it back on and wait until the boot process is complete. If Sonic IP is enabled, it will announce its IP address over the audio output. Verify that the wireless connection is fully operational.
   

   

   

   While it is possible to use DHCP or Static IP methods for assigning an IP address at the Ethernet (wired) interface of the RetailPlayer it is not possible to do the same with the wireless interface, which supports only the DHCP method. If you run your RetailPlayer using solely Wireless connection (no Ethernet cable plugged), make sure to set the Ethernet method field to DHCP, failing in doing so will result in the impossibility to connect your device to the wireless network.

When the device connects correctly to a wireless network it will be indicated in the web UI as follow:

WiFi USB dongles tested and known to work with RetailPlayer

1. TP-Link TL-WN722N

2. Realtek RTL8188EUS

3. TP-Link TL-WN725N

4. TP-Link Archer T3U

5. TP-Link Archer T3U Nano

6. TP-Link Archer T3U Plus

7. Asus AC53 Nano

8. Realtek RTL8812BU

DNS, SonicIP® Volume

Completing the network configuration of the RetailPlayer device are the below settings:

Proxy Configuration 

Proxy type supported: HTTP

Time Settings

It is essential for the RetailPlayer device to operate with the correct date and time. This is crucial because the validation of HTTPS certificates, which establish a secure connection with the Portal, relies on these certificates being valid within a specific time window. The device presents its system time during this process; if the time is outside the expected window, the device will be unable to connect.

RetailPlayer devices utilize an NTP (Network Time Protocol) daemon to set their system time, operating over the standard port 123. The time set by NTP is in UTC (Coordinated Universal Time).

In the web interface, the time settings allow users to modify the default NTP pools used by the device. This flexibility is beneficial for customers who may wish to use their internal NTP servers or prefer alternative options. The fields accept either a domain name (which requires a valid DNS connection to resolve to an IP address) or an IP address.

Users can verify the system time on the Status page of the device or from the Portal's status page.

Once the device has booted, NTP is used to set the time only at startup. After establishing a connection with the Portal, the time is managed by the Portal, which also allows for the selection of the appropriate time zone for the device's installation. This ensures that the device always operates on the correct schedule for its intended use.

Security Settings

This section is dedicated to securing access to the RetailPlayer web interface and enabling or disabling critical operations such as rebooting, resetting to factory defaults, and updating the device.

SUBMIT

By clicking on the button SUBMIT all the changes made in the SETTINGS page are applied in the configuration. 

By clicking on CANCEL all the changes are not applied and the fields return to their previous inserted value. 

Status Page

Click on STATUS in the top navigation bar to view the current status of the RetailPlayer device.
The status report provides information about the hardware and application status, offering a quick overview of the device's current configuration.

The Status Page displays the following information:

Network accordion
Wired Connection
Status	Shows if the device is connected via the Ethernet interface to the network
IP Address	The current IP address of the Ethernet interface
Netmask	The subnet mask on which the device is operating
Wireless Connection
Status	Shows if the device is connected via the Ethernet interface to the network
MAC Address	Media Access Control address - This is the hardware address of the wireless interface of the inserted WiFi USB dongle
SSID	The Service Set Identifier - the name of the wireless network to which the device is currently connected
Signal Strength	The power expressed in percentage (0% - 100%) of the WiFi radiation Try to position the device where this value is higher than 45% to get better results when using a WiFi connection
IP Address	The current IP address of the wireless interface
Netmask	The subnet mask on which the device is operating
Network
Default Gateway	The gateway address currently set
DNS Servers	The DNS server addresses (primary and secondary) currently in use. Provided either by the DHCP or entered manually in the settings page

Logs Page

The Logs page displays the events occurring operation of the RetailPlayer device.

Logs are useful for debugging issues, they give a detailed insight into every process within the RetailPlayer OS.

On the top-right corner, it is possible to click the button “Download all messages” to download all log files.

When contacting the Barix support it is useful to attach along with the communication the Log files downloaded and the status page screenshot. Do not forget to give a description as much detailed as possible about the steps made that led to the issue.

Defaults Page

Reset to Factory Defaults - Soft Reset

The Defaults page on the web interface of the RetailPlayer device allows you to perform a soft reset. This operation reverts all settings, except the network settings, back to factory defaults. It does not downgrade the firmware; it simply resets the settings for the running application.

The option to enable or disable the reset to factory defaults can be found on the Settings page under Security Settings.

When the reset button is clicked, the device initiates a 10-second countdown, after which you can reload the web interface.

Reset to Factory Defaults - Hard Reset

The RetailPlayer device also supports a hard reset, which reverts all settings to factory defaults, including network settings.

To perform a hard reset, locate the reset button on the front panel of the RetailPlayer device. Using a sharp-pointed tool, press and hold the button for approximately 10 seconds. The status LED will blink green three times, indicating that the reset operation has begun. After a few seconds, the device will reboot with factory defaults. Be sure to reload the web page once the operation is complete.

Update Page 

The RetailPlayer platform offers the possibility to update the firmware of the device locally from the web interface or remotely via the Portal. More details are provided in this chapter on both functionalities. 

Run always the latest firmware available from Barix as it might include bug fixes, improvements or new useful features

The Update page has 3 purposes:

• Visualizes the current software loaded on the RetailPlayer device

• Enables the remote update of the device

• Updates the device directly

in order to update to a firmware version newer than 5.0 from an older firmware it is mandatory to first update to FW version 5.0 and then update to the 5.X or 6.x FW. More on the subject here.

Visualize the current version installed

Under “Currently Loaded Version” it is visible the current firmware installed, the root file system version, the web UI release version, the kernel details, and the Bootloader information.

Remote update via RetailPlayer Portal

The RetailPlayer Portal allows you to update the firmware of RetailPlayer devices remotely. (For details on accessing device settings from the Portal, please refer to the RetailPlayer Portal chapter.)

To update the firmware remotely from the Portal, follow these steps:

1. Log in to the Portal at manage.barix.com.

2. Navigate to the Devices menu and select the device you wish to upgrade from the list.

3. In the device's Overview page, locate the Firmware drop-down menu under Basic Settings.

4. Select the desired firmware version.

Any device running firmware v5.x or an earlier version will not connect with the RetailPlayer Portal. Update your device via local web configuration intarface to enable Portal connection.

The Device needs to be powered overnight in order to perform the automatic update at 4 am.

Automatic Firmware Update via Portal

In the Portal, you can set up an automatic firmware update by selecting a ".x" release from the drop-down menu (e.g., Firmware 6.x). With this configuration, any release available within the 6.x version will be automatically installed by the devices. They will check for updates daily at 4 AM to see if there is any available on the Barix update server at https://release.barixupdate.com

Update via the Web Interface

To update the firmware locally from the update page, start by downloading the latest firmware package from the Barix website at http://www.barix.com/downloads . The firmware for the RetailPlayer is located under the Products section, specifically in the Decoder category. Alternatively, you can simply type “RetailPlayer” in the search bar on the website. Please note that the ability to download firmware packages is available only to registered users.

The firmware is provided as a TAR archive file. To update from the web interface:

• In the Update page, click on Please click here to start the update to access the system update page.

• Click on Choose File, then locate and select the corresponding TAR archive.

• Click on Upload.

• A progress bar will appear, indicating the completion of the upload process. Wait until the upload is finished (do not disconnect the power supply during this operation).

• Once the upload is complete, the device will reboot automatically. Reload the page or click the home link to return to the home page.

Please clear the cache or restart your browser to ensure the web interface of your device is displayed correctly after the update.

Do not disconnect the power supply during the update. The software update can take up to several minutes depending on the size of the firmware.

Rescue Image Process

The RetailPlayer application runs on a removable flash memory card in microSD format. In cases where the application fails to load correctly from the flash memory, you can execute a rescue process to restore the original factory firmware on a new microSD. For example, if your device was shipped with firmware version 5.2.0 and you were using 5.3.0, this process will revert the firmware to version 5.2.0 and reset all settings to factory defaults, including network settings.

Procedure:

1. If your RetailPlayer device is powered on, shut it off.

2. Ensure the device is connected to the internet. For this process to work, the device will attempt to connect to the Barix update server (http://release.barixupdate.com) via HTTP (port 80) to download the rescue image.

3. While the device is off, press and hold the reset button.

4. Keep the button pressed while powering on the device (for S400, connect the power cable; for SP400, connect the Ethernet cable).

5. Continue holding the button for at least 8 seconds after power is applied.

6. Release the button to start the rescue process.

7. The device will restart, and the LED will blink orange, indicating that a firmware update or downgrade is in progress.

8. When the LED turns green (either blinking or steady), reboot the device.

Your device is now rescued.

Reboot Page

This page is dedicated to rebooting the RetailPlayer device.

Rebooting is the process of power cycling the device (ON → OFF → ON) and can be performed from the web interface or by using the reset button on the front panel.

Reboot from the Web Interface

1. Click Reboot the device to restart the device.

2. A countdown screen will appear, lasting for 10 seconds. At the end of the countdown, the device will reboot.

3. Wait approximately 20 seconds, then reload the web page or click on the text that says Click here to return to the home page.

Reboot from the reset button

The reboot of the device from the button is performed by pressing the Reset button located on the front panel of the RetailPlayer device for 3 seconds approximately.

A long press of this button (10 seconds) will reset the device to factory defaults.

The RetailPlayer Portal 

The Barix RetailPlayer Portal is a cloud-based management platform that allows users to control, monitor, and troubleshoot RetailPlayer devices remotely.

The Portal is accessible using any web browser at: https://manage.barix.com/

To request an account follow this link: https://to.barix.com/retailplayer_portalaccount_request

Portal Login

In the Login area, enter the credentials and click the SUBMIT button to access the portal.

First Access

The first time the Portal is accessed it will ask to change immediately the password used for login.

Insert the new password, confirm by clicking on  in the top-right corner. Logout and log back in again with the new password. 

User Interface Layout

Once logged in the Portal, clicking on the Devices link opens the list of units registered under the current organization selected:

The sidebar menu on the left provides access to the following sections of the RetailPlayer Portal:

• Devices: The device management section, where you can register, configure, control, and monitor each RetailPlayer device.

• Channels: Access the configuration of stream URLs used as channels.

• Channel List: Manage groups of channels by configuring channel lists.

• Asset Organizer: Manage audio clips for scheduling on a weekly planner, interlacing them with streaming channels. You can also create Cue Sets to play audio files manually from the QR Code web app or directly from the Portal.

• Organization: An overview of the main organization and its associated resources, such as sub-organizations, users, devices, and channel lists.

• Users: Manage user creation, privileges, and settings in this section.

• Knowledge Base: Redirects to the RetailPlayer user manual.

• Troubleshooting: Redirects to the user manual, specifically to the section on connectivity issues.

It is possible to change organization by using the selector in the top navigation area:

• Organization Selector: If the organization in use has sub-organizations, they will appear in this dropdown. Switching between organizations will change the displayed resources, including devices, channels, channel lists etc.

Devices management 

The "Devices" button gives access to the device list. All the registered devices of an organization and its sub-organizations are listed here.

The device list is organized as follow, from top to bottom: 

Quick Filters with counters and search bar
	ONLINE device filter Click on this button to list only online devices. The number in the icon represents the number of online devices in the list
	OFFLINE device filter Click on this button to list only offline devices. The number in the icon represents the number of offline devices in the list
	FALLBACK URL device filter Click on this button to list only devices that are currently playing the fallback url. The number in the icon represents the number of devices that are in this condition
	FAILOVER TRACKS device filter Click on this button to list only devices that are currently playing the failover tracks. The number in the icon represents the number of devices that are in this condition
	RESEARCH BAR - search in the list Use this text input field to search for devices in the list. Parameters that can be used for the search: Name, MAC, Location, Notes.
	Refresh the list button The table is automatically refreshed every 15s but if a quicker refresh is required the user can click on this button.
Device List
	Delete device from the Portal button Once removed the RetailPlayer is muted, the audio output is silent. Removing a device from the Portal triggers a RESET TO DEFAULTS and consequent reboot. Additionally, if the device was licensed with RetailHero, the Portal loses it and the device must be subscribed again.
activity indication	Online: the device successfully established a connection with the Portal. It's possible to monitor its status and control the playback Offline: the device is not connected with the Portal. If it was connected at least once in the past the reported information are the last ones reported before disconnecting, if it never connected there is no reported information or status. In this state the device cannot be monitored nor controlled.
Opening Hours indication	Open: the device is Active and receiving the stream Closed: the device is Inactive and not receiving the stream Device is not connected with the Portal
Playback Status	Device is playing Main URL. By mouse overlay is possible to visualize the stream URL that is playing Device is playing Fallback URL. By mouse overlay is possible to visualize the stream URL that is playing Device is playing Failover Tracks. By mouse overlay is possible to visualize the track that is playing Device is playing an Event (scheduled asset or triggered asset). By mouse overlay is possible to visualize the asset that is playing Device is playing USB tracks. By mouse overlay is possible to visualize the track that is playing Device is playing the Priority URL. By mouse overlay is possible to visualize the stream URL that is playing Device is NOT playing anything OR Device is transitioning the playback from one source to another Device is not connected with the Portal Device Firmware doesn't support this feature. Playback reporting has been introduced in FW > 6.2, make sure to update your players to see this information.
	Device volume indication in %, visible when overlaying the icon with the mouse Device not connected with the Portal, if the device was ever connected the mouse overlay shows the last reported volume
NAME	This column shows the device's name, it is the default sorting used in the table. Clicking on the arrow it is possible to sort them from A..Z or from Z..A
CHANNEL	The current channel selected, the name visualized is the one assigned to the channel in the channel configuration
CHANNEL LIST	The current channel list selected, the name visualized is the one assigned to the channel list in the channel list configuration
ORGANIZATION	The organization the device belongs to

Device registration

From the device list window, click on the ➕ button in the top-right corner to add a new device in the Portal. 

This opens a wizard configuration that guides the user toward the first configuration of the device, the steps are as follow: 

1. Select the registration mode. You can register one device at a time or register multiple devices at once, using bulk registration.

BULK REGISTRATION

2. Click on the “Upload CSV file“ to load the text file containing devices names and MACs:.

To device bulk registration, upload a CSV file with following format:

CODE

"00:08:E1:WW:XX:YY";"My device alias YY"
"00:08:E1:WW:XX:ZZ";"My device alias ZZ"

SINGLE DEVICE REGISTRATION

2. Enter the MAC Address of the RetailPlayer device, assign a name to the device, and, if necessary, add a note for additional information.

3. Select the Organization this device belongs to.

4. Settings configuration to be applied to the registered device(s)

5. Select the channel list and the specific channel you want the device( to play after registration, then complete the setup by clicking the button.

You can also choose not to select a channel or channel list, but in that case, the device will not play anything.

Device Settings

After registration, the user should navigate to the Device Settings to finalize the configuration of the newly added device. This section can also be used to modify the configuration of an existing device.

Once the device is registered and configured further controls and possibilities are available.

Device control section

Clicking on any device in the device list grants access to the Control section for that specific device.
This section provides real-time controls that can be applied to any online device directly from the Portal.

In the top of the window there is a snippet close to the name of the device that shows the status of the device, the icons are the same as the ones described in the device list area. 

Real time controls
Channel	These are the channels added in the channel list selected in the settings section. Click on the desired channel to start its playback on the device. The large channel name at the center of the screen shows the current playback channel
Mute/Unmute	It mutes/unmutes the audio output of the device
Volume	Sets the volume of the device audio output
Audio Cues	Click on the Cue set button to visualize the list of assets (cues) assigned to this device. Clicking on an asset will trigger its playback <-- Show Cue sets button

These controls are applied in Real-Time to devices that are ONLINE.

Device Status

The status panel is a great remote monitoring tool that can be used to check the current status of the device.
Main section

The actual status update is only possible if the device is connected to the Portal (Status Online YES). If the device is not connected (Status Online NO) the Portal will show the last status reported. Firmware older than 5.1 doesn’t report Status updates

Store & Play section

This section allows the user to see the Store & Play channels assigned to the device including the current status for each channel:

• Last Check: the last time the device checked for new content in the channel.

• Number of tracks: the number of the current tracks downloaded and stored in the channel

• - Refresh button: allows to refresh the status

• Total size: the amount of memory occupied by the channel playlist
  

  

When clicking on a Store & Play channel, the selected channel expands, allowing the user to view the currently downloaded tracks and also:

• URL: the URL of the file server, where the M3U playlist looks for files to download

• Content update interval: time interval that specifies how often the device checks for any change in the file server URL

• Files: Show a list of currently downloaded songs

Automation

The automation tab is where the user can find: 

1. The opening hours scheduler

2. The channels scheduler

3. The volume scheduler

4. The assets scheduler

5. The Cue sets

Opening Hours Scheduler

This function allows the RetailPlayer device to activate or deactivate the audio player at a specific time on a weekly basis.

How to use the opening hours scheduler:

• Select the time zone your device is in

• The green areas display when the audio player must be active, playing music, while the gray areas display when the audio player must be inactive

• Use the mouse to switch between green and gray, drag and drop vertically on each day to switch between green (on) or gray (off)

• Use the buttons “all” or “none” to switch the playback ON or OFF

• To apply the settings click on in the top-right corner to confirm

• To apply the scheduler configuration to other devices part of the same organization of the device being modified, use the button “Copy to…“ and select the interested RPs

Channel Scheduler

This function allows you to schedule the playback of specific streaming channels at designated times during the week

How to use the Channel Scheduler:

1. Select the channel you want to schedule from the Picked Channel drop-down menu
   (only channels from the current channel list are available; the channel list is selected in the Overview tab under Basic Settings).

2. Click on the desired day and time when you want the playback to switch to the selected channel.

3. You can insert triggers for different channels in 30-minute intervals, allowing you to schedule channel changes every 30 minutes.

4. Click at the top right corner of the page to apply your settings.

• Use the "Clear" button to reset the scheduler, this will delete all configured channels

• To apply the scheduler configuration to other devices part of the same organization of the device being modified, use the button “Copy to…“ and select the interested RPs

Volume Scheduler

This function allows you to schedule the volume level of the channels at designated times during the week
Just above the scheduler are several buttons that have the following functions:

How to use the Volume Scheduler:

1. Select the volume level you want to assign to the device using the volume slider

2. Assign that volume to the time and day you want

3. Click SAVE in the top right corner to apply your settings

4. Click "Copy to..." to apply this configuration to other devices part of the same organization of the device being modifed

• You can also write eventual notes in the textfield just below the scheduler.

COPY TO…

These 3 schedulers: opening hours, channels and volume schedulers offer a COPY TO functionality which can be used to apply the same scheduler configuration to multiple devices. When clicking on the COPY TO.. button a dialogue appears which lists the devices part of the ORG selected in the top navigation bar. By flagging the “include sub-organizations” checkbox the list will populate with all the devices part of any sub organization registered under the main organization selected in the top navigation bar. This effectively offers a quick way to copy the same configuration to multiple devices across an entire fleet.

Asset scheduler

This section of the Devices page allows you to view an already configured asset scheduler, including its respective audio components, by selecting it through the drop-down menu. However, please note that the components in this section cannot be modified or removed. To manage and edit them, visit the following link: Scheduling Section.

Cue sets

This section is accessible exclusively to Retail Hero subscribers

The Cue Sets in the device section allow store managers to view the sets assigned to the device. A Set consists of buttons linked to specific audio files. When a button is pressed, the player fades out the current music and plays the triggered audio file, which could be an ad, a pre-recorded message, an alarm, a product offer, or even a birthday song.
Once the audio file finishes playing, the music fades back in automatically.

Playback can be triggered from the Automation tab (refer to the screenshot above), the Control section (see screenshot below), or from a smartphone that accesses the Control section via QR Code. For more details, see the corresponding chapter on QR Code access.

To see how to create a Cue set and assign it to multiple devices visit this chapter

Remote Control

In this area, you can generate QR codes that, when scanned by smart devices, open a link to the Portal’s responsive web application. This feature is useful, for example, when an organization’s administrator allows employees to manage basic controls on players installed at their location.

To create a new QR code, click the "+" button. Once generated, the QR code is ready for immediate use.

Each QR code can be named, scanned directly from the screen, or sent via email. To send it via email, simply click the email icon and enter the recipient’s details.

You can enable or disable access through a QR code link by using the corresponding toggle on the left side of the QR code name.

The QR code also displays the last access timestamp and the number of times it has been used.

When an employee scans the QR code, the smart device’s web browser will open a link. From there, the following controls are available:

• View the device status, as shown in the Portal.

• Switch between any channels assigned to the device’s channel list.

• Mute or unmute the device.

• Adjust the volume using the provided slider.

• Trigger playback of assets assigned to the device’s cue set.

Utilities section:

Channel Management

Channels can be of 2 types: streaming channels or Store & Play channels, they are essential to configure in order to hear audio from RetailPlayer devices when they are used in Portal mode.

To manage channels, click on "Channels" from the side-bar menu to enter the channel management section. The channels displayed here belong to the selected organization and its sub-organizations. When creating a new channel, it must be assigned to a specific organizational unit.

For example, in the image below, the user "Manuel" belongs to an organization called "My Organization" The channels listed are only those associated with "My Organization" and its sub-organizations, as shown in the channel table. Since the user is operating within this organization, only relevant channels are visible.

In the upper-left corner, you can change the organization unit, which will update the displayed resources (devices, channels, and channel lists) accordingly.

Create a new channel

On the top bar click on ➕ to add a new channel.
In order to configure the channel, you will need to fill in the following fields:

1. Assign the new channel to the organization it belongs to.

2. Assign the name of the new channel

3. Select the channel type according to your specific needs:

   • Store & Play: This option allows the RetailPlayer to connect to an external web server directory to download music tracks and store them locally on the device’s memory. The player will then play these stored audio files. This setup is ideal for environments with poor or unstable network connections, ensuring continuous music playback even if the internet connection is lost.

   • Stream: This option connects the RetailPlayer to a streaming server, such as an Instreamer ICE, Icecast, Shoutcast Server, or other cloud-hosted web radio services.

Streaming channel:

• NAME: This is the name of the channel and will be displayed in the device control section and on the remote app used for channel selection.

• ORG UNIT: The organizational unit to which this channel belongs. It determines which devices and users can access the channel.

• URL: The primary URL where the audio stream is sourced from. This is the main stream the device will play.

• FALLBACK URL: A backup stream that will play if the primary URL is unreachable or experiences downtime. This ensures continuous audio playback.

The URL field are to be filled always with a valid syntax among: "http://<YourURL>/path/" or "https://<YourURL>/path/"

The Portal is only used for configuration, it is not involved in audio routing or playback. Once the URL is assigned to a device the device connects directly with the streaming server configured.

The HTTP request sent by the device to the streaming server contains the following user-agent: retailplayer-<MAC_LAST_3_BYTES> (i.e. retailplayer-12ab34)

Store & Play channel

• NAME: This is the name of the channel and will be displayed in the device control section and on the remote app used for channel selection.

• ORG UNIT: The organizational unit to which this channel belongs. It determines which devices and users can access the channel.

• URL: The URL points to an .m3u playlist, which contains the list of files that the player will download and play. RetailPlayer supports ftp or http(s) protocols to download data from the provided fileserver.

• CONTENT UPDATE INTERVAL: Defines the interval at which the RetailPlayer device will check for any modification applied to the m3u file. When filenames are removed from the m3u file they will be removed from the player’s memory too, when new files are added those will be downloaded by the player in addition to the ones already downloaded. If a file is not found in the file server directory (same directory of the M3U) the player will attempt to sync with the m3u once every 2..3 minutes.

• AUTHENTICATION: If the access to the fileserver configured in the URL field is protected by authentication insert here the username and password to be used.

Store and Play doesn’t support Google Drive, Dropbox integration. The m3u link provided in the URL must be a direct download link open to public access.

RetailPlayer supports http digest authentication method.

The m3u file MUST be stored in the same directory where the files to be downloaded are and the filenames reported in it match exactly the filenames of the tracks that the player has to download.

RetailPlayer supports UTF-8 encoded text, but in some cases this is not enough to guarantee that the files will be found correctly depending on how the file server encodes special characters. For this reason avoid using accented characters and other special ones for the filenames of the tracks to be downloaded.

Any line in the M3U that is not a name of a file stored in the same directory will generate an error on the player.

Once the settings are defined click on in the upper right corner.

If necessary, you can copy the current channel by clicking . This will duplicate the channel and all its parameters, it will be displayed as: Copy of + channel name

When configuring channels, remember that the RetailPlayer supports the following audio formats:

• MP3 Decoding:

  • MP3 (MPEG-1 Audio Layer III or MPEG-2 Audio Layer III)

  • MP2 (MPEG-1 Audio Layer II or MPEG-2 Audio Layer II)

• AAC+ Decoding:

  • Formats: .m4a and .aac

  • Profiles: LC (Low Complexity) and HE-AAC/HE-AACv2 (High Efficiency)

• Opus

• Ogg Vorbis

• WAV:

  • Linear PCM 16-bit, 44.1kHz, Big Endian

Channel Lists

In this section, you can group channels into Channel Lists. Click on "Channel List" in the sidebar menu to view existing Channel Lists or create a new one. The page will display the ones that belong to the selected organizational unit and its sub-organizations. When creating a new Channel List, it must be assigned to an organizational unit.

the icon allows to delete the corresponding channel list.

Add channel lists

Click on the ➕ button in the top-right corner to create a new channel list:

When creating a new Channel List, the following information is required:

• NAME: Assign a name to the channel list.

• ORGANIZATION: Select the organizational unit to which the list belongs.

• CHANNELS: Click on the drop down menu to add channels (Store & Play or Stream) to the list. The menu will appear, allowing you to select from the channels already added to the same organizational unit. Click ✕ to remove a channel from the list.

• FAILOVER TRACKS: The tracks are downloaded locally to the RetailPlayer device and will play when no other stream is available. Once a stream is restored, the RetailPlayer will immediately switch back to streaming. Failover tracks must be in one of the following formats: .mp3, .wav, .ogg, or .aac. It is possible to have Barix hosting the tracks (limited to max. 200 tracks) or to use a Store and Play channel as a failover playlist. See below.

• PLAY ONLY TRACKS: Introduced in Portal release 3.2.1. When this option is flagged and saved, all RetailPlayer devices using the Channel List will play only the failover tracks, without attempting to stream audio. This allows for the creation of music playlists (up to 200 tracks). To switch back to streaming, un-flag this option and click .

Failover Tracks

The goal of failover tracks is to have a backup playback mechanism in place to ensure 24/7 constant music playout even in situations where the streaming server is not reachable for any reason. Failover Tracks can be hosted on the Barix Portal or any Store and Play channel configured can act as a Failover Playlist.

When hosting the tracks on the RetailPlayer Portal the customer simply must upload the tracks on the portal, any device that will be assigned this channel list will download the tracks immediately and store them in local memory.

It is possible upload a maximum of 200 failover tracks, and the number of uploaded tracks is visible in the corresponding area of the Portal. While a device is downloading failover tracks, it cannot play them. The time required for downloading these tracks depends primarily on the network connection speed of the RetailPlayer device. You can monitor the download progress and the number of downloaded failover tracks through the device’s Status Report. - Each audio file (track) can have a maximum size of 16MB.

When Store and Play as Failover Tracks is selected the customer must pick a Store and Play channel, which essentially points to a URL of a playlist stored at customer’s premises, to be used as a Failover Playlist. The tracks will be downloaded and stored locally in the device memory. More information on how to setup a Store and Play channel here. In this case there is no limit on the number of tracks to be used (the limit is the device’s storage available which can be verified in the status page) and on the size of the individual file.

Barix will change the policy about hosting failover tracks on the Portal during 2025. It is recommended to migrate to Store and Play as Failover Tracks as soon as possible.

How to play only tracks

With the new function "PLAY ONLY TRACKS" added in Portal release 3.2.1 it is possible to use the faiover tracks as a music file playlist. How it works: 

1. Create your channel list, if already created click on to access its configuration
   

   

2. Upload the required number of faiover tracks, it is possible to upload multiple tracks at once
   

   

3. See the upload status, when all tracks are uploaded click on , depending on the number of tracks uploaded, allow enough time for the Portal to render the tracks in the list
   

   

4. At this stage, the fallback tracks are being downloaded by the RetailPlayer devices if they are set to play from the selected channel list. Please wait until all tracks have been downloaded onto the players. You can monitor the download progress by navigating to the Device tab → Status → Main → Failover tracks.

5. In the Channel List area click on - All the RetailPlayer devices configured to play this channel list will play the tracks. Streams are not available when play only tracks is set.

After making all the necessary changes to your Channel list, click on to assign this channel list to other devices within the same organization.

Asset organizer

This section is accessible exclusively to Retail Hero subscribers.

In RetailPlayer Portal V3.x, the premium section "Asset Organizer" has been introduced. This platform allows users to upload audio assets (such as announcements, messages, information, etc.) and schedule their playback on a weekly or monthly basis. The playback is seamlessly integrated with the streaming channel being played by the RetailPlayer devices.

Access the Asset organizer section to open the Asset manager

Asset Manager section

The Asset Manager window displays all the audio files uploaded for the currently viewed organization. In the example below, the organization is "My Organization" and the files listed are associated with this specific organization.

The big button on the top "upload files here" allows to upload assets from the local PC where the Portal is accessed. 

Audio Files format supported: .mp3/.wav/.ogg/.m4a/.opus

By clicking next to each file, you can:

• Edit the asset name.

• Add any necessary notes.

• Set the playback volume level (range: 0-200).

• Play and preview the asset.

Additionally, clicking on opens the audio file details, allowing for another preview. The playback will occur through the browser using the audio output of the PC accessing the Portal.

To delete an audio file uploaded: 

• Click on the checkbox for the desired file

• The upper row turns red and a bin icon appears on the right corner, click on and confirm the operation to delete the file

Each individual audio file must not exceed 16 MB in size.

Bundles section

Only available on devices running FW > 6.x

A bundle is a pre-configured sequence of assets that can be scheduled and managed as a single entity. When a bundle is scheduled, the components within the bundle will play one file at a time at the specified intervals, rather than all files playing simultaneously at the scheduled time. This setup allows for flexibility in organizing and distributing content over the scheduled period.

Once you are in the section, you will see a drop-down menu that lists all your previously configured bundles. If you do not have any bundles set up yet, click on to configure a new one.
To create the bundle correctly, configure the following parameters:

• NAME: The name you want to assign to the individual bundle.

• ASSET: After clicking on the button as many times as necessary to add all the desired assets, the drop-down menu will allow you to choose from the assets previously uploaded.

• NOTES: Any notes related to the bundle.

To remove an unwanted asset, click on the icon, and it will be removed from the bundle. Once you have configured your bundle, click on .

Bundles actions
Once a bundle is selected, these buttons appear in the top right corner:

	This button allows you to delete the selected bundle in one action
	This button allows you to apply changes to the already configured bundle

Scheduling section

The Scheduling section enables you to create schedules that include one or more components. These components can play individual assets or asset bundles, allowing you to specify the days on which they will be played.

Once you are in the section, you will see a drop-down menu that lists all your previously configured schedulers. If you do not have any schedulers set up yet, click on to configure a new one.
To create the scheduler correctly, configure the following parameters:

• NAME: The name you want to assign to the individual scheduler.

• COMPONENT: Click on the button as many times as necessary to add all the desired components. Once you click "+" this window will open:

Below here there is an explanaton of all the parameters:

	When this switch is disabled, the component will be turned off, preventing it from playing any audio.
	These two text fields enable you to configure the component's name and add any necessary notes.
	This button allows you to select the color of the component from an RGB menu, which will be displayed on the scheduler.
	By clicking on one of the two radio buttons, you can easily select whether to configure the component to play audio assets or asset bundles.
	This dropdown menu allows you to select the time interval for when the component should play. The available options are: Single day: Play the component on a specific day → Weekly: Play the component on selected days of week → Monthly: Play the component on specific days each month. →
	This clock menu allows you to select what time the component should play.
	The Repeat checkbox enables the option to set a time frame within which an asset can be repeated. The frequency of repetition is determined by the "Repeat Every" input field, allowing you to specify the interval between each playback of the asset. This feature is useful for scheduling recurring content at regular intervals within a set time frame.

To apply every change to the component, click on and, if you are done with everything, click on to save the whole scheduler.

The devices will play the scheduled files even without internet connection.

When a scheduled file is playing, the status report changes the "Active Resource" and "Active Stream" to "Event" and the associated unique ID of the event playing, see below: 

This is a good way to remotely verify if a schedule is running correctly.

Cues section

This section is accessible exclusively to Retail Hero subscribers.

Only available on devices running FW > 6.1.x 

This is another premium feature added to RetailPlayer, enabling the creation of Cue sets consisting of a maximum of 10 buttons. Each button can be used to manually trigger the playback of audio files associated with it.

The playback can be initiated either from the Portal or through the web application accessed by scanning a QR code.

How to create a Cue set

• Go into the Audio Files section and Audio Files Triggers

• Click on or if a set is already created, select it from the drop down menu and click on EDIT

• Assign a Name to the SET
  

  

• Click on  to add a new button (up to 10 buttons can be added to a set)

• Click on "Configure me" to open the editing area of the selected button

  

• For each button is possible to: assign a name (this will also be displayed on the UI of the remote control app) and an audio file (uploaded in the Asset Manager)

• Set the volume of the audio file, preview it and modify the background and foreground colors to match your wishes. 

• Do the same for all the buttons created

• While in EDIT mode is possible to arrange the buttons to match the desired order. Use the arrows to move a button up or down. Use to delete.
  

  

• Click on

• Click on ASSIGN DEVICES to assign the trigger set to the desired devices

Once a Trigger set is assigned to a device it is possible to trigger the playback of the audio files associated with the buttons from the Portal. Devices → Select the device → Automation → Cues

By clicking on each button displayed on this page, you can trigger the playback of the associated audio files.

By clicking you are redirect to the Cue sets section in the Asset organizer page

The real advantage of this feature emerges when accessed through the web app via smartphones (using QR code scanning). For example, when a waiter is bringing a cake to a customer in a restaurant, clicking any of the buttons will immediately play the corresponding audio file.

Audio files triggered manually take precedence over the main stream, fallback, and failover tracks but do not override the priority URL (if configured) or the USB tracks (when the Play from USB function is active).

Organization management

This chapter and the following sections focus on organization and user management, covering the administrative aspects of the Portal.

The RetailPlayer platform is structured to allow users to be assigned configurable permissions for managing organizations. An organization encompasses a set of resources, including devices, channels, and channel lists, which must be assigned to a specific organization upon creation. For each user within an organization, different permissions can be assigned to control the platform, enabling the creation of distinct roles based on their responsibilities.

Organizations can also have sub-organizations. Users in the main organization have control over all resources in the sub-organizations. However, users assigned to a sub-organization do not have access to the resources of the parent organization and are not even aware of their membership in a sub-organization.

Settings section:

In this section of the page, you will find a text field labeled "Name" where you must enter the name of the main organization. Below that, there is another text field labeled "Notes," which can be used to include any additional information or notes that may be necessary for your organization.

At the top right of the page, there are two buttons designed for managing sub-organizations. The "Add Sub Organization" button allows you to create a new sub-organization under the main organization. Clicking this button will prompt you to enter the relevant details for the new sub-organization.

Conversely, the "Remove Sub Organization" button is used to delete an existing sub-organization. Before proceeding with this action, ensure that you want to remove the selected sub-organization, as this action may result in the loss of associated resources.

To manage sub-organizations, follow these steps:

1. To add a sub-organization, click the "Add Sub Organization" button, fill in the required details, and save your changes.

2. To remove a sub-organization, select the organization you wish to delete and click the "Remove Sub Organization" button. Confirm the action when prompted to complete the removal process.

Proof of Play section:

This section provides a detailed list of all metadata sent by the players registered within the current organization. The metadata includes essential information such as titles, albums, artists, and URLs of various track types, including stream tracks, S&P tracks, failover tracks, USB tracks, and cue sets.

Additionally, users can view the MAC address of each device, the specific resource it is currently playing from, and other relevant parameters. For convenience, all this information can be easily downloaded to a CSV file by clicking on the button, allowing for further analysis or record-keeping.

Tree section:

In this section of the page, you are presented with a hierarchical view of your organization's structure, displayed in a tree format.

The sidebar on the left provides options to manage various aspects of the organization, including Devices, Channels, Channel Lists, Asset Organizer, Organization, Users, and more. The "Tree" tab is currently selected, allowing you to visualize and manage the relationships between the main organization and its sub-organizations.

Within the tree view, you will see a list of sub-organizations and associated resources, such as Channel Lists and Devices. Each entry has icons that indicate the type of resource it represents. For instance:

• The temple icon represent the sub-organizations and the main one

• The document icon indicates a channel list.

• The device icon signifies a RetailPlayer registered.

You can expand or collapse each entry to view more details. The checkboxes next to each item allow you to select multiple resources for batch actions if needed.
This interface provides a convenient way to navigate through your organization's structure, making it easy to manage devices and channel lists across various locations.

The checkboxes located under the page sections indeed, act as filters that allow you to control the visibility of different resource types within the tree view.

• Users: When checked, the tree will display users associated with the organization and its sub-organizations.

• Channel Lists: Checking this option will display any channel lists created for the organization.

• Devices: When this checkbox is selected, devices associated with the organization will be visible in the tree.

By enabling or disabling these checkboxes, you can customize the view to focus on specific elements (e.g., only devices, only users, or a combination of both) depending on your needs.

Retail Hero section

Click here to learn more about Retail Hero → https://help.barix.com/retailplayer/retailhero

This section displays a comprehensive list of all devices registered under the organization. For each device, it provides the status of the Retail Hero subscription, allowing users to easily track subscription details. The status can be filtered using the two status filters located above the list, making it convenient to view devices based on their subscription status.

Additionally, the checkbox next to the status filters allows users to activate an option to display devices that are also present in any sub-organizations, ensuring a more comprehensive overview of all devices within the organizational structure.

If a device does not have an active Retail Hero subscription, users can order one by selecting the device and clicking the button that appears in the top right corner of the page.
Please follow the instructions provided in the center at the top of the page to complete the ordering process.

Users management

Users can be created and managed from the corresponding panel accessible from the sidebar menu clicking on "Users".

The user list table provides a detailed overview of each user in the portal, displaying important information about their account and activity:

• USERNAME: The unique identifier or username that the user utilizes to log in to the portal.

• FIRST NAME: The user's first name.

• LAST NAME: The user's last name.

• ORGANIZATION: The organization to which the user is assigned.

• LAST LOGIN: The most recent date and time when the user accessed the portal.

This table helps administrators quickly identify users and check relevant details, such as their organizational affiliation and recent activity.

Click to edit the information of the corresponding user, and to delete it from the portal.

Add new user

To add a new user, click on the "Add User" button located in the top-right bar of the page. After clicking, you will be prompted to fill out the necessary fields for the new user:

• Username: A unique identifier for the new user, which will be used to log into the Portal.

• First Name and Last Name: The user's personal details.

• Password: Create a password for the user to log in with.

• Optionally, you can tick the checkbox labeled "Force change password at next login", which will require the user to change their password the first time they log into the Portal for added security.

Once all required information is entered, the new user account will be created and added to the system. 

User privileges window

When creating or modifying a user, you will notice the "User privileges" option in the sidebar menu. Click on this option to access the User Privileges Settings.

In this area, you can configure specific permissions for the selected user. These privileges determine what actions the user can perform within the Portal, such as managing devices, creating channels, editing organizational units, or modifying settings.

For each user, specific permissions can be assigned to control access and the ability to modify certain platform functions. Additionally, users can be assigned to sub-organizations that are part of the main organization they belong to. This flexible permission system allows for customized roles based on user responsibilities within the organization.

ORG UNITS: A newly added user is always assigned to the organization unit of the administrator creating the user. One user can be part of multiple organizations, thus controlling devices, users, channel lists if allowed to do so from the roles panel.

User Settings

By clicking on the gear symbol in the top bar menu, the user settings will be displayed. In this section, you can update your current user information, including:

• First Name: Modify your first name as needed.

• Last Name: Update your last name if necessary.

• Login Password: Change your password to enhance security.

Make sure to save any changes you make to ensure your updated information is retained.

Logout

To log out of the portal, click on the button located at the top right corner of the page, next to your username. This action will securely end your session, ensuring that your account remains protected and preventing unauthorized access to your user information and settings.

RetailPlayer Security Information

Using RetailPlayer in a live environment often raises security concerns beyond just streaming music. Questions such as "Does this device create a security vulnerability?" or "What happens if the device gets hacked?" are common. To address these, we have compiled an overview of the RetailPlayer's security features, ensuring a safe and secure operation of the device in any environment.

Encrypted Communication with client certificates

The communication between the RetailPlayer and the Portal is a key feature of the RetailPlayer solution and must be highly secure. The connection is established using the WebSocket protocol, secured by SSL/TSL encryption, which is considered state-of-the-art technology for encrypted internet communication.

To initialize this secure connection, each player must have a local client certificate issued by Barix. This certificate is installed during firmware updates and ensures the device’s connection is protected against third-party attacks, preventing unauthorized access. Loading different certificates is not possible, and any connection without a valid Barix-issued certificate will be rejected. Only Barix can issue these certificates, guaranteeing the security of the system.

Unique Password for every device

Every Barix device developed after 2019 comes with a unique, randomly generated, and secure password assigned directly by the factory. This ensures that each device is shipped with built-in security, providing a strong layer of protection right from the start.

Latest Linux Based Software

RetailPlayer devices operate on the latest software provided by Barix, ensuring optimal performance and security. The devices use a Linux-based OpenSource Operating System, offering a secure platform for the RetailPlayer solution. Barix regularly provides software updates with each firmware update to maintain the security and functionality of the devices.

Barix firmware and Malware

There are no concerns about malware on a RetailPlayer device. Although it operates like a complete computer system, it cannot download or run malware. The device runs a closed firmware package that only accepts Barix software, with no option for SSH or Shell connections, making it impossible to install third-party software. The sole application running on the device is the RetailPlayer software, and this cannot be changed. Since all external access to the system is blocked, it is impossible for the device to catch viruses or Trojans.

It is highly recommended to change default passwords and use strong, unique passwords for accessing both the RetailPlayer Portal and the web interface on any RetailPlayer device. Ensure your passwords are stored securely in a safe location to prevent unauthorized access.

Compliance and further Information

This equipment has been tested and complies with the limits for a Class B digital device, as per part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are in place to offer reasonable protection against harmful interference in residential installations. The device generates, uses, and may emit radio frequency energy, which, if not installed and used properly, may cause interference to radio communications.

While the system is designed to prevent interference, there is no absolute guarantee it won’t occur in specific setups. If you experience interference with radio or TV reception (which you can confirm by turning the equipment off and on), try the following steps:

• Reposition or relocate the receiving antenna.

• Increase the distance between the equipment and the receiver.

• Connect the equipment to a different outlet, preferably on a circuit separate from the receiver.

• Seek help from the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician if needed.

For further safety and precaution guidelines, you can download the relevant documentation from http://www.barix.com.

Find your distributor on this list for more hardware.

For questions that are extending the documentation, feel free to contact us on:

International: +41 434 33 22 22
USA: +1 866 815 0866
Email: support@barix.com

All information and the use of this product including all services are covered under the Barix Terms & Conditions and our Privacy Policy. Please follow the Safety and Precaution Recommendations. Barix is a ISO 9001:2015 certified company. 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.