Iowa DOT operates Highway Advisor Radio, an information channel transmitted with eight low-power AM and FM transmitters distributed around the state. A Barix Instreamer 100 encoder is connected to a radio receiver at each remote broadcast location to capture the on-air signal and stream it over the DOT's internal network. Iowa DOT employees can access the streams using their PCs to confirm that the broadcasts are going out over the air and commuters are receiving the broadcasts with clarity.
DataNab, an IP systems programmer and Barix reseller, provided concept, configuration services and technical assistance with the development of a central webpage to allow Iowa DOT staff to listen to the broadcasts. Employees can access any of the eight Instreamers by simply clicking on a link that triggers an embedded media player to pull the feed from the specified Instreamer. The feed is then played out in real time over the speakers of the employee's workstation.
According to Adam VanOort, president of DataNab, the system could be upgraded to provide the real-time network audio streams to commuters travelling throughout the state should the DOT decide to allow public access to the system.
"In the future, citizens statewide could use laptops or other web-enabled devices to listen to the streams and check traffic conditions from their home or hotel room if they are planning a trip or travelling through the state," said VanOort. "For now, the Barix Instreamer is simply providing reliable network-based audio feeds so Iowa DOT can remotely monitor the presence and quality of their Highway Advisor Radio broadcasts."
(Jim Evans)
