By Steven Kaip, Managing Partner, MusicOnHold.com

What Is The Latest In Music On Hold Messaging Equipment?

Keeping your company up to date with on hold messaging technology is certainly a necessity these days. Being able to reduce those early hang-ups, and enabling your company to provide targeted audio marketing into the ear of captive and willing audiences can hardly be surpassed! Research tells us that as many as 80% more clients will stay on the line if they have something to listen to - especially for real information. If you have not yet enabled your company to meet these needs, here is some of the latest technology in the field of Music On Hold.

Internet Connected Music On Hold Players

Everything now comes with an internet connection it seems. On-hold message players are certainly no exception. These devices allow your on-hold production to be created by a production company thousands of miles away, and your messages can be put on-line in your business in a matter of business. You don’t even need to lift a finger.

Downloadable File Music On Hold Players

Downloadable content on hold messaging companies is certainly nothing new. But instead of providing your on hold production on a cassette tape, it will now be provided on a CD, DVD, or memory card in an industry standard wav or .mP3 format. Many of the newer systems are now USB Flash Drive compatible and your music-on-hold production can easily be transferred to it by using drag and drop from your computer.

Digital Voice Announcers

Some companies are now developing systems that will provide you with the ability to make your own special daily announcements. The devices enable automatic answering with a greeting, give you extension capabilities, and a wide range of options while your callers remain on hold. The on hold messages allow you to customize the message with daily information such as: weather reports, school closings, event calendars, daily specials at the restaurant, employees of the week, and so much more.

Other Options May Not Work

While some buyers try to use inexpensive CD players for their music or advertising on hold, this type of arrangement could fail them - and they may even not know it. The unit, however, is susceptible to interruptions, or power failures. These units are not designed to operate continuously, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for years on end. Unless you can actually hear your messages being played - you would never even know what happened. Who’s going to let you know that your on-hold message is no longer playing…your customers?

For professional and reliable service, you need professional equipment. Many on hold message production houses will be glad to help you - for free, and if not they certainly can refer you to their hardware expert..

Can’t I make my own from CD's or play the radio?

Not without serious consequences from music publishing watch dogs such as ASCAP and BMI. There are clear laws preventing “re-broadcasting” of music without paying a royalty to ASCAP or BMI. These two industry associations collect these royalties and remit them to the artists. It is in ASCAP and BMI’s best interests to find all violators, impose fines, or collect royalties. Your on-hold provider has already paid ASCAP and BMI for the music tracks it uses so you can be assured of no license violations protecting you and your organization from needless embarrassment.