| With today's ever changing technology, it's sometimes | | | | Plus, it plays audio stored on a common USB flash |
| hard to keep up with the latest and greatest | | | | drive in the popular.mp3 format. Audio repeats |
| improvements. From bigger and faster iPods to smaller | | | | continuously for always-on message on hold |
| and smaller laptops, technology is always on the move. | | | | marketing. |
| And in most cases, the new gadgets and services | | | | 3. The mp3 devices on most units are compatible with |
| help us connect with customers better and improve | | | | many phone systems. An audio cable typically |
| the user experience. In the on hold messaging industry, | | | | connects to your phone system's music on hold input |
| the big technology that changed everything was USB | | | | (MOH) with a standard RCA type connector. They |
| music on hold players. | | | | usually have maximum flexibility as well, satisfying both |
| USB on hold players are designed to play an on hold | | | | 8 Ohm and 600 Ohm output levels, for built-in |
| message anytime of the day or night, 24/7. Plus, they | | | | compatibility. |
| have several design features that are not found on | | | | 4. There is no software needed to load files onto the |
| CD players. On hold players have a computer chip | | | | drive. Using any PC or Mac computer, mp3 files can |
| inside, which is the actual source that broadcasts the | | | | be dragged and dropped onto the flash drive easily. |
| message to the listeners. | | | | 5. USB On Hold Messaging Equipment usually includes |
| CD players have their limitations and the big one is | | | | 1GB or more of flash memory drive. This amount |
| when they actually break. What happens in this | | | | would hold 16+ hours of audio, plenty of space for any |
| situation? They get "stuck" in a loop of repeated | | | | audio message you want to communicate. And room |
| sounds, which could be disastrous to the phone | | | | for more. |
| experience. Whether due to dust particles, scratches | | | | 6. Auto Reboot-system features on most types of |
| on the CD or just old equipment, it can really make | | | | units will restart the audio in the event of a power |
| your business look bad. And if you lose power, they | | | | failure. This is a requirement for areas of the country |
| will have to be restarted and reprogrammed. That can | | | | with inclement weather. This is called "non-volatile |
| be a real drag. And since they run around the clock | | | | memory" which means if there is ever a power surge |
| and are a physical machine, they can wear out in very | | | | or outage, the player will automatically start playing the |
| little time. | | | | message as soon as the power is restored. |
| What are the other benefits of using USB On Hold | | | | 7. On hold players are "plug and play," with little need |
| Messaging Equipment versus using older CD systems? | | | | for your attention, programming and time. In essence, |
| 1. You can download your messages immediately, | | | | they make things easier for you, no matter what your |
| there's no need to wait for the CD to arrive, etc. When | | | | message says or how long it is. |
| time equals money - now more than ever before - this | | | | If you are ready to upgrade your system or are just |
| is an important consideration. You need to change | | | | getting messaging equipment for the first time, you'll be |
| your messages on the fly sometimes. USB gives you | | | | pleased with the performance of a USB based |
| that opportunity. | | | | system. It is a convenient and easy solution that helps |
| 2. It's a low-cost/high quality way for playing music and | | | | you connect with customers and prospects |
| messages on hold. The onboard monitor speaker can | | | | effectively. |
| be switched on or off for checking audio being played. | | | | |