Music on Hold Advise Needed

[dblcrona]

Four our music on hold we have a Sony 5 disc CD changer that plays on continuous shuffle mode. This is ok but every couple of weeks the player just stops because, well, I guess it gets tired. I would like to replace this with a different system that is a bit more reliable. My only thought was an MP3 player. Does anyone use an MP3 player or any other type of device that will run 24-7 without stipping. I'd love to hear your feedback, positive or negative. I'm looking for some good solutions that don't cost a small firtune. Also, I'd like to know where I can learn more about music on hold regulations. What music you can play and what you can't. Any feedback on any type of on hold system is appreciated. Ken Johnson
ITT Industries, Engineered Valves

 

[lopes1211]

There's some interesting stuff at

http://www.onholdstore.com/onholdsystems.html.

It's pretty generic stuff and can be found under various brand names on the net. It autoloads from a CD, then plays back via RAM. There's no moving parts once the CD is loaded. -CL

 

[Kwick18]

We use digital music from the cable company(or the dish) and put that signal into the switch. With permission.

 

[executone]

You can use almost any device for MOH.

Is your Sony a carosoul or a cartridge Cd player?
If it is a cartridge, you need to replace the cartridge that holds the CD's every now and again. I have ran into this in the field.

Most of my places use a cheap walkman that can do random and repeat.

All devices will stop if you loose power, unless you have a Battery Backup(UPS).

Good Luck!!

 

[europe]

Why not stick in a PC with a soundcard and a harddisk full of MP3's? Please let me know if the information that was provided is helpfull.
Edwin Plat
A.K.A. Europe

 

[Hitechbuzz]

Hi Dblcrona
we use a Technics 5 cd player which runs 24/7 with repeat and sprial set could use random mode and unless we have a power flick there is no problem. Have had it like this for about 3 years change cd's about once a month withit running. I have been thinking about putting in a constant gain amp.as the cd's vary in output and some of the people complain about the levels I wouldn't have thought they were on hold long enought.
I like the suggestion about loading up a computer with the music then letting it play it.
Cheers

 

[tiggerdad]

The MP3 idea is not bad, if you have a spare PC, and a software player that won't crash, periodically.

I've also seen (but not tested) Flash Card players (like

http://www.premtech.com).

You can download software to put MP3's onto flash cards.

As to regulations...?