The new 'online on hold' technology makes the older technology redundant since it requires no additional hardware. Newer technology allows MP3 files to be downloaded automatically from the internet so that messages (or interesting content in the form of news and weather, amongst many) can be changed daily. For VoIP phone systems, MP3s are loaded without any equipment. Phone line based remote load systems allow for a connection via an analog telephone line and dialing the number belonging to the unit. Ethernet based remote load units connect via the network to a remote IP address. USB flash drive units allow an MP3 file to be received electronically, downloaded to a flash drive and connected to the player. In each case, the unit loads the media into a digital memory chip to prevent premature wearing of the mechanical parts.Įquipment that supports virtual media generally plays MP3 files. Some older systems may still use cassette tapes (sometimes employing endless-loops), or reel-to-reel tape players. Today, equipment that supports physical media usually plays CDs.

There are also some units with built-in message on hold capabilities and units designed for small businesses without an extensive phone system. Most MOH systems are integrated into a telephone system designed for businesses via an audio jack on the telephone equipment labeled 'MOH'. While other advancements have come to change and enhance the technology, it was this initial patent creation that began the evolution for today's music on hold. This made the building a giant receiver, so that the audio broadcast signal from a radio station next door would transmit through the loose wire, and could be heard when calls were put on hold. In 1962, Levy discovered a problem with the phone lines at his factory: a loose wire was touching a metal girder on the building. Music on hold was created by Alfred Levy, an inventor, factory owner, and entrepreneur. Music on hold is sometimes referred to as phone on hold, message on hold, on hold messaging, or hold music. It is especially common in situations involving customer service. Music on hold ( MOH) is the business practice of playing recorded music to fill the silence that would be heard by telephone callers who have been placed on hold.

JSTOR ( February 2017) ( Learn how and when to remove this template message).

Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. This article needs additional citations for verification.

Opus 1 hold music