Music & Messaging (top)
Q: What range of music services do you offer?
A: PlayNetwork offers background music branding solutions that range from the elegant simplicity of our Signature Suites and Blends all the way to fully customized and proprietary programming.
Q: How would you describe your music content assets?
A: PlayNetwork listens closely to thousands of songs every week and identifies the best music for in-store play. All tracks have been thoroughly categorized in our core library for use in Suites, Blends, and Custom programming. Our Creative Services and Licensing departments have expertise in all genres and styles of music for business use.
Q: Can you describe PlayNetwork’s messaging capabilities?
A: PlayNetwork’s messaging services offer solutions that range from telephone on-hold to chain-wide promotional messages, branded announcements, and employee awareness messages.
Q: What equipment do I need for music and messaging services?
A: PlayNetwork's industry-leading C400 Combo Player, available for purchase or lease, is required. C400 Combo players are shipped to customers pre-loaded with their specific content.
Q: How are content updates delivered?
A: The C400 Combo Player content updates are delivered via network connection or monthly update disc.
Q: What licensing is covered by your services?
A: PlayNetwork is licensed with several thousand music labels, along the Harry Fox Association and other individual music publishers, to provide background music and messaging services. PlayNetwork is also a licensed with ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC (in the United States) and SOCAN (in Canada) to cover background music public performance fees on behalf of our customers in those territories. For information about other licensing concerns, including international licensing, please contact us at musiclicensing@playnetwork.com.
Q: I am a musician or a management firm representing an artist and I wish to submit music for inclusion in PlayNetwork playlists. How do I submit music for review?
A: At this time, we do not have an online system to support music and video upload capabilities. However, if you would like to inquire about how to become a part of the PlayNetwork music database, please send an e-mail to musiclicensing@playnetwork.com.
Q: How do I obtain the name of a song and artist I heard playing in one of PlayNetwork customer locations?
A: The playlist for each brand customer is proprietary information, and at the request of our customers, that information is not publicly available.
Q: What kind of Video Media services do you provide?
A: PlayNetwork offers everything from consultation and content creation to network distribution, programming management, and in-store design.
Q: How will PlayNetwork work with me to find a digital signage solution?
A: PlayNetwork’s consultative approach is a collaborative effort aimed at developing a solution that is tailored to meet your marketing and advertising needs.
Q: What can digital displays do for our business?
A: A well-designed digital signage network by PlayNetwork can deliver eye-catching content and displays that are as unique as your brand. And digital signage can be used for promotional messaging and advertising, adding new sources of in-store revenues.
Q: What are some examples of return on investment on a digital display network?
A: Examples include images and promotional messages that spotlight specific products for advertising campaigns, replacement of costly printed window signage, and POS materials which have a finite life-span.
Q: What advertising benefits can digital signage provide?
A: As an advertising medium, digital signage generates more purchasing interest with viewers, often increasing sales 10%-30% on featured products.
Q: Will I walk into another business and see the same solution?
A: Not necessarily. We recognize that your business is unique. By selecting the right fit for your environment, from displays just out of the box, to a variety of enhanced display designs—such as interactive kiosks, directional signage, and synchronized video content—our solutions can add excitement to your environment and resonance with your customers.
Q: I’ve heard that a digital signage solution can involve specialized partners who manage their areas of expertise. Will PlayNetwork help me manage the process with all parties?
A: You will need to work only with PlayNetwork. We are a one-stop shop for providing a turnkey solution. We have assembled a network of quality-minded partners who fully support PlayNetwork. With our team of partners, PlayNetwork will manage all of the back-end content, design installation, and network distribution, so you can sit back and watch our digital signage solution enhance your environment and sales.
Systems Integration (top)
Q: Do you partner with any specific audio/video manufacturers?
A: Yes. We have assembled a network of quality-minded manufacturing partners including NEC, LG, Tannoy, Crown, Atlas Sound, and Soundtube, that fully support PlayNetwork’s efforts to deliver the very best to you.
Q: Will you do small installations as well as larger, more sophisticated installations?
A: Yes. We pride ourselves in building a quality audio or video solution—no matter how large or small the job.
Q: Can you work with legacy equipment from other music service providers?
A: PlayNetwork can support many types of legacy equipment and can provide the music content for that equipment.
Q: What areas of the country do you service?
A: PlayNetwork utilizes and authorizes over 300 installation sub-contractors throughout North America.
Q: Do your technicians receive special certifications?
A: Yes. Our technicians are measured against an award-winning quality-assurance program called “Great Installations – Great Systems” or “G.I.G.S.®” designed to set standards our contractor network can adhere to.
Q: I’m a systems contactor and would like to become an authorized PlayNetwork installer. How do I sign up?
A: Proceed to our Contractor Corner and fill out the request form. One of our project managers or administrators will follow up with you to discuss the opportunity.
Our Technology (top)
Q: What options are available for delivering content to the player?
A: PlayNetwork’s music and messaging player functions in push or pull network scenarios, interacting with PlayNetwork’s PlayServer to either receive (push) or pull content. CD delivery is also available.
Q: What is the PlayServer?
A: The PlayServer application provides the ability for the PlayNetwork Network Administrator to deliver content and manage players in each location including bandwidth availability windows, scheduling content and software updates, monitoring player health, and configuring bandwidth throttling.
Q: How does the PlayServer work to deliver the content?
A The PlayServer can function in either a “push” or “pull” network scenario.
Q: How does the push model work?
A: A PlayServer is installed in the corporate network operations center and content and software updates are pushed to the location media player via the customer’s private network. After which, the player will process the update and communicate status back to the PlayServer.
Q: How does the pull model work?
A: A media player is installed in each location and communicates via the Internet with a server hosted at PlayNetwork to access and download content and software updates. The player at the location initiates all communication with the server.
Q: What format is used to record messages?
A: PlayNetwork can support MP3, MP2, WAV, FLAC, and WMA file formats.
Q: Can I play PlayNetwork’s update discs on my regular CD player?
A: No. PlayNetwork’s update content is delivered in a proprietary format.
Q: What user interaction is needed with the player?
A: The Combo C400 media player is designed for hands-free operation after installation, network connection, and initial power-up. It does not require training for day-to-day operations and comes with a user’s manual and quick-start guide for ongoing reference.
Q: What are the player installation requirements?
A: The player should be located in close proximity to the audio amplifier and the network hub. An office or equipment room is preferred over high-traffic environments. As the player uses a hard drive for content storage, it requires a flat, non-vibrating surface in a well-ventilated environment.
Q: What needs to be done for installation of the player?
A: The Combo C400 is a simple plug-and-play device. Once powered, the player automatically boots up and begins the pre-programmed music play.
Q: How does the player integrate with legacy audio equipment?
A: Our players can easily replace any type of existing source (CDI, satellite, DVD, tape, or CD). A cable with RCA jacks is provided for easy hookup to the existing sound system.
Q: Who configures the player for the network?
A: PlayNetwork pre-configures all players before installation for specific locations. Typically, customers define a static IP address mapping to use based on the location number, but the player can also be set up as DHCP.
Q: What are the location-side bandwidth requirements?
A: The minimum bandwidth at each location is 128 Kbps.
Q: When do monthly downloads occur?
A: Downloads can be scheduled anytime during defined download windows as determined by the customer. Typical download windows are 2 A.M. to 6 A.M., but they can be scheduled anytime the customer desires.
Q: Can downloads be regionalized by content groups or time zones?
A: Yes, in both cases.
Q: How many songs come loaded on the player?
A: Initial music libraries depend on a number of factors, including the number of channels being played at each location, the music demographics, and other factors. Typical libraries are 3,000 to 10,000 songs.
Q: Whom do I contact for press-related opportunities?
A: Please send a press inquiry to publicrelations@playnetwork.com.
Q: We are currently evaluating your services. How can I obtain customer references for your offering?
A: Please contact us and we will have one of PlayNetwork’s sales representatives follow up with you regarding your specific interests and requirements. We will then supply the appropriate reference customer references.
Q: Whom can I contact about current job openings at PlayNetwork?
A: For a complete list of job openings, you can either visit careers section of our Web site or send an e-mail inquiry to careers@playnetwork.com.
Value Added Resellers (top)
Q: What is a PlayNetwork Value Added Reseller (VAR)?
A: The PlayNetwork VAR Program offers independent sound, video, installation, service, telephone on-hold, and data cabling firms the opportunity to provide PlayNetwork music and messaging services to local, regional, and national customers.
Q: Why are PlayNetwork services popular with subscribers and VARs?
A: PlayNetwork is a global media services leader creating and delivering branded experiences that entertain, promote, and inform. The PlayNetwork music and messaging service offers businesses a broad array of music choices to suit most commercial applications.
PlayNetwork is well known in the industry as the music service chosen by major brands such as Starbucks, Chili’s, and TGI Friday’s restaurants; and retailers including Eddie Bauer, Finish Line, Fossil, and Diesel. We have more major label content and better licensing than any firm in the business.
Q: What services will PlayNetwork allow a VAR to offer to subscribers?
A: PlayNetwork offers a catalog of over 100 business-appropriate music mixes, formatted with hundreds of unique music tracks each and the convenience of switching from style to style with the push of a button. “Business Mix” selections are already custom-programmed for use in business environments. Each mix is then updated monthly to keep the music content fresh and appropriate. Clients receive updates via CD-ROM or over the Internet. Audio Messaging may be added to many service packages at any time.
Q: What equipment is required to receive Music and Messaging Services from PlayNetwork?
A: Audio content is pre-loaded onto a state-of-the-art digital playback device, the PlayNetwork Combo™ C400 player. This leading-edge Internet protocol-enabled and hard-drive-based player can be updated via any high-speed connection or via its built-in CD drive for convenience. The Combo C400 is a high-performance, commercial-grade playback system that delivers high-quality digital audio.
Q: How can my company become a PlayNetwork VAR?
A: Please contact PlayNetwork VAR Services. A PlayNetwork Representative will contact you and explain the program and assess if your firm meets the qualifications to become a PlayNetwork VAR.
XM for Business (top)
Q: How many channels of music are available?
A: XM currently offers over 170 digital channels, which includes 69 commercial-free music channels. See the full channel listing.
Q: I have XM in my car, boat, or airplane. Who do I contact for customer service?
A: You’ll need to contact XM Satellite Radio, not XM for Business. You likely have a consumer service agreement and can get help from XM by clicking here or calling XM’s customer service / billing / technical support line at 1-800-XM-RADIO (967-2346).
Q: How do I contact XM for Business customer service?
A: You can contact XM for Business at 1-888-XM4-BUSI (964-2874) Monday through Friday, 7 A.M. to 5 P.M. Pacific time, and Saturday, 8 A.M. to noon Pacific time.
Q: Besides music, what other content is available?
A: XM offers news, sports, talk, and other audio entertainment. Visit the On XM page to explore all types of content.
Q: How much does the XM for Business service cost?
A: We have several attractive options and pricing plans that are tailored to meet your specific business music needs. Please contact us for a quote.
Q: Why is there a difference in cost between a commercial and consumer subscription?
A: A consumer account is established when customers listen to XM programming for personal use in their vehicle or home. In commercial or business settings, such as a doctor's offices, dentist's offices, restaurants and bars, retail stores, hair salons, and malls, customers and employees are listening to XM programming as background music. Such programming is often provided by an XM for Business service package, for which PlayNetwork reports and pays all commercial licensing and royalty obligations to the artists. Exceptions include establishments that charges an admission or membership fee (for example, a theme park, skating rink, dance club, or health club), or those that use music sources other than XM (CDs, DJs, live music, or terrestrial radio); in these cases, the establishment is responsible for payment of any copyright royalties to ASCAP, BMI, or SESAC, or for any sound recordings.
Q: Is there a commitment required?
A: Yes. XM for Business requires that you agree with the terms and conditions of the subscriber agreement. A copy of the subscriber agreement is available at the bottom of the www.xm4biz.com Web page.
Q: Where can I buy the equipment?
A: XM for Business has a nationwide network of dealers and equipment distributors. Click here to find a dealer in your area that can sell you the equipment, install it, and provide additional equipment, such as amplifiers and speakers.
Q: Do I need a sound system?
A: All XM receivers are designed to work with existing sound systems. If you do not have a sound system and want to have one installed, our nationwide network of dealers can do that. Click here to find a local XM dealer.