BOB F spoke thusly to: DICK ROEBELT
BF>Re: Telephone HOLD button
BF>> JT>DR>    That's strange.  Very shortly after the ruling several
BF>> JT>DR> local county offices started using a local radio station
BF>> JT>DR> for the "hold" music.
BF>> JT>Oh really?? Cool! When did this law pass??? 
BF>>    No "law" that I know of.
BF>>    For years the ASCAP people were "monitoring" businesses.  When
BF>> a  person was put on hold and they were treated to radio music
BF>> ASCAP would send a nasty letter stating that royalties were due
BF>> - send them the $$$ immediately or cut off the radio from the
BF>> hold button.  Since there had been previous court cases in
BF>> which the federal courts had limited the demands of the ASCAP
BF>> and BMI folks (with regard to playing a radio to/in public), I
BF>> assume someone told ASCAP to shove it and a case ensued.  To my
BF>> best recollection, the sleaziods at ASCAP/BMI lost.  But I don't
BF>> have that case in my file so I don't have all the particulars,
BF>> just what I recall reading in the papers. 
BF>This has little effect on home office users of music on hold at
BF>this time. I have not found a satisfactory device to simply and
BF>cheaply turn any home phone into a "music or radio on hold system".
BF>TTS used to make one, but it caused static when voice came back,
BF>and music would play while on line talking or interfere with call
BF>waiting. Does anyone know of a system that works for the home
BF>office type situation?
   I get catalogs that come across my desk all the time that have 
those devices.  Of course, I file them in the circular file almost 
immediately so I can't advise you on where to look.
   But you should have some decent office supply places in your area 
where you can get an idea of what is available.  There is no 
difference between a home telephone system and of one that is found in
an office with the exception of a PBX or other switching system.
   Just had a thought...any Radio Shacks in your area?  They may have 
a kit that will do what you want it to.
   Dick
   TheMerc@Juno.com
He that hath no sword, let him sell his garment and buy one. Luke 22:3
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