streaming radio for hold music

[mtaks09]

is there any plans to add a streaming option for hold music

 

[abc123]

I would very much doubt it as in most places it breaches copyright and other broadcasting laws.

 

[carolinainnovative]

This is a feature that Asterisk has - but not 3cx.

And streaming doesn't even have to mean streaming off the net - there are lots of player boxes that are designed for music on hold - and basically 3cx can't use them. Even if it just "streamed" from the mic port on the computer - that would be sufficient for me but currently, 3cx doesn't do that - or at least not that I can tell.

 

[georgi0]

any news on this topic?

 

[n2]

Streaming was in earlier versions, but removed in V14 (if memory serves). One of the reasons cited was the resources that streaming required of the processor given that it was a never ending function. There was no mention of any copyright concerns at the time as these still exist even with today's ability to upload.

There was quite a bit of backlash when it occurred and Nick indicated that they would re-examine the feature and possibly re-implement it at a later date, but I have not kept up with it since, so am uncertain where it stands. This was back in Mar 2016.

The only thing I can suggest at this point is to go to the 3CX Ideas forum and "up vote" the suggestions that are already present and addressing same.

 

[craigreilly]

Copyright should not be the concern of 3cx as a developer.
The end user should purchase the appropriate licensing to play the radio as hold music if they want to.
Perhaps 3cx can absolve themselves of liability with a checkbox upon setup of inbound streaming that says "By checking this box, I signify that I have appropriate licenses to play this content."

I wonder if a Multicast Stream could be programmed for Music on Hold by 3cx.

 

[V..]

Hold music has been greatly improved upon in V15.5 and may eliminate the need for a separate unit.

 

[craigreilly]

Its nice they added "playlists" in 15.5 - but I would not consider that a huge improvement. Some folks still just want to use a local music station. If they are a music station - this is especially important.

 

[Justin Scott]

It would take some pretty serious hacking of your box, but is it not possible to capture a stream from the web, convert and output it as an mp3 or wav file using ffmpeg, then upload that file using the web interface?

 

[StefanW]

...and ffmpeg to be used in a cross platform system in .net is also not an option and will cause a massive compute overhead to do so.

15.5 has playlists again to enable you to play more then just one file , I guess it the best compromise for both worlds (legal and performance).