FAQs for WebCaster
FAQs for PromoCast Pro-MS1800
FAQs for PromoCast Pro Plus-MS1000 and 5000

 

WebCaster

Why are the lights always flashing on my system?
How do I record a new URM (User Recorded Message)?
How do I listen to my URM message?
How do I erase a URM (User Recorded Message)?
The Production on my WebCaster system sounds distorted. What should I do?
How do I connect my unit to my telephone system?
What do I need to know about the green Connection Indicator light?
What are the Volume Levels used for?
Am I being charged for a long distance call each time the WebCaster dials out?
Can the WebCaster share an analog line with a fax or other telephone device?
When does the WebCaster call out to get the production?
How often can I change my message?
Does the WebCaster know what number to dial, or do I need to program it?
If the phone system requires that you dial 9, or other special digits, will the WebCaster know what to do?
What is the URM jack on the WebCaster used for?
How can I listen to my WebCaster Custom messages?
What is the external music jack used for?

 

 

Why are the lights always flashing on my system?

The audio level lights on the WebCaster unit flash in conjunction with the audio output. As the production plays, the audio level lights flash. A production recorded at normal levels will cause the green audio level light to flash frequently, and the yellow and red audio level lights to flash occasionally.

These audio level lights are also used to monitor record levels when recording a URM (User Recorded Message).

The green Connection Indicator light flashes while the unit is in connection mode and will remain solid following a successful download.

How do I record a new URM (User Recorded Message)?

Plug the optional handset into the port labeled URM on the WebCaster. Turn up the speaker volume temporarily and listen for the end of a voice message. You want to start recording at this point so you have a clean transition for those callers who are presently on hold. Press and hold the URM button until the adjacent red light goes on and begin recording. Release the URM button when you are finished recording. (Remember your URM can be up to 25 seconds long.) A few seconds after recording the URM will play back through the handset for your review. The URM is now integrated into your production and the WebCaster returns to voice mode in about one minute.

How do I listen to my URM message?

Plug in the optional handset into the URM jack on the WebCaster. Listen for the end of a voice message, press the URM button once, and listen to the URM through the handset.

How do I erase a URM (User Recorded Message)?

Turn up the Speaker Volume to listen for the end of a message. Then erase the URM by quickly pressing the URM button twice (like a double click on a computer’s mouse key). The adjacent red light blinks while the message is erased.

The Production on my WebCaster system sounds distorted. What should I do?

Occasionally, when the volume on the WebCaster is set too high, it will result in a distorted output. Start by turning the volume down, then slowly bring it back up, bit by bit, monitoring each change by calling into your phone system from an outside phone (not cellular or cordless) and being placed on hold.

Be sure the proper output jack on the WebCaster is being used (600 Ohm/ 8 Ohm). For most telephone systems, the 600 Ohm jack should be used. If you are unsure which jack is the right one for your system, start with the 600 Ohm jack. If a loud enough volume level cannot be obtained, switch to the 8 Ohm jack.

How do I connect my unit to my telephone system?

The Metasound WebCaster is connected to a telephone System by connecting one end of the provided RCA cable to one of the audio output jacks (600 Ohm/ 8 Ohm) on the WebCaster, and the other end to the MOH (Music On Hold) port of the telephone system. The MOH port is sometimes labeled "music" or "external music source". This jack is located in different places depending on the manufacturer of the system. Contact your telephone system installer for the location of your MOH port if it is not readily available.

If you are unsure which audio output jack on the Metasound is the right one for your telephone system, start with the 600 Ohm jack. If a loud enough volume level cannot be obtained, switch to the 8 Ohm jack.

What do I need to know about the green Connection Indicator light?

The green Connection Indicator light has 4 states that indicate the WebCasters performance mode.

Flashing Slowly - The WebCaster is attempting to connect to the server.
Flashing Quickly – The WebCaster is actively downloading a Production.
Solid Green – The Production has downloaded successfully.
Green light off – The WebCaster has performed an unsuccessful download.

What are the Volume Levels used for?

Master Volume – Adjusts the volume level of the entire production.
Background Music Volume – Adjusts the level of music playing behind the voice messages. If you have a special type of mixed production (combined music and voice, such as a radio spot) this volume has no affect because the production is treated as music.
Speaker Volume – Adjusts the speaker level within the WebCaster.
External Music Volume – Adjusts the level of an optional external music source.

Am I being charged for a long distance call each time the WebCaster dials out?

No, the WebCaster is programmed to call to the Metasound server with an 800 number or a local Internet Service Provider (ISP).

Can the WebCaster share an analog line with a fax or other telephone device?

Yes, the WebCaster can share an analog line with a fax Machine or other telephony device provided the WebCaster is installed in series using the WebCasters "tel out’ jack.

When does the WebCaster call out to get the production?

Once power is placed on the WebCaster it is designed to call to the server for a download or further instructions. After receiving its download, the WebCaster will call in once a week and will only download if new content is on the server. WebCasters receiving premium content will be programmed to call in at specific times.

How often can I change my message?

The WebCaster is flexible, based on the content in your production. You can change your message several times a day, once a week, twice a week, or seasonal. The frequency of change is based on your need, and the content. Contact your Metasound sales representative if you would like to change the frequency of your production updates.

Does the WebCaster know what number to dial, or do I need to program it?

The WebCaster is programmed with an 800 number to dial into the Metasound server.

If the phone system requires that you dial 9, or other special digits, will the WebCaster know what to do?

Yes, the WebCaster is preprogrammed to attempt several different types of call scenarios including calls that require a 9 to be dialed first. Please inform Metasound of the exact dialing parameters for your system in order to provide for maximum efficiency in the WebCasters connection process.

What is the URM jack on the WebCaster used for?

The URM jack utilizes the optional handset to create URM (User Recorded Messages.)

How can I listen to my WebCaster Custom messages?

There are three ways to listen to your WebCaster Custom production:, the internal speaker, the optional handset, or by calling into your location and being placed on hold.

What is the external music jack used for?

The WebCaster is capable of playing music from an external source. Contact Metasound by telephone, fax, or e-mail and request that the external music feature be enabled for your announcer. The process is done remotely and Metasound will notify you when the WebCaster is ready for external music.

IMPORTANT! If you plan to use external music, you need to be aware of United States Copyright Law and the penalties for violation of those laws. It is illegal to use copyrighted music, such as CDs, tapes, and radio, without obtaining permission from and paying royalties to the copyright owner, songwriter, composer, and publisher of every copyrighted song played. You will need legal authorization to use the music, which includes purchasing music licenses from, at the very least, the two largest U.S. performing rights organizations - BMI and ASCAP.

At Metasound, we offer our clients protection from U.S. Copyright Law by only utilizing music for which we have already paid the music licensing fees for use in our clients’ productions. Please contact Metasound for more information on the legal use of music.

 

 

PromoCast Pro - MS1800

Why are the lights always flashing on my system?
How do I erase a URM (User Recordable Message)?
How do I record a new URM (User Recordable Message)?
My unit doesn't appear to be working. No lights, no power, what should I do?
The voice and/or music on my on-hold system sounds scratchy. What should I do?
How do I connect my unit to my telephone system?
How do I connect my Metasound on hold player to my telephones if I do not have a telephone system?
Why does my PromoCast Pro unit play 9 messages?
What are these switches for
?

 

 

Why are the lights always flashing on my system?

The lights on the PromoCast unit flash in conjunction with the audio output. As a production plays, the audio lights flash. A production recorded at normal levels will cause the green indicator light to flash intermittently.

These lights are also used to monitor record levels when recording a URM (User Recordable Message).

How do I erase a URM (User Recordable Message)?

First you must put the unit into "record/erase" mode. To do so, pull all of the "music time" buttons down to the "off" position. Next, using the chart below, set the switches to the appropriate settings to access the particular URM to be erased (0-7). If there is a message recorded on this location, the red light will flash slowly. To erase a URM, tap the red "record" button once and as the URM is playing, tap the "record" button 3 more times in rapid succession (as if double-clicking a computer mouse). That particular URM should now be erased.

How do I record a new URM (User Recordable Message)?

Before a new URM can be recorded in a specific memory location (0-7), any existing URM must be erased. See "How do I erase a URM". First you must put the unit into "record/erase" mode. To do so, pull all of the "music time" buttons down to the "off" position. Next, using the chart below, set the switches to the appropriate settings to access the particular URM to be recorded (0-7). If there is a message recorded on this location, the red light will flash slowly and you must erase it before proceeding. To record a new URM, press and hold the "record" button until the red light comes on, then speak your message into the handset. Release the"record" button when finished speaking.

My unit doesn't appear to be working. No lights, no power, what should I do?

Unplug the unit then plug it back in, then check to see if all connections are made properly. Be sure the voice and music modules are inserted snugly into their proper slots.

If the unit still doesn't respond, contact Metasound technical support for further assistance.

The voice and/or music on my on-hold system sounds scratchy. What should I do?

Occasionally, when the volume on the Metasound unit is set too high, it will result in a distorted output. Start by turning the volume down, then slowly bring it back up, bit by bit, monitoring each change by calling into your phone system from an outside phone (not cellular or cordless) and being put on hold.

Be sure the proper output jack on the side of the Metasound unit is being used (600 Ohm/ 8 Ohm). For most telephone systems, the 600 Ohm jack should be used. If you are unsure which jack is the right one for your system, start with the 600 Ohm jack. If a loud enough volume level cannot be obtained, switch to the 8 Ohm jack.

NOTE: The volume control does not affect the output level of the handset.

How do I connect my unit to my telephone system?

The Metasound on hold player is connected to a telephone system by connecting one end of the provided RCA cable to one of the audio output jacks(600 Ohm/ 8 Ohm) on the Metasound unit, and the other end to the MOH (Music On Hold) port of the telephone system. The MOH port is sometimes labeled "music" or "external music source". This jack is located in different places depending on the manufacturer of the system. Contact your telephone system installer for the location of your MOH port if it is not readily available.

If you are unsure which audio output jack on the Metasound is the right one for your telephone system, start with the 600 Ohm jack. If a loud enough volume level cannot be obtained, switch to the 8 Ohm jack.

How do I connect my Metasound on hold player to my telephones if I do not have a telephone system?

If you do not have a telephone system, adapter(s) are needed. Contact Metasound for more information.

Why does my PromoCast Pro unit play 9 messages?

Since this audio announcer only has a capability of playing 8 messages, the first step is to identify the extra message. Set the Record Messages switches starting from message #0, message #1, etc. & listen carefully to see if you can spot that one message that you do not want. The unwanted message will most likely be located on one of the messages where your re-recording was missed. You should, in fact, discover that you were actually only hearing 7 of your own messages along with one studio recorded message.

What are these switches for?

There are two rows of switches on the top of the PromoCast unit. The first row of switches are marked: 10, 20 and 40. These switches control the amount of time music plays between each User Recorded Message or URM.

To set the amount of music that plays between soundbytes to 10 seconds, set the "10" switch to the "on" position and both the "20" and "40" switches to the "off" position.

To set the amount of music that plays between soundbytes to 20 seconds, set the "10" switch to the "off" position, the "20" switch to the "on"position, and the "40" switch to the "off" position.

To set the amount of music that plays between soundbytes to 30 seconds, set the "10" and the "20" switches to the "on" position, and the "40" switch to the "off" position and so on.

The second row of switches are marked "1", "2", and "4". These switches are used only when the unit is in "record/erase" mode (see "How to record a URM" or "How to erase a URM").

 

 

 


PromoCast Pro Plus - MS1000 and MS5000

Why are the lights always flashing on my system?
How do I erase a URM (User Recordable Message)?
How do I record a new URM (User Recordable Message)?
My unit doesn't appear to be working. No lights, no power, what should I do?
The voice and/or music on my on-hold system sounds scratchy. What should I do?
How do I connect my unit to my telephone system?
How do I connect my Metasound on hold player to my telephones if I do not have a telephone system?
What are these switches for?
How do I change the length of music that plays between the voice?
How do I change how often my own User Recordable Message plays?
I'm trying to connect my PromoCast ProPlus to my phone system (KSU or PBX) & it plays fine, however it only sounds good for about 30 minutes then stops playing. What's wrong?

 

 

Why are the lights always flashing on my system?

The lights on the PromoCast unit flash in conjunction with the audio output. As a production plays, the audio lights flash. A production recorded at normal levels will cause the green indicator light to flash intermittently.

These lights are also used to monitor record levels when recording a URM (User Recordable Message).

How do I erase a URM (User Recordable Message)?

To erase the URM, simply double-click the red "record" button on top of the unit as if double-clicking a computer mouse. There is no need to worry about erasing the prerecorded studio messages, they are protected and cannot be erased.

How do I record a new URM (User Recordable Message)?

Before a new URM can be recorded, any existing URM must be erased. See "How do I erase a URM". Press and hold the "Record" button until the red "URM" light comes on, then speak your message into the handset; when finished recording, simply release the button.

My unit doesn't appear to be working. No lights, no power, what should I do?

Unplug the unit then plug it back in, then check to see if all connections are made properly. Be sure the voice and music modules are inserted snugly into their proper slots. If the unit still doesn't respond, contact Metasound technical support for further assistance.

The voice and/or music on my on-hold system sounds scratchy. What should I do?

Occasionally, when the volume on the Metasound unit is set too high, it will result in a distorted output. Start by turning the volume all they down, then slowly bring it back up, monitoring each change by calling into your phone system and being put on hold.

Be sure the proper output jack on the side of the Metasound unit is being used (600 Ohm/ 8 Ohm). For most telephone systems, the 600 Ohm jack should be used. If you are unsure which jack is the right one for your system, start with the 600 Ohm jack. If a loud enough volume level cannot be obtained, switch to the 8 Ohm jack.

NOTE: The volume control does not affect the output level of the handset.

How do I connect my unit to my telephone system?

The Metasound on hold player is connected to a telephone system by connecting one end of the provided RCA cable to one of the audio output jacks (600 Ohm/ 8 Ohm) on the Metasound unit, and the other end to the MOH (Music On Hold) port of the telephone system. The MOH port is sometimes labeled "music" or "external music source". This jack is located in different places depending on the manufacturer of the phone system. Contact your telephone system installer for the location of your MOH port if it is not readily available.

If you are unsure which audio output jack on the Metasound is the right one for your telephone system, start with the 600 Ohm jack. If a loud enough volume level cannot be obtained, switch to the 8 Ohm jack.

How do I connect my Metasound on hold player to my telephones if I do not have a telephone system?

If you do not have a telephone system, adapter(s) are needed. Contact Metasound for more information.


What are these switches for?

There are two rows of switches on the top of the PromoCast unit. The first row of switches are marked "10, 20 and 40". These switches control the amount of time music plays between each paragraph of information (paragraphs of information are also known as soundbytes).

To set the amount of music that plays between soundbytes to 10 seconds, set the "10" switch up to the "on" position and both the "20" and "40" switches down to the "off" position.

To set the amount of music that plays between soundbytes to 20 seconds, set the "10" switch to the "off" position, the "20" switch to the "on"position, and the "40" switch to the "off" position.

To set the amount of music that plays between soundbytes to 30 seconds, set the "10" and the "20" switches to the "on" position, and the "40" switch to the "off" position

And so on . . .

The second row of switches are marked "1", "2", and "4". These switches control how often the URM (User Recordable Message) plays, relative to the studio messages. For example, if the "1" switch is set to the "on" position, and the "2" and "4" switches are set to the "off" position, the unit will play one studio message followed by the URM, then one more studio message followed by the URM and so on.

How do I change the length of music that plays between the voice?

See "What are these switches for?".

How do I change how often my own User Recordable Message plays?

See "What are these switches for?".

I'm trying to connect my PromoCast ProPlus to my phone system (KSU or PBX) & it plays fine, however it only sounds good for about 30 minutes then stops playing. What's wrong?

Is the connection to the phone system via a dry (no voltage) line? If your system is connected to the 600 ohm port & there is a voltage present (-48v) through a high impedance, you will need to change the connection to eliminate the voltage or use a transformer. Contact Metasound Technical Support for more information.

 

 

 
 
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