Sponsored content.
Custom Channels music-for-business streaming platform is enhancing digital signage. The URL-based solution has three-tiered software plans which are built on a common foundation of music hand-picked by passionate music mavens exclusive for use in the business environment; the highest quality digital sound with no variations in volume; no talk or interruptions from commercials, promos, or DJs; and less song repetition.
Kurt Oleson, COO and owner of Custom Channels Pro, sits down to answer all questions asked about this innovative music-streaming solution.
AV Network: What exactly is Custom Channels Pro and what makes it different from other business music services?
Kurt Oleson: Custom Channels Pro is a gamechanger for the digital signage industry. It’s the industry’s first URL-based music streaming solution designed specifically for digital signage integrators and CMS providers to bundle music with signage.
It is a self-serve, no-code, hardware-free solution that can be integrated into the platform, hardware, or software of the AV integrator’s choosing. What makes it unique is the incredible flexibility and compatibility of the secure URLs that a partner can provision in almost any environment, making deployment of multimedia installations hassle-free. This flexibility—combined with the professionally curated, built-for-business playlists—positions Custom Channels Pro as an exciting new business opportunity for installers and CMS integrators.
AVN: What need did you see in the market that led to the creation of Custom Channel Pro?
KO: As an industry leader in B2B music streaming for the last 25-plus years, we have had many integrator partners approach us about creating a simpler onboarding process for their clients. Businesses that leverage music and signage are ideal targets for simplification and consolidation. Integrators and resellers are always looking to provide value and generate recurring revenue, but they can often be held back by fragmented vendor systems, managing multiple hardware installations, and dealing with poor partner support. Custom Channels Pro addresses all these frustrations, while also being designed to provide value for businesses that want to take full advantage of licensed music.
AVN: How easy is it for AV integrators to bundle with digital signage?
KO: Integrators using Custom Channels Pro can provision a secure, universally compatible URL in seconds and drop it into their CMS of choice with no additional configuration needed. We even offer an API for CMS providers who want to take the product a step further and build a native licensed music integration.
AVN: What is the state of the business music market today? How much of it is licensed vs. unlicensed and what exposures do customers face?
KO: Recent studies have shown that businesses playing music that is aligned with their brand image can increase sales by over 30%—many of our customers come to us because they realize that a basic playlist put together by a manager or marketing executive simply won’t cut it.
That said, the number of businesses still playing unlicensed music is what makes this product so appealing to integrators. An estimated ~$2Bn in royalties is not being distributed to music creators as a result of misuse in the B2B music market. So not only can Custom Channels Pro partners provide an enterprise-grade, bundled music service with signage, but they can also help their clients overcome compliance and legal issues by utilizing Custom Channels Pro. Businesses can receive thousands of dollars in fines from any one of the major Performing Rights Organizations if found in violation of licensing laws. It’s our goal to ensure that artists and creators are fairly compensated and businesses are protected, so the solution needs to be simple.
AVN: What impact do you think Custom Channels Pro will have on an integrator's ability to sell a turnkey display/music solution?
KO: Custom Channels Pro gives integrators the ability to bundle music and signage in virtually any industry—retail, restaurants, hotels, medical, dental—and there are a few key advantages that partners will see immediately. First, they will have an instant upsell for any existing business where they are providing signage, and this can be pitched without asking the client to make any additional investment in hardware or installation costs since the URL can be embedded in existing platforms. Second, many integrators will find that Custom Channels Pro will unlock many non-traditional spaces to music streaming. Businesses where overhead audio equipment hasn’t been installed or isn’t traditionally included—now anywhere with a screen is a potential source of licensed music for the client and a recurring revenue stream for the partner.
AVN: How does the integrator pricing work for Custom Channel Pro?
KO: Pricing is offered at a tiered, wholesale rate based on business volume and deployment needs. As a trusted partner in the AV industry, Custom Channels will also work directly with partners who need custom pricing for enterprise business or clients with unique music needs. Between-song messaging is also available as an add-on.
AVN: Is Custom Channels Pro available globally or in specific geographies? If available initially only in North America, will it eventually be available in other regions?
KO: Custom Channels Pro is launching in North America with plans to expand to other countries in the future.
About Custom Channels
Custom Channels is the leading music for business streaming platform. Its three-tiered software plans are built on a common foundation of music hand-picked by passionate music mavens exclusive for use in the business environment; the highest quality digital sound with no variations in volume; no talk or interruptions from commercials, promos, or DJs; less song repetition; and no inappropriate language. Visit www.CustomChannels.net to learn more.
