Waiting Room Music System
Create a comfortable waiting environment with scheduled background audio. xtra audio provides calming music, appropriate volume levels, and optional information messaging for medical offices, clinics, and service businesses.
Features for Waiting Rooms
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Calming playlists | Reduce patient/client anxiety |
| Consistent volume | No sudden changes to disturb waiting guests |
| Information messaging | Schedule appointment reminders, health tips |
| Simple operation | Set and forget automation |
| Remote management | Update programming without office visits |
Environment Types
Medical Offices
| Setting | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Genre | Ambient, soft classical, nature sounds |
| Tempo | Slow (60-80 BPM) |
| Messaging | Health tips, office policies |
Dental Practices
| Setting | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Genre | Calming instrumental, soft pop |
| Tempo | Slow to moderate (60-90 BPM) |
| Messaging | Oral health information |
Professional Services
| Setting | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Genre | Light jazz, contemporary instrumental |
| Tempo | Moderate (80-100 BPM) |
| Messaging | Service information, promotions |
Room volume is set at the playback device. EBU R128 normalization ensures consistent loudness between tracks, preventing jarring volume changes that could disturb patients.
Content Guidelines
Music Selection
- Avoid lyrics that might be inappropriate or distracting
- Select tracks without sudden dynamic changes
- Choose consistent energy levels throughout
- Ensure proper licensing for commercial use
Informational Messaging
- Brief, professional voice recordings
- Useful information (hours, policies, tips)
- Infrequent playback (every 20-30 minutes)
- Calm, reassuring tone
Configuration
Audio Settings
Enable EBU R128 normalization to ensure all tracks play at consistent loudness. This prevents sudden volume changes between songs that could startle patients or disrupt the calm atmosphere. The actual room volume is controlled at the amplifier or playback device.
Scheduling
Most waiting rooms use consistent programming:
- Single playlist for all hours
- Long rotation cycle (500+ tracks)
- Optional time-of-day variations
- Scheduled informational messages
Setup Recommendations
Hardware
- Ceiling speakers for even coverage
- Volume control accessible to staff
- Reliable internet for streaming
Content Depth
- Minimum 8 hours of unique content
- Prevents repeat recognition during long waits
- Seasonal updates optional
Getting Started
- Create a station for the waiting area
- Upload appropriate music library
- Enable EBU R128 for consistent loudness
- Create calming playlists
- Schedule simple rotation
Related
- EBU R128 - Consistent track-to-track loudness
- Media Library - Organize calming content
- Encoders - Stream configuration