Features

Alerts

PhoneBOX saves warnings you have associated against callers. Flag up nuisance callers or those who are unreliable on air, so that you prioritise the right callers.

Answer next button

If you click the drop down arrow by the answer next button in the top left it’s possible to force an answer next to go to a device other than the highlighted one, it’s also possible to toggle to an “answer random” mode which means the answer next button will instead answer a random call not the one that has been ringing the longest.

Call Sequence Counter

Now, lucky line 50, really is caller 50! In this great new mode the line numbers are replaced with a number representing the sequence in which calls arrived. Line 50 is easy and straightforward to spot. You can revert to real line numbers at any time.

Auto call back

Should a call drop whilst On Air or locked to a fader, PhoneBOX will automatically call back the contributor to allow for continuity of programme content.

Categories and Dispositions

Mark your callers so at a glance you can see which call you want to take. Choose from the wide selection of icons to denote winners, requests, ready to air, and more.

Conferencing

Save on the number of devices you need - use Call Conference to put multiple callers on a single device. Have total control over individual callers - hang them up or route them to a different device.

Configuration Import

Upgrading your PhoneBOX system couldn't be easier from your existing system with the ability to import your settings.

Custom Views

The PhoneBOX screen layout can be fully customised to suit your requirments. Create your own layout or use the supplied templates for call screeners, producers, self-op on air, or remote talent.

In addition it is possible to define other settings such as;

Data Capture

The data capture pane is divided into distinct, fully searchable and easy to manage tabs. There’s a call log (all calls), a directory (your show’s phonebook), an area for entering useful screening information and services (PhoneBOX supports multiple stations from a single platform).

Database

A powerful SQL database runs behind every PhoneBOX, retaining the vital information which is keyed into it. It captures caller ID both inbound and outbound, helping you to keep track of who’s calling and making it easy to find callers to call back.

Dockable Bar (mini mode)

The PhoneBOX dockable tool bar allows full PhoneBOX control whilst using the PC for other applications. (i.e emails, web access etc.)

Drag & Drop

It's easy to move calls around PhoneBOX - simply drag and drop them to the device you need!

DTMF Tone Generation

DTMF tones can be sent from from within the PhoneBOX environment. This is ideal for situations where you need to navigate through automated call answering menus whilst live on air. (Please note this is a platform specific feature)

Dual Call Timers

Know how long each caller has been holding, ringing, or routed to a hybrid. One timer resets every time you change the state of a call, the other keeps counting!

Function keys

Don't want to use your mouse to manage your callers? No problem - just use the function keys on your keyboard instead.

GPIO

PhoneBOX can be configured to send and receive GPI inputs and outputs, enabling ring lamps, fader closures etc. Broadcast Bionics supplies either an 8, 16 or 32 channel box for this purpose. Additionally direct IP connectivity is possible to certain consoles and devices.

Hangup on air confirmation

Systems without a GPIO interface to their desk, can be configured to prompt for confirmation when an On Air call is requested to be hung up.

Hold to alternative feed

Ideal for competitions, you can choose to hold one or more callers to a different hold feed, so they don’t get to hear the programme. This facility is in use by a number of stations running competitions where one party must be kept ‘in the dark’ about answers being given by another party. This facility requires the system to have a PhoneBOX music on hold interface.

Messages Queued indication

The messages screen shows a different icons for those that are queued and those that have been saved but are not queued. This means the producer can easily identify which calls have been passed to the studio to be read and which ones haven’t.

Record and Edit calls

PhoneBOX digitally records every call for editing using the fully integrated editor. The host and caller are cleanly presented on seperate tracks and with PhoneBOX’s advanced editing tool you can get calls or interviews ready for air in record time. (Please note this feature is only available when using the "soft hybrid" product)

Resizable devices and lines

PhoneBOX allows you to specify the size of devices and lines in you client GUI. The default size which is specified in pixels can be altered to suit.

Topic Field

The unique “Topic” field makes running a multisubject call-in a breeze. Simply categorise the call as it arrives. There is also a “point” field for adding other information.

Used on air indication

Calls that have been placed on an "On Air" device will indicate such with a red circle appearing around the line number they are on.

Unicode

PhoneBOX is based around Unicode, which means that PhoneBOX supports any language which Windows supports.

Visual Talkback

Use the chat facility to communicate between PhoneBOX clients - a valuable tool for instantaneous, quick and effective internal communication. Workstations can be assigned different chat colours making conversations easier to follow.