FAQ
In-store music: frequently asked questions
The most common questions about setup, offline playback, multi-location management, announcements, music licensing and the 15-day free demo.
General
What is HYDW?
HYDW is a centrally managed in-store music and announcement service for businesses. We have worked in audio and broadcasting since 2011 and play at 5,000+ locations today.
Which businesses is it for?
Retail stores and chains, cafés, restaurants, hotels, supermarkets, malls, pharmacies, gyms, salons and more, from single venues to chains with hundreds of locations.
Is there a free trial?
Yes, we offer a 15-day free demo. Request it via the contact form or our WhatsApp line.
How is pricing set?
We prepare a quote based on your number of locations, devices and music model.
Setup and devices
Do I need a computer?
No. The HYDW Music Box arrives fully configured; just connect power, audio and ethernet. You can also use a Windows, macOS, iOS or Android device, or a browser.
How long does setup take?
Once the device is connected, pairing with the on-screen code takes a minute and the music starts within minutes.
What should our network allow?
Only outbound HTTPS (443) to *.hydw.com.tr. No inbound connections or open ports are needed.
How are updates installed?
The player downloads and installs new versions itself; store editions (Microsoft Store, App Store, Google Play) update through the store.
Playback and scheduling
Does music stop if the internet goes down?
No. Music is stored on the device, so playback continues. Only live radio streams and text-to-speech need a connection.
Can different locations play different music?
Yes. Playlists are assigned by brand, region or store.
Can the music change during the day?
Yes. Time-slot, daily, weekly and dated playlists can be set; when several apply, the most specific one plays automatically.
How quickly do changes apply?
Within minutes; players check for content every 30 seconds.
Announcements
Can I make instant announcements?
Yes. Play ready-made announcements with the nine Quick Start buttons on the player, or type a message and broadcast it instantly with text-to-speech.
Can you record our announcements?
Yes. We have produced voice-overs since 2011 and record your announcements with professional voice artists.
Music and licensing
What music is played?
HYDW original music produced in-house, or popular music under your own licence if you prefer.
What about copyright?
We agree on the right model during the quote stage. For popular music we broker the necessary agreements; in that case the licence is held by your business.
Management and security
Can I manage locations from my phone?
Yes. The HYDW Music Player Dashboard app for iOS and Android offers every module of the web dashboard.
How will I know if a store goes silent?
If a store sends no signal for 30 minutes or is muted for 15, you are notified by e-mail and WhatsApp during business hours.
How are accounts protected?
Two-factor authentication (authenticator app, WhatsApp code, passkey), brand-level permissions and an audit trail kept for 365 days.
Can we run it on our own servers?
An on-premise deployment option is available for large, multi-tier organisations.
Didn’t find your question?
Write to us or reach us 24/7 on WhatsApp.