Archive for the ‘VoIP’ Category
Pros and Cons of VoIP Phone Service
May 19th, 2009
Before deciding whether or not to install VoIP telephonme sercvice its a good idea to understand some of the pros and cons associated with this service.
Placing international and long distance calls has been made a lot easier and more convenient with the wonders of modern technology. Read on and get to know more of the pros and cons of the VoIP phone service feature.
Through time, the society has clamored for a better phone service that will not burden the people with tons of charges. Modern technology then created VoIP as a solution to the public’s growing needs. By and large, the market has expressed its wide acceptance since its conclusion. However, just like any other thing that we are all familiar with, this phone system technology is also a host to various advantages and disadvantages.
There is always the other side of the coin. It is not often shiny and smooth. Thus, open your eyes, weigh your options, and make a final decision based on the discussion that this article has prepared for you.
Getting into the Core of its Advantages
Since it has created a giant wave in the market, people typically expect too much from it. The following are the best features that VoIP has.
Low and cheap cost. Compared to the traditional phone line, VoIP is powered by a high speed Internet connection. If you have an existing broadband Internet, it will be easy to avail of this service and start calling computers anywhere in the globe for no fee. It also makes available the option of calling a regular phone line through the computer at a very affordable rate. As you sign up with its provider, you will be given the list of places with which you may call all for free!
Easy management and portability. Place and receive calls wherever you may be by simply accessing an Internet connection and signing in to your account. If you are on a trip, just be sure to bring your headset and a plug in Internet connection or your VoIP phone. It is also possible to make calls while you are in the hot spots.
Jam-packed features. You get to enjoy a lot of extra features such as call forwarding, voicemail, caller ID, call waiting, three-way calling, and many others. Send documents and pictures even when you are using the phone!
Revealing its Downsides
If you have been delighted with those mentioned above, you should take a look at the following downsides first and understand how they may affect your decision.
No power, no service. It is basically dependent on the electricity. Meaning to say, when there is a power blackout, you can expect not to make VoIP calls. As a solution, you must be ready with your battery backups or a power generator for that matter.
Emergency hotline calls. It is a known fact that the regular phone device is directly connected to the emergency hotline which can easily trace your location. As in the case of VoIP phone system, what is transferred is the IP address so there is no possibility of tracking the origin of the call whenever there is an emergency.
Reliability and quality. Since VoIP mainly relies on the Internet connection, its proficiency is also affected by the quality of the broadband service along with the restrictions of your computer. Problems such as poor signal, loss data, unclear voice, and many others may usually bother you.
Having heard both sides, you must take a considerable amount of time to finalize your decision. So, are you going to favor VoIP phone service or not?
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Verizon Hub Phone
April 30th, 2009
The Verizon Hub is an all-in-one device that could become your home’s new communications center. This device combines the basic functionality of a connected digital photo frame and a calendar with advanced communications features such as picture messaging and unlimited text, a VoIP telephone (complete with simultaneous ring and anonymous call block), and visual voice mail.
The service that is offered by Verizon, however, comes with a cost. You can add the Hub only to an existing Verizon Wireless account, and you’ll pay $249.99 (plus an additional two-year contract) or $319.99 (for a one-year contract). Currently, May 2009, here is a $50 mail-in rebate available, but there’s also a $34.99 monthly charge which will be added to your bill. If you’re a Verizon Wireless customer in the market for a device that does more than your typical home phone, the Hub might be worth considering, but the device’s appeal certainly isn’t broad.
The device measures 9 by 12 inches and comes with a 7-inch, 800-by-480-pixel WVGA touch-screen LCD. The unit is easy to configure as the wireless device can be connected to a local wireless network very simply. If you have wireless issues from the station, you can connect to your network via an Ethernet connection. If you do lose connectivity for any reason, calls are forwarded to a user-selectable backup number, such as a mobile phone.
The Hub is a fully integrated, updatable home communications device that can almost justify its high cost, but there are some limitations. For instance, with the device, you can send text and picture messages, but only to Verizon Wireless phones. There’s also a phone book and calendar, but neither one can sync with your mobile phone or with cloud-based services such as Google or Yahoo. Media options are limited to a dozen internet radio stations and a bunch of canned video clips from outlets such as CNN, NBC, and the Food Network which are found on Verizon’s V-Cast Network. There are no options for a Web browser or for e-mail or social-networking apps.
Text input on the Hub’s touch screen is simple and accurate, especially if you use the included stylus. But if the thought of using a stylus to add contacts (you can store up to 128) or dozens of appointments seems too rediculous, the Web interface will solve that problem. (Many of the Hub’s features, including call logs, visual voice mail, photo upload, and calling settings, can be accessed online.) You can also import (but not sync) contacts from Google, Yahoo, or an Outlook CSV file. Like the Hub, the Web interface also supports Verizon Relay, which adds a Tile (something like a sticky note) each time you receive a text, picture, or video message from the member of a group that you set up.
Audio quality when using the speakerphone or the cordless DECT 6.0 handset is similar to that of other VoIP phones. The built-in speaker was built for phone calls, however, so radio stations sound really tinny. An audio-out jack is included on the right-hand side of the unit, but external speakers just exacerbate the fidelity problems that come with low streaming bit rates. Also, there’s no option to store music on the Hub or to stream it from other devices on your home network. Video quality is acceptable at thumbnail sizes but becomes jittery and pixelated and when expanded to fill up the device’s screen.
A helpful directory application displays business results on a map and can send locations directly to a mobile phone with VZ Navigator, or allows you to make calls directly to businesses from within the directory listing. There’s also a tool that delivers Navteq traffic reports. Other applications include movie listings, a calculator, and Verizon’s Chaperone location-tracking service.
When not in use for communication, the Hub becomes a digital photo frame, capable of cycling through images as a slideshow, or as a screen saver after 5, 10, or 30 minutes of inactivity. You can send images to the frame from a Verizon Wireless phone as a picture message, or upload up to 200 at a time through the Hub Web site. Images are rescaled and compressed, but are not resized to fill the display.
I’m reviewing the somewhat anachronistic Verizon Hub connected phone. Now that I’ve seen its future—an open platform built on Linux with sleek hardware from this decade, like capacitive touchscreens—it’s way more exciting.
Nevertheless, you can’t beat the convienence of a small terminal in the kitchen, which is exactly what Verizon Wireless is hoping for with their new Verizon Hub.
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Posted in VoIP | 
Tags: all in one communication center, cell phone, family communication, verizon hub | 
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VoIP – Understanding the Terms
March 27th, 2009
Voice Over IP – A Comprehensive Explanation
If you are trying to find someone, there is a high probability that you can get a hold of that person either by calling his home phone number, calling their cell phone, or calling their computer. No matter which way you do it, it should be of interest that you take time to explore the possibilities and features that the VoIP phone service offers you. You should get to know more on how it works and the VoIP terms as well to keep yourself well educated.
Unraveling How the VoIP Phone Service Works
As you surf the website that is a host to the services rendered by VoIP, you will learn more about the advantages of buying this service. You will also know the main reason why you need to work with it. VoIP technology has a special composition and it is only right that you take time to get to know how it goes.
This phone service has special software and hardware that transforms voice data into packets. These packets of data are then transported across the Internet by means of the IP protocol.The IP or Internet Protocol address is the address by which computers are connected and found across the Internet. This is similar to a phone number. Meanwhile, the same type of hardware and software at the receiving end are tasked to convert the data back to the voice. Since it is a publicly used network, the Internet allows users to place free phone calls when the VoIP service is activated.
The Essentials Ingredients that You Need
If the call is to be made via a computer, you should arm yourself with a reliable type of handset that is matched up witht he software. For this phone service to function correctly, it is important that the appropriate software is utilized. There are compatible pieces of equipment which can also function as an alternative. With the software, free phone calls can be made from one computer to another and at various times from a computer to a regular landline phone.
If it happens that you don’t have a computer to use, then you may choose an IP phone instead. This phone is connected via a landline similar to how a regular phone is set up. Even in the absence of a computer, you are able to place your VoIP calls. There are no monthly fees that need to be settled and you get local rates for those mobile phone call transactions.
A Look at the Vital Terms
For a clearer understanding of this service, here are the important terms that you must take note of.
VoIP is otherwise known as Voice over Internet Protocol. This allows you to save more money on your phone bills.
Broadband connection assures a faster transfer of data by up to more than 100 kps.
Clipping is the term that refers to a part of the conversation that gets dropped when the parties talk over the VoIP line but gets interrupted by a sudden loss of signal.
DSL is also known as Digital Subscriber Line which is one of the categories of high-speed Internet connections.
The hub is the special hardware device which takes charge of distributing the communication data between the variety of devices like a fax machine, computer, or printer.
The Internet protocol or IP address varies from one computer to another.Even in a local network in your home, the IP address of each machine is different even though only one address actually accesses the Internet.
The Internet service provider or ISP is the company that supplies the Internet access in exchange for a fee. This can now be obtained through a dial up connection via a phone or through a cable service provider that offers a high speed Internet connection.
Internet telephony is the term used to refer to the transmission of voice communication via the Internet.
By and large, these are the important things that you have to remember about the VoIP lingo.
VoIP In Detail covers everything related to VOIP, software, hardware, service providers, reviews, configurations, standards, tips & tricks and everything else related to voice over IP networks, IP telephony and Internet Telephony.
One of the biggest advantages of VOIP for small business is the flexibility of the pricing plans. For the first time, business owners are able to choose from packages and plans that really meet their specific needs.
Traditional telephony is slowly becoming overwhelmed by the number of advantages that VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) services make possible.
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Voice Over IP (VOIP)
March 25th, 2009
The Basics of VoIP Phone Service
True enough, VoIP is one of the best solutions that many industries find to be very favorable. VoIP got its primary introduction in the year 2004 when the popularity of broadband Internet access was yet also conceptualizing. With this type of phone service, the subscribers can possibly place and receive a wide range of calls for really low rates. By simply paying a flat monthly rate, several services may be availed of.
The same phone service is practically being used both in the homes and in the offices. If you want to cut back on the cost of your telephone bills, then better employ the VoIP phone service. There are tons of things that you must know as you desire to enjoy the services and features of this ultimate solution. Hence, it is only proper for you to take a close look at its basics.
What is VoIP all about?
VoIP refers to Voice over Internet Protocol. Simply put, it allows you to place a call via a VoIP phone. Your voice is transmitted over the web instead of making use of the traditional cable lines. When a person talks to you, his voice is also carried in a similar manner. For a clearer understanding, VoIP is a type of telephone system connection that utilizes the Internet as the primary means of reaching the other party.
How does VoIP work?
When you want to contact another person you do that by that of using a VoIP telephone, your voice signals are changed into the digital signals just like any other phone. The signal, however, is transmitted over the web via the lines of the Internet rather than the lines of Ma Ball.. For the person on the other line to hear you, the digital signals are then converted back to voice signals.
What main benefits can it provide?
This may sound too good to be true yet you must believe it. A VoIP connection makes use of the high speed Internet, right? Therefore, instead of using the regular phone cable wires, your voice travels via the Internet and then you get to save a lot of money compared to the costs given by the local telephone companies in your area. One more thing is that it promotes a secure conversation.
What is meant by packet switching?
Packet switching is the feature that lets the VoIP carry a useful voice data via packet forms. They are transferred one at a time so both parties can hear clear sounds. The useless silent portions are eliminated so that makes the conversation really audible. You will then notice that your talk seems very ordinary. Overall, it lets you save on the bandwidth. This is the general protocol used to carry any information over the Internet and acrros local networks as well.
Saving money is one of the main reasons for using this type of phone service. Even as you place international or long distance calls, you will generally benefit from the flat rates. This will never happen if you use the typical telephone line system as the calls involve multiple carriers of just phone data rather than internet traffic. Remember, the Internet was first brought about by the government hooking up large computers at universities around the country to transmit research information.
Why is it perfect for travelers?
Traveling is not a hassle with the VoIP feature. All that you have to do is bring is your reliable headset and plug in Internet connection and then place your calls. To top it all, you may enjoy the same privilege as you stay in the wireless hot spots.
Furthermore, the VoIP phone service is something that you should equip your home or business with as it will help to reduce cocsts and the techonlogy has progressed to a point where the connection issues of the phone service is as relaible as the phone.. There are some downsides for sure but the weight of the positive side is greater. This reason must be enough to prompt you to switch over from your local telephone service to a VoIP connection.
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