On Nov 16 2008, 8:23*am, "Patrick C" wrote:
wrote in message

news
On Fri, 14 Nov 2008 18:45:27 -0600, "Patrick C"
wrote:

Having an echo problem started a few weeks ago. *Support takes me through
a
set of trouble shooting procedures and then repeats the procedures to no
avail. *Tried it on all of our three systems 2 Vista and a XP with no
change. *Wondering if anyone else was having this problem? *Was thinking
of
purchasing a few more as gifts but won't with a problem like this. *Think
I'll recommend Skype instead.

If you are using MJ with a conventional phone try opening your
computers volume controls and mute a few sliders to see if it solves
your problem.

Tried that, was one of their trouble shooting procedures, still echo.
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Magic Jack (or whatever). Anything that has to advertised on
'Infomercial' TV, along with knives that never dull, plastic gadgets
that claim the impossible etc. should be a warning! Good products get
known and are talked and published about in the right places.

What we have heard is that MJ is anything but a "Just plug in and
play" system as advertised.
The fact that problems are due 'only' to powering via the USP port
also seems unlikely? And any/all of these internet systems have to
connect (at least at the moment) back into the regular (local)
telephone networks to complete calls.

We have tried a couple of different VOIP phone systems/methods. Within
North America and between NA and the middle East. But even downloading
some extra s.ware to 'tune or condition' the audio problems the
quality and getting through on a first attempt were very much a matter
of how well the internet and the local ISP handled it.

With VOIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol) we had similar problems with
echo and delay; also that voice delay was not constant it varied from
moment to moment (probably as packets of data were routed though the
internet suffering various delays?). Same as trying to watch a TV (or
music) feed, live, via the internet.

Using VOIP for voice calls the situation was very much akin to
claiming reliable commuter service getting to work daily by using
several local bus companies between towns! Sometimes works well other
times schedules don't fit!

Cell phone coverage and quality: The phasing out of analog here and
elsewhere, along with the use of various blue tooth gadgets to allow
hands-free while driving seems to have decreased the quality of cell
phone audio to very poor. I almost hate it when one daughter talks to
me from her mobile! Too many repeats "What was that????".

Also the cell phone coverage to, previously 30 or even 50 miles
offshore, has deteriorated. Mainly affecting a few commercial fishers
who previously could make business and personal calls from more
powerful 'bag-phones' (up to 5 watts output AFIK). These are now
useless. Apparently digital use numerous lower power towers and the
cell phones are more complex to provide numerous 'other' services (and
smaller and smaller buttons!), have lower power and longer battery
life.

Comes to mind that the worst combination could be VOIP connecting via
a digital cell phone; with someone who does not speak one's native
language quite as well or with a heavy accent! (What we have here is a
'Failure to communicate'!)

One wonders as we rush (much more slowly in this area) to digital TV
with its supposed advantages whether it is worth while to throw away a
well working technology?

It is interesting to note that aircraft in the interests of simplicity
and apparently easier to 'get through' a weak signal in an emergency,
still use analog VHF (Very high frequency) signals introduced before
and during WWII in the 108 to 128 megahertz band. Just above the 88 to
108 FM (Frequency Modulation) band; but using analog voice modulation.
They also use some other frequencies up around 220 to 400 mHz.

Old time telephone networks were built to provided very high
reliability and 'reasonable' voice quality.
Also service access was measured constantly whether via operators or
by automatic/self-dial service. The service was built to have
sufficient capacity based on one blocked call in 100 during a normal
busy hour period (that didn't included Christmas, Thanksgiving or
Mother's days, which were considered 'extreme' but often offered lower
rates. Telephone operators were measured on 'Speed of answer' within
ten seconds and extra staff were called in and added if call loads
were higher than expected. And telephone service personnel, especially
operators were acclaimed and noted for their spirit of service and
cooperation. All that cost money.

Nowadays communication services are competitive and something of a rat
race! Why should a telephone company, for example, fix the wiring
'within' your home or include a printed book listing telephone
numbers? Many of the numbers are sisiued by other 'providers' and we
probably have other 'cheap' phones made in Taiwan, or Brazil that do
not provide good voice quality standard.

Caveat Emptor or we get what we pay for etc.?