Solving audio problems
Why is a broadband connection necessary?
The minimum specification communications link for Freshtel internet phone is a broadband connection. Although the quality will be the same from a dedicated 56k dialup connection (the average bandwidth used is 3KB/sec inbound and 3KB/sec outbound) the only difference is if you are downloading on your 56k dial-up, while you are on a call you will experience speech loss/break-ups.
The use of other applications while making a call can cause a significant deterioration in audio quality. Examples of possible causes are:
- Downloading large documents from your web-browser or email client
- Streaming pictures to Windows media player,
- Using an insecure computer which has been infected by spyware or other viruses
- P2P file sharing applications
Minimum requirements for Freshtel internet phone are: Windows 2000, XP or Vista on a 1GHz Pentium III or better with at least 256 of RAM, 256 k download and 128k upload Internet Connection and a free USB port directly connected into your PC.
How do I configure my audio devices to use Freshtel internet phone?
You should also check the settings in Freshtel internet phone. To do this go to the on-screen phone Menu > Options > Audio – Make sure the Microphone, Speaker and Ringing are set to USB AUDIO if using Freshtel/sLife hardware.
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When connecting a USB audio device the Freshtel internet phone program will pop-up a dialogue box asking if you wish to use the new hardware. If you click OK at this stage, you will not need to modify the audio options further.
How do I improve sound clarity during a VoIP call?
Our purpose built hardware by Binatone will bypass the sound card and plug directly into your USB port. This will maximize the potential of the sound clarity that is available through the internet phone.
The only other issue to consider that affects sound clarity is the quality of the internet connection that you have, or the party you are ringing. If they are connected to the internet phone and have a slow internet connection or if you have a slow connection, you can experience calls that may have drop outs, garbled, wavering sound or delayed sound. This is a connection issue not a software issue.
If you are hearing an echo or booming
A common sound problem is hearing an echo; while on a call you can hear your own voice played back to you this is actually being caused by the person you are talking to.
Software Echo
A Software echo is caused when you are talking to a person who has microphone playback turned on.
To solve this problem the person you’re talking to needs open
Volume Control > Properties
Under Adjust volume for
Select Playback
Under Show the following volume controls:
Check Microphone
Click OK
Under Microphone check Mute
Hardware Echo
A hardware echo is caused when you are talking to a person who is using loud speakers and a microphone, your voice is heard thru their speakers and is being played back to you via their microphone thus causing the echo you are hearing.
To solve this problem the person you’re talking to needs to turn down their speakers or ultimately use a headset or something similar to stop the echo.
Excessive Volume Echo
Echo, feedback and poor audio quality can also be caused by excessive speaker or microphone volume. This can be particularly noticeable on overly sensitive audio devices. Ensure that the mic. boost option is not enabled, and the volume settings are kept as low as practical.