Northcutt's V/Blog - Eye of the Tigers!

OjO Videophone - HOVRS/SNAPVRS - THANK YOU!

2008-09-29T09:12:00.005-05:00

Good Morning Everyone!

It has been a while since I last blogged back in June related to a problem I encountered from HOVRS on interoperability issues that I experienced between my Ojo Videophone and the HOVRS VRS. As you know not receiving words from both of them after my last report, I filed FCC Complaint in July 2008 on ground of interoperability failure. FCC responded and wanted to follow up with HOVRS on this informal complaint.

Today, I am happy to inform you Ojo customers that it finally worked. I have tested hearing patrons for calls to see if incoming call will work. It works! I even gave my HOVRS Purple Number (10 numbers) to one of my hearing patrons and the 10 number system worked as well! Knowing that it now works, I will consider this case closed.

I would like for all Ojo Customers to give SNAPVRS (Jeff Rosen) and Go America - HOVRS (Kelby Brick) a big THANK YOU for ensuring that interoperability will not be in the way between both of them. They worked feverishly to address this problems.

Jeff and Kelby, Thank you!

HOVRS - A Technical problem!!!

2008-06-22T06:57:00.009-05:00

Good Morning! On May 29, 2008 there seem to be a problem with HOVRS's new platform system. (Radvision - if I correctly got it right) What seem to be triggering the problem?? To top it off, I have been getting email from my hearing loyalist (family members, business patrons, doctors, etc.) in which they tried to reach me on several occasions through special number I encouraged them to use through HOVRS but they were unable to. Then came a "strange" screening pop up on my Ojo showing "VOICE ONLY" (see image below) as the videophone rings, I could not get it to "answer" or any video image appearing. It hung up itself. I knew it was coming from a HOVRS VI. Even worst, I could not reach HOVRS Customer Care as the image showed up as well. Tried Viable Vision Webcam, still could not connect to Customer Care. Obviously, a problem occurred.

I found it wacko to see the word appearing on my Ojo. HOVRS knew I am deaf. Why showing that word? Why not "Incoming Call from VI" This will easy tell me I am receiving a call. You have a better idea? Did HOVRS test it before going out to use it? HOVRS have deaf employee there and they should have be involved to check it out and give feedback and inputs for improvements or modifications. I guess it did not. I decide to report this problem to Dan Luis of GOAmerica and Ed Routhier, President of HOVRS. I have not yet received Dan Luis's email or comment but I did receive from Ed. See Below.

from Ed Routhier
to jncutt@gmail.com
cc ahmetkc@comcast.net,
dluis@goamerica.com
date Mon, Jun 2, 2008 at 11:04 AM
subject FW: HOVRS Incoming Calls

Reply

James,

I’ve asked our head of Technology to look into this personally. Thank you for reaching out to me, we are working hard to upgrade our services and appreciate our loyal user’s patience. The future of VRS is going to a whole new level thanks to the hard work of our engineers and if there are some bumps along the way, we will work quickly to resolve them…, Ed

My hats off to Ed for his responding my email, but ED, it’s June 22, 2008 and still your 'hard work engineers" have not resolved this problem to date. What seem to be taking that long? Engineers are paid well to know of a problem within their sight. If this problem lags long, I may have to file FCC complaint next month. It will give me 45 days grace period to file a complaint. However, I felt I am not getting the service I expect out from HOVRS.

Due to this struggling problem, I have informed my hearing patrons to use SNAPVRS number to reach me. I like it as far as today because I found it "kewl" to see a VI leaving me a video message via my Ojo. Other VRS Providers do not do offer this feature. This is something I consider it a very "easily" to read messages. SNAPVRS's own for hearing callers to reach me is "headaches" for hearing patrons because of the 20 numbers they have to remember. Take for example, a General Contractor walking around the construction site and decided to call me and wanted to discuss an issue at stake on one of the area of construction problem. He has SNAPVRS number stored but does not have my phone number which he has to walk back to the trailer and give to the VI. He leaves his trailer and walked back to the same spot and discusses with me the construction issue. That is definitely a "headache". Bottom line is I do get messages back. Another thing to remember is that SnapVRS does not as I learned have video messages being left on your email. Guess you cannot win it all from all VRS Provider. Hopefully this new number system discussed at the FCC meetings for all VRS Providers to provide before December 2008 arrives soon. This should help.

I have asked a source of mine to call in HOVRS Customer Care to report or if they knew of a problem. Like I always expected, there is always the blame game. VRS Provider Customer Care / Technicians love to point the blame on other videophone devices instead of their own. It is not about competition, it is about a problem. Customer Care / Technicians ought to "listen" to the problem first instead of flatly out pointing its Ojo's problem, Its Viable's problem, etc. This has to stop!

Hopefully, HOVRS will do their best to resolve this problem and I do test it everyday. Sadly, it still has not been resolved.

I just want to share with you of problems facing today! HOVRS is a very good company with very good loyal video interpreters. I still do use their service but not after May 29, 2008 due to this new problem. I use SNAPVRS as well and balance it both.

Thank you!

Video Message on Pagers

2008-06-04T07:58:00.003-05:00

I have this Moto Q pager from Verizon Wireless. Loved it!!! No questions!! Had it for two years and my contract with Verizon Wireless expires this month. I am shopping around for pagers that can view video messages with "FLASH" software. As of today, I have checked around and found that MOST pagers do not support FLASH software. If any of you are able to download FLASH software to your pager and can view video messages from your email, please let me know. I would love to know which pager supports FLASH software that way I can have a look at it. With my pager, I can receive emails using pop/smtp features while on road or away from my laptop.

I have a profile set up under HOVRS for hearing loyalist to contact me via my extension number and HOVRS can leave a video message in my email with their FLASH feature. Verizon Wireless does not support FLASH softwares on my Moto Q which I was hoping to view video message through while on road for business. Unfortunately no luck! However, I was able to view video messages by using WMV. It worked beautifully! CSDVRS and SorensonVRS supported WMV with no problem. As for HOVRS, no I was not able to due to their FLASH feature. In the past, I have for numerous of time told HOVRS to add WMV to their feature as well, but I presume my message does not meant a thing to them. Guess they have their own preference. That is understandable but it does not work on most pagers. If CSDVRS/SorensonVRS are the only VRS provider with WMV supports, then I may have to decide to switch because getting video message across to you while on road can help receive messages from your loved ones, families or business. You may be able to call back immediately if needed. This help get your message across. I do not know of SNAPVRS, I called in and their Support Technicans do not have a clue to answer. Iphone?? Does that support flash feature? Do you people have a recommendation? Please feel free to comment and recommend which pager so I can have a look. If HOVRS will be providing WMV as their features, I will be happy to kept the pager I have now. If not, I will shop around. Thank you!

You Got to be Kidding! - IP Address?

2008-03-19T16:11:00.004-05:00

In my last blog posting, I stated that I would address some problems that I have been told quite too often. It is about the IP address itself alone. After the shutdown of Ojo recently, I have tried to encourage customers to use IP-based or IP-Named addresses to help them communicate another way out to their friends due to the SIP being down. However, I have been told by customers "where can I find my IP address?", "I do not know how I can find it", etc. etc. I looked puzzled at them and told them that they got to be kidding because VRS Provider's Installers, Trainers, or Representatives have a duty to explain how to tell you where your actual IP address are after installing your equipment. A higher number tells me that most Installers just set up the equipment and boom leaves because they have others to install. Very few tell me they forgot how to find it on the Videophone in which they thought it was the IP Address (192.168.0.125). There are no winning situations in either problems they are faced with. Being a former Installer/Representative myself, I do explain to customers of where their IP address are and how they can find it because I have a job to do and my job is to be sure there are no questions prior before I leave on my next assignment. Customers are my loyalty. I wanted to be sure they are happy and familiar with the new videophone equipment and where they can go from here to there. Often time a struggle can become a problem when trying to get the ip address read from the modem given by your Cable or DSL provider. It takes an expert installer or representative to solve the issues.

By all means, have no fear, glad to show you the way to your ip address. Remember these are for customers not so quite familiar of how to find their IP address. For those who know the way, here is my high FIVE!!!!!!!!.

First thing to do is hit this link, WHATISMYIP You will find your IP address number. You can as well go to another website, HOVRS. Look down at the bottom and find your ip address. (You can check out your VRS Provider website to see if your IP Address are showing as well) These numbers with dots are your actual ip address that you can give to your friends, families or etc. These IP Address numbers MUST match your PUBLIC IP on your Sorenson / Dlink VP. To check these out, just follow these steps below.

Press Settings
Press Network
Press Public IP (look at the first line and see if it matches)

For those with Ojo, it is shown right in front of your display screen.

Another thing is when you have DSL, your IP address may changes abruptly depends on the pricing package or weather related. Often time free modem can be outdated modems. It depends on your DSL providers. Frustration mount heavy when your IP Adddress changes quite often. If that happens, I would recommend you to obtain a free IP Named Address. This can be obtained from the websites of DYNDNS or NO-IP. Try to use these methods to less your frustrations. The IP address may change but the name does not. It remains at all times.

Many of you are quite happy with the VP Phone numbers. Phone numbers are ok. But when you want to call your friend from another kind of equipment that does not have the same VP as yours, then you may need to dial out an IP address to call them. They will need to call you as well with your IP address. Be well prepared today and know how to use it.

Smile today until then stay tuned.....

Ojo Videophone is bacccccccccckkkkkkk!

2008-03-11T11:04:00.002-05:00

Hello Everyone! It gives me great pleasure to inform you that Ojo is now up and running as normal. Please spread the word and please thank Snap!VRS for all their efforts in making this quick and possible. Go enjoy the Ojo now and make SnapVRS calls to your friends, families or business.

Please go to www.snapvrs.com and read the highlights in ASL about their announcement of this exciting time to use Ojo again.

Smile on!

Ojo Videophone - Report from Snap!VRS's Own, Jeff Rosen

2008-03-07T06:02:00.005-06:00

Good Morning!

Today is the 38th day that Worldgate Communication has not yet turned back the network server for all customer Worldwide including Snap!VRS's own in which they are contracted under with. Snap!VRS are still operable under the H.323 technology tool that the deaf/hard of hearing customers can still use. With this old technology tool, we are still able to use the IP based numbers. The SIP technology is down for now as this is used for "phone numbers" you can call out.

Below you will find a video from Snap!VRS's own, Jeff Rosen. You can log onto their website, www.snapvrs.com and from there you can hit their PDF format to read the same message as what Jeff Rosen is reporting.

After reading this report, it has not yet impacted me. This is the same story that they keep telling us "making good progress" "You can still call Snap!VRS by using DLink, Sorenson's device......" etc. These are the same stories from the past 3 reports. I do not buy into this message because it is the 38th day and Snap!VRS has not undocked from the port of Worldgate Communication. They are still stranded. If Snap!VRS stated they are current on their financial matters with Worldgate Communication, then why have not they yet sailed off? There must be an other issues that we may be left in the "dark" that may prevent them to undock. I can not complain about Snap!VRS because they are contracted under Worldgate Communicaton and they are entitled to not sharing details. These are typcial statement coming from all businesses.

However, from Snap!VRS customer's perspective, hope are fading to use their service due to this lengthy delay. I do not blame them. I cannot persuade the customer's to remain postive and hope for the best of Snap!VRS because this is America, they have a say and a choice to use the service or not. Like all customer stated, its way too long for this kind of delay and they opt to eye elsewhere that are fitted for them to use "phone numbers". I found this very interested to know most customers are not familiar with IP Based calls. They prefer phone numbers that they can easily remember and save in their speed dial. IP base number changes depends on their ISP providers. With the SIP down, that hurt Snap!VRS's customer. Due the kind of problems on IP Based numbers, I will address this in my next blog report.

Lastly, my comments above to Snap!VRS is not intended to give them a negative comments. I am sharing what outsider are saying about the company's slow and lengthy delay. I will use Trump's Apprentice show 's titled quote. "It's nothing personal...It's just business" This is merely a fitted quote.

Thanks for your time!

Stay tuned!

Ojo Videophone - Worldgate Communication Receive Notice of Default

2008-02-27T06:41:00.002-06:00

Hello! As usual, I am keeping my eyes on the issue of Worldgate Communication for you all. I found this from another blogger site outside of deafread.com. I copied and pasted this on my blog site that way to keep you in the loop. See below:

TODAY'S NEWS:

WorldGate receives notice of default

Bucks County Courier Times

WorldGate Communications of Bensalem, the financially struggling maker of the Ojo video phone, announced in a Securities and Exchange Commission filing that it's in default on a bond agreement.

YA Advisors, which holds convertible debentures — bonds that can be converted into shares of the company's stock — said the company is in default for failing to maintain current financial statements. As a result, the group is demanding payment of $6.7 million, including interest, the full value of the bonds.

Earlier this month, WorldGate announced it was shutting down operations because it hadn't received payment from its biggest customer, Snap!VRS. In a competing, statement, Snap!VRS said it didn't owe WorldGate any money.

WorldGate said it's disputing the default notice.

On Snap!VRS's end, it is almost a month now that the Ojo phone numbers are not yet workable. IP-based numbers are working with the old technology tool of H323. Like you, I just wish Snap!VRS would report on a weekly basis to let us know how the progress is going and what to expect from their next step. However, as usual from all companies, they keep it quiet. My guess it probably was a wake up call on their part because they should have been prepared for this kind of operation shutdown. Rule of Thumb is to always have a back up plan. Always know your plan "B". I know for sure all TRS and VRS services have back up plan in the event system stops operation for some reason and it routes to the next operations. Sadly, Snap!VRS did not prepare that. What I was not prepared as for sure the same for you was that it is taking almost a month now and they still have not yet resolved the matters.

On a side note, I do not understand why Snap!VRS are telling their customers to add their IP named resolution on to Sorenson VP100, Vp200 and Dlink. They should focus entirely on their equipment and get it up and running. FYI Snap!VRS, I do not have any Sorenson VP100, VP200 or a Dlink on my desk. Why do I need many of those equipments on my desk? As I stated above, always prepare plan B. Knowing Ojo is not 100 percent operable, my plan B is to use the Webcam. Simple as that.

Come on Snap!VRS, get moving. We are waiting!!!!!!

Stay tuned!!!

Ojo Videophone - Today updated letter from SnapVRS CEO

2008-02-21T17:49:00.006-06:00

Hi! It has been approximately 3 weeks ago that Worldgate Communication shut down its operations as a first step to winding down its business to all Ojo customers, Snap!VRS CEO, Richard Schatzber, has addressed the latest report. Please go to the www.snapvrs.com to read his report. This letter were meant for all SnapVRS Ojo Customers. Hopefully soon this will be resolved.

Stay postive on this.

Stay tuned!

Thanks!

Ojo Videophone - Newspaper Articles

2008-02-08T21:17:00.000-06:00

I have stumbled upon this newspaper addressing about Worldgate Communications shutting down operations last week due to seeking payment from it largest customer (Snap!VRS).

I have cut and paste this clipping from Bucks County Courier Times in which this reporter had addressed. Worth to read and understand what is going on. This operation being shut down has affected not only us Deaf/HH users but as well the hearing customers too.

....so stay tuned!!!

Worldgate: Shut down

By CRISSA SHOEMAKER DEBREE
Bucks County Courier Times

WorldGate Communications, maker of the Ojo personal video phone, has shut down operations as it seeks payment from its largest customer.

In a statement to the Securities and Exchange Commission, and on WorldGate's Web site, the Bensalem company said it stopped operating Jan. 30, “as a first step to winding down its business, which will occur if the company is not able to secure payment ... and/or new financing.”

While WorldGate didn't name the customer, Snap!VRS, which provides video relay services for the hearing impaired, confirmed it was that customer in a letter on its own Web site. It also disputes WorldGate's statement.

“We are current on all payments and do not owe WorldGate any money,” Snap!VRS CEO Richard Schatzberg said in the letter. “We feel so strongly about our position and are so intent on resolving this matter swiftly, that we have offered to submit this disagreement to immediate binding arbitration, a process by which an independent third party decides who is right. WorldGate has rejected this offer.”

WorldGate CEO Hal Krisbergh declined to comment Thursday afternoon when reached by cell phone.

“I would like to, but there's a lot going on that I can't get into,” he said. “I'd really rather just stay with our public announcement.”

In the meantime, all Ojo phone service, which was provided by WorldGate, is down.

Krisbergh founded WorldGate in 1995 to develop products that would provide Internet services through cable, such as Web TV. But the concept never took off, and by 2002 the company was failing. It liquidated all its assets and poured them into developing Ojo. Motorola agreed to distribute the phone, which went on sale in May 2005.

In February 2006, WorldGate and Motorola ended that arrangement and WorldGate took on sole responsibility for getting Ojo into stores. At the time, Krisbergh indicated WorldGate was unhappy with Motorola's high pricing, which it felt kept the product out of major retailers and out of reach for most households.

Upon taking control of Ojo retailing, WorldGate slashed the price by $300, introduced a cheaper Ojo with fewer features and pursued national and international distribution deals.

In June, WorldGate and Snap! trumpeted a deal to provide Ojos to deaf and hearing-impaired customers, who traditionally use interpreters to hold telephone conversations.

WorldGate has struggled financially since its inception. It's never turned a profit and the company has never released sales figures for its Ojos. For the quarter that ended Sept. 30, the company reported a $2.7 million loss.
Crissa Shoemaker DeBree can be reached at 215-949-4192 or cshoemaker@phillyBurbs.com.

February 8, 2008 10:51 AM

Ojo Videophone - Updated letter from SnapVRS CEO

2008-02-06T16:04:00.000-06:00

Please direct your attention to www.snapvrs.com. Richard Schatzberg, SnapVRS CEO has addressed a letter to all the SnapVRS Ojo Customers in the matter of the Ojo videophone problems.

Thanks!

Ojo Videophone - Problems

2008-02-05T09:43:00.000-06:00

On Wednesday, January 30, 2008, those of you who have already have Ojo Videophones obtained from SnapVRS may be experiencing problems to their Ojo. Since it has been a struggle and almost a week of not being solved, the Worldgate Company has issued a press release on February 4, 2008. I have copy and paste here on this blog their press release.

Press Releases

Form 8-K for WORLDGATE COMMUNICATIONS INC

The Company is currently in a dispute with its largest customer over the payment of significant monies which the Company believes are owed to it. The customer's refusal to pay such monies has contributed to a shortfall in the operating cash available to the Company to continue operations. Accordingly, on January 30, 2008, the Company shut down its operations as a first step to winding down its business, which will occur if the Company is not able to secure payment of the monies believed to be owed and/or new financing. The Company continues to explore potential financing opportunities and is also pursuing legal recourse against the customer. The Company would intend to resume operations if it can obtain financing or payment of the monies believed to be owed in a timely manner. Without such financing or the payment of monies believed to be owed, however, the Company will continue its plan to wind down the business.

If you wish to go to their website, please log onto www.ojophone.com. Hit the Corporate button and you will see Press Release. Hit Press Release and you will see the 2/4/2008 information release.

This may be the reason why we are experiencing the problems. I do not know which largest customer they are disputing over the payment. Hopefully there will be a solution soon. Stay tuned.....

Thanks!

Ojo Videophone - Can it travel?

2008-01-17T19:25:00.000-06:00

"Will Ojo work if I travel around? Like stopping by a hotel? Attend a Friend’s home? Go for a Family’s visit?" These are the common videophone calls I received from deaf friends of mine near or far wanted to know if it will actually work. FYI, I never had the chance to take Ojo with me on any business trips such as flying or driving. I always have the laptop and webcam with me. Why bring Ojo if I use webcam. I can videophone HOVRS, Viable and SnapVRS with it. Not a problem toward my end. As for Ojo? I decide to give this a test.

Recently, I attended a friend’s daughter wedding in Louisiana. I took the Ojo with us. My wife and I booked a night at Marriot Courtyard Hotel. This hotel includes free internet. After checking in our room, I went ahead and started with Ojo as we had plenty of time to attend the wedding later that evening.

I set up the Ojo - plugged my Cat 6 cable to the hotel data port box on the table by the light. Ojo was powered up and was trying to read the network data. When it was all done, it came out as FAILED! Network problems were shown on the screen. I knew it would happen as adjustment to the network configuration need to be made. Selecting the Main Menu and then Connections, I went to the Internet Settings and clicked the “Get IP” button. I selected the DHCP: Cable or Router. Why? Remember I am on a CAT6 cable plugging directly to the data port box. Next, I selected the advanced button and then selected NAT Traversal. I decided to leave STUN (default) as the settings where it should originally be. After saving the configuration, Ojo restarted itself and it looks like all was ok. I see the date and time correctly been set. One thing I noticed was the IP reading was 0.0.0.0. It showed I am not getting any IP through with the data port. I tried to change to PASSIVE settings but I get the same readout. This was evidence that CAT6 cable alone plugged to the data port would not work.

Next, I decided to take out my wireless router and plugged everything in order. I even hooked up my laptop as well to the wireless router. I brought extra cable to plug in the wireless router ports to be used for the Ojo at a later time. One end of the CAT 6 cable was plugged to the data port box and the other end was plugged into the “WAN” wireless router port. My laptop was plugged in the Port 1. I wanted to be sure the internet would be up and workable before I get to Ojo.
I found out something interested. Could this be the problem why Ojo cannot work alone with a cable plugged into the data port? Ojo is a SIP (Session Initation Protocol) videophone. I thought it could go through anything without a problem. But lo and behold, here what happens as well.

My laptop screen came up with IBAHN (company that is contracted with the hotel to use internet services) messages. It asked me to select 24 hours, 2 days or 3 days of using the internet service. I selected 24 hours. Then next message asked me if I abide to terms and agreement of their services. I agreed to the service and boom! Marriot Courtyard Hotel homepage came up. I was able to google through several websites with no problem. Could it be the reason why Ojo did not work because of these messages? This could be because earlier I received a 0.0.0.0 IP readout.

Next, I decided to plug in the Ojo. I placed another CAT6 cable to Port 3 of the wireless router to the Ojo. It came up with good readout. The IP readout was showing good. I left it as a STUN (Default) and the IP was reading something like 72.45.67.90. I placed an Ojo call to friends of mine with their Ojo. Bingo! It worked. Problem was I could not see them. I knew I have to open the DMZ ports in the wireless router configuration. I decided to use DMZ port because I am only using the Ojo. Inside the wireless router, I placed in the 192.168.0.103 and saved it. The system information on the Ojo External IP was reading 192.168.0.103. After all is done with the DMZ configuration, I saved it. I redialed my friend and bingo! I see them and they see me. We chatted and I see no problem with the communication. I asked them to call me back and nothing happened. Again, there was another problem why it did not come through. I decided to call a friend that has Sorenson VP100 and VP200. I dialed their IP number and sadly nothing went through Sorenson VP. I mean there was no “dialing” or “ringing” but a very loud tone that indicates Ojo was not able to connect. That indicates it does not work at all. At home, I can call Sorenson via Ojo but not at a hotel. That was something interested to know. I called several Ojo customers again and it worked great without any picture being jerky or of a problem. What bothered me was why Ojo customer cannot call me back. After all I thought with this new SIP videophone model, it would give me less work or headaches. I decided to go back to the Ojo Settings. Back to the Advanced setting then NAT Traversal, I changed from Stun (Default) to Passive and saved it. I noticed the IP address changed to 10.89.76.88 something. I gave a call again to friends of mine. Bingo! They were able to call me back. Then Ojo WORKS!! Picture was not as good but I am able to read my friend very well. I tried to call friends with Sorenson Videophones, sadly it still it did not work successfully. I test call SnapVRS, HOVRS and Viable, it all worked. Why because they uses SIP as well.

One important note to you all in which I did not try was when you arrive at a hotel and check in, please be sure to ask the Hotel Representative to turn on your free internet service in your room. This would probably work. This is only for person bringing just the Ojo itself. No laptop, router or etc.

The whole set up to get Ojo up and workable only lasted me 30 minutes. If you are a tech savvy, you will have it up and in no time. If not, seek help and practice before going to the hotel.
Going for family visit or a friend’s place, just plug Ojo into their router available port and you are set to go. No need for major configure or settings.

Now Ojo does travel! Not in outer space but at places.

Feel free to post a comment. I am sure other will be glad to share with you of their experience and configurations.

Until the next wave…….Smile on!