Buying
SVD
Many new SVD products will be coming to market in
late 1996 or early 1997. Here is a quick
checklist of key features buyers should look for
when selecting an SVD faxmodem.
- Standards Support
Proprietary DSVD products have been
shipping for the last year, but the fall
1996 ratification of SVD standards makes
these older products obsolete. Be certain
that the product you buy supports V.34Q
ASVD. If it's a premium modem ($250 -
$400), the model should also support V.70
DSVD.
- Voice Input/Output Device
To speak while exchanging data, you will
need a speaking device like a telephone
handset, a headset, or a
microphone/speaker combination. Consider
that in most SVD calls, you will want to
keep your hands free while talking for
typing and controlling your mouse.A
microphone/speaker combination is the
most versatile. It is easy to use and
frees up your hands for work or playing
games while talking. A headset is a great
alternative, but takes time to mount for
each phone call. A telephone handset will
work, but you'll need to cradle it on
your shoulder in order to type or use the
mouse.
- Speakerphone
A speakerphone enables hands-free phone
calls to a friend or business associate.
Look for a full "duplex
speakerphone" with crisp voice
quality when buying an SVD modem to
ensure comfortable and efficient
telephone calls. A full duplex
speakerphone eliminates choppy voice
"cut-outs" often experienced
with half duplex devices. With this
feature, both parties will sound like
they are talking through a telephone
handset.
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- Voice Support
SVD modems should include a gamut of
important voice features such as voice
mail, caller ID and call notification.
Voice mail will record calls while you
are away from your PC. The best voice
mail packages support multiple mailboxes,
integrated with fax and voice messaging
capabilities and easy message retrieval
options.Caller ID identifies incoming
callers before you pick up the phone.
Good caller ID implementations identify
caller name and number in your voice
mailbox, allowing you to prioritize
messages before listening to them.
Call notification makes you aware of
incoming calls as they happen. Look for
modems that can notify you via telephone,
pager and fax. This combination will keep
you aware of emergencies at any time,
from any place on the road.
- Bundled Software
The best SVD modems come bundled with a
range of software that will allow you to
access all of the product's features
right out of the box. These include:
application sharing software, multiplayer
games, voice mail and fax software, and
Internet software for an easy connection
to the World Wide Web.Watch for new
SVD standards this fall and more
information about SVD on the Diamond
Multimedia Systems, Inc. webpage in the
near future.
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