Distorted answering machine sound quality

Question

I have a Diminsion 8300 with a voice/fax modem.  The outgoing message and the recorded messages are distorted and of poor sound quality.  I have read several threads on this particular topic, and it seems to be common to this machine.  The tech line couldn't solve the problem, BVRP has no solution, and replacing the modem didn't solve the problem. Any ideas how I can get this machine to have a clear sounding asnwering machine that will record and play clear messages?  I would  be willing to replace the modem (again), the software, or whatever it would take.

gdkucera · Answer

I had the exact problem on my Dim2400 (Conexant SmartHSFi v92 56K Speakerphone PCI modem, I updated my driver with file R56884.exe, v.5.03.29.50 dated 12/18/02). I've been equally frustrated with no help from BVRP and Dell. Both tech support groups blamed the other. I DID, however, fix the problem! I downloaded another Fax/Speakerphone/Answering Machine software called VentaFax (www.ventafax.com) and voala!!! My outgoing AND incoming recorded messages are crystal clear! There are MANY other nice features in this program that puts BVRP's to shame including Toll Saver for remote access, a better phonebook, multiple faxes can be sent at once, you can transfere from handset to speakerphone during a live conversation, you can record phone conversations, and more. The software auto detected my modem as a Rockwell 294 (or something like that). Now all I have to do is fork up $30 to register the software- there are limitations to the evaluation software. In my opinion, its worth it. My frustrations are over, and my wife has stopped yelling at me to get the thing fixed :-)

The fact that VentaFax works with my modem makes me think the actual problem is either the modem driver or BVRP's Classic Phone Tools application and not the modem hardware.

tekt · Answer

Thankj's for the ideas. My machine is a Dimension 8200.  I have had an old P75 that has been running since 11/95, 24/7 with no problems.  I thought the new computer would at least be able to handle the simple task of being a $2300.oo answering machine, but apparently not.  BVRP and Dell have been no help at all, and I suggest that anyone who does have a Dell with a voice/modem to check and make sure that it works properly while under warranty.  I will try your fix, so thank you very much.

tekt · Answer

I downloaded and installed the Ventra and the problem still persist.

Does anyone from Dell read this board?

I read a couple of threads that were posted last year where owner's of this machine compained of the same problem. A friend told me it could be a problem with the motherboard chipset, and that a new BIOS might be the answer.

Anyone have any ideas, or know of anyplace in So Cal that I take this thing to get it repaired?

gdkucera · Answer

After installing VertaFax on my machine I too noticed the problem of distorted messages was still there whenb using all the default settings.  However, I changed several things in the settings which eliminated the problem.  Since I am not at my home PC now I cannot give you the exact changes I made, but when I get the chance (next 24 hrs) I'll re-post.

gdkucera · Answer

If you have a Conexant SmartHSFi v92 56k Speakerphone modem and have been frustrated with BVRP Phone Tools here are the settings I used with VentaFax software:

Under Settings:
-Go to Modem|Voice Settings and choose "Rockwell (v.253)" under "Command Set"
-Go to Voice|General and choose "uLaw/8 bits/8000Hz" under "Modem Voice Data Format"
-Under the same menu choose "PCM (uncompressed)" under "Sound File Format"

Close out of Settings and click on "File|Sound Recording" in the menu bar
-On the "Record" side choose the "Sound Card" radio button, then click the "11025 Hz" radio button
-On the "Play" side choose "Sound Card" radio button

These settings worked for me. Hope this info helps

tkcenterline · Answer

I have a dimension 4600 and a voice/fax  56k modem. I am have the same problem? The quality of the greeting message and the recording are so very poor. In addition, I can't hear incoming calls over the externial speakers to determine if i want to pick up the call. I have been getting the same run a round from Dell and BVRP Phone classic Techs for the last 6 months. I tell you, it is hard to believe that this computer cant even answer the phone. I can't believe that Dell has a software supplier that isnt compatable their system. Because of Dell's lack of service, I well never buy a Dell again.  Please trust me, I tell everyone not to buy a Dell. Very very very  poor service. They just like to pass the buck at my cost.

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Distorted answering machine sound quality

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