Poll: Video Relay Service (VRS) company Part Two
Posted by fookembug on November 24, 2008
The poll talks about the whole of general services like in tech support, customer service, interpreter, etc. The poll has multiple choice.
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micheal said
i still not trusting relay interpreter, because interpreter relay almost not skill read , many mess up and dishonest.
i learned , interpreter’s relay work in office big mouth like gossip about deaf guest ..
warning, dont give account credit or number your s.s. possible not safety .
interpreter real greedy salary even still not skill or big mouth thats not professional .
you better wake up & keep eye relay interpreter name or number code with writwe note with date / time keep record in case
Diana said
I use the Sorenson VRS mostly. Most of the interpreters are doing good…. not perfect. They do the best they can.
I disliked another VRS agency due to the poor professionalism and performances.
Some of the interpreters from that VRS agency were not professional… trying to be “buddies” with me… overfriendly and “too involved” that turned me off completely. I contacted to explain the performances and received apologies. After that, I noticed that the behaviors of the interpreter were changed for the better. Good!
Micheal is correct about sharing the gossip news with the other interpreters about the clients/customers. It is true, but what can I do about it? It is the same thing with the deafies…. some interpreters told me how hurt they felt after finding out that deafies gossiped about them. No difference.
mr X said
I personally hate HOVRS because they harrass clients for MVP i got almost every call from different reps almost 3 times a wk …
HOVRS... Here it goes... again... said
Ahh… HOVRS… I think it’s time for you to quit competing with SorensonVRS.
Apparently, HOVRS is never gonna be able to defeat what SorensonVRS had given to the Deaf community.
Long Live SorensonVRS!
Deaf Anonymous said
Make sure to include all VRS: AT&T VRS, BISVRS, CACVRS, CSDVRS, Hamilton Relay, Hands On VRS, Hawk Relay, i711 VRS, IP-Relay VRS, LifeLinks VRS, Snap! VRS, Sorenson VRS, Sprint VRS, URelay VRS, Viable VRS
A.J said
What I heard people who work hovrs know the database like how minutes you use, where you live, etc. Also, the people who work as interpreter have their favorite customer’s phone numbers if they call.
Someone told me that if one customer made lot of calls (more hours than others) will get MVP first.
fookembug said
Deaf Anonymous, thank you for the vrs lists. Done.
regina said
HOVRS needs to stop spamming. Very unprofessional.
Dragu said
Tell me about it, Regina. After HOVRS attempted to convert me from SVRS to HOVRS via a VP call (of course, I rejected their offer after they had convinced me to give them my email address), I’ve been getting annoying emails from them ever since. I even requested them to remove me from their mailing list and I’m still getting spam emails from them. How sickening.
HOVRS = Extremely unprofessional and ANNOYING.
Billythegoat said
At deaf expo, HOVRS gave a MVP demo. Now I wonder when will it be released? They always keep saying ’soon, soon, soon’.
Areumoron said
SOON!!! by next month
Dragu said
Oh PUH-LEASE, Areumoron! HOVRS is almost like a boy who cried, “Wolf.” I ain’t buying it. Many of us aren’t.
A.J said
Areyoumoron, you said, ‘Soon, next month’. The hovrs rep said the same thing as what you just said. It was two months ago and it never happened. I will never believe anything until they give MVP to the customers.
M said
To all: Any VRS service provided is a wonderful and free luxury to all of us. If disatisfied with any intrepter, simply be polite and request a new interpreter. Most of them certainly do not mind a switch in interpreter. If you are so concerned about your privacy simply ask the interpreter to show the white board and erase any infromation they may have written down. Problem solved.
Dragu said
M — It would make this a lot easier when a VRS provider adds a privacy screen feature to their videophone product. As far as I know that SVRS’ VP-200 and ViableVRS’ VPAD have that feature while MVP and Ojo don’t. Asking a VRS interpreter to hold up a white board as a privacy screen is kinda silly.
The artist said
Am I the only one left who uses the old TRS relay system such as IP-relay. I prefer that because it is the best method for me…also thru TRS I can safely know for sure that the assistant will say what I want to say…interpreters can misunderstand what I say in sign language…
Dragu said
The Artist — You’re not the only one who uses the old TRS relay system. I still use TRS whenever my internet is down or whenever I’m anywhere near my VP-200. I use SIPRelay (www.siprelay.com on a PC/Mac or http://www.siprelay.com/download if you have a Blackberry) which is one of the most reliable TRS relay systems. IP-Relay, SprintRelay and some other TRS aren’t as qualified as SIPRelay.
Give it a try. You’ll like it.
)
Dragu said
Grammar error — …whenever I’m *not* anywhere near my VP-200.
Dragu said
The Artist — You’re not the only one who uses the old TRS relay system. I still use TRS whenever my internet is down or whenever I’m not anywhere near my VP-200. I use SIPRelay (www.siprelay.com on a PC/Mac or (http://www.siprelay.com/download if you have a Blackberry)) which is one of the most reliable TRS relay systems. IP-Relay, SprintRelay and some other TRS aren’t as qualified as SIPRelay.
Give it a try. You’ll like it.
)
fookembug said
The Artist, you are not the only one who uses the old TRS relay system. I use TRS often than VRS.
-Fookem
M said
Mr. Dragu: You seem to misunderstand my comments, not using white board as a privacy screen. Re read my comment. I was referring to the callers who are concerned about their privacy of information that interpreters may write their information down on the paper or white board. Understand?
Areumoron said
wait and see! you all will shit your pants when I get MVP next week or so. WATCH ME!!
It’s free and you all still complain about it! if they sell it for $500 and you all will still complain! What’s the difference? You all are morons!
Anonymous Viable Rep said
As a Viable Representative, VPAD+ is out and ready for ordering. I know there was rumors about technical problem with VPAD but now VPAD+ is better. Viable has nothing against other VRS providers, as a matter of fact, we support the deaf community to choose their own favorite VRS and have plenty of options to choose VRS. Just like you choose your cell phone you buy for your personal use. It’s all about the deaf community!
Anonymous said
best Sorenson vrs
Anne Maldonado said
Im not happy with Sorenson VP since Im waiting for remoter replacement since the begining of Nov.It was dropped and died.It wont click.There’s no back up.Im without Sorenson VP. Im still waiting for Purple since the begining of Nov, also Some service and very slow and very ignorant.
Anonymous Viable Rep said
Anne Maldonado, you can email me at viableco03@gmail.com and I’ll be more than happy to contact Sorenson for you to follow up your remote replacement asap. I’m sure you have some importants calls to catch up…
sandy smith said
i love talk to on vp to vp mean face to face to person can see each other what hands are talk more clear than tty… i like it.. BUT one thing pls is:
1)Sorenson vp okay to me cause i dailing to someone and i not like wait wait for sorenson vp answer it make me oh boy boring!!!!!
2)also i hate black picture it not work to see person but other person can see me make an sense to me cause it hard to explain deaf people to fix it right way if not
3)Then to call technical support on vp it been take while to wait to answer it… see there most of % problem .I do not like that way…
it hard to accpet it..
sandy smith said
1)also i forget to add… there some of i notice inerpretion does not deep skill sign langauge very good on vp make alot of mistake what deaf’s hand are talk asl..
2)there person who inerpreter who personal look bad attuide mad to deaf ppl on vp make feel no reason. that person who blow up before dailing to other daling…
3) inerpreter keep keep transfer different inerpreter then tell all over again i do not like that again.. I do like stay same inerpreter til done hang up then it work more succses!!
see it my point is..
Endy said
Yeah, I use i711 Relay a lot, this becomes my daily usage. MORE than I use VRS. I rarely use VRS. VRS companies are competing each other, just like Sprint, Vonage, ATT, Verizon and other companies. I easly ignore them. Some representatives from VRS companies persuaded me to sign up, I told them to back off. I exercise my rights and my rights to choose. I like the way it is for me, personally. I don’t have cable or high-speed service because it’s getting ridiculous expensive, as of today. I protest against Cables. VRS companies are heavily depending on Cables/High Speeds, therefore they are helping HighSpeed/Cable companies a great profit. I don’t support it. Again, I exercise my rights and my rights to choose.
areumoron said
Did you know that i711 and iprelay is under HOVRS company!! HOVRS now is call Purple Communications…they will stomp Sorenson’s butt easily when MVP is coming up in the next few weeks
LONG LIVE PURPLE COMMUNICATIONS!
areumorontoo said
It is IMPOSSIBLE for HOVRS to defeat SorensonVRS. Sorenson Communications is the father of all video relay services. If it wasn’t for SorensonVRS, none of the video relay services would ever be born. All of you anti-SorensonVRS should open your eyes and think twice before you say anything against the father of all VRS services.
Sorenson Communications is the VRS God!
Areumoron said
Fuck Sorenson! They think about $$$ while Hovrs think about customers!
Sorenson banned from the interpreters to quit and work for other VRS providers! what the fuck! What is the job opportunity for!! Wake up yourself and also cant use sorenson vrs when call in the same building!?! have to use VRI, fuck that…rather to use Hovrs and peace mind that way! Sorenson give too much rules and puppet us like kids.
blackberryaddict said
I encourage people to look at Viable VPAD+. They really have awesome technology and I personally
have one and I LOVE IT! The interpreters are friendly and ready to interpret with a smile. Go
to http://www.viable.net and check it out yourself, you won’t be disappointed.
Zals said
Well well It seems ALL of you have done your HOMEWORK!
NOT you guys need to really do your HOMEWORK Sorenson is NOT the Father of VRS
Hand wave basis in Texas Was… Sore Eye was the first to MASS market the VPhones.
And I personaly have NO problem with their product and services. However as technelogy took another step forward. specifically the wireless age. there are only three WIFI VP s out there
ONE: V-Pad (viable) TWO: Mvp (HOVRS) Third : Z340 (CSDVRS). Well Now you want to know who s the best. V-pad bombed out since there products dont work well 75 percent of the folks that perchased the Vpad took them back… Mvp and the Z340 are just about to be released to the public. If you folks had the oppourtunity to see all three at the trade shows . You ll see that the Z 340 blows them allll out. the Z340 is very durable and made by a company (creative) that has a hell of a reputation in the tech world. Mvp is JUNK and resemable a Toy and Qaulity is WEAK. and of course thats why its FREE! Sore eye s device is awesome but LIMITED you cant take it with you on Vacation or to the Garage or sit on the patio enjoying the weather and not have to get off your duff and attend to you beloved sore eye. Hate to say it SORE eye s days as KING is numbered. make room for the Z KING!!! Sorry Mvp not enuff room for two and heck I hate BARNEY and you HOVRS folks require us to wear a PURPLE suit and sing barney songs YUCK!
VPad my first impression of you was AWESOME however you disappointed me your product Zucks!
Z340 boy I cant say anything Bad about You! for the past month its been awesome using you!
Thank you CSDVRS!!!
Oh Lordy said
Apparently, SorensonVRS (aka Sore Eye or Soretoes) outnumbered all other VRS services in this poll. I’ve always loved SorensonVRS since day one. However, I use Viable Vision software on my laptop everywhere I go. I find that it’s not necessary to carry MVP, VPAD, Z340, or any kind of portable VP’s while most WiFi-enabled laptops have built-in-webcam and that you can use Viable Vision with. Viable did an excellent job creating an awesome free software which you can download directly from Viable’s website. Sorenson VP-200 is the best product out there, even though it’s not portable. On my end, I will be keeping SorensonVRS as my default VRS provider which the local number and the DirectVP number were assigned to me by them. And I will use Viable Vision as my portable VP. There’s no need to carry a laptop AND a portable VP at the same time. Does that make sense? It sure does! Kudos to SorensonVRS for its wonderful product and kudos to Viable for its wonderful software!
mich resdience said
all you talk about which is better. I dont care as long as i have vp that is count. tell you, all is good peroid. they will improve all the time. Deaf culture likely keep other down. Please stop and think about helping them getting better. I love vp. I believe all you do, too.
What the Heck is Wrong With Mr. Brick? said
Kelby Brick posted two separate vlogs on HOVRS/Go America’s website and he talked about the real 10-digit number policy which was approved by the FCC over this past summer. He stated that when a hearing person calls a VP user from out of state, a long distance charge will not be applied to that hearing person’s phone bill.
Well, well, well! Mr. Brick, if you’re reading this…
YOU’RE WRONG! AND YOU’RE A LIAR!
The local numbers are REAL! Not like how you explained that “it’s real.. but, but, but, but… long distance charges will not apply when a hearing person calls you… blah, blah, blah.”
It’s REAL and long distance charges WILL apply!
My hearing cousin who lives over a thousand miles away from me had called me by dialing my real 10-digit number which was assigned to me by SorensonVRS and true enough, the long distance charge appeared on his next phone bill.
This is one of the main reasons why SorensonVRS also provides DirectVP number (aka 800, 866 or toll-free number) so that way every Deaf person’s hearing family members and friends from out of state won’t have to worry about paying for long distance calls every time they have to call by dialing Deaf person’s local 10-digit number.
Kelby Brick, think hard before you say something which is not true. And hey you, HOVRS, GoAmerica, Purple Communications, IP-Relay… be careful of who you hire as a vice president. Tsk, tsk.
Exactly! said
#37 — You’re right! Kelby also mentioned that all VRS are required to start providing 10-digit numbers by Jan 1, 2009 and that the GoAmerica is already in the process of handing out their so-called “Purple” number. Sorenson Communications already started handing out the 10-digit local numbers AND DirectVP numbers way before GoAmerica started handing out their Barney-colored numbers. Why would they call it a Purple number if it’s the same as 10-digit number also known as a local number (LN in short)?
All VRS should also provide toll-free numbers just like Sorenson. It’s always best when a VRS gives their customers an option of having just the local number or a toll-free number or BOTH.
GoAmerica did not convince the FCC to approve the new local number policy. Kelby made it all up just to make GoAmerica look good.
Again, like you said — Kelby Brick is a liar!
I hope the Purple Team will rot in hell for lying to the Deaf community.
GROW UP!!! said
STOP CRYING and GROW UP!!! You act like KINDER! Without VRS, VideoPhone, you will be living as hell. Hearing people in this world just move on their life for anything and happy what they get it out there and you, all DEAFIE, complains for everything. Stop thinking of negative and move your grow up butt in new path. GROW UP KIDS!!!!!!
DIOS MIOS QUE ANORMAL!!!
GO PURPLE!! said
I AM SO PROUD OF MY PURPLE VRS!! GO PURPLE! PURPLE IS A HERO, WITHOUT PURPLE VRS, OUR LIFE WILL BE SORRY ASS AND CRYING THAT HEARING WORLD ARE SUCCESSFUL AND DEAF WORLD FUCKED UP. WE CAN’T AFFORD TO LIVE LIKE THAT. WE MUST BE EQUAL AS ONE WORLD, NO TWO WORLD(HEARING AND DEAF).
Sorenson said
#37 is right. There is no such thing getting a free long distance call using local 10-digit number whether it may be a regular phone call. FCC never permit free calls since they are tariff calls, if so, then all phone companies would be out of business. Brick said that in his video, well, he is misinformed.
Purple Communications, aka HOVRS, isnt making millions of dollars because they haven’t released MVP with purple number to the public. “Soon, soon, soon” antic after two years earns ugly reputation for them. Sorenson is making millions anyway since they have local number and toll free numbers out since July 2008. There is a FCC filing from NASRA complaining on marketing practices, mostly on HOVRS and one on CSDVRS. So, HOVRS is getting another bruise after the FCC ban on “brown bag” incentive couple years back.
HOVRS had FCC audit earlier this year by KPMG. FCC/KPMG refused an audit on Sorenson, so something is going on in FCC offices.
Remember, using MVP over wireless connection isnt great, no matter where you are. Have you seen actual vp calls on MVP over wireless? Must be less 50 feet from wi-fi point, line of sight, not truly portable vp. Cant use MVP on the road anywhere, not even camping/rv sites.
I welcome HOVRS to install MVP in my home with their preprogrammed router. If I have Sorenson VP working before the visit, then the HOVRS representative is welcome to install MVP and they make sure my Sorenson VP200 continues to work. The same thing with Viable VRS. I don’t think they are capable of making MVP and Sorenson VP200 to work at the same time. They dont have the expertise.
Eight simultaneous conversation on MVP? Why? They will become like Camfrog.
Viable VRS is great when it comes to portability.
Sorenson said
Hamilton VRS is out of business.
Anonymous Viable Rep said
I agree with # 41. Without videophone equipment, many of us will be still stuck on TTY, IPRelay etc, so we should be glad VRS providers has something for us, even thought you think the equipment is free which mean the VP is not your own. It’s a loaner but if you pay for it and it’s your! I look forward to after Dec 31, 2008 for all Videophones to be able to call one other!
Anonymous said
If you want a proof that Sorenson is not a father of VRS – check out this website
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Video_Relay_Service
Sprint Relay, CSDVRS, CSD and Ed Bosson are father(s) of VRS!
Daryl said
Great poll and looks like a lot of debate going on. If you don’t mind me posting a link to VRSReview.com. It’s a consumer review website that I setup about a year or so ago.
Thanks!
Neutral said
I wanted to share….
#6: HOVRS do have the database that showed how many times you use (NOT MINUTES OR WHO CALL or whatever). Did you know that Sorenson do collect YOUR FRIENDS, MEDICAL and etc the name and phone # in their database!!! What difference??
#36: I agreed 100% WE the people choice whatever we like (or love) devices such as VP200, Ojo, VPAD, Z, MVP, and/or newest devices ?? However should be able to call any people with any devices like we used with TDD (Ultra, Kinos (spell), and others). Did we complain?? NO!
Point who is the nicest companies?
Sorenson BLOCKED incoming calls from another devices, only use ipaddress!! NICE?
Sorenson wear black, means black heart… NICE??
One customer asked off the point with Sorenson tech, problem with device unable to stand on LCD tv since it is flat; the tech said ” too bad, you figure out yourself” NICE??
Sorenson like to control deaf people… Sorenson will not go over and fix your problem if you don’t use their relay service… NICE??
VPAD, seems improvement from VPAD to VPAD+… I assumed most of them are deaf running business. Also, seems that they are humble business and open with all devices… $100 dollars is not that bad compared to what you bought TDD for $500!!
HandsOnVrs, Purple is something cheer up like one comment mentioned Barney… Barney is cheer up for one love means one deaf community and we all together to support whatever VRS provided!! The reps are trying to help people get their own numbers. For those people who refused or dislike MVP, fine… But for those who want MVP for FREE, better follow up reps and get PURPLE number (own local number) that work for MVP. When you get MVP without purple number, your MVP WILL NOT WORK! Make sense, because of no purple numbers mean no call incoming for you! I think that seems you people are compare between MVP and VP200, I would choice MVP! I got purple numbers and ready to use this spring coming (perhaps soon
CSDVRS, is something I have not look up yet.. I assumed they are nice as well as VPAD since both charge for devices while VP and MVP are free.. I think something funny:
Deaf business sell videophone devies while hearing business give out free devices?? I think that is odd and interested views… Ummm…
At the end, remember we all control companies!! Don’t let one company do the monopoly and control us deaf people!! We choice whatever we want, and use to call any devices PERIOD!!
Anonymous said
Dear sir or madam,
I’d like to NOT introduce myself, as remaining anonymous; However, i admit that i am working for HOVRS rep, by the way. I would like to say two sentences for y’all to know: Can you, at least, please be grow up and be polite on this debate of VRS competing. Second, ignore almost bunch of idiots whoever posted about when MVP will come out, IT DOESN’T HAVE NO ANSWER FOR “WHEN” any further until HOVRS announce MVP is ready to launch, k kthx.
sincerely,
anonymous
FuzzyRev said
And the VPAD+ is out and working well. Interesting …
Another_Anonymous said
I’d love to introduce myself but after reading the postings, I changed my mind. I’m Deaf (please note the capital ‘D’) and so is one of my parents. It seems that younger Deaf generations are greedy and unrealistic. “Gimme Gimme Gimme”.
They are getting angry with HOVRS because HOVRS keep saying “MVP ready soon MVP ready soon”. Come on! HOW can you be mad at HOVRS when they are trying to make their products (MVP) perfect? They don’t want to make mistakes like O** did. They are trying their best to make their products perfect so Deaf people will be happy.
ANOTHER THING, MVPs are FREE!! I would understand why you are angry because you had paid for the product and never received it…. BUT you didn’t pay a frigging cent for it! Geez!!
I have seen MVP up close and I think they are AWESOME. I understand HOVRS isn’t ready yet because they want MVP to be the best product that Deaf & Hard of Hearing people ever had. I, unlike the greedy people, have patience and I look forward getting my own.
RFC said
Have any of you tried Snap VRS? If so, what did you think? Their Ojo phone looks very interesting.
anonymous said
as for SorensonVRS. are you aware that SorensonVRS want to hire whatever Interperter they wishes. dont you notice you have to repeat the sign language if SorensonVRS interpeter dont understand you. SorensonVRS impressions is “Video Quality” where’s the quality of intperter.
there is no Law for Illinois VI to be certificate. it all based on their sign language skills. they want to hire whatever VI they want. IDHHC is working on setting up the new law to make sure all VI are CERTIFICATED ASL intepertper. Regional Manager/Lawyer for sorenson is not very happy about this. keep in mind. SorensonVRS is operated by HEARING owner, and they are very happy to be rich by DEAF users. you guys are helping hearing to be rich!.
as for 3 years as Installer for SorensonVRS. and I finally am a Repsentative for Purple Communication. and I began using HOVRS inteperter. I was being honestly i am VERY impressed with interperter quality. I am starting to think that HOVRS VI is deaf person itself. but it’s not true.
I currently have MVP and I am quite impressed with features and how it works with wifi. I can’t wait to throw VP-200 into garbage once Sorenson Delaying that they are supposed to work with any Device, again Sorenson is stalling on that. because they want to keep customers not losing em (they have $ and $ in their eye).
No More IP address. Sorenson is trying to stall the deaf accessiblity right. making excuse to delay the deadline of FCC for 10 numberic telephone. the 10 Numberic telephone is supposed to work with ANY VP device. I am starting to get sick of Hearing VRS company.
On FCC customer advisory notice. we “The VRS users” have right to set whatever 10 Numberic should be set to default VRS provider. on License agreement set by SorensonVRS that we have to agree that we cannot transfer the local 10 Numberic Phone number to other VRS. on the FCC notice. we have RIGHT to change the Default VRS provider. (they are violating the FCC again)
I already filed complaint on FCC form. you can find those on website for FCC complaint Form 2000C. and FCC advisory notice is also posted.
I see on my own eyes and compare. and it makes me angry that sorenson is being big “I” VRS industry.
just my 1 cent.
and what is Father of VRS? Sorenson aint your father of VRS. they are invited by Jim Sorenson who DONT know how to use sign language. same with Pat Nola. embarassing eh? they are happy that they are making 100k per year income by your guys!!.
Antonia said
Let you know “WARNING” All deaf people in the world will very upset at all stupid vp services competion vs vp services. Please stop this and no matter all vp services are common good services! God watching all of you vp services doing!