Category Archives: Editorials/Guest Blogs

Editorial #96: What Should You Look for in a Video Interpreter?

We often forget the role of a video interpreter (VI) when making VRS calls, and sometimes take them for granted.

Dr. Z wants to remind each and everyone of you to remember they are the key messengers (or facilitators) for all calls we make through a relay service.

They have a difficult job because they do not know what kind of calls come up the moment a call comes in–it can be anything from a simple pizza order to sharing news of a birth of a baby to handling a 911 call–all as part of their work schedule and to do it every working day.

They need to maintain their composure in difficult situations and remain as “neutral” as possible.

They have to be able to handle spelling of names and geographic locations which they may not be familiar with.

They have to be able to handle differences in regional signs–the sign for “circus” or “birthday” differs in all parts of the country.

They have to be able to handle differing communication styles of deaf and hard of hearing people.

They sometimes have to handle difficult consumers who make calls.

And to do it every day, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

Let’s show our appreciation for them by saying “Thank you” with a smile at the end of every call.

Dr. Z cares about your communication access.

Disclaimer: Dr. Z (Philip Bravin) is currently the Vice-President of Marketing at CSDVRS, LLC.

Think Twice or Watch Out for the Sorenson ntouch VP–Get a Z-20 Instead

Sorenson is at it again with the ntouch VP.

For point to point calls where one needs to leave a message, the ntouch VP can ONLY receive messages left by Sorenson phones while with the Z-20, it can receive messages left by any videophone including the VP-200. Dr. Z cares about functional equivalence and this is not functional equivalence.

Think twice before signing up for the ntouch VP. With the Z-20, you don’t have to think twice.

Dr. Z cares about your communication access.

Disclosure: Dr. Z (Philip W. Bravin) is an employee with CSDVRS, currently its Vice-President of Marketing.

You Don’t Need a Remote Control or a TV with a Free Z-20

Know what? The Z-20 from ZVRS is now FREE!

With a Z-20 you do not need a remote control or a television to make videophone calls.

It has a built-in screen and the keypad is within arm’s reach. To make a call, just press the keys on the keypad, and off you go!

Your phone directory resides on the web and is downloaded to the Z-20.

You do not have to spell out your social securiy number or account number to the video interpreter–just use the keys on the keypad!

You do not have to give up your TV to make a video call–you can use your Z-20 alongside your computer while calling.

It’s time to make a change-get a Z-20!

Dr. Z cares about your communication access.

Disclosure: Dr. Z (Philip W. Bravin) is an employee with CSDVRS, currently its Vice-President of Marketing.

Let’s Compare: The Z vs. Sorenson

When you shop for a car, do you go to one dealer and buy just the car the dealer offers? Or do you go to several dealers and do comparison shopping before you decide?

Dr. Z thinks you should do the same with videophones (hardware/software and services). You need to do comparison shopping before you make your decision.

Dr. Z and his colleague, Lisa put together a video that does just that. Comparing Z product and services with those of Sorenson based on specifications as of October 1st. Dre. Z is confident that after you view the video, you will be in a better position to make a decision.

Her’s the link to the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h-6DkwPVnqU

Dr. Z cares about your communication access.

Disclosure: Dr. Z (Philip W. Bravin) is an employee with CSDVRS, currently its Vice-President of Marketing.

Editorial #95: FCC: Decision Time for White-Label Providers

There has been a lot of filings on the FCC website related to VRS. A lot of white-label providers are filing applications for certification.

Why?

The FCC has decided that in order to provide VRS services, a provider must be certified. It is not good enough to be a subcontractor to a certified VRS company. Many of these subcontractors or affiliates are called “white-label” providers. The “white-label” providers are not certified so after October 1st or thereabouts, they will not be allowed to provide VRS services unless they are certified or waived by the FCC temporarily to provide VRS services.

A certified provider must employ (and not contract) with interpreters and they must own, or lease the platform they use to provide VRS services. There are other requirements for certification.

So, by October 1st or around that time, you may or may not be able to access some of your VRS providers. Dr. Z wants you to be aware that it is a possibility.

If that happens, you will need to call a certified VRS provider such as ZVRS to make a call. ZVRS is not the only certified provider–there are others out there.

Dr. Z cares about your communication access.

Disclaimer: Dr. Z is currently the Vice-President of Marketing at CSDVRS, LLC.

It’s Here!-1Number and Z Box from ZVRS

The people at ZVRS worked so hard to make it happen and this is our new pride and joy—1Number and Z Box!

What is it?

1Number

With 1Number™, people can use a single phone number to call you and the call will reach you simultaneously at up to four Z videophone products and/or your VP-200®.

Simply choose one of your Z phone numbers as your primary number, then select up to three other videophones to be tied to your new 1Number™.

When someone makes a call to your 1Number, all of the videophones you selected will ring at the same time. Likewise, when you answer the call on ANY of the selected videophones, the others will stop “ringing,” as well.

Once you have set up 1Number, you can give out just the primary phone number for people to reach you at ANY of your selected videophones.

Here’s the link to more information on 1Number.

Z Box

Z Box is a terminal adapter that works with a flash alert notification system. It connects between your computer’s router and the flash alert notification transmitter, allowing your flash alert notification receivers (such as lamps) to signal when you have incoming calls.

Here’s the link to more information on Z Box.

Dr. Z cares about your communication access.

Disclosure: Dr. Z (Philip W. Bravin) is an employee with CSDVRS, currently its Vice-President of Marketing.

Coming Soon-1Number and Z Box from ZVRS

Dr. Z is a factual person, he does not really want to use his consultative role to “tease”–but he is making a rare exception to do so.

ZVRS will have a momentous launch. One of the most revolutionary products/service ever to hit the VRS/VP market–1Number and Z Box. It will be launched on Tuesday, September 20, 2011 at 10 a.m.

This is all the information Dr. Z can share at this time. The beta test results got everyone very excited and everyone at ZVRS is excited about rolling out this product/service.

Coming soon…

Dr. Z cares about your communication access.

Disclosure: Dr. Z (Philip W. Bravin) is an employee with CSDVRS, currently its Vice-President of Marketing.

Editorial #94: Dr. Z Cares About You–Please Do NOT VP While Driving!

There has been some “chatter” on social media about people carrying a video conversation while driving.

We already know that texting while driving causes accidents and things like that. A tree or a telephone pole does not move; and another car may be in your way before you know it. It requires a few seconds to respond.

Talking on video while driving is dangerous and while Dr. Z is not a medical doctor, he is prescribing you not to do that–it is not safe and can cause accidents.

If you need to talk on video while you are on the road, pull over to a shoulder, enter a service area or a parking lot. This is much safer and the few minutes the trip may take longer adds to your margin of safety.

Again, please do not VP while driving for everyone’s peace of mind.

Thank you for listening.

Dr. Z cares about your communication access.

Disclaimer: Dr. Z (Philip Bravin) is currently the Vice-President of Marketing at CSDVRS, LLC.

Free Drawing for iPad2 from ZVRS–“Where Do I Go?”

Dr. Z has an iPad2 and he LOVES it!

ZVRS has a monthly drawing for a free iPAD2.

“Where do I find the drawing on the Web”, you may ask?

Simply–go to http://www.facebook.com/like.zvrs and look for the “iPad2 Sweepstakes” on the left column.

If you have not “liked” ZVRS before, just click on the “Like” icon at the top, then a form will appear for you to fill out.

With an iPad2, you can use VRS or point-to-point with the Z4 Mobile app (Link for Information).

Good Luck!

Dr. Z cares about your communication access.

Disclosure: Dr. Z (Philip W. Bravin) is an employee with CSDVRS, currently its Vice-President of Marketing.

Editorial #93: Clarifications on 800/866 Numbers-Answering Your Questions

Dr. Z has been getting a lot of questions/inquiries about the FCC’s ruling on 800/866 numbers. He will try to clarify this here.

Q. Does that mean without 800/866 numbers, I will have to pay for VRS and VP calls from my local number?
A. The answer is NO. There will be no cost for outgoing VP or VRS calls. You will NOT be billed for any VP or VRS calls you make. You are already paying for the service today by paying for your monthly internet service (Comcast, RoadRunner, DSL, etc.) Your monthly internet service is your “phone bill.”

Q. Why did we have 800/866 service in the first place? Why was it “free”?
A. 800/866 numbers are free for hearing people to call you. That is the only reason for the “free” part. Now with a local number, the hearing people calling you will have to pay for a long distance call. BUT, since most hearing people have cell phones–cell phone plans do not have a long distance surcharge so that would not matter too much.

Q. Will I get a new bill for local numbers?
A. There will be no new bill. Everything will remain the same for you.

Q. What if I do not change from a 800/866 number to a local number?
A. In one year, people will not be able to reach you on your 800/866 number, unless you pay for the 800/866 number.

Q. If I want to keep my 800/866 number, what should I do?
A. Your videophone company will make arrangements to have you pay for the number. It will be a few dollars per month to have a 800/866 number.

Please take the time to change your 800/866 numbers to local numbers. ZVRS customer service can help you if you wish, by sending an email to help@zvrs.com (click the … to avoid mail spam) or calling ZVRS on VP# 866-932-7891.

Dr. Z cares about your communication access.

Disclaimer: Dr. Z is currently the Vice-President of Marketing at CSDVRS, LLC.