Both English and Spanish are 24 hours/365 days a year (including weekends and holidays)
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Yes. It's called HOVRS en Español. There are several ways to use it: hovrs.com: Check the "HOVRS en Español" box when making a call. VideoSign 2.5: Check the "HOVRS en Español" box when making a call. D-Link i2eye videophone: Add "espanol.hovrs.tv" to your Speed Dial List. hovrsIM on PC or MAC : type "hola" hovrsWidget on Mac: click the "i" and check the "HOVRS en Español" box
Yes, we have professionally trained interpreters certified by the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) CI/CT or CSC and/or the National Association of the Deaf (NAD) Level IV or V for English/ASL calls.
Yes, interpreters have been trained to abide by the RID/NAD Code of Ethics and the FCC's regulations regarding consumer rights to privacy and confidentiality. Interpreters are monitored for compliance toward HOVRS policy of confidentiality.
If you have a specific request, notify the video interpreter of your specific request prior to placing your call.
Yes, you can use VCO with HOVRS.
When connected to a HOVRS Video Interpreter, inform the Video Interpreter that you want to use VCO and provide your phone number to the Video Interpreter. The Video Interpreter will call you back, and then they will call the person you want to talk to. The person who you are calling will be able to hear your voice. The Video Interpreter will interpret what the hearing person says. Note: On the website – below the box you wish to dial, click "VCO" to make your life a little easier.
Yes, you can make a call anywhere in the world as long as the call originates from inside the U.S., and as long as the hearing party uses English or Spanish to communicate.
Calls to 900/976 pay-per-call services are not currently permitted through VRS.
There is no cost for any local or long distance calls within the United States and its territories.
Yes, but HOVRS urges you to call 911 using your TTY for emergency calls to avoid possible life-threatening delay. If you need to contact 911 using VRS, HOVRS can route emergency calls to the nearest public safety answering point (PSAP). When using HOVRS for your emergency calls, be sure to fingerspell your name, location and any important information clearly so the interpreter can quickly contact your local emergency response center. Need more information about calling 911 through HOVRS? Check out our E-911 vlog for more information.
If you use HOVRS on your PC or Mac, or call through VideoSign, dial 911 and be sure to clearly fingerspell your emergency and any other identifying information at the beginning of the call. If you use your videophone to call 911, be sure to dial vrs911.tv only when you have an emergency.
It’s really easy to set up HOVRS with your Videophone! For D-link Users: Click here for detailed instructions : www.hovrs.com/addvp/dlink.asp To view an ASL video clip explaining how to add hovrs.tv to your D-link click here : www.hovrs.com/addvp/addvp.aspx For Sorenson VP-100 users click here for detailed instructions : www.hovrs.com/addvp/vp100.asp To view an ASL video clip explaining how to add hovrs.tv to your Sorenson VP-100 click here: www.hovrs.com/addvp/addvp.aspx For Sorenson VP-200 users click here for detailed instructions: www.hovrs.com/addvp/vp200.asp To view an ASL video clip explaining how to add hovrs.tv to your Sorenson VP-200 click here : www.hovrs.com/addvp/addvp.aspx For OJO users click here for detailed instructions: www.hovrs.com/addvp/ojo.asp To view an ASL video clip explaining how to add hovrs.tv to your OJO click here : www.hovrs.com/addvp/addvp.aspx
With your remote, click “Dial”, and then click “add”. In the name box, type in HOVRS Customer Care. Skip country code, area code, and phone number. In the “enter an address” box, type in help.hovrs.tv You will then be connected with a live representative!
You will need to have a TV or a TV monitor You need to have a video phone such as DLink/i2eye, Sorenson VP-100, Sorenson VP-200 or other broadband h.323 Videophone. You must have high speed internet access to your video phone. Make sure you have a public IP address.
Here is the URL for the DLink/i2eye web site: http://www.dlink.com/products/?model=DVC-1000
With your remote, click “settings” and then click “network”. Select “speed”. There are two options, sending and receive. You may need to experiment with various speed settings. A good idea is to run our speed test to determine what the best setting is. You can run the speed test by going to www.hovrs.com and clicking “bandwidth test”.
Simply go to www.hovrs.com and locate the “change settings” link just below the “CALL” button. Click “change settings”. Pick the VideoPhone device option under “select video type”. Click “apply settings” when finished. To make your call simply put the phone number in the “what number would you like to dial” and click “CALL”. The interpreter will connect with you on your TV. This will only work with Internet Explorer web browser.
You are encouraged to contact our Customer Care Department by completing our web based customer care form using your computer. Please click the link to be directed to the customer care form: http://www.hovrs.com/help or email at cc@hovrs.com. If you do not have a computer you can call Customer Care at 1-877-885-4976 TTY.
If your friends or family have a different Videophone than yours (for example, D-link to Sorenson VP-100) you will only be able to contact them with a current public IP address. Ask the person you want to call what their public IP address is and then place the call.
This is because your Videophone is set up to automatically answer incoming calls. To turn this feature off, use your Videophone remote and follow these steps : Select settings Select General Make sure there is NO “X” on “always answer incoming calls”
Yes, you are able to make a HOVRS call using your MAC. To make a call, you can use our hovrsIM service via iChat on your Mac. Check out hovrsIM for more information.
If this occurs, go to "Ports to open for Mac OS X firewall" and follow the steps.
iChat AV 2.1 or later Mac OS v10.3 or later G5, G4, or 800 Mhz or faster processor iSight or any FireWire or USB based video camera Cable, DSL, or other broadband Internet connection
hovrsWidget is a one step process to make a Hands On VRS call using your dashboard. hovrsWidget is only available to Mac users with OS 10.4 (Tiger) or above. hovrsIM is the process of making a Hands On VRS call using iChat and contacting Hands On VRS with the hovrsIM buddy name.
Videosign 2.5 was designed only for the PC. Videosign will not work for MAC users. For the Apple MAC, you have two excellent VRS options: hovrsIM and hovrsWidget.
You can apply by going to www.hovrs.com/equipment and complete the VRS equipment application or contact Outreach at outreach@hovrs.com.
Be sure you have at least AOL AIM 5.5 or above. Sign onto your screen name and click the “setup” button and pick the “buddy list setup” option. Click “add buddy” and type in hovrsIM . Do not use any spaces, type it as one word. Click “return to buddy list”. Now you have successfully added hovrsIM and you can begin making your calls.
Simply type “call” to your hovrsIM buddy. Your hovrsIM buddy will ask you for the number you want to call. You will be asked some preferences and shortly will be connected with a Video Interpreter. TIP: for a faster connection type your number followed by an exclamation mark example 8008008000! Your call will be connected to the next available Video Interpreter.
Here is a list of commands: Call – starts your VRS call Redial – redials the last number dialed Address Book – manage your phone list TIP: You can also use “AB” for a shortcut to address book Speed Dial – use name from address book to dial out Games – play games with hovrsIM Customer Care – request for live customer care representative TIP: you can also simply type CC Cancel – cancels what you are doing at any time Hangup – ends your phone call Videophone – connects your call to your TV TIP: you can also simply type VP getIP – shows your current public IP address
If you downloaded the most recent version of AIM, dubbed “Triton”, it will not work with hovrsIM. Please reinstall the old version AIM 5.9. You can find it here : http://www.download.com/AOL-Instant-Messenger-AIM-98-Me-/3000-2150_4-10605896.html?tag=lst-0-1 If you are still having trouble connecting, be sure your buddy list preferences are set to “allow all”. This can be found by clicking “setup” and then “preferences” option. Click the “privacy” tab. Check to make sure the dot is on “allow all”. If you are using a MAC, make sure your iChat preferences are set to “allow anyone”. To check this, click your iChat at the top of your screen, and pick “preferences”. Select “accounts” and pick “security”. Be sure the dot is on “allow anyone”.
Simply type “VP” to hovrsIM. Your hovrsIM buddy will ask you for the public IP address of your Video Phone. When a Video Interpreter becomes available, they will call you on your Video Phone.
Simply type “Customer Care” OR “CC”. You can request VideoIM or Videophone. The next Customer Care representative will answer you call.
You can download the hovrsWidget by clicking here :https://secure.hovrs.com/widget/widget.aspx
The hovrsWidget is installed on the MAC dashboard. You can access it by pressing F12 on your keyboard. If F12 doesn’t work, locate the dashboard in the dock. Click the dashboard icon and you should see the hovrsWidget.
Mac OS X Tiger (10.4) iChat AV iSight
Click the “i” in the lower right corner of the hovrsWidget application. The hovrsWidget will flip around and you will be able to make adjustments. To request Spanish VRS, check the “HOVRS en Espanol” box.
For PC: Pentium III - 800 Mhz or higher 8MB video card (16 MB video card is recommended) 16K color (minimum) 256 MB RAM 20 MB free disk space USB based web cam Cable, DSL, or other broadband Internet connection
The recommended web cameras that have CCD sensors are: 1. Logitech Quickcam for Notebook Pro 2. Logitech Quickcam Pro 4000 or 5000 3. Microsoft LifeCam VX-6000 Be sure to buy a video camera with a CCD sensor. CCD sensors are listed on the technical specifications on the box. We do not recommend purchasing a camera with CMOS sensors; this type of sensor may slow down your videoconference capabilities. Hands On Video Relay Services is making these recommendations based on current technology and experience from our Research and Development team. Hands On Video Relay Services does not support or endorse any particular video products.
You can download the Free VideoSign 2.5 software here:https://secure.hovrs.com/videosign/videosign.aspx
VRS – Clicking this will start the process of your call. Enter the phone number and click the phone icon to begin Point to Point – This will enable you to contact people directly. Type in an IP address or a domain name such as name.no-ip.org Hang up – This will hang up your current phone call. Phone Book – Clicking this will bring up your phone book where you can dial directly. Save – You can save the conversation ( this is only for text ) Print – You can print the conversation ( this is only for text ) Self view – This will enable a view of yourself while in call with the interpreter. Exit – This will close the VideoSign 2.5 program.
You are encouraged first to check your internet speed by going to www.hovrs.com and clicking the "Bandwidth Test" button. If your speed is 128 kpbs or greater, which means your internet speed is enough to receive and send video. We also suggest that you remove any Adware applications on your computer. These Adware applications show on your internet browser. The Adware applications are known to cause problems with video.
Go to www.hovrs.com and locate the “change settings” link just above the “CALL” button. Click “change settings”. Select your speed that best matches your internet speed connection. Click “apply settings” to save. If you are not sure, you may want to experiment with different settings. To test your speed, click on the “bandwidth test” just below the family picture on the home page of www.hovrs.com.
Be sure that you don’t have any software firewalls on. Common examples of software firewalls are : Windows XP firewall, Norton Internet Security, Zone Alarm. Contact Customer Care for additional help with your software firewalls.
You need to make sure that Netmeeting is turned off prior to making a VRS call with VideoSign software.
It is encouraged that you do not utilize any windows applications other than the browser you are using while using HOVRS. Placing another call on NetMeeting while using HOVRS will cause your video screen to freeze. Make sure any applications are not in use while using HOVRS. Make sure Netmeeting is turned off.
Go to www.hovrs.com and click “Customer Care” and the top. Click the “Get live help” option. Select “VideoSign” for windows to connect with your live customer care representative. You can also be transferred to live customer care directly from the Video Interpreter.
You can apply by going to www.hovrs.com/equipment to complete the VRS equipment application or contact Outreach at outreach@hovrs.com.
This will enable you to contact people directly. Type in an IP address or a domain name such as name.no-ip.org . There will not be any interpreter involved with this feature.
Before using this feature, you need to download VideoSign 2.5. Then you will find HOVRS (hands) logo on your desktop titled "HOVRS VideoSign 2.5." Double-click on that logo. You will notice 3 windows; two screens of yourself, and one chat box. In that text box you will need to click on "Point to Point" icon with green arrow. You will need to enter either a IP address or DNS.
Go to www.hovrs.com At the top, click “Login” ( if you already have a username and password ) or click “new user” ( if you do not have a username and password ) Enter your username and password and hit enter on your keyboard. Click “profile” Click “Voice to Video” Click “Step by Step Wizard” for the easiest set up When done, you will have a Voice to Video toll free number and a 5 digit extension number to give to hearing people to call you.
When you have set up Voice to Video ( V2V) you will have a 5 digit extension number which identifies your account. The 5 digit extension number along with our 877-467-4877 is to be given to hearing people that wish to contact you. The interpreter will bring up all your contact information with your 5 digit extension number.
The interpreter will ask the hearing person if they wish to leave a message. If the hearing person decides to leave a message, an email will be sent to you notifying you of your hovrsmail. The hovrsmail can only be opened on a Flash enabled computer or device. To get Flash click here : http://www.adobe.com/products/flashplayer/ Note: Make sure you have the checkbox enabled in the hovrsmail feature in your profile settings. If this is not checked, the interpreter will not ask the hearing person if they would like to leave a message.
Go to www.hovrs.com Click on “Login” Enter your username and password Click “profile” Click “Voice to Video” In the first section “create your extension number” you will see a box that shows the personalized contact card. Click “print” to get your cards!
hovrsMail messages will be viewable for up to one month before being scheduled for deletion.
Yes. When you use HOVRS to call other users over the Internet, several IP ports are required to establish the outbound connection. The following table shows the ports, their functions, and the resulting connection. Port Function Outbound Connection 389 Internet Locator Service (ILS) TCP 522 User Location Service TCP 1503 T.120 TCP 1720 H.323 TCP 1731 Audio call control TCP Dynamic H.323 call control TCP Dynamic H.323 streaming Real-Time Transfer Protocol (RTP) over UDP For AIM users make sure these ports are open: Port Outbound Connection 5190 AIM Chat TCP/UDP 16384-16403 UDP
If you are able to see yourself in the self- view box, but are unable to see the Video Interpreter, it is likely is that you are behind a firewall that prevents you from receiving video images. If this happens, contact us at www.hovrs.com/help for assistance in working with your specific home firewall unit.
D-link 604 D-link 624 D-link WBR 1310
For PC: Pentium III - 800 Mhz or higher 8MB video card (16 MB video card is recommended) 16K color (minimum) 512 MB RAM 20 MB free disk space USB based web cam Cable, DSL, or other broadband Internet connection For Mac: iChat AV 2.1 or later Mac OS v10.3 or later G5, G4, or 800 Mhz or faster processor iSight or any FireWire or USB based video camera Cable, DSL, or other broadband Internet connection
Yes, you will need a web camera, videophone, or ISight in order to use HOVRS.
Windows 98, 2000 and XP are compatible with HOVRS. Windows Vista has been testing with HOVRS. Be sure to download the compatible driver. Contact Customer Care for driver information. HOVRS does not support Windows ME. For Mac users, you will need a minimum version of OS X 10.3.
If you choose to use NetMeeting, you may already have it as many computers with Windows 98 up to Windows XP come with Microsoft NetMeeting. If you're unable to find NetMeeting in your Windows applications, click on the link to be directed to a free download of NetMeeting: http://www.microsoft.com/windows/netmeeting. If you would like to use VideoSign 2.5, that is specifically designed for the deaf and hard of hearing customers in mind, go to www.hovrs.com and select the VideoSign 2.5 software option. Once you have selected VideoSign 2.5 software, you will be guided through steps to download the software, and then you will automatically be logged back onto www.hovrs.com.
Different video software, such as Envision™ or Polycom® ViaVideo®, will not be able to connect to www.hovrs.com.
For PC: The recommended web cameras that have CCD sensors are: 1. Logitech Quickcam for Notebook Pro 2. Logitech Quickcam Pro 4000 or 5000 3. Microsoft LifeCam VX-6000 Be sure to buy a video camera with a CCD sensor. CCD sensors are listed on the technical specifications on the box. We do not recommend purchasing a camera with CMOS sensors; this type of sensor may slow down your videoconference capabilities. For Mac: iSight or any FireWire USB based vide camera
Any of the following: your company's high speed Internet (i.e. T1) in your workplace DSL service from your telephone company Cable modem from your local TV cable service. To find high-speed Internet service for your home, contact your local telephone company or cable service.
Internet services are often offered by cable television companies. Cable modems can provide up to 10 - 20 Mbps of data transmission downstream and 300 Kbps in upstream. However, the speed depends on the network traffic. To use VRS, a minimum of 128Kbps of upload and download speed is needed. However, it is recommended that you have 256kbps upload speed or higher, and 256 Kbps download speed or higher.
Internet services are often offered by cable television companies. Cable modems can provide up to 10 - 20 Mbps of data transmission downstream and 300 Kbps in upstream. However, the speed depends on the network traffic. To use VRS, a minimum of 128Kbps of upload and download speed is needed. However, it is recommended that you have 256kbps upload speed or higher, and 256 Kbps download speed or higher for a better picture quality.
To check your bandwidth and to verify that the speed is adequate for video relay, go to the Hands On Video Relay Service website at www.hovrs.com Click on "Bandwidth Test," then click on "Test My Speed". The results of your upload and download speed will be shown in the box. You are then encouraged to go to your "Settings" and select the recommended settings for your video connection. It is recommended that your upload speed and download speed be a minimum of 256 Kbps.
Slow connectivity due to heavy Internet traffic or Internet connection Inadequate lighting or inappropriate background, which will increase pixelation Lack of RAM on your computer due to many applications running at the same time.
This is because your video capture card or digital video camera does not support Netmeeting's size properly. The problem is with your hardware driver.
It is encouraged that you do not utilize any windows applications other than the browser you are using while using HOVRS. Placing another call on NetMeeting while using HOVRS will cause your video screen to freeze. Make sure there are no applications in use while using HOVRS. Make sure Netmeeting is turned off.
Click here to go through a self test wizard, which will assist you with making sure you have all the recommended computer equipment, camera and high speed access to effectively use HOVRS.
Go to www.hovrs.com/help for immediate assistance. Our friendly and knowledgeable Customer Care representatives are ready to help you.
We are available for live help from 4am to 10pm Pacific Standard Time ( PST-California Time ) Monday through Friday and from 7am to 7pm PST Saturday and Sunday. Customer Care is closed on major holidays
You can contact us live with Videosign, hovrsIM ( PC and Mac ) and VideoPhone. See www.hovrs.com/help for connection options. You can email us at cc@hovrs.com.
Our phone number for Deaf and Hard of Hearing callers is TTY 877-885-4976 Our phone number for Hearing callers is 877-467-4877 Ext. 11111.
