www.youtube.com/watch?v=i401jE09GZw

Every now and then, a new gadget comes on the market. Dr. Z is always on the lookout for them, especially as to how they do video communication.

Now we have a new smartphone with a front-facing camera--the Samsung Epic, sold by Sprint. The Epic has many of the [...] link ]]>

Every now and then, a new gadget comes on the market. Dr. Z is always on the lookout for them, especially as to how they do video communication.

Now we have a new smartphone with a front-facing camera--the Samsung Epic, sold by Sprint. The Epic has many of the similar features as the HTC EVO, previously made available by Sprint. The key difference between the Epic and the EVO and the iPhone 4 is that the Samsung Epic has a sliding keyboard. The keyboard is a tactile (raised keys) keyboard just like the Blackberry. When you need to use the keyboard to send an email, you just slid the keyboard out and type your message. At other times, you can use the touchscreen to do other things. At this time, it is the only touchscreen, with a tactile keyboard that also has a front-facing camera.

ZVRS is now developing an app called the “Mobile Z4″ for the Samsung Epic. It will be ready in the fall. Dr. Z does not yet have details on this app and will make them available as soon as he becomes aware of them.

For a video on the “Mobile Z4″, click this link.

For more information on the Samsung Epic on the Sprint website, click this link.

For more reviews on the Samsung Epic, click the following links:
CNET Review
Digital Trends Review
Wirefly Review

There is a trade show in Berlin next week. More smartphones or tablets may be announced with a front-facing camera. Dr. Z will keep you all posted,.

These are exciting times for video communication!

Dr. Z cares about your communication access.

Disclosure: Dr. Z is a contractor working with CSDVRS on several projects.

It is a very simple self-guided website with links to learn things you want to know about ZVRS for the iPhone 4 as well as the Z4-The Flexible Videophone.

This is [...] link ]]> Dr. Z has been getting inquiries to learn more about Z products so he developed a website to do just that.

It is a very simple self-guided website with links to learn things you want to know about ZVRS for the iPhone 4 as well as the Z4-The Flexible Videophone.

This is the link to the ZVRS for the iPhone 4 Lesson: ZVRS for the iPhone 4

This is the link to the Z4-The Flexible Videophone Lesson: Z4-The Flexible Videophone

Dr. Z will continually add more lessons for these products and services as well as other Z products and services.

Enjoy!!

Dr. Z cares about your communication access.

Disclosure: Dr. Z is a contractor working with CSDVRS on several projects.

On August 24th, a meeting took place between Sorenson executives, their attorneys and a representative of their investors who sits on their board; and representatives of the FCC.

The agenda was to [...] link ]]> This was from an ex parte filing by Sorenson’s law firm and taken from the FCC’s website. (link to filing)

On August 24th, a meeting took place between Sorenson executives, their attorneys and a representative of their investors who sits on their board; and representatives of the FCC.

The agenda was to give the FCC an overview of VRS and Sorenson’s part in development of the service. While the meeting did not focus on the Notice of Inquiry (NOI), it did touch on several subjects addressed in the NOI. One of the issues is what Dr. Z has a concern with on reverse auctions that is shared by most of the VRS companies who filed comments with the FCC on the NOI. Sorenson feels a reverse auction (using the rate of the 2nd lowest bidder) should be used as the basis for rate setting for VRS. Dr. Z is of the opinion that this only enhances Sorenson’s position as the dominant provider and does not take tiered rates into consideration.

It is important for us in the public to file reply comments with the FCC by September 2nd to emphasize the importance and fairness of tiered rates as this takes into consideration the various sizes of companies that make up the VRS industry.

Dr. Z (and the FCC) cares about your communication access.

Disclosure: Dr. Z is a contractor working with CSDVRS on several projects.

Be aware that [...] link ]]> August 18th was the deadline for everyone to submit comments on the Notice of Inquiry that was issued on June 28th. All the major VRS companies responded. Dr. Z has provided links to the actual comments each has submitted to the FCC along with consumer organizations and state entities.

Be aware that most of the documents are 40-50 pages in length, some more–some less so it’s heavy reading right there. A lot of the comments are important and Dr. Z took the time to skim through all of these documents and it was interesting to note that Sorenson’s position differed from most of the other company’s comments when it came to tiered rates and reverse auctions.

A T and T

Ad Hoc Group of Sorenson Comms Bondholders

CONVO Communications LLC

CSDVRS, LLC (ZVRS)

Florida Coordinating Council for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing

Florida Public Service Commission

PAHVRS-1 -2 -3

Purple Communications

Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID)

Sorenson

Sprint

Telecommunications for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Inc. et al.

Dr. Z (and the FCC) cares about your communication access.

Disclosure: Dr. Z is a contractor working with CSDVRS on several projects.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=RPI23wszIdA

Dr. Z discussed this subject a year ago and he is bringing this back to remind us all how important is it for us to communicate effectively with our video interpreters (VI) for a successful VRS call.

This is Part 3 of 3. The seventh through tenth of 10 items [...] link ]]>

Dr. Z discussed this subject a year ago and he is bringing this back to remind us all how important is it for us to communicate effectively with our video interpreters (VI) for a successful VRS call.

This is Part 3 of 3. The seventh through tenth of 10 items are covered in this vlog/blog. Those steps are outlined below:

7.
 If
 you 
find 
the 
interpreter 
does 
not 
understand
 you
 very 
well 
due
 to 
a 
bad
 connection,
 don’t
 waste 
time 
repeating 
things. 
It 
is 
much 
simpler
 to 
hang 
up 
and 
re‐dial.
 





8. 
Plain, 
solid 
colored
 clothing
 (no 
plaids 
or 
patterns)
 helps 
make 
communication 
clearer
 and
 video
 quality 
better.
 
 




9.
 Thank
 the 
interpreter 
at 
the 
end
 of 
your 
call. 
Showing 
your 
appreciation 
helps 
to 
make
 them
 feel
 good 
about
 their 
job. 
After
 all,
 where
 would 
VRS 
be 
without 
interpreters?
 




10. 
Smile, 
smile,
 smile! 
This
 will
 make 
the
 interpreter’s 
day
…
and
 your 
day, 
too!
 


For the complete list of 10 steps, click on this link

Dr. Z cares about your communication access.

Disclosure: Dr. Z is a contractor working with CSDVRS on several projects.

This removes the .40 cent requirement to place ZVRS video relay calls. You can dial using the ZVRS app from the iPhone using the iPhone Contact List to contact any hearing person using the top-rated ZVRS interpreters.

For more information, [...] link ]]> The Apple iTunes Store now has the ZVRS App for the iPhone!

This removes the .40 cent requirement to place ZVRS video relay calls. You can dial using the ZVRS app from the iPhone using the iPhone Contact List to contact any hearing person using the top-rated ZVRS interpreters.

For more information, click on this link.

To download from the iTunes store, click this link.and click the “View in iTunes” button

NOTE: This only works for Apple iPhone 4–remember to enable FaceTime on the iPhone 4.

Dr. Z will add more information shortly.

ENJOY!!!

Dr. Z cares about your communication access.

Disclosure: Dr. Z is a contractor working with CSDVRS on several projects..

www.youtube.com/watch?v=CfdAMo0lhrQ

Dr. Z discussed this subject a year ago and he is bringing this back to remind us all how important is it for us to communicate effectively with our video interpreters (VI) for a successful VRS call.

This is Part 2 of 3. The fourth through sixth of 10 items [...] link ]]>

Dr. Z discussed this subject a year ago and he is bringing this back to remind us all how important is it for us to communicate effectively with our video interpreters (VI) for a successful VRS call.

This is Part 2 of 3. The fourth through sixth of 10 items are covered in this vlog/blog. Those steps are outlined below:

4. Be sure there is adequate lighting in your room—not too bright, not too dark.

5. Be sure you are an appropriate distance from the camera. Use the “three little bears” test: not too far, not too close … just right!

6. If you choose to announce the call yourself, just say something simple like, “This is (your name). Because I am deaf, I am using a sign language interpreter over the phone to make this call.” If this confuses the other party, ask the interpreter to announce the call. For people you have called
through VRS before, it is still a good idea to say, “This is (your name). I am talking to you through a sign language interpreter.”

For the complete list of 10 steps, click on this link

Dr. Z cares about your communication access.

Disclosure: Dr. Z is a contractor working with CSDVRS on several projects.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=rIeDhsTxkGo

The FCC NOI has 2 parts--the second part focuses on broader and economic issues concerning VRS..  In order to do this, they need to go over the following items.  These will be discussed individually in the weeks to come:

The Components of Video Relay Service The [...] link ]]>

The FCC NOI has 2 parts--the second part focuses on broader and economic issues concerning VRS..  In order to do this, they need to go over the following items.  These will be discussed individually in the weeks to come:

1. The Components of Video Relay Service
2. The Demand for Video Relay Service
3. The Supply of Video Relay Service
4. The Regulation of Video Relay Service
5. The Incentives of Providers
6. The Incentives and Needs of VRS Users
7. Other Regulations Affecting VRS Communications

Dr. Z (and the FCC) cares about your communication access.

Disclosure: Dr. Z is a contractor working with CSDVRS on several projects.



]]> http://www.drzvrs.com/2010/08/editorial-58-fcc-notice-of-inquiry-noi-on-vrs-3-overview-of-rate-inquiry/feed/ 0 http://www.drzvrs.com/2010/08/dr-z-on-10-steps-for-more-effective-vrs-communication-part-1-of-3/ http://www.drzvrs.com/2010/08/dr-z-on-10-steps-for-more-effective-vrs-communication-part-1-of-3/#comments Mon, 16 Aug 2010 14:03:15 +0000 pbravin http://www.drzvrs.com/2010/08/dr-z-on-10-steps-for-more-effective-vrs-communication-part-1-of-3/

www.youtube.com/watch?v=8uj7HJ8uQqQ

Dr. Z discussed this subject a year ago and he is bringing this back to remind us all how important is it for us to communicate effectively with our video interpreters (VI) for a successful VRS call.

This is Part 1 of 3. The first 3 of 10 items are [...] link ]]>

www.youtube.com/watch?v=8uj7HJ8uQqQ

Dr. Z discussed this subject a year ago and he is bringing this back to remind us all how important is it for us to communicate effectively with our video interpreters (VI) for a successful VRS call.

This is Part 1 of 3. The first 3 of 10 items are covered in this vlog/blog. The 3 steps are outlined below:

1. Sign numbers and spell letters/names more slowly than you would in a normal conversation. (This small change makes a big difference in clarity.)

2. Before calling airlines, credit card companies or banks, it is helpful to provide the confirmation, credit card and/or account numbers before the video interpreter places the call. (It’s also a good idea to verify the information once before the call.)

3. Verify that the video interpreter can see your name on their screen. It usually appears there, but if it does not, spell your name before the call is made.

For the complete list of 10 steps, click on this link
.

Dr. Z cares about your communication access.

Disclosure: Dr. Z is a contractor working with CSDVRS on several projects.



]]> http://www.drzvrs.com/2010/08/dr-z-on-10-steps-for-more-effective-vrs-communication-part-1-of-3/feed/ 0 http://www.drzvrs.com/2010/08/make-a-vi-happy-week-august-15-21-2010/ http://www.drzvrs.com/2010/08/make-a-vi-happy-week-august-15-21-2010/#comments Fri, 13 Aug 2010 18:41:05 +0000 pbravin http://www.drzvrs.com/2010/08/make-a-vi-happy-week-august-15-21-2010/

www.youtube.com/watch?v=fi9krMiF42c

We deaf and hard of hearing consumers use video for communication everyday in addition to our pagers and other means.

When we communicate with hearing people, we use the video relay service, such as ZVRS and we depend on the video interpreters (VIs) to facilitate the calls for us. We [...] link ]]>

www.youtube.com/watch?v=fi9krMiF42c

We deaf and hard of hearing consumers use video for communication everyday in addition to our pagers and other means.

When we communicate with hearing people, we use the video relay service, such as ZVRS and we depend on the video interpreters (VIs) to facilitate the calls for us. We often forget they are there--they are like us, they have a job, families and live in the community among us.

Dr. Z wants to ask all of us to take the time to think of them and thank them for their good and hard work. So let’s thank them after every call during “Make a VI Happy Week”- August 15-21, 2010. That will make their day!

With that, Dr. Z will begin a series of “10 Steps for More Effective VRS Communication”, with 3 blogs and vlogs soon.

Thank you--all the VIs out there!!! We care about you.

Dr. Z cares about your communication access.

Disclosure: Dr. Z is a contractor working with CSDVRS on several projects.



]]> http://www.drzvrs.com/2010/08/make-a-vi-happy-week-august-15-21-2010/feed/ 0