At Riparius Ventures LLC, we have tried to create a Web site that anticipates and satisfies customer needs. With that goal in mind, we have compiled a list of frequently asked questions. If you do not find an answer to your question here, contact us at 410 561 8811 or rvi@riparius.com.

How do I tell what type of sound card I have?

Right click on My Computer, left click Properties, then the Device Manager tab, find your sound system on the list and explore properties by clicking the + sign and properties button.

Are there compatibility problems with some brands of pc?

The handset will work with any product that supports a standard headset connection. There are no known issues with Windows or Linux based personal computers for sale in the USA, but some systems from Apple did not have standard audio connectors.

Do I need any software to use the handset?

You do not need any software to use the INT100, INT150 or the INT Flip.

Do I need a Noise Canceling device?

No, the noise canceling technology was designed to reduce pickup of background noise (other conversations) in a call center environment. It does not effect or improve the quality of most Internet calls. It is quite valuable on a headset in a call center, but a handset eliminates the problem by design (a very directional mic aimed directly at your mouth with a pinhole opening). Since most noise canceling devices subtract a signal from the audio, it is often not as clear as the signal from the handset. Many of our users tell us they switched from a noise canceling headset to our handset for improved sound quality.

What is echo canceling and do you have it in the handset?

This is a processor intensive mathematical technique to modify a sound stream and remove one side of the conversation (usually the playback) from the current recording side. It is extensively used by the telephone companies on long distance lines because a telephone has transmit and receive on the same wires. An Internet call only needs this at the gateway device that connects to the phone office and they all have it. Unfortunately, these devices typically only deal well with very short (2/10th second) delays and echoes and do not prevent the 1/2; to 1 second echoes that come from poorly configured PC systems. The handset will not cause an echo because it separates transmit and receive. If you hear your own voice back after 1/2 second or more...its the person on the other end of the call that has poor quality equipment!

Why do I sometimes have no sound on my calls?

This is usually caused by a problem with your Internet Telephony Service Provider or your firewall. The process of establishing an Internet call often includes a separate TCP connection event which works through most firewalls on a single known port, and a UDP connection on a random port which fail or is blocked. So...the call "connects" (TCP) but sends no sound (UDP). Some service providers go to great lengths to try alternatives, but some firewalls are very tight!

You can check your phone by simply running sound recorder (Windows (tm) users can go to Start . . .All Programs . . .Accessories . . Entertainment . . .Sound Recorder. Linux users can probably find it themselves :) ...and record a sound into the handset microphone. You should then be able to play the sound back. If you hear the sound you recorded, then the phone works fine and the problem is not related to your handset.

Will you be making a USB cordless handset?

No, not at this time. We have chosen to license this technology to others, and not to compete with our licensees.

How can I become a distributor/reseller or licensee?

By simply calling us at (800) 394-8812 or (410) 561-8811 or sending an email to rvi@riparius.com .