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CapTel 800i FAQs
Frequently asked questions about the CapTel 800i.
- What is the difference between the CapTel 800 and the CapTel 800i?
- What is the difference between CapTel 800 in 2-Line mode and CapTel 800i?
- What are the requirements for CapTel 800i?
- What type of telephone line / service works with CapTel 800i?
- Does CapTel 800i work with Vonage?
- Do I still need my telephone service?
- What's considered "High Speed" Internet?
- How does CapTel 800i hook up?
- What if my Internet connection is located in a different room than the CapTel 800i?
- What if I don't have an extra Ethernet jack available to plug the CapTel 800i into my Internet connection?
- Does CapTel 800i connect to a computer?
- Does CapTel 800i use the same Captioning Service as the CapTel 800?
- Are captions faster with the CapTel 800i than with CapTel 800?
- How many lines of captions does CapTel 800i have?
- Does increasing the font size change the number of captions stored?
- Does the CapTel 800i work like a regular phone without any Ethernet connection?
- Is there still a 40dB amplification gain if I don't use captions?
- How many speed dial buttons are on the CapTel 800i?
- Do my callers have to dial the toll free CapTel Captioning Service number first to call me like with the CapTel 800?
- Will I lose any information if I unplug the CapTel 800i?
- Do I have to register my long distance carrier of choice like with the CapTel 800?
- Can I travel with my CapTel 800i?
- If my Internet service goes down, will CapTel 800i still operate as a regular phone?
- Is CapTel 800i a VOIP service?
- Can the CapTel 800i be hooked up to a Router?
- Does CapTel 800i work wirelessly?
- Does CapTel 800i work with a wireless router?
- Does CapTel 800 work with WiFi?
- If the power goes out, but a person has backup Internet service, would the phone lines still typically work? And if so, then does the 800i continue working?
- Do I need to plug CapTel 800i into a surge protector? Do I need to unplug it during a lightning storm?
- What does "No Network Connection" prompt on my screen mean?
- Why can't I view Caller ID on my screen?
- I need to dial a number (dialing prefix) on my phone line to get an outside line. How do I do that with CapTel 800i?
- Can I use the Internet at the same time that I am on the CapTel 800i phone with captions?
- Is an in-line filter needed when I connect the CapTel 800i to a DSL line?
- For Spanish captioning - do callers have to call the Spanish Captioning Service number first in order for me to get Spanish captions on the call?
- Can I make international calls with the CapTel 800i?
What is the difference between the CapTel 800 and the CapTel 800i?
| CapTel 800 | CapTel 800i | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-Line Mode | 2-Line Mode | ||
| Telephone Line: | analog | 2 lines, 1 must be analog | VOIP, DSL, digital cable, FIOS, U-Verse or analog |
| Captions: | Must be on at start of call | Can be turned on/off during call | Can be turned on/off during call |
| Incoming Calls: | Callers must dial Captioning Service first | Callers dial your number directly | Callers dial your number directly |
| Captions size: | set size | set size | variable size |
| Display screen: | monochrome | monochrome | color |
| Requirements: | analog line | 2 phone lines (1 must be analog) | telephone service high-speed Internet access router (depending on set up) |
Both CapTel models show you captions during your telephone calls. The difference is that CapTel 800 uses an analog telephone line to connect to the Captioning Service whereas CapTel 800i uses an Internet connection to connect to the Captioning Service.
With CapTel 800i, callers dial your phone number directly instead of calling through the Captioning Service and captions can be turned on / off at any time (You can do this with CapTel 800 with a 2-Line mode set up).
How to choose? If you have high-speed Internet access and telephone service, the CapTel 800i is the phone for you. If you do not have high-speed Internet access, choose the CapTel 800.
What is the difference between CapTel 800 in 2-Line mode and CapTel 800i?
Both have all the same features and benefits, they are just set up differently. 2-Line CapTel requires two different analog telephone lines to be connected to the CapTel 800. (Applicable charges for an additional telephone line from your telephone service provider). CapTel 800i only needs one phone line and an Internet connection. There may be cost savings on your phone bill if you have "bundled" Internet and telephone services combined (varies by provider).
What are the requirements for CapTel 800i?
- High-speed Internet service (should be broadband, not dial up service)
- Telephone service (connects via a standard RJ11 jack)
- Standard electrical power outlet
- A router may also be required to connect more than one device to your Internet service.
What type of telephone line / service works with CapTel 800i?
The CapTel 800i requires telephone service to work. The telephone service can be:- Standard analog service
- DSL (Digital Subscriber Line)
- Digital Cable phone service
- VoIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol) service
- FIOS (Fiber Optic Service) phone service
Does CapTel 800i work with Vonage?
CapTel 800i was designed to work with Internet phone services such as Vonage, digital cable phone service, FIOS, etc. These services provide a telephone RJ11 jack, which you connect the CapTel 800i to using a telephone line. As long as the telephone interface connection provides an RJ11 jack, it will work.
Do I still need my telephone service?
Yes. The Internet connection for CapTel 800i is NOT an Internet-based phone service. It only provides captions. Users must still have their own telephone service as well as an Internet connection to use the CapTel 800i. The telephone service can be any type, including analog, VOIP, DSL, FOIS, or cable phone service. CapTel 800i requires an analog port if used within a PBX network.
What's considered "High Speed" Internet?
High Speed Internet refers to any kind of Internet connection that is not a standard dial-up connection.
How does CapTel 800i hook up?
The CapTel 800i plugs into a standard electrical outlet, a telephone line, and to your Internet service via an Ethernet cable. All three are plugged into the CapTel 800i at the back of the phone.
What if my Internet connection is located in a different room than the CapTel 800i?
There are a few options that may work in your setting including:
- A Powerline Network Adapter kit (sold separately) lets you plug the Ethernet cable into an electrical power outlet in one room, then connect to the Internet access point in another room. Powerline Network Adapter kits are available from WCI or from a local computer electronics store. Costs may vary.
- Extra-long Ethernet cable - available through WCI.
CapTel Customer Service is happy to help figure out what will work best for your setting. Please call toll free 1-888-269-7477 or email CapTel@CapTel.com.
What if I don't have an extra Ethernet jack available to plug the CapTel 800i into my Internet connection?
If all the available Ethernet jacks in your DSL or digital cable modem are already being used (by a computer, for example), then you will need to use a Router (sold separately). A Router allows you to connect more than one device to your Internet service (for example, connecting both your computer and your CapTel 800i to the Internet at the same time). A Router plugs directly into the Internet service DSL or digital cable modem. Then you plug the CapTel 800i into the Router, along with any other devices that require Internet access.
Does CapTel 800i connect to a computer?
No, the CapTel 800i does not connect to a computer. The CapTel 800i needs to connect to a modem or a Router that is connected to your Internet service. It also connects to your telephone service and an electrical outlet.
Does CapTel 800i use the same Captioning Service as the CapTel 800?
Yes. The Captioning Service is the same no matter which CapTel model or method of service you use.
Are captions faster with the CapTel 800i than with CapTel 800?
The time to initially connect to the Captioning Service is faster due to the Internet connection, but the captioning speed is the same no matter which CapTel model or method of service you use.
How many lines of captions does CapTel 800i have?
CapTel 800i saves up to 480 lines of captions. As new captions are received, earlier/older captions are erased.
Does increasing the font size change the number of captions stored?
No. The CapTel 800i stores up to 480 lines of captions regardless of the font size. If you have the font size setting at LARGE, you see fewer lines at a time but the memory will still save up to 480 lines. The same is true if you select the smallest font size, although you will see more lines of captions on the screen at one time. NOTE: Previously saved captions will be deleted when you change font size.
Does the CapTel 800i work like a regular phone without any Ethernet connection?
If no Ethernet connection is plugged in, you will not receive captions and the display screen shows an error message. Otherwise, it will act like a traditional telephone.
Is there still a 40dB amplification gain if I don't use captions?
No. With captions off, the maximum amplification gain is 18dB.
How many speed dial buttons are on the CapTel 800i?
There are 3 programmable speed dial buttons. In addition, there are 97 phone book listings and 1 CapTel Customer Service speed dial button.
Do my callers have to dial the toll free CapTel Captioning Service number first to call me like with the CapTel 800?
No. Callers dial the CapTel 800i user's phone number directly. To answer, CapTel 800i users simply pick up the handset like with any traditional telephone call. The Captioning Service will automatically connect to the call over the Internet connection.
Will I lose any information if I unplug the CapTel 800i?
The CapTel 800i saves the phone settings, Speed Dial numbers, and Phone Book entries even when power is interrupted. However, you will lose conversation memory and any Caller ID information if power is interrupted.
Do I have to register my long distance carrier of choice like with the CapTel 800?
No. Because the captions portion of the call is carried over the Internet, and the phone billing is captured on your phone line like via a standard phone, you don't need to register their long distance calling plan with CapTel Customer Service. Users will be responsible for any long distance charges incurred, but the charges will appear on the user's own calling plan / regular phone bill.
Can I travel with my CapTel 800i?
Yes, however you will need to connect the CapTel 800i to an appropriate telephone line, an Internet connection, and an electrical power outlet. Connecting to the Internet in unknown locations (such as a hotel) may be challenging. You may want to consider using the WebCapTel service when you travel instead.
If my Internet service goes down, will CapTel 800i still operate as a regular phone?
Yes. If you still have electrical power and the phone line is still connected you can use the CapTel 800i as a regular phone. However, you will not receive captions on your calls and the maximum amplification gain will be 18dB gain. If you do not have electrical power the phone will not work. You will see an error message on the CapTel display screen throughout your calls until Internet service is restored.
Is CapTel 800i a VOIP service?
No. The CapTel 800i does not by itself provide Internet-based telephone service. Customers still require both telephone service and Internet service to use the CapTel 800i. However, customers can use VOIP or Internet-based phone service with CapTel 800i - the telephone service just needs to be able to plug into the telephone jack on the back of the CapTel 800i. The telephone line cannot plug into the CapTel 800i Ethernet connection, which is used for captions only.
Can the CapTel 800i be hooked up to a Router?
Yes. In most cases, a Router is required to allow you to connect more than one device to your Internet service, for example connecting both your computer and your CapTel 800i to the Internet at the same time. A Router plugs directly into the Internet service DSL or digital cable modem. Then you plug the CapTel 800i into the Router, along with any other devices that require Internet access. If your DSL or Cable modem has only one Ethernet jack that is being used by your computer, a Router is required to be able to also connect CapTel 800i to the Internet.
Does CapTel 800i work wirelessly?
No, you must connect the CapTel 800i to a power outlet using the AC adapter to a telephone service via a telephone line, and to Internet service via an Ethernet cable. You can connect the CapTel 800i to a wireless router, but the connection between the Router and the CapTel 800i will still be via an Ethernet cable.
Does CapTel 800i work with a wireless router?
You can plug the CapTel 800i into a wireless Router that is part of your home network Internet access. But the CapTel 800i itself does not work wirelessly: you must physically plug it into the wireless Router using the Ethernet cable provided. You must also plug the CapTel 800i into an electrical outlet and telephone line, too.
Does CapTel 800 work with WiFi?
No. The CapTel 800i requires a "physical" Ethernet cable to be connected to the back of the CapTel 800i phone and to the Internet source.
If the power goes out, but a person has backup Internet service, would the phone lines still typically work? And if so, then does the 800i continue working?
The CapTel 800i phone requires an electrical power, phone line and Internet connection. All three must be plugged in and in working order in order for the CapTel 800i to provide captioning support. If the electrical power is out the CapTel 800i will not be able to power up and work.
Do I need to plug CapTel 800i into a surge protector? Do I need to unplug it during a lightning storm?
Ultratec recommends plugging your CapTel 800i into a surge protector to protect it from miscellaneous electrical voltage surges and to offer some protection during a lightning storm. For maximum safety, you should unplug the CapTel 800i and refrain from using it during a lightning storm.
What does "No Network Connection" prompt on my screen mean?
It means that your CapTel 800i is not receiving a signal from the Ethernet cable, indicating it is not accessing the Internet correctly. Check your connections again to confirm that everything is plugged in correctly. You can also check the ACT and LNK lights on the back (top) edge of the CapTel phone to see if there is activity over the Internet. Check to make sure that your computer is able to access the Internet successfully.
Why can't I view Caller ID on my screen?
You need Caller ID service from your telephone service provider in order to see Caller ID information on the CapTel 800i screen. If you do not subscribe to Caller ID service, you will not be able to view Caller ID detail.
I need to dial a number (dialing prefix) on my phone line to get an outside line. How do I do that with CapTel 800i?
Simply pick up the handset and dial the number needed to get an outside line. Then dial the phone number you wish to call. If you are using Speed Dial keys or using the CUST SERV speed dial button, press the number for an outside line first, then press the Speed Dial or CUST SERV button.
Can I use the Internet at the same time that I am on the CapTel 800i phone with captions?
Yes. Be aware that if you are downloading very large files or streaming video on your computer at the same time you are using the CapTel 800i, you may notice some delay in the captioning speed.
Is an in-line filter needed when I connect the CapTel 800i to a DSL line?
For the best sound quality, all telephones including CapTel 800i should be plugged into a DSL filter in your home. Your DSL provider should give you enough filters for all your telephones. While an in-line filter is not technically required for the CapTel 800i, it will improve the sound quality of your telephone calls overall.
For Spanish captioning - do callers have to call the Spanish Captioning Service number first in order for me to get Spanish captions on the call?
No. Callers can dial your telephone number directly. However, the CapTel 800i must be set to Spanish Captions Enabled in order to see captions in Spanish. You can enable this setting in the CapTel 800i Options list.
Can I make international calls with the CapTel 800i?
No. Captioning support is only available for calls within the United States (including Alaska and Hawaii). International calls are not supported.Why CapTel?
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