Echo problems with pc to telephone over the net

[AQR8]

I am playing with MSN Messenger and using the place call feature. The connection is good (DSL) and the sound quality is fine (AWE64 with current drivers) I've verified that board is doing full duplex properly. The problem is what appears like an echo on the receiving end who is using a standard telephone. Right now I'm not using a headset and know that will make a big difference. Before I spend the money, I'm looking for advice from users out there. I have tried pointing the mic away from speakers and it did help some. Will switching to a headset fix the problem or is the echo just an inherent issue with this tech? Who is using MSN and how is it working for you? I have read the November issue of PCWorld where they tested 9 0r 10. Anyone else have similar issues and resolve them? Any help will be appreciated.

AQR8

[Techie Dude]

Can you hear yoru own voice out of your own speakers when you talk?

If you can, this is probably the problem. You need to disable the Mic input on you speakers.

Double click the speaker in your system tray
Make sure the checkbox for Microphone is enabled
Close window

Try that, if it doesn`t help, post back. Personally I`m not a user of MSN messenger, so I can`t really help more than this, but I`m sure someone else could.

TD.

[AQR8]

Thanks TD. I forgot to include in my original post that I made sure the microphone was already on mute. Thx.

[brandon184]

The same thing happens to me. Its a way of life, unless one of the ends is using headphone instead...

Here's what seems to happen...

Your voice goes into your microphone and out of their speakers... To achieve to echoing effect, it goes from their speakers to their microphone, to your speakers, to your microphone... and the process repeats itself to create an echo.

If you turn down your speakers after you say something, it won't echo.

- Brandon

[AQR8]

Thanks Brandon. Your description makes sense, however, the echo that is involved is on the receiving end and they are using a regular telephone. Thxs.

AQR8

[thekingofpain]

I had the same situation using Yahoo calling, (I use it to call Ca to Ohio daily) I found that not using the systems speakers and relying on a headphone/mic combo eliminates the echo, the problem being their voice over the speakers is being resent to them thru your very efficient mic resulting in the "echo effect"...these cheap little mics actually work pretty good seems to be the prob...

[This message has been edited by thekingofpain (edited 12-31-2000).]

[NDC]

Yep, I also use one of those cheapy headset mics, and they work great! I used to get that echo effect when I used a desktop mic and speakers. The headset mic works great!

[reddog4629]

Radio Shaft has a nice head-set for 15 bucks
Nova 79 (I have the Nova 80's-check your local store)or here-----> :-)

http://www.radioshack.com/category.asp?catalog%5Fname=CTLG&category%5Fname=CTLG%5F002%5F001%5F008%5F000&Page=1

[El_Brio]

The Echo (feedback) is generated because when you talk into your mic what you say is also played over YOUR speakers which feeds back into your mic and gets amplified Etc. Turn down your volume lower or get a headset. That way the mic can't pick up your voice thats coming from the speakers only from your mouth.

[Fudge]

I know what yer talkin about, and it has absolutley NOTHING to do with yer voice and your mic. The problem is with the person on the other end. When they talk, they hear THEIR own voice, not MINE. Me, being on the computer end of it (not the phone), can't hear the echo. The only way I can tell there's a problem, is because there is a short pause before the person on the phone answers me. I tried EVERYTHING to eliminate this problem to no avail. I used a headset with boom mic, I tried turning the mic right off while listening, nothing works. I've written it off as just the price for free long distance calling. Mind you, if someone DOES find a solution, I would love to hear it.
PS It has nothing to do with my voice over my speakers,over my mic, over my speakers...etc. Its the person who is on the actual telelphone thats having the problem.
Everything on my end works like a charm!