Why is BT Digital Voice so bad? - now on my 3rd replacement handset

[iniltous]

@dvisuseless  , If preferring to use a 30 year old telephone instrument on a 40 year old telephone exchange, presumably you don’t have a mobile phone , or a modern TV , or a electric vehicle ( or even one that runs on unleaded fuel ) you don’t go on holiday because you have to use ‘modern’ check in methods , don’t use a credit or debit card for purchases….but I’d go out on a limb and say you do use the vast majority of those modern versions of older devices or procedures….and just like you got used to them , you will get use to DV .

FWIW , DV isn’t useless, occasionally the user is the problem not the technology.

[dvisuseless]

If you just want to be insulting , then go ahead. you are right I don't use some of those things, but at least I used to be able to rely on my landline. If I as the user is a problem, then I guess yo think I can just be written off as a loser.

[dvisuseless]

ps I'm imagining a future where you are left behind by the next generation and feel useless.

[WSH]

Does the 30-year-old phone work?  If it does then DV must be working, so I take it you’ve tried plugging your answerphone into the green socket on the back of the Smart Hub?

I’ve been using a Panasonic cordless answerphone with DV now for two years and everything works as before, so your problem should be fixable.

I’ve not used the DV handsets they supply but I believe they have to be paired with the Smart Hub, like a cordless phone handset needs to be paired with its base station.  Presumably, there would be some instructions with it explaining that.  If not, we can probably find a copy for you online.

[dvisuseless]

Thanks WSH. I had rather given up, but will try again given this encouragement to use an old answerphone. My attempts to pair a DV handset worked sporadically, but eventually failed because it constantly said it was needing to sync. Thank you for not implying I am useless.

[WSH]

If it keeps dropping the sync two things:

1) Are the batteries holding their charge?  The batteries in the early handsets were notoriously rubbish.  You might be better getting new rechargeables yourself.  Just make sure they are rechargable batteries of the same specification as the originals.

2) If the batteries are OK then it implies that where you have the Smart Hub is not allowing the signal to reach the handsets reliably.  Perhaps using a longer cable to allow you to change where the Smart Hub is positioned will help.  Generally, if you can put it a bit higher up and give it clear line of sight on the handset it will help.

[dvisuseless]

Thanks WSH I will check both those things out. I think it must be the batteries, because it hasn't worked even if the handset is right next to the hub.

[WSH]

Ah, right.  It’s the batteries then.

I’m told the batteries in those handsets are cheap rubbish.  I’ve not used them myself but I believe they are removable and I seem to recall the advice that’s been given on here in the past is that you’ll be better taking them out and chucking them.  You can buy replacements yourself that are better.   As I said, just make sure they are rechargeables and the same specification.

[maxiheed]

Hi all .

BT Digital voice handset is in the bin. As painful as it was, managed to move and notify all my contacts to my Vodafone Mobile.

Adding BT Digital voice was a complete waste of my time and an example of digital Equipment badly designed, supported and archaic.

Thanks to all on the community that responded, but I know a dead duck when I see one.

So signing off from the forum ,

All the best.

[maxiheed]

My advice - Bin BT digital voice, its a dead duck.