Smart Chip Simplifies Interfaces to Business Phones
SAN JOSE, Calif., May 3 /PRNewswire/ -- Hello Direct, Inc. (Nasdaq: HELO),
the leading developer and direct marketer of telephone productivity products
and a pioneer in headset technology, announced today that the U.S. Patent
Office issued Patent No. 5,892,823 on April 6, 1999 for Hello Direct's smart
interface technology. Related patents are pending. This exclusive technology
developed by Hello Direct enables both voice and data products to adapt
themselves automatically to the diverse, non-standard handset ports found on
today's digital telephones, without requiring the user to manually configure
switches or purchase phone-specific adapters. Currently, the technology is
embedded in the company's SuperPro(R) headset amplifier, the LineStein(TM)
digital adapter, and Hello Direct's newest cordless headset, the Cordless(TM)
XLT.
Although most phones use a standard modular connector for the handset
port, the wiring and signal levels required to connect accessories such as
headsets and modems to these handset ports are different for each phone model.
In the past, users had to find their phone models in charts, then manually
configure switches and dials to achieve acceptable performance of accessory
products. Special-order adapters were needed for some phones. Hello Direct's
smart interface chip performs this task automatically to ensure optimal
performance and simple "plug and play" installation. The technology ensures
that the attached Hello Direct product matches the sound quality of the
telephone handset.
The smart interface technology includes a time saving remote
diagnostic capability that provides technical support to users by means of a
24x7 automated system, or by personal assistance from a product support
representative. In either case, the electrical configuration of the accessory
product can be queried and adjusted by dialup remote control while the user is
on the phone with product support. This capability greatly simplifies and
speeds the support process because users no longer need to make compatibility
adjustments.
About Hello Direct, Inc.
Hello Direct, Inc. is the leading developer and direct marketer of
telephone productivity tools, including headsets, teleconferencing, wireless
and related desktop products. Through its distinctive catalogs, web site and
outbound telemarketing programs, the company offers a broad selection of
commercial grade products from Hello Direct and other leading suppliers that
answer its customers' evolving communications needs. Founded in 1987, the
company is headquartered in San Jose, California. For more information on
Hello Direct, Inc. and its products, please visit http://www.hellodirect.com.
SOURCE Hello Direct, Inc.
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Related links:
http://www.hellodirect.com
CONTACT:
Dion Blundell of Hello Direct, Inc.,
408-363-2005, or e-mail, dion.blundell@hellodirect.com; or
Allison Niday of Impact Communications, 831-439-0977, or e-mail,
allison@impactcommpr.com
NOTE TO EDITORS: For more information on Hello Direct, Inc. via
fax at no cost, dial 800-PRO-INFO or 908-544-2850 outside the
U.S., ticker symbol: HELO
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