You are here: Home > PhoneTree Support > FAQs > USB
General USB Frequently Asked Questions
What's USB?
The Universal Serial Bus (USB) is the latest (and best) way to connect equipment to your PC. Developed by a consortium of top hardware and software companies, USB solves nearly all of the installation problems associated with adding devices to your PC.
What are the advantages of USB?
Key features of USB include:
• Connect up to 127 devices simultaneously
• Hot-pluggable (plug and unplug without rebooting PC)
• Very high speed (12 Mbps data transfer)
• Fully supported by Windows® 98 and Windows® 2000
• Simply plug in, and Windows® asks for driver disk
• No interrupts, com ports or device conflicts
• Uniquely registered by product and vendor ID code
• USB is standard on all new PCs since 1997
• Add additional ports with inexpensive USB "hubs"
• Fast, easy and powerful
What is significant about PhoneTree® using USB?
The introduction of PhoneTree® MVP for USB represents a significant advancement
in telephone messaging. It employs state-of-the-art technology to assure PhoneTree's
position as a leader in voice messaging. Some of the features include:
• Easy installation
• Crystal-clear messages
• Expandable (up to 32 lines)
• Transportable design can be moved easily
• AVR-4™ Advanced Voice Recognition technology
• Fully Windows® 98, Windows® 2000, XP, ME compliant
• Ready for the future with free web updates
Are there any hardware issues to be concerned with in using USB?
Some USB host controllers have documented shortcomings when handling high speed bulk data transfers and should not be used with PhoneTree® or other real-time hardware.
Currently, USB host controllers identified by a computer's Device Manager as “VIA” or “BAM” are suspect. It is recommended in these cases to Install an approved USB host controller. The Belkin USB BusPort™ host controller uses a Lucent® chipset and is proven reliable with PhoneTree®. This controller may be available at a discount from PCS. Call 800.555.0559 for details.