A modem that states that it is a voice modem only means that it is able to
answer the phone and act as an answering machine, voice mail and or a
speaker phone. A regular fax/data modem is unable to do this. A net phone
application would not and could not benefit from a voice modem because the
Inter-Net does not process analog voice signals.

 An Inter Net phone application uses the Sound Card to recieve the sound
into the computer. The Inter Net Phone application changes this analog
information into a code that can be sent via the the modem to the inter net
to the recieving computer. The recieving computer using its modem, and the
same type Inter Net phone program, to decode this information and uses the
sound card to play this decoded information thru its speakers.

If you have a dual or full duplex sound card, one is able to both speak and
listen at the same time (like a phone). If one has a single or half duplex
sound card, they can only speak or listen at any one time (like walkie
talkies). Even if your modem and sound card are on the same card, they
perform seperate functions.

Dennis Noble
Computer Parts & Upgrades
Phone: 512-949-2085
Fax: 512-949-9357
Quality over Quantity
http://www.computersalacarte.com


>Just because a modem says it's a voice modem does not mean it will work
>as a full duplex or even half duplex Speaker Phone Modem!!!!
>A Voice Modem may only be able to be used with voice-mail applications and
>maybe some Net-Phones, but don't assume it will work as a Full Duplex
>Speaker Phone.  Some manufacturers may not make the distinction, but some
>do.


>>I think you missed the point on this one, David.  A voice modem is
>>designed to  work as a hands-free speaker phone and it comes with the
>>software to perform this function.
>>
>>An internet phone is a whole different animal and (as you pointed out)
>>requires serveral other components not normally packaged with the modem.

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