Seeking a PSTN (NOT VOIP) telephony solution for the PC (vanity)

Used to be freeware ^ | 10/18/2010 | Blueflag

[Blueflag]

Techies - I seek a software solution that will do this: Enable my Windows PC to be a telephone/ speakerphone plugged in to the PSTN via an UTP/RJ-11 jack out the modem, NOT a VOIP ( a la Skype ) phone emulator connected to the Internet via RJ-45/TCP/IP.

I recognize this involves a modem. This stuff used to be bundled freeware with PCs and has fallen out of fashion.

What's out there now?

[SmartInsight]

I don’t know anything about the PC solution — BUT, you might look into buying a talking caller ID box or phone with one, you can set it loud, so you can hear it in the whole house anywhere, don’t have to be close to a monitor. Not very expensive.

Also, you can get cordless phones that can be turned into speakerphones at the push of a button, some of them are louder than others, you can test them in a store, or buy a quality speakerphone.

Just another option, so your Mother doesn’t have to rush to the computer screen to see who is calling.

[SmartInsight]

One more thing, get an answering machine, that way she can screen to calls and find out who is calling, then decide to pick it up, if it’s someone she wants to talk to.

[SmartInsight]

The computer solution may be too complicated for your MOhter — there are some very simple solutions out there that you may want to check out.

Just a quick search showed you can get phones wiht significant amplification:

http://www.phonesonsale.com/cls-csc1000.html

CLS-CSC1000 Amplified Phone W/ Talking Caller-Id & Answering Machine

ClearSounds amplified freedom phone
55+ dB amplification (500x louder)
Clear Digital Full Digital Power
Tone/pitch control
Amplified digital answering machine
Talking Caller ID
Talking Keypad
Full duplex speakerphone
Extra loud ringer (Hi, Med, Lo)
Adjustable ring tones
Flashing ring signaler
Big button dialing with backlit keypad

$180

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Or a cordless phone (or set) that has talking caller ID, speakerphone, and answering mcchine. so she can keep a phone close wherever she is.

Panasonic KX-TG6444T DECT 6.0 Expandable 4-Handset Cordless Phone System with Dual Keypad, Talking Caller ID, Answering Machine and Talking Alarm Clock —around $150

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Clarity D613C DECT 6.0 Loud Cordless Big Button Phone w/Answering Machine/Extra Handset

Amplifies incoming sounds up to 30 decibels
- Large high contrast and easy to press buttons
- Large Caller ID display with large numbers
- Loud and clear handset speakerphone with intercom between handsets
- Lightweight and ergonomic handset
- 30 name and number phonebook with nine (9) memory buttons
- Five (5) Last Number Redial memory
- DECT 6.0 technology for crisp, clear, interference-free communication
- Call Waiting Caller ID

http://www.smithgear.com/clarity-d613c.html

And a whole variety for the hearing impaired

http://www.smithgear.com/cordless-for-hearing-impaired.html

These are just some examples.

[Blueflag]

Thanks, but remember she is profoundly hearing impaired and mildly visually impaired.

Doesn’t do any good if she can hear the caller ID but can’t hear the conversation.

I had a career in the telephony industry; I understand those options.

I am looking for an unconventional option here.

[buck61]

PLUS their phone service, my caller ID pops up on the TV screen. Easy to read, IMHO.

Dish Network will do the same.
Not sure how, but at my sons’ home when the pH. rings the number calling is displayed on the TV. Don’t think he had to purchase any extra equip for the et up?

[afraidfortherepublic]

No, the equipment is in the converter box (HD or Digital) that I rent from Time Warner. When I connect directly to the cable (without a box) I don’t get the caller ID service.