Content

MediaRing Talk 99

Your Internet Phone Solution

MediaRing Talk is an award-winning Next Generation Internet Voice Communications software. It allows you to make long distance calls from your PC to any other PC with dial-up Internet access and MediaRing Talk installed.

Registering MediaRing Talk

Running Configuration Wizard

Setting Properties

Starting and Closing MediaRing Talk

Making an Internet Phone Call

Receiving an Internet Phone Call

During An Internet Phone Call

Sending and Receiving Voice Messages

Using the Phone Book

Using the Call Log

Using the Chat Box

System Requirements

Contact Us


Running Configuration Wizard

When you run MediaRing Talk for the first time after installation, the Configuration Wizard starts immediately after the Registration Wizard to help you configure MediaRing Talk for use. The Configuration Wizard ensures that you configure the essential settings needed to use MediaRing Talk. Non-essential settings are set to default. You can change all settings by clicking the Properties button (Yellow button). You can also re-run the Configuration Wizard from the Menu button.

To run the Configuration Wizard:

1.	Start MediaRing Talk, if it is not already started.
Click the Start button, go to the MediaRing Talk 99 folder and click MediaRing Talk 99. MediaRing Talk starts.

2.	Click the Menu button and click Configuration Wizard. The Start dialog box appears.
The Configuration Wizard will help you configure your modem, speakers and microphone.
Make sure you close all other programs that play or record sound before continuing. The Configuration Wizard must have full control of the sound card to work properly.

When you are sure you have closed all other programs that play or record sound, click Next. The Modem dialog box appears.

3.	Select your modem from the Select Modem list.
If you do not already have a modem installed and configured, click Add Modem to install your modem. You need a modem to send ring signals. Your modem must be physically connected to your computer and turned on for MediaRing Talk to make and receive Internet calls while logged off the Internet.
If you want to change your modem properties, click Properties.

However, if you are using a leased line, cable modem or AOL connection without a modem, select No Modem ; you will not be able to make receive calls when you are not on the Internet and you will also not be able to make a call to another party who is not on the Internet.

Click Next. The Test Speaker dialog box appears.

4.	The Test Speaker dialog box shows the type of sound card (full-duplex or half-duplex) you have installed.
Click Test Speaker. You will hear an audio playback.
Drag the slider to adjust the volume to your comfort.

You must test and make sure your speakers are working properly before proceeding further.
Click Next to proceed. The Test Microphone dialog box appears.

5.	You must now test your microphone. Click Test Microphone. An information message appears.
Click OK.
Speak at your normal volume into the microphone. You can read the text above the microphone slider if you do not know what to say.
The microphone slider adjusts to the volume of your voice.
Click Stop when you have finished reading the paragraph or your short speech.
You can click Playback to hear your own voice.
If you want to retest, click Reset and redo the test.

After you have tested your microphone, click Next. The Finish dialog box appears.
Click Finish to close the Configuration Wizard or Back to retrace the configuration steps and redo them.

Your installation of MediaRing Talk is now configured properly and ready to use.


Making an Internet Phone Call

You can make an Internet phone call when you are logged off the Internet. MediaRing Talk will make the connection for you.

You can also make an Internet phone call while you are logged on to the Internet if the party you want to call is also logged on to the Internet.

•	Making a call while logged off the Internet

•	Making a call while logged on the Internet


Receiving an Internet Phone Call

As long as your PC is turned on with MediaRing Talk running in the background and the telephone line connected to your modem is not engaged in a telephone call, you can receive Internet phone calls.

If you are surfing the Internet when an Internet phone call comes in, MediaRing Talk will prompt you to accept or reject the call. If you accept, the call is connected straightaway and you can start your conversation.

If you are logged off the Internet when an Internet Phone call comes in, you will hear two or three sets of two or three rings (Knocking) followed by a sequence of messages in the MediaRing Talk screen. During the Knocking process, do not pick up the telephone handset. However, you can tell that it is not an Internet phone call if the ringing continues to the fourth or fifth ring. In this case, pick up the handset and answer the call like you would a regular telephone call.

The sequence of messages that appear on the MediaRing Talk screen when an incoming Knock is detected are:

Call Status Message	Description
Incoming Knock	Request for connection is detected. This is accompanied by a ringing tone.
Dialing ISP	Dialing in to your Internet Service Provider (ISP).
Authenticating with ISP	Authenticating your user account and password with your Internet Service Provider (ISP).
ISP authentication success	Successfully authenticated your user account and password with your ISP.
Contacting server	Contacting the MediaRing Talk server.
Waiting for call	Waiting for the calling party to log on to the Internet and register with MediaRing Talk server.
Contacted User	Found the party calling you.
Negotiating	Attempting to set up an Internet connection between you and the party calling you.
Connected with	Your Internet phone call is connected. You may begin your conversation now.

When the call is established, the MediaRing Talk screen shows the caller’s particulars. Click Answer to accept the call or Reject to reject the call (if you have set Answering Options to Answer Automatically, the incoming call is connected automatically).

Throughout the duration of the call, you can monitor the performance of the connection. Click the Network Delay button on the MediaRing Talk. The Network Delay window appears, showing the minimum, maximum and current delay times in color coded bars; Green indicates good performance, Yellow indicates moderate quality, and Red indicates poor connection with high delay times. MediaRing Talk may end your call prematurely if the Internet traffic congestion is unbearably high over sustained period.

To terminate the call, click the Cancel/Hang up button (C) on MediaRing Talk.


Using the Phone Book

The Phone Book feature allows you to store telephone numbers for easy reference. You can add, delete groups and items (telephone number entries) and specify advanced settings for individual numbers (only in special cases).

•	Opening the Phone Book

•	Creating a Telephone Entry (Item)

•	Editing a Telephone Entry (Item)

•	Deleting an Telephone Entry (Item)/Group

•	Creating a New Group

•	Editing a Group’s Properties

•	Making a Call from the Phone Book

•	Advanced Settings (Knocking parameters)


How Does MediaRing Talk Work

MediaRing Talk provides basic telephony capability over the Internet. You can call the person you want to contact through MediaRing Talk at their regular telephone number and then let MediaRing Talk negotiate an Internet connection for you; all you need to do is start MediaRing Talk and dial the telephone number. For this to happen, the person you want to contact only needs to have MediaRing Talk running in the background and subscribe to an Internet account with their local Internet Service Provider. Both you and the person you want to contact need not be connected to the Internet prior to making a call through MediaRing Talk.

If you are already connected to the Internet, you can receive an Internet call directly from anyone using MediaRing Talk to call your telephone number.

The following steps take place when you make a call using MediaRing Talk:

1.	MediaRing Talk uses the modem to dial the telephone number of the person you want to contact. This signals the copy of MediaRing Talk on the PC of the person you are calling.

2.	MediaRing Talk on your PC logs on to the Internet while the copy of MediaRing Talk on the PC of the person you are calling does the same.

3.	Both copies of MediaRing Talk then registers with the MediaRing Talk Server (a machine acting as a switch to connect MediaRing Talk calls.)

4.	The call is connected through the MediaRing Talk Server. You can now talk with the party you are calling!


Registering MediaRing Talk

After installing MediaRing Talk, you must register for a MediaRing Talk account so that the MediaRing Talk server is able to connect Internet phone calls to your PC. You must re-register if you have changed the telephone number that is connected to your MediaRing Talk PC or want to register a second telephone number with your MediaRing Talk account. You are allowed to register up to two telephone numbers.

You must:

•	Register as a New User

•	Re-register as a Registered User of MediaRing Talk 99

•	Re-register as a registered user of MediaRing Talk 1.x/2.x


Register as a New User

To register as a new user:

1.	Start MediaRing Talk, if it is not already started.
Click the Start button, go to the MediaRing Talk 99 folder and click MediaRing Talk 99. MediaRing Talk starts.

2.	Click the Menu button and click Register MediaRing Talk. If this is the first time you are using MediaRing Talk 99, the Registration Wizard should have started automatically when you start MediaRing Talk. The Start dialog box appears.

3.	Select “New MediaRing Talk 99 user” and click Next. If you have installed the CyberCard, Cyber Agent or Starter Kit versions, the Product dialog box appears. You must then enter the CyberCard Number, Cyber Agent No, or Starter Kit Product ID.

Click Next. The User Details dialog box appears.

4.	Enter your First Name, Last Name, Nick Name, Email address, the Country where you reside in, and your Zip/Postal Code.
Your first and last names are used in our correspondence with you, whereas your nick name is used to identify you to the party you are calling.
Enter a valid email address. The email address is used to identify your account.
The Zip Code is particularly important if you are residing in USA or Canada; you must ensure that you enter the Zip Code correctly.

Click Next. The My Modem Number dialog box appears.

5.	Enter your Modem Number. This is the telephone number that connects to the Modem/PC where you install MediaRing Talk. This number becomes your MediaRing Talk ready number that you give to your friends and allows them to make Internet phone calls to you.

If you do not have a modem connected and are using a leased line, cable modem or AOL connection, you still need to enter your telephone number. This number becomes your MediaRing Talk ready number that you give to your friends and allows them to make Internet phone calls to you.

If necessary, click Dialing Properties to change settings in the Dialing Properties dialog box. You can also access the Dialing Properties dialog box through the Properties window, User tab sheet if you need to make changes later.

Click Next. A confirmation box appears.
Click Yes to confirm the telephone number. The Choose Password dialog box appears.

6.	Enter your Password and re-enter it to confirm. This password is used to validate calls made using your account. You must also remember this password to administer your account through the MediaRing web page.

Click Next. The Internet Connection dialog box appears.

7.	Select the Internet Connection you want MediaRing Talk to connect to your Internet Service Provider (ISP). You need to select at least one Internet Connection.
If you connect to the Internet through a leased line or cable modem, select Leased Line/Cable Modem.
If you connect to the Internet through America Online (AOL), select America Online (AOL).
If you connect through a modem, select the Dial Up Networking Connection you are using.

Important note: MediaRing Talk does not support ISDN and XDSL modems (for example, ADSL modem.)

If you select Dial Up Networking Connection, enter your User Name and Password for the selected Dial-Up Networking Connection.

Click Next. The Proxy Server dialog box appears.

8.	Some Internet Service Providers (ISPs) require that you access the Internet through Proxy Servers.
If you require to use Proxy Servers, check the Use Proxy box.
Enter your Proxy Server and Port.
Enter the Domains where you do not need to use the Proxy Server.
Check with your ISP Technical/Customer Support if you are not sure.

Click Next. The On-Line Registration dialog box appears.

9.	You are now ready to start On-Line Registration. Click Start.

MediaRing Talk will dial up to your Internet Service Provider and connect to the MediaRing Talk server to register. When the registration is completed, a message appears.

Click Finish to exit the Registration Wizard.


Re-register as a Registered User of MediaRing Talk 99

If you have changed your telephone number or want to add a second telephone number, you need to re-register using the Registration Wizard. You can register up to two telephone numbers with your account. If you attempt to register a third telephone number, you will be asked to delete one of the two registered numbers before adding the new number.

To re-register when you are already a registered user:

1.	Start MediaRing Talk, if it is not already started.
Click the Start button, go to the MediaRing Talk 99 folder and click MediaRing Talk 99. MediaRing Talk starts.

2.	Click the Menu button and click Registration Wizard. The Start dialog box appears.

3.	Select “Registered MediaRing Talk 99 user” and click Next.

4.	If you have installed the CyberCard, Cyber Agent or Starter Kit versions, the Product dialog box appears. This dialog box shows the Product ID of your copy of MediaRing Talk.
Click Next. The Verify Registration dialog box appears.

5.	Verify that the email address is correct. MediaRing Talk uses your email address and password to identify you.
Enter your Password. If you have forgotten your password, please send email to MediaRing Technical Support.

Click Next. The My Telephone Number dialog box appears.

6.	Enter your Modem Number. This is the telephone number that connects to the Modem/PC where you install MediaRing Talk. If you have changed your telephone number or want to register a second telephone number, enter the new number here. This number is your MediaRing Talk ready number that you give to your friends and allows them to make Internet phone calls to you.

If you do not have a modem connected and are using a leased line, cable modem or AOL connection, you still need to enter your telephone number. This number is your MediaRing Talk ready number that you give to your friends and allows them to make Internet phone calls to you.

If necessary, click Dialing Properties to change settings in the Dialing Properties dialog box. You can also access the Dialing Properties dialog box through the Properties window, User tab sheet if you need to make changes later.
Click Next. A confirmation box appears.

Click Yes to confirm the telephone number. The Internet Connection dialog box appears.

7.	Select the Internet Connection you want MediaRing Talk to connect to your Internet Service Provider (ISP). You need to select at least one Internet Connection.
If you connect to the Internet through a leased line or cable modem, select Leased Line/Cable Modem.
If you connect to the Internet through America Online (AOL), select America Online (AOL).
If you connect through a modem, select the Dial Up Networking Connection you are using.

Important note: MediaRing Talk does not support ISDN and XDSL modems (for example, ADSL modem.)

If you select Dial Up Networking Connection, enter your User Name and Password for the selected Dial-Up Networking Connection.

Click Next. The Proxy Server dialog box appears.

8.	Some Internet Service Providers (ISPs) require that you access the Internet through Proxy Servers.
If you require to use Proxy Servers, check the Use Proxy box.
Enter your Proxy Server and Port.
Enter the Domains where you do not need to use the Proxy Server.
Check with your ISP Technical/Customer Support if you are not sure.

Click Next. The On-Line Registration dialog box appears.

9.	You are now ready to start On-Line Registration. Click Start.

MediaRing Talk will dial up to your Internet Service Provider and connect to the MediaRing Talk server to register. When the registration is completed, a message appears.

Click Finish to exit the Registration Wizard.


Setting Properties

The Configuration Wizard guides you through the essential settings. You can set the values for all settings through the MediaRing Talk Properties dialog box.

You can change the following settings for your MediaRing Talk:

•	General 	Defines general settings

•	User 	Defines user-specific settings and information

•	Connection 	Defines Internet connection specific settings

•	Options 	Defines Dial History, Call Log and Voice Message settings

•	Audio 	Defines audio settings

You can click the Properties button (Yellow button) in the middle of MediaRing Talk to open the Properties dialog box


General tab

In the General tab sheet, you can set answering and hang up options. You can also associate sounds to events and set upgrade check frequency.

•	Answering Options - When there is an incoming call
You can set the manner which you want to answer an incoming call.
You can set to answer calls manually where you need to click Accept or Reject in the screen prompt message when there is an incoming call.
You can also set to answer calls automatically; you will not be prompted to accept or reject incoming calls.

•	Hanging Up Options - When hanging up a call
You can set the manner which you want to handle your ISP connection when you hang up a call.
You can be prompted to disconnect from your ISP where you are asked to choose to disconnect or remain connected.
You can also set not to disconnect from your ISP after hanging up.

•	MediaRing Ready - Run when Windows starts
Check this box if you want to start MediaRing Talk every time Windows starts. In this way, you are ready to receive and make Internet phone calls as long as your PC is turned on.
You can temporarily stop MediaRing Talk from starting automatically by holding down the F10 key when Windows starts.

•	Sound/Display
Click this button if you want to associate sounds to events and/or set display options.

•	Upgrade
Click this button if you want to set your automatic upgrade check period or check for upgrade now.


Sound/Display

Check an event that you want to associate a sound and select a sound file from the Sound file list.
Click Defaults if you want to revert to default sound associations.

Check the Display Options – Start minimized box if you want MediaRing Talk to start and remain minimized. This will leave your computer screen less cluttered and still ready to receive Internet calls.

Check the Display Options – Remember window location box if you want MediaRing Talk to appear at the same location everything it starts.


Upgrade

MediaRing Talk is able to check for upgrades automatically and prompt you to download the updated files.

Select an Upgrade Check Frequency.
You can also click Check Now to check for an upgrade now. The Upgrade Agent appears.


Upgrade Agent

The Upgrade Agent will guide you through the steps to check for and download the latest version of MediaRing Talk.


User tab

In the User tab sheet, you can set your telephone number registered with your MediaRing Talk. You can also see the Product ID that identifies your copy of MediaRing Talk.

•	MediaRing Ready Number
Click Change to update the telephone number of the telephone line connected to the modem on your PC where you are running MediaRing Talk.
The Change MediaRing Number dialog box appears.

•	MediaRing Talk Account
If you have changed your email address, you must inform MediaRing Technical Support. Your email address is used to identify you as a MediaRing Talk user.


Change MediaRing Number

Update the Country and Area Codes (if any), and Phone number.

If you have registered more than one number, you can use this dialog box to toggle between them. If you want to register a new second telephone number or change any of the registered telephone numbers, you must run the Registration Wizard.


Connection tab

In the Connection tab sheet, you can select your modem and set its properties, change your connection settings to your ISP and proxy settings.

•	Select Modem for Knocking - Modem
Select the modem connected to the telephone line that you use to make Internet phone calls.
If you are using a leased line, cable modem or AOL connection without a modem, select No Modem; you will not be able to make or receive calls when you are not on the Internet and you will also not be able to make a call to another party who is not on the Internet.

•	Select Modem for Knocking - Dialing Properties
Click this button if you want to set the dialing properties for your modem. The Dialing Properties dialog box appears.

•	Select Modem for Knocking – Modem Properties
Click this button if you want to select your modem, set dialing properties or set the properties for your modem.
In the Modem Properties dialog box, you can set properties in the General, Connection and Options tabs.

•	Connection to Internet - Connections
Select the Internet Connection you want MediaRing Talk to connect to your Internet Service Provider (ISP). You need to select at least one Internet Connection.
If you connect to the Internet through a leased line or cable modem, select Leased Line/Cable Modem.
If you connect to the Internet through America Online (AOL), select America Online (AOL).
If you connect through a modem, select the Dial Up Networking Connection that you are using.

Important note: MediaRing Talk does not support ISDN and XDSL modems (for example, ADSL modem.)

•	Connection to Internet - User name
Enter the User name that you use to connect to your ISP.

•	Connection to Internet - Password
Enter the Password that you use to connect to your ISP.

•	Connection to Internet - Proxy Settings
Some ISPs require that you access the Internet through a proxy server.
Click this button to change proxy settings.

If you do not require connecting to the Internet through a proxy server, you must not enter any proxy settings.

•	Connection to Internet - Properties
Click this button to change Dial-Up Networking settings for your Dial-Up Connection. See Windows Help for more information.


Dialing Properties

Enter your dialing location information. If you are setting up the dialing properties for the first time, click New and enter a name for your dialing location.

Important You must have a direct telephone line that can make long distance calls. If you access the Internet through a PBX or keyphone system, you need to set the access code for obtaining an outside line in the Dialing Properties dialog box. If you have set the access code in the Windows Dial-Up Networking Properties dialog box, do not set the access code here. However, you will not be able to receive calls while logged off the Internet. MediaRing Talk requires a direct telephone line to receive calls while logged off the Internet.


General tab

The properties in this dialog box should have been set when you installed the modem to your PC. However, you can still change any of the properties here.


Connection tab

In the Connection tab sheet, you can define the number of data bits in a frame, set parity checking, and define the number of stop bits. You can also set dialing to start after confirming a dial tone. You usually do not need to change any of the settings in the Connection tab sheet.

You can also change the Port Settings and Advanced Connection Settings.


Advanced Port Settings

In the Advanced Port Settings dialog box, you can select to use FIFO (First In First Out) buffers and adjust the level for the Receive and Transmit buffers. You usually do not need to change any of the settings in the Advanced Port Settings dialog box.


Advanced Connection Settings

In the Advanced Connection Settings dialog box, you can set flow control on and select between hardware and software flow control. You usually do not need to change any settings in the Advanced Connection Settings dialog box.


Options tab

In the Options tab sheet, you can set to bring up the terminal window before or after dialing. The terminal window contains controls for the modem. You can also select between making operator assisted calls or manually dialing non-local calls.


Proxy Settings

Some Internet Service Providers (ISPs) require that you access the Internet through proxy servers. If you require using proxy servers, check the Use Proxy box.

Enter your Proxy Server and Port.
Enter the Domains where you do not need to use the Proxy Server.

Check with your ISP’s Technical/Customer Support if you are not sure.


Dial Up Networking Properties

Select the Dial-Up Networking Connection you want MediaRing Talk to connect to your ISP.

You need to have at least one Dial-Up Networking Connection created and selected for MediaRing Talk to connect to your ISP.

The User Name for the selected Dial-Up Networking Connection appears. This is the user name you use to connect to your ISP.
If you have checked the Save Password box in the Dial-Up Networking Connection dialog box, the password will also appear here. Otherwise, you need to re-renter your Dial-Up Networking Connection password.


Options tab

In the Options tab sheet, you can change Dial History, Call Log and Voice Message settings.

•	Dial History – Clear History
The Dial History contains the list of the last 20 numbers dialed. You can click this button to clear the Dial History.

•	Call Log Options – Number of days to keep entries
The Call Log records information about outgoing and incoming calls. You can set the number of days after which the expired entries are deleted from the Call Log. The first Call Log records that exceed the number of days are deleted.

•	Voice Message Options – Number of days to keep messages
The voice messages that you received are kept in your hard disk and thus they occupy disk space. You can set the number of days after which the expired messages are deleted. The first voice messages that exceed the number of days set are deleted.

•	Voice Message Options – Check for messages every
Set the number of elapsed minutes that MediaRing Talk will check for voice messages. You can only retrieve voice messages when you are logged on to the Internet.


Audio tab

In the Audio tab sheet, you can set Automatic Echo Cancellation and Half-Duplex operations.

•	Automatically set sound card properties
Check this box if you want to set your sound card properties automatically.

•	Use echo cancellation (AEC)
Check this box if you want to enable echo cancellation.
AEC – Automatic Echo Cancellation, is a technology to minimize the echo effect of the received audio.
Uncheck this box if the quality of the received audio signal is poor.

•	Force half-duplex operation
Check this box to force MediaRing Talk to work in half duplex mode. This option is only available if you have a full duplex card. MediaRing Talk automatically detects the duplex mode of your sound card as well as the other party’s sound card and switches to half duplex mode if any one party is using a half-duplex sound card.

•	Use DirectSound
If you have DirectX installed on your computer and MediaRing Talk 99 is able to access it, you can check this box to take full advantage of DirectSound capability. DirectSound optimizes the sound quality from your sound card.
This option is greyed out if you do not have DirectX installed or MediaRing Talk 99 is not able to access DirectX.


Starting and Closing MediaRing Talk

You can start MediaRing Talk automatically when Windows starts, start it from the Start button, close it, minimize it and set it to Do-Not-Disturb mode.

You can start MediaRing Talk from the Start button, Programs folder:

1.	Click the Start button and go to Programs.

2.	Go to the MediaRing Talk 99 folder and click MediaRing Talk 99. MediaRing Talk appears.

A handset icon also appears in the system tray at the right hand corner of the task bar.

From MediaRing Talk, you can surf to MediaRing’s web site by clicking the words “MediaRing Talk”.

If you have a half-duplex sound card, or your Internet call involves one or more parties with a half-duplex sound card, the Press-to-Talk button appears.

You can close MediaRing Talk any time:

1.	Click the cross (x) at the top right hand corner of MediaRing Talk. A confirmation dialog box appears.

2.	Select Close MediaRing Talk and click OK. MediaRing Talk closes.

You can minimize MediaRing Talk by clicking the cross (x), selecting Minimize MediaRing Talk and clicking OK.

You can also reject all calls for privacy by clicking the cross (x), selecting
Set Do-Not-Disturb mode and clicking OK.


Making a call while logged off the Internet

To make a call while logged off the Internet:

1.	Start MediaRing Talk, if it is not already started.

2.	Enter the Telephone Number of the party you want to call. You can also click the Down Arrow and select a telephone number from the Call History or use the Phone Book to select an entry.
If you call from the Call History or use the Phone Book, you can just click the Dial icon (handset icon) or double-click on the entry.
If you have made a mistake or want to start over, click the Clear/Hang up button (C).

3.	If you are making an international call, enter the Country code. You can also enter the name of the country; MediaRing Talk will automatically match the Country code for you.

4.	If you are making an international call or long distance call, enter the Area code.

5.	Click the Dial button (handset). A sequence of events occurs to complete the call. These events are collectively called Knocking and they involve ringing the called party’s telephone several times in a row as a signal that there is a MediaRing Talk call coming in. If the called party is already logged onto the Internet, knocking is skipped and the call is connected straightaway. The call status appears as a series of messages in the MediaRing Talk screen.

Call Status Message	Description
Knocking user	Dialing remote user to signal PC to logon to the Internet.
Connecting to ISP	Starting the process to connect to your Internet Service Provider (ISP).
Dialing ISP	Dialing in to your Internet Service Provider (ISP).
Authenticating with ISP	Authenticating your user account and password with your Internet Service Provider (ISP).
ISP authentication success	Successfully authenticated your user account and password with your ISP.
Contacting server	Trying to contact the MediaRing Talk server.
Finding user	Searching the MediaRing Talk server for the party you are calling.
Contacting user	Making the connection to the party you are calling.
Contacted user	Found the party you are calling.
Negotiating	Attempting to set up an Internet connection between you and the party you are calling.
Connected with	Your Internet phone call is connected. You may now begin your conversation.
When you are connected, the Silence Threshold indicator appears as a horizontal bar in the MediaRing Talk screen. The Silence Threshold is automatically adjusted according to the level background noise. You can override the automatic Silence Detection by dragging on the Down Arrow; the automatic Silence Detection is now turned off. Automatic Silence Detection is restored when you make a subsequent call.

You may speak into the microphone when the microphone icon appears. This is very important especially when you are connected in Half-Duplex mode as your voice is not sent when the microphone is not displayed.

If you are connected in Half-Duplex mode, the Press-to-Talk window appears. You can override the other party by holding down the Press-to-Talk button and speaking into the microphone.

To end the Internet phone call, click the Clear/Hang up button (C).

If the party you are calling does not have MediaRing Talk installed, you will be prompted to invite this party to download MediaRing Talk. If you click OK to invite, your default Internet Browser will launch with the Invitation webpage. Just enter the called party’s name and email address, and MediaRing will send an invitation email to him. You can even include a personal message.


Making a call while logged on the Internet

Making a call while logged on the Internet is very similar to making a call while logged off the Internet. However, there are a few differences and these are highlighted here.

To make a call while logged on the Internet:

1.	Start MediaRing Talk, if it is not already started.

2.	Enter the Telephone Number of the party you want to call. You can also call from the Dial History or the Phone Book.

3.	Enter the Country code or the name of the country for international calls.

4.	Enter the Area code for international or long distance calls.

5.	Click the Dial button (handset).
If the party you are calling is logged on the Internet, your call will be connected straightaway.
Otherwise, you will be asked if you want to disconnect from Internet to Knock the called party; you must Knock for your call to be connected. If you choose not to disconnect from Internet, your call is not connected and you can continue surfing the Internet or attempt to make a call to another party.

6.	If you choose to disconnect from Internet to Knock the called party, the rest of the process is the same as for making a call while logged off the Internet.


During An Internet Phone Call

While you are engaged in an Internet phone conversation, you can do any or all of the following:

•	Second Call Notification

•	Adjusting Microphone and Speaker Volume

•	Monitoring Internet Traffic Congestion


Second Call Notification

If an Internet phone call comes in while you are engaged in conversation, a prompt message appears in the MediaRing Talk screen. The calling party is informed that you are busy on the line.


Adjusting Microphone and Speaker Volume

You can adjust the microphone and speaker volumes at any time.

To adjust your microphone volume:

1.	Click the plus sign (+) on the microphone button to increase volume.

2.	Click the minus sign (-) on the microhone button to decrease volume.

When you click the microphone button, the microphone slider appears in the screen.
You can also drag the slider to adjust the microphone volume.

To adjust your speaker volume:

1.	Click the plus sign (+) on the speaker button to increase volume.

2.	Click the minus sign (-) on the speaker button to decrease volume.

When you click the speaker button, the speaker slider appears in the screen.
You can also drag the slider to adjust the speaker volume.


Monitoring Internet Traffic Congestion

Throughout the duration of the call, you can monitor the performance of the connection. Click the Network Delay button.

The Network Delay window appears, showing the minimum, maximum and current delay times in color coded bars; Green indicates good performance, Yellow indicates moderate quality, and Red indicates poor connection with high delay times.
You can also see the percentage of packet loss. The Internet carries information in the form of packets. So, a lower percentage of packet loss means a lower loss of information, in this case, voice, which translates to a better voice quality. At high percentage losses, you would encounter choppy voice quality. In such cases, you may want to disconnect and try again later. MediaRing Talk may need to hang up your call if the Internet traffic congestion is unbearably high over a sustained period.


Sending and Receiving Voice Messages

MediaRing Talk allows you to send voice messages to other MediaRing Talk users under any of the following circumstances:

•	Anytime, even when you are not connected to the Internet

•	When the person you are calling is engaged in a conversation or you are unable to connect

•	When your call is ended prematurely, for example, due to heavy network congestion

•	When you do not want to disturb the person you want to contact, say,  because of different time zones.

You can receive and send voice messages up to 15 minutes each.

•	Sending a Voice Message

•	Receiving Voice Messages


Sending a Voice Message

To send a voice message:

1.	Click the Voice Messages button on MediaRing Talk.

2.	The Voice Message window appears.

3.	Click the Record button. The Record Voice Message dialog box appears.

4.	Enter the Telephone Number of the party you want to send the message to.

5.	Click the Record button and record your message. You can record voice messages up to 15 minutes each.

6.	Click the Stop button to end your message.

7.	You can replay your message; click the Play button.

8.	You can also re-record your message by clicking the Record button.

9.	When you are ready to send the message, click the Send button. If you are already connected to the Internet, your message is sent right away. Otherwise, MediaRing Talk will connect to the Internet to send your message.

10.	Click Close (x) when you are done.


Receiving Voice Messages

MediaRing Talk checks your voice message box for messages at regular intervals. You can also retrieve your voice messages manually.

To retrieve your voice messages manually:

1.	Click the Voice Messages button on MediaRing Talk. The Voice Message window appears.

2.	Click the Download button to download any new messages in your voice message box. Unread messages are marked with an Envelope symbol.

3.	You can select a message you want to hear and click the Play button.

4.	You can delete a message by selecting it and clicking the Delete button.

5.	You can also sort messages by Sender, Telephone number or Date by clicking the appropriate buttons.


Opening the Phone Book

To open the Phone Book, click the Phone Book button on MediaRing Talk.

The MediaRing Phonebook window appears.


Creating a Telephone Entry (Item)

To create a telephone entry:

1.	Click the New button. Alternatively, you can click the Phonebook menu and select New, Item. The New Item dialog box appears.

2.	Enter the name of the person.

3.	Select an icon from the icon list.

4.	Enter the Country and Area codes.

5.	Enter the Phone number and click OK. The telephone entry is created.


Editing a Telephone Entry (Item)

To edit a telephone entry, select the group and then the telephone entry that you want to edit and click the Edit button. Alternatively, you can select the group and then the telephone entry that you want to edit. Click the Edit menu and select Item Properties. The Properties dialog box appears.

You can now edit the name, icon and telephone number, and click OK.


Deleting an Item/Group
Deleting a Telephone Entry/Group

To delete a telephone entry, select the group and then the telephone entry that you want to delete and click the Delete Item button.

Alternatively, you can select the group and then the telephone entry that you want to delete. Click the Edit menu and select Delete Item.

To delete a group, select the group that you want to delete. Click the Edit menu and select Delete Group.


Creating a New Group

To create a new group:

1.	Click the Phonebook menu and select New, Group. The New Group dialog box appears.

2.	Enter the name of the group and click OK. The new group is created. You can now add items to this group.


Editing a Group's Properties

To edit a group’s properties, select the group. Click the Edit menu, Group Properties. The Properties dialog box appears.

You can now edit the name of the group and click OK.


Making a Call from the Phone Book

Select the group and then the telephone number that you want to call. Click the Dial button. Alternatively, you can click the Phonebook menu and then select Dial. The Internet phone call is set up for you.


Advanced Settings (Knocking parameters)

If you persistently encounter difficulties in Knocking (signalling) a particular MediaRing Talk user, you can change the Knocking parameters (that determine the way MediaRing Talk on your PC signals the MediaRing Talk on the receiver’s PC).

1.	Select the group and then the item that you want to edit Advanced Settings.

2.	Click the Edit button. The Properties dialog box appears.

3.	Check the Use Advanced Settings box and enter your own parameters:

•	No of calls
Enter the difference in the number of calls to be made to initiate the remote PC. This must be set to at least two calls.
For example, if you enter 1, then the number of calls made will be incremented by 1. If the default was 2 calls, then the new setting would be 3 calls.

•	Time to first ring
Enter the difference in the maximum time interval (in seconds) allowed between dialing the last digit in the telephone number and the start of the first ring at the called party. You can determine this by doing an actual measurement with a stopwatch. It is recommended that you use a slightly longer interval than the previous attempt.
For example, if you enter 1, then the maximum time interval is incremented by 1 second.

•	Call interval
Enter the difference in the maximum time interval (in seconds) allowed between the calls. This is to allow time for the modem to reset itself. The default setting is 8 seconds. It is recommended that you do not change this setting unless you get a busy tone after the number of seconds has elapsed.
For example, if you enter 1, then the maximum time interval is incremented by 1 second.


Call Log

The Call Log allows you to view a record of all calls made to and from your PC. The Call Log also includes calls that were rejected and calls that failed to be connected.

To view the Call Log:

1.	Click the Call Log button on MediaRing Talk. The Call Log window appears.

2.	You can select a record and add it to the Phonebook by clicking the Add to Phonebook button.

3.	You can return a call by selecting its record and clicking the Dial button.

4.	You can select a record and delete it by clicking the Delete button.

5.	You can sort the records by Date, Status, Name/Number, and Duration by clicking on the appropriate button.

6.	You can save the contents of the log file to a text file by clicking the Save As button. A Save As dialog box appears. Enter the name of the text file and click Save.


Re-register as a Registered User of MediaRing Talk 1.x/2.x

If you have registered as a user of MediaRing Talk 1.x/2.x, you need to re-register when you upgrade to MediaRing Talk 99.

To re-register as a registered user of MediaRing Talk 1.x/2.x:

1.	Start MediaRing Talk, if it is not already started.
Click the Start button, go to the MediaRing Talk 99 folder and click MediaRing Talk 99. MediaRing Talk starts.

2.	Click the Menu button and click Registration Wizard. If this is the first time you are using MediaRing Talk 99, the Registration Wizard starts automatically when you start MediaRing Talk. The Start dialog box appears.

3.	Select “Registered MediaRing Talk 1.x/2.x user” and click Next.
If you installed the CyberCard, Cyber Agent or Starter Kit versions, the Product dialog box appears.
This dialog box shows the Product ID of your copy of MediaRing Talk.
Click Next. The User Details dialog box appears.

4.	Enter your Name, Email address, the Country where you reside in, and your Zip/Postal Code.
The Zip Code is particularly important if you are residing in USA or Canada; you must ensure that you enter the Zip Code correctly.
Click Next. The My Modem Number dialog box appears.

5.	Enter your Modem Number. This is the telephone number that connects to the PC where you install MediaRing Talk. This number becomes your MediaRing Talk ready number that you give to your friends and allows them to make Internet phone calls to you.

If you do not have a modem connected and are using a leased line, cable modem or AOL connection, you still need to enter your telephone number. This number becomes your MediaRing Talk ready number that you give to your friends and allows them to make Internet phone calls to you.

If necessary, click Dialing Properties to change settings in the Dialing Properties dialog box. You can also access the Dialing Properties dialog box through the Properties window, User tab sheet if you need to make changes later.

Click Next. A confirmation box appears.
Click Yes to confirm the telephone number. The Choose Password dialog box appears.

6.	Enter your Password and re-enter it to confirm. This password is used to validate calls made using your account. You must also remember this password to administer your account through the MediaRing web page.
Click Next. The Internet Connection dialog box appears.

7.	Select the Internet Connection you want MediaRing Talk to connect to your Internet Service Provider (ISP). You need to select at least one Internet Connection.
If you connect to the Internet through a leased line or cable modem, select Leased Line/Cable Modem.
If you connect to the Internet through America Online (AOL), select America Online (AOL).
If you connect through a modem, select the Dial Up Networking Connection you are using.

Important note: MediaRing Talk does not support ISDN and XDSL modems (for example, ADSL modem.)

If you select Dial Up Networking Connection, enter your User Name and Password for the selected Dial-Up Networking Connection.
Click Next. The Proxy Server dialog box appears.

8.	Some Internet Service Providers (ISPs) require that you access the Internet through Proxy Servers.
If you require using Proxy Servers, check the Use Proxy box.
Enter your Proxy Server and Port.
Enter the Domains where you do not need to use the Proxy Server.
Check with your ISP Technical/Customer Support if you are not sure.
Click Next. The On-Line Registration dialog box appears.

9.	You are now ready to start On-Line Registration. Click Start.
MediaRing Talk will dial up to your Internet Service Provider and connect to the MediaRing Talk server to register. When the registration is completed, a message appears.
Click Finish to exit the Registration Wizard.


Start

The Configuration Wizard ensures that you configure the essential settings needed to use MediaRing Talk. Non-essential settings are set to default. You can change all settings by clicking the Properties button (Yellow button). You can also re-run the Configuration Wizard from the Menu button.

Make sure you close all other programs that play or record sound before continuing. The Configuration Wizard must have full control of the sound card to work properly.


Modem

Select your modem from the Select Modem list.
If you do not already have a modem installed and configured, click Add Modem to install your modem.

If you are using a leased line, cable modem or AOL connection without a modem, select No Modem; you will not be able to make or receive calls when you are not on the Internet and you will also not be able to make a call to another party who is not on the Internet.

When you have a modem connected, you can make MediaRing Talk calls to users who are not logged on to the Internet at the time, as well as to receive MediaRing Talk calls when you are not logged on to the Internet.

Your modem must be physically connected to your computer and turned on for MediaRing Talk to work properly.

If you want to change your modem properties, click Properties.


Test Speaker

This dialog box shows the type of sound card (full-duplex or half-duplex) that you have installed.

Click Test Speaker. You will hear an audio playback. You must test and ensure your speakers are working properly before proceeding further.

Drag the slider to adjust the volume to your comfort.

Click Stop when you are comfortable with the sound level.


Test Microphone

Click Test Microphone. An information message appears.
Click OK.

Speak at your normal volume into the microphone. You can read the text above the microphone slider if you do not know what to say.
The microphone slider adjusts to the volume of your voice.

Click Stop when you have finished reading the paragraph or your short speech.

You can click Playback to hear your own voice.
If you want to retest, click Reset and redo the test.


Finish

Click Finish to close the Configuration Wizard or Back to retrace the configuration steps and redo them.


Finish

You need to install a Windows 16-bit compatible sound card with speakers and a microphone (or handset) to use MediaRing Talk to make and receive Internet phone calls.


Start

Before you can make or receive calls with MediaRing Talk, you must register yourself so that the MediaRing Talk server knows who you are.

When you register for a user account, your telephone number connected to your PC is registered with our private server. This allows us to set up Internet phone calls made to your PC. Your particulars registered with our private server are kept confidential.

You need to register as one of the following:

•	New User, if this is the first time you are installing and registering MediaRing Talk.

•	Registered User, if you have installed and registered MediaRing Talk 99 before.

•	Registered User 1.x/2.x, if you have installed and registered MediaRing Talk 1.x/2.x before.

You can find out more about MediaRing Talk before deciding to register:

•	What is MediaRing Talk

•	How Does MediaRing Talk Work

•	System Requirements


Verify Registration

Verify that the email address is correct. MediaRing Talk uses your email address and password to identify you.
Enter your password. If you have forgotten your password, please send email to MediaRing Technical Support, techsupp@mediaring.com.


Product

Depending on how you obtained your MediaRing Talk, you will need to enter one of the following:

•	CyberCard Number

•	Cyber Agent No

•	Product ID

Please note your CyberCard Number, Cyber Agent No or Product ID as you may need it when you request for Technical Support.


User Details

Enter your particulars:

•	First Name
Enter your first name here.
We will address you by your first and last name in our correspondence with you.

•	Last Name
Enter your last name here.

•	Nick Name
Choose a nick name and enter it here.
Your nick name will appear in the called party's MediaRing Talk screen when you make a call.

•	Email Address
Enter a valid email address. This email address is your MediaRing Talk Account Identification and can be used with your Password to administer your MediaRing Talk Account on our website. The majority of our correspondence will also be sent to your email address.

•	Country
Select the country where you are currently residing.

•	Zip Code/Postal Code
Enter your Zip Code or Postal Code. If you are residing in Canada or the United States of America, you must enter your Zip Code.


My Modem Number

Enter the telephone number of the telephone line connected directly to the modem in your PC or the external modem connected to your PC. This is important for you to receive Internet calls through MediaRing Talk when you are not connected to the Internet. This number becomes your MediaRing Talk ready number that you give to your friends and allows them to make Internet phone calls to you.

If you do not have a modem connected, and are using a leased line, cable modem or AOL connection, you still need to enter your telephone number. This number becomes your MediaRing Talk ready number that you give to your friends and allows them to make Internet phone calls to you.

When you enter your telephone number, it is important that you do not include any non-numeric characters or spaces.

You can access the Dialing Properties dialog box through the Properties window, User tab sheet if you need to change your Country and/or Area Codes.


Choose Password

Enter your password and re-enter it to confirm.

Your password is used with the email address you registered with us to identify you and validate calls made through your MediaRing Talk account.

You also need the email address you registered with us and your password to administer your account through the MediaRing web site.


Internet Connection

Select the Internet Connection you want MediaRing Talk to connect to your Internet Service Provider (ISP). You need to select at least one Internet Connection.
If you connect to the Internet through a leased line or cable modem, select Leased Line/Cable Modem.
If you connect to the Internet through America Online (AOL), select America Online (AOL).
If you connect through a modem, select the Dial Up Networking Connection that you are using.

Important note: MediaRing Talk does not support ISDN and XDSL modems (for example, ADSL modem.)

When you select a Dial Up Networking Connection, the User Name for the selected Dial-Up Networking Connection appears. This is the User Name you use to connect to your ISP.

If you have checked the Save Password box in the Dial-Up Networking Connection dialog box, the password will also appear here. Otherwise, you need to re-enter your Dial-Up Networking Connection password. This is the password you use to connect to your ISP.


On-Line Registration

You are now ready to start On-Line Registration.

When you click Start, MediaRing Talk will dial up to your ISP and connect to the MediaRing Talk server to register. Your particulars will then be registered with our private MediaRing Talk server.


Proxy Server

Some Internet Service Providers (ISPs) require that you access the Internet through Proxy Servers.

If you require using Proxy Servers, check the Use Proxy box.

Enter your Proxy Server and Port.
Enter the Domains where you do not need to use the Proxy Server.

Check with your ISP’s Technical/Customer Support if you are not sure.


Select Two Telephone Numbers

Your MediaRing Talk account allows you to register up to two telephone numbers.

You need to remove one of your registered telephone numbers first before you can add another number.

Select a number you want to remove and click Remove.
Enter the number you want to add and click Add.


Select One Local Telephone Number

Although you can register up to two telephone numbers with your MediaRing Talk account, you must specify only the telephone number that is currently connected to your PC.


On-Line Registration

You are now ready to start On-Line Registration.

When you click Start, MediaRing Talk will dial up to your ISP and connect to the MediaRing Talk server to register. Your particulars will then be registered with our private MediaRing Talk server.


On-Line Registration

This version of MediaRing Talk requires that you proceed to the stated web site to complete your registration.

Click Go or click the URL to go to the stated web site to complete your registration.


Using the Chat Box

When you are connected on an Internet call, you can use the Chat Box to send a text message to the person you are speaking with. You can use the Chat Box to send important information such as identification numbers, addresses and names.

To start the Chat Box:

1.	1.	1.	Click the Chat Box button on MediaRing Talk. The Chat Box window appears.

2.	2.	2.	Type your message in the lower window and press Return. You can also click the Send button. Your message appears in blue in the upper window.

3.	3.	3.	When you receive messages from the person you are connected to, the message appears in red in the upper window.

4.	4.	4.	You can also save your messages into a file. Click the Save button. A Save As dialog box appears. Enter the name of the file, select the file format and click Save. You can save the file in one of the following formats; text (,txt), rich text format (.rtf) and document (.doc).

5.	5.	5.	Click the Clear button to clear the contents of the upper window.


Contact Us

You can contact us through the following means:

Email: help@mediaring.com

Telephone: +65 291 3249

You can also call us at any of the Demo stations listed in the MediaRing Talk Phone Book.


System Requirements

To use MediaRing Talk, you need a PC with:

•	Windows 95/98 operating system (a Windows NT version will be available soon)

•	A 75 MHz Pentium processor (133 MHz recommended)

•	16 MB RAM (32 MB recommended)

•	7 MB free Hard Disk space

•	a half-duplex sound card (full-duplex recommended)

•	a microphone and speakers, or a headset

•	Internet access via a 14,400 bps modem (28,800 bps recommended) or leased line/cable modem


What is MediaRing Talk

MediaRing Talk is an award-winniing Next Generation Internet Voice Communications Software. It allows you to make long distance/international calls from your PC to any other PC with dial-up Internet access and MediaRing Talk installed.


Making Your First Demo Call

You may want to make a demo call after downloading and installing MediaRing Talk, just to check out our voice quality and ease of use.

To make your first demo call, just follow these simple steps:

1.	Start MediaRing Talk, if it is not already started.

2.	Click the Phone Book button.

3.	Click the Demo Numbers tab.

4.	Select any one of the demo numbers listed.

5.	Click the Dial button. A prompt box appears. Click OK to proceed.

When the call is connected, you can hear an audio CD playing. If you want to speak to a Customer Support Executive, speak into the microphone. (Our demo stations are manned in shifts between US and Singapore. If no one answers after a few minutes, hang up and call another demo number.)

To hang up, click the Handset or C button.


Welcome

Thank you for choosing MediaRing Talk

This Internet Telephone Software is packed with features such as

•	Superior Voice Quality

•	Call Log

•	Press-to-Talk button (for those half-duplex connections)

•	Voice Messaging

•	Phone Book

•	Caller Number Identification

•	Text Chat (to send those critical information such identification numbers and addresses)

•	Dialing Assistant (to help you with country codes)

•	Network Delay Indicator (to keep you informed of Internet traffic congestion)

To help you with getting started using MediaRing Talk:

•	Show me how to make a first call to a demo station

•	View a Tutorial on using MediaRing Talk

•	Tell me how MediaRing Talk works