Simplex vs duplex

[hbwr]

The MSN/net2phone software says the sound card in a computer is not full duplex and therefore will not work for telephony. However, this same computer has been used in apparent duplex conversations (no push to talk) using the talk function on ICQ.

The computer in question is an HP with on board sound chipset.

Will this computer have to be upgraded to a souncard?


Thanks,

Rik

Rik Rasmussen
hrasmussen@nc.rr.com

http://home.nc.rr.com/rikrasmussen/

Communications Maintenance Adminstrator

City of Durham, NC

 

[jdcfc]

Its possible you might have to update the drivers.HP web site is very good for problems and answers whith hundreds of posts.

 

[pansophic]

Actually, you have an issue with half-duplex vs. full-duplex operation. A simplex device can only send or receive, it is not capable of both.

A good analogy for a simplex system is broadcast television. Your set can only receive a signal, so it is simplex.

A good analogy for a half-duplex system is a CB radio. You can either transmit or recieve, but not both at the same time.

Many voice applications will run in half-duplex mode, allowing you to either send or receive, just not both at the same time. The full-duplex sound cards are more expensive, so it was probably not installed by HP. You will probably have to upgrade to use net2phone.

However, there are applications that will operate in half-duplex mode if you can live with the results.

pansophic