vB Easy Archive - Verizon, their reps, and the Audiovox 8900

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Verizon, their reps, and the Audiovox 8900
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Posted by: js61283

I am making this post for 3 reasons. The first is to hopefully get some support from Audiovox 8900 users, the 2nd is to share my experience with the customer service reps at Verizon Wireless, and the 3rd is to ask a few questions of my own.

Basically as anyone that uses the CDM8900 knows it is a wonderful phone with some great capabilitys. However it has a whole lot more potential then what Verizon is willing to give us. The first and most annoying problem is the outside banner flashing "Verizon Wireless" half the time and blocking the clock and caller ID. I am no hacker and have no clue how to fix this. Verizon has brushed me off in every attempt to resolve this so now what I wish to do is write the president of the company, and hopefully other 8900 users can write in about this as well and force Verizon to change this. Sure it is probably not going to cause them any business by not changing it however they cant ignore everyone forever and we DID pay for the phone. I cant think of anyone that can honestly say "oh yeah I am so glad that verizon banner blocks my caller ID".
If anyone is interested in writing about this here is who to write to:

Dennis Strigl
President & CEO
180 Washington Valley Rd
Bedminster, NJ 07921

Basically my experience with their customer service has been terrible in every way. Every person you ask gives a different answer and NONE of them correct. I had 1 employee tell me "Audiovox placed that banner there" which is wrong because it is fairly well known that the excuse for the banner is to let you know your NOT roaming (lamest excuse in the world, amazing how every other phone is okay in just saying *R* for roaming). None will fess up to the "adjustable text size" false advertising that was posted on their webpage. None will explain why we dont get half the get it now features available on the LG VX6000, and for the most part most of them really cant tell the difference between 1 phone from the next.

What I would really like to ask in the mean time, until Verizon fixes the problem, is if anyone has had any luck hacking these phones. I have my data cable and bitpim however I really have no clue what any of the garbage means that comes up when I open a phone file. It will not retrieve my phone book or any other data from my phone other then what can be viewed under "Filesystem" and was hoping someone could give a more detailed guide into uploading ringtones, using small mp3s as ringtones, getting wallpapers, screen savers, graphics etc and possibly to even get rid of the insanely annoying Verizon Wireless banner on both the inside and outside. Also if there is a way to backup the get it now games so I dont have to pay to download them a 2nd time if I chose to remove them would be great.

Posted by: sherm

Quote:

Originally posted by js61283

Basically my experience with their customer service has been terrible in every way. Every person you ask gives a different answer and NONE of them correct.

Hmm, maybe becaue this is the first time I've ever heard of such a problem.

If it doesn't affect the abiltiy to place/recieve calls, a "problem" like this isn't communicated to us directly.

try taking it up with audiovox

Posted by: js61283

I have communicated this problem to multiple verizon reps, dont tell me you havent heard of it. Try doing a search for the 8900 and see how many VERIZON customers (no other service provider) have the same problem. I have taken it up with audiovox as well and they point the finger at Verizon, who does not deny it either. I have had more then 1 rep admit that it was Verizons own software issue.

Posted by: kellybrf

stop *****ing and get another phone if you dont like it. the 6000 banner scrolls and doesnt stay on all the time...the 530 doesnt have a dedicated ok button...the 8600 doesnt display the callers name if in the phonebook...etc, etc. if you find a real bug maybe people will start to listen to you, but until then stop being childish.

Posted by: Lions03

God I swear if a phone isnt perfect y'all ***** and moan about it. What is Denny going to do?? Call Audiovox and tell them to stop it? I honestly dont think writing Denny is going to solve anything. In fact about the only thing that will happen is your letter will end up in the shredder in his office. Also how do you expect Customer Care to fix the issue?? They just cant snap their fingers and say *Viola* its fixed.

Posted by: sherm

heh, customers like this are fun to talk to. there's absolutley nothing you can do for them although they think theres a "incase of audiovox 8900 banner issues, push this" button that will fix everything. usually a good chance to stay muted and catch up on emails.

Posted by: DigMobile

js61283,

I have notice this problem, but on the internal screen of the LG vx6000.

This isn't a Verizon error, but it is an annoying problem for the customer. Verizon has put the banner on as an "OVER ADVERTIZEMENT" on purpose. Too many Verizon labels! Also, the CDM8900 has been pulled off the shelf because of software problems. You should take it back and get a different phone. Like the vx6000. If you feel like removing the banner from the LG vx6000, you can easily find a site that will show you how. It is a long procedure to remove it from the vx6000. Find the site first! Then return your phone and get the vx6000. Verizon will probably continue over advertizing with the "Verizon Wireless" banner on internal and external screens on future phones. I don't think they will be removable, unless someone make the software to remove them.

If this issue bothers you that much, you should join Sprint. They don't have banner issues on their phones. They can easily be remove with no problem. They don't over advertize on their phones like Verizon. Hopefully, this helps.

Posted by: acf

Quote:

Originally posted by DigMobile
js61283,

Also, the CDM8900 has been pulled off the shelf because of software problems. You should take it back and get a different phone. Like the vx6000.

WTF?? Can anyone confirm this? I just bought mine and have been surfing this site for the last few days with no mention of that, even in the Audiovox forum.

Posted by: cocamonkey

Quote:

Originally posted by acf
WTF?? Can anyone confirm this? I just bought mine and have been surfing this site for the last few days with no mention of that, even in the Audiovox forum.

That's false. It was pulled off the shelf in the first few days it was released because of a software problem. The software has been fixed and the phone is being sold again. Go to www.verizonwireless.com and look at phones for your zip code. It's there for mine.

Posted by: acf

Yea, as is mine. And I seem to have the latest firmware as well, T20...

Posted by: Zero the Hero

If you've swapped phones and want a refund on downloaded GIN apps, just call 866-890-2357 opt 4. There's no way to back up the apps and transfer from phone to phone; none that I'm aware of anyway. The reason there might not be as many BREW downloads for that phone is that the vendors design the software for specific phones. Thats why they may vary from one phone to another and especially from one brand to another.
And the reason the phone was pulled because pic messaging was not working correctly with ported numbers. The manufacterer release a patch to resolve that a couple of days after the pull.

Posted by: OmegaRed

Certain things cannot be changed.... This is the way the phone was designed and its built into software, as another forum member said if its not keeping you from making calls, taking pictures and sending text messages then its truly not a problem. Remember what VZW's main goal is, to have the best network. If you have a problem with the way the phone is programmed.... unless its truly handicapping you don't hold your breath for a fix. It never ceases to amaze me, that people think they can effect change because of the way something was built the way they wanted it. If you don't like it just take it back and get something else you like.

Posted by: pgens

I had the same blinking banner problem with the 8600 and I returned it. It really is an annoying problem and I can sympathize. I don't wear a watch, I just use my phone, and when I updated the PRL and got an ERI-enabled PRL (50110 to 50113) and the blinking banner started it was too annoying. A lot of people complain about this and I was hoping Verizon wouldn't do that to the 8900 after so many complaints about the 8600 but they didn't listen.

I just hope the 9900 doesn't have any issues like this. Almost every other phone has an icon for roaming and not the network name on the outside display and I have no idea why Verizon picked these phones to torture their users with this.

And to the previous poster who said "some things can't be changed because of software/phone design", tell me why Telus users of this phone don't have a blinking banner and Verizon users do.

Posted by: MikeH

Don't ever expect a Hyundai, that's right Hyundai phone to be anything near perfect. Always "cute", but never worth a damn for reception among other internal issues. I hope anyone that gets this phone is always in good signal areas, because it certainly gives Verizon reception bad representation. I just wish Audiovox would stick with Toshiba made products instead of whoring their name out to Hyundai

. I'm sure someone will reply to this stating that they have no signal issues with their 8900. My only reply to that would be either they are just comparing it to their old service and or another bad rf phone like a T720.
With that said, I have noticed that in some regions, one phone may work better than the same phone in another area.

Mike

Posted by: kellybrf

as a verizon employee and someone very skeptical about audiovox im impressed w/the 8900. despite my warnings my roomate got it b/c he needs trimode, and it has been a very solid phone thus far. yes, the external lcd is annoying and the menu isnt as easy as others, but overall its not bad at all. every phone has its few minor glitches (i wish my 6000 earpiece and ringer volume werent unintentionally linked,) so i cant really fault it for cosmetic defects. the 8600 had problems right away, but i have yet to see an 8900 come back for something other than the cust just wanted a different phone

Posted by: SMP

"God I swear if a phone isnt perfect y'all ***** and moan about it. What is Denny going to do?? Call Audiovox and tell them to stop it? I honestly dont think writing Denny is going to solve anything. In fact about the only thing that will happen is your letter will end up in the shredder in his office. Also how do you expect Customer Care to fix the issue?? They just cant snap their fingers and say *Viola* its fixed."

AMEN!

Not one post on this thread is of any concern to a VZW CS rep, sales rep, technical support rep or any VZW employee for that matter.

Does the phone work? Does it have a problem that is service related such as making phone calls or sending picture/text messages? No it does not according to you.

The phone like most VZW handsets utilizes what is called an ERI roaming banner to help you know if you are on VZW coverage when you travel. How dare VZW do something so ridiculous as to try to tell you when you are roaming or not?

If I were you I would cancel my service immediately and go to another carrier. Situations like this are exactly why number portability was passed by the FCC.

Posted by: acf

Good to hear, kelly.

Posted by: rdsealey

All that you need to do to get your external display issue fixed is take your phone to a Verizon store that has a flash computer and have them load the non-eri banner. If the current PRL is 50082 then the non-eri on is 50081, just knock on digit off the current one and you have the non-eri banner.

Posted by: cocamonkey

Quote:

Originally posted by rdsealey
All that you need to do to get your external display issue fixed is take your phone to a Verizon store that has a flash computer and have them load the non-eri banner. If the current PRL is 50082 then the non-eri on is 50081, just knock on digit off the current one and you have the non-eri banner.

The phone was designed as a ERI capable phone though. So every time you dial *228 it will put the correct prl back on there.

Another thing- does the roaming indicator even work when the wrong prl is on there? I've never had it done to mine so I was curious. I know that you won't get the Verizon Wireless or Extended Network or Roaming, but is there a triangle or R that flashes or is solid? There has to be some downfall to not using an eri prl on a phone that was supposed to have an eri one. I'm just not sure what it is. Why would Verizon even have ERI capable phones if there was no benefit?

Posted by: flexia

the non-eri banner just puts spaces in were it says "verizon wireless" you should be able to do this on your own if you have the data cable and bitpim or gagin. also this has nothing to do with Vox. Vox just made the phone to display on the outside lcd if you were in roaming or extended network. Verizon is the one that came up with the genuis idea to put verizon wireless in the prl. They told me they did that to tell you what network you were using. I don't get why they want you to know that you are on there network by flashing that on the lcd. I mean if you just look under the lcd you see the word VERIZON and I think you should also know what serves that you are carrying.

Posted by: pgens

Quote:

The phone like most VZW handsets utilizes what is called an ERI roaming banner to help you know if you are on VZW coverage when you travel. How dare VZW do something so ridiculous as to try to tell you when you are roaming or not?

Again, all the other phones (and the 8600 on Telus) do this with an icon, which tells you the same thing, while letting time/date and caller ID information show.

Maybe you don't understand the problem... the way they have it now if someone calls you while you are on travel and you look at the display and see the number, you need to wait a few seconds before you can see if you are roaming or not and should answer the phone. By that time the person may have hung up if you didn't get the phone out of the belt to look at it by the time the caller has hit the second ring. By the time you see what network you are on the caller may be on the fourth or fifth ring and may have given up.

The same thing happens when the phone rings and you see "Verizon Wireless"... you have to wait until the display flips back to the caller ID display, by which time the caller may have given up.

There is no reason why the 8600 and 8900 should do this any differently than all the other clamshell phones Verizon sells.

Posted by: COBRASVT

They could put "I Blow Verizon for Free" on the front in lime green if they'd just make the camera decent. This is the worst low light cam I've ever seen....if you're not outside, you're screwed!

Posted by: MikeH

Quote:

Originally posted by COBRASVT
They could put "I Blow Verizon for Free" on the front in lime green if they'd just make the camera decent. This is the worst low light cam I've ever seen....if you're not outside, you're screwed!

Can you say "Hyundai?"

Posted by: SuperMike

Where exactly is the banner everyone refers to on the 6K? The only instances of the word "Verizon" I ever see on my 6K are when I turn it on...the spalsh screen that first shows up on the internal display and the word "verizon" which shows up simultaneously with the splash screen on the outer display.

I have even already edited the eri.bin file to remove the banner from there, but I have not once seen the words I replaced it with show up anywhere on my phone...lol

Posted by: JM-Tech

Let's get a couple of things straight. Firstly, the ERI banner is Verizon Wireless' doing, and theirs alone. it is not an audiovox thing or and LG thing, or a samsung thing. Secondly, no one at a verizon store is going to load a old eri file iinto your phone just because you dont like it...if thwy do they must really like you cuz they are rising their job, and its going to cause you more problems in the long run. Thirdly, as many people here have said already, and i will just reiterate...if it really bothers you THAT much, pay the $175, and go away....but i dont want to here you b****ching in some other forum about how much the service sucks. You want everything your way go to burger king, you want everything for free, go to the salvation army and beg...otherwise suck it up and deal with it.

Oh and by the way, the ERI was Denny Striegl's idea, and he still loves it. You can write till your fingers fall off but unless it atually interferes with the operation of the phone, it isnt going anywhere....