iCom and Voiis Bluetooth Information

[billl]

I use an iCom. And I have a Voiis Bluetooth Stereo Transmitter, which is connected to my sound system. It brings in audio signals for TV, DVD, CD, tuner, etc. I selected stereo output jacks from the sound system whose level is NOT effected by the volume control, which adjusts the sound level to the speakers.

When I first hooked things up and "paired" the iCom to the Voiis, I could hear the TV audio; however , the volume level was much to low. The arrangement was unacceptable.

I tried a Sony Bluetooth Stereo Transmitter and one with the GE name on it, the 99004. These two units suffered from the same problem. Not loud enough!

I tried manually increasing the volume on my Phonak hearing aids; and that did help. But it was still not loud enough.

Here is the problem: All three bluetooth stereo transmitters needed signal levels that are higher than my sound system presents at the output jacks. I tried other audio outputs directly from my TV set and from my DVD. Same issue. These "line-level" outputs are just not loud enough.

The ideal solution would have been for Voiis, GE and Sony to have placed a volume control on their transmitters and included an LED overload indicator so a user could adjust the level control to make full use of the bluetooth dynamic range. That solution would allow the iCom to operate with optimum performance.

A solution which I implemented was to insert a small (about the size of a small matchbox) amplifier, with a volume control, between my sound system and the Voiis unit.

One member of this forum inserted a boombox between his sound system and the Voiis unit. I suspect he used the headphone output of the boombox. That's the same idea as my amplifier. It just takes up more room.

Either solution works well. And what a tremendous improvement it has been for my TV listening.

If anyone is interested in my amplifier, I would be glad to email the schematic and a picture of what I designed.

[dsignr]

I went throuth the same issures with my TEK bluetooth transmitter. Now I plug it into the headphone jack on the tv. For normal listening the family uses the home theatre system which is controlled by a comcast remote. I use the tv remote to adjust the volume in my HA without affecting the volume in the home theatre suround sound. Works perfect without anything extra. The TEK transmitter also has 5 volume levels which can adjust overall to different systems.

[kretsh]

I use an iCom. And I have a Voiis Bluetooth Stereo Transmitter, which is connected to my sound system. It brings in audio signals for TV, DVD, CD, tuner, etc. I selected stereo output jacks from the sound system whose level is NOT effected by the volume control, which adjusts the sound level to the speakers.

When I first hooked things up and "paired" the iCom to the Voiis, I could hear the TV audio; however , the volume level was much to low. The arrangement was unacceptable.

I tried a Sony Bluetooth Stereo Transmitter and one with the GE name on it, the 99004. These two units suffered from the same problem. Not loud enough!

I tried manually increasing the volume on my Phonak hearing aids; and that did help. But it was still not loud enough.

Here is the problem: All three bluetooth stereo transmitters needed signal levels that are higher than my sound system presents at the output jacks. I tried other audio outputs directly from my TV set and from my DVD. Same issue. These "line-level" outputs are just not loud enough.

The ideal solution would have been for Voiis, GE and Sony to have placed a volume control on their transmitters and included an LED overload indicator so a user could adjust the level control to make full use of the bluetooth dynamic range. That solution would allow the iCom to operate with optimum performance.

A solution which I implemented was to insert a small (about the size of a small matchbox) amplifier, with a volume control, between my sound system and the Voiis unit.

One member of this forum inserted a boombox between his sound system and the Voiis unit. I suspect he used the headphone output of the boombox. That's the same idea as my amplifier. It just takes up more room.

Either solution works well. And what a tremendous improvement it has been for my TV listening.

If anyone is interested in my amplifier, I would be glad to email the schematic and a picture of what I designed.

I'd be interested in seeing your setup. I went the LCD TV (Philips) with built-in earphone jack. This is in my personal TV room....so only I have to hear. I use the monaural FM and stereo BT depending on what I am watching and feel like hearing.

[billl]

Yes, the headphone jacks are a perfect source because you can adjust the signal level coming out. But plugging into most headphone jacks causes the speakers to be muted. That's OK if no one needs to hear the sound from the speaker.

I did use the headphone jacks on my TV which gave me signals that could drive the Voiis. However, I noticed that I could also hear the speakers as well as the bluetooth signals coming in via the Voiis and the iCom. The speakers' sound was delayed and because I could hear the sound from two sources the delay made listening quite difficult. So that's why designed my own amplifier.

Since then I have learned that my audiologist could attenuate the incoming sound from the hearing aid microphones relative to the bluetooth sound level. The incoming ambient sound level was reduced and that improved things greatly. Now I hear only bluetooth signal and not the speakers (delayed) as well.

But I should mention that the important issue is to give the Voiis or other bluetooth stereo transmitter a strong signal so that one is using the full dynamic range of the bluetooth system. So if you are not able to connect the headphone output to the Voiis box because others need to listen to the speakers, a separate amplifier is needed.

Would you like to see the circuit and picture of my amplifier?

[Gilbert]

billl, Yes please I would like to be able to build your amplifier for myself.

Thanks,
Gilbert

[jgirardi]

This is very strange. I am having the exact opposite problem. I hooked up a Motorola DC800 Gateway directly to the RCA jacks in the TV and the sound is way too LOUD for me. This may be because I had my audiologist specifically boost the gain for Bluetooth. They are very comfortable when I use my cell phone, but when I use the TV, it's too loud.

Do you think I could do the opposite using the amplifier, that is lower the volume a little.

[billl]

I think that connecting a headphone amplifier (with a volume control) between the TV audio outputs (left and right) and the bluetooth transmitter is a good solution. The Behringer MA400 would be something I would try. $30 at Amazon.

[rokketman711]

I will be receiving new Phonak Naida IX's next week with the iCom, and I'm extremely excited to use the Bluetooth feature with the phone and TV/Stereo. I have been researching Bluetooth streamers and have decided on the VOIIS with doubts because of the low volume output due to weak line levels from sources. Billl, I would like to see what your solution was to this. I have also just found this http://www.htd.com/speaker-cables-accessories/line-level-gain-boosters/LGB-1 which seems to be a viable and relatively inexpensive solution.

[billl]

Sure looks like the LGB-1 will work as a line level amplifier for the Voiis. Take a look at the Behringer headphone amplifier http://www.amazon.com/Behringer-Micromon-MA400-Headphone-Amplifier/dp/B000H2D89G It has a single volume control, which I think is easier and quicker than the two screw-driver controls on the LGB-1; and the Behringer is less expensive.

[chuck10]

I'd be interested in seeing your setup. I went the LCD TV (Philips) with built-in earphone jack. This is in my personal TV room....so only I have to hear. I use the monaural FM and stereo BT depending on what I am watching and feel like hearing.
yes would like to build one myself Please send schematic and picture to cebcv@comcast.net

[dnglobal]

Yes, the headphone jacks are a perfect source because you can adjust the signal level coming out. But plugging into most headphone jacks causes the speakers to be muted. That's OK if no one needs to hear the sound from the speaker.

I did use the headphone jacks on my TV which gave me signals that could drive the Voiis. However, I noticed that I could also hear the speakers as well as the bluetooth signals coming in via the Voiis and the iCom. The speakers' sound was delayed and because I could hear the sound from two sources the delay made listening quite difficult. So that's why designed my own amplifier.

Since then I have learned that my audiologist could attenuate the incoming sound from the hearing aid microphones relative to the bluetooth sound level. The incoming ambient sound level was reduced and that improved things greatly. Now I hear only bluetooth signal and not the speakers (delayed) as well.

But I should mention that the important issue is to give the Voiis or other bluetooth stereo transmitter a strong signal so that one is using the full dynamic range of the bluetooth system. So if you are not able to connect the headphone output to the Voiis box because others need to listen to the speakers, a separate amplifier is needed.

Would you like to see the circuit and picture of my amplifier?
have just joined this forum and found your posted message. really appreciate it, since I have been struggle with the icom, Voiis and TV ..... discovering the same things as others in this forum. the audiologist has been little help. Am now using the headphone jack on the TV rather than the audio attachments .... which allows me to adjust the volume .... but also want other to be able to hear the sound .... so guess the amplifier is the answer. would appreciate any futher info you could provide about this.

[dnglobal]

have just joined this forum and found your posted message. really appreciate it, since I have been struggle with the icom, Voiis and TV ..... discovering the same things as others in this forum. the audiologist has been little help. Am now using the headphone jack on the TV rather than the audio attachments .... which allows me to adjust the volume .... but also want other to be able to hear the sound .... so guess the amplifier is the answer. would appreciate any futher info you could provide about this.
further to my earlier message - definitely using the headphone jack on a stereo receiver is the best way to go .... I easily control the amplified volume and others can continue to hear the volume from the TV set. Very simple to transfer the Voiis equipment from one TV amplifier to another ... so don't have to get two Voiis items.

[IRV FENTON]

i think that connecting a headphone amplifier (with a volume control) between the tv audio outputs (left and right) and the bluetooth transmitter is a good solution. The behringer ma400 would be something i would try. $30 at amazon.
i hooked up the ma400 using a 1/4 to 1/8 adaptor into the monitor input.and it works but none of the controlls work and i could use a drop more volume. Am i hooking it up wrong? How would i conect the 1/8 plug form the tv into any of the other inputs?

[IRV FENTON]

sure looks like the lgb-1 will work as a line level amplifier for the voiis. Take a look at the behringer headphone amplifier http://www.amazon.com/behringer-micromon-ma400-headphone-amplifier/dp/b000h2d89g it has a single volume control, which i think is easier and quicker than the two screw-driver controls on the lgb-1; and the behringer is less expensive.
i hooked it up using a 1/4 plug to 1/8 into the monita plug and the 1/8 out to the bluetooth. None of the controlls work. What am i doing wrong?
irv.fenton@verizon.net

[Ron2506]

I'd be interested in seeing your setup. I went the LCD TV (Philips) with built-in earphone jack. This is in my personal TV room....so only I have to hear. I use the monaural FM and stereo BT depending on what I am watching and feel like hearing.
I have the same problem with the phonac hearing aids and the volis. I had two different television technicians try various ways of hooking the system up, but to no avail. They even tried going through my strereo system to the volis. The only result was that when the volis kicked in, the volume went up a notch but not directly into the hearing aids. I don't know much about electronics so i am wondering if you could give me some guidance pertaining to the amplifier you suggested?

[Ron2506]

I use an iCom. And I have a Voiis Bluetooth Stereo Transmitter, which is connected to my sound system. It brings in audio signals for TV, DVD, CD, tuner, etc. I selected stereo output jacks from the sound system whose level is NOT effected by the volume control, which adjusts the sound level to the speakers.

When I first hooked things up and "paired" the iCom to the Voiis, I could hear the TV audio; however , the volume level was much to low. The arrangement was unacceptable.

I tried a Sony Bluetooth Stereo Transmitter and one with the GE name on it, the 99004. These two units suffered from the same problem. Not loud enough!

I tried manually increasing the volume on my Phonak hearing aids; and that did help. But it was still not loud enough.

Here is the problem: All three bluetooth stereo transmitters needed signal levels that are higher than my sound system presents at the output jacks. I tried other audio outputs directly from my TV set and from my DVD. Same issue. These "line-level" outputs are just not loud enough.

The ideal solution would have been for Voiis, GE and Sony to have placed a volume control on their transmitters and included an LED overload indicator so a user could adjust the level control to make full use of the bluetooth dynamic range. That solution would allow the iCom to operate with optimum performance.

A solution which I implemented was to insert a small (about the size of a small matchbox) amplifier, with a volume control, between my sound system and the Voiis unit.

One member of this forum inserted a boombox between his sound system and the Voiis unit. I suspect he used the headphone output of the boombox. That's the same idea as my amplifier. It just takes up more room.

Either solution works well. And what a tremendous improvement it has been for my TV listening.

If anyone is interested in my amplifier, I would be glad to email the schematic and a picture of what I designed.
can you send me the schematic of your amplifier, or can i purchase one at say Best Buy or The Source?

[Rand]

I guess I am really confused. Phonak could easily update the firmware in the hearing aids to provide volume control while using the Voiss. The Voiss should simply be a source like someone talking to you and should not control the volume of the hearing aids. The inconvenience is a poor selling point.

[BlueSumos]

From Phonak's website:
The Phonak TVLink at a glance
StereoSound makes mono wireless transmission a relict of the past
TV to hearing system in the blink of an eye – an amazingly short transmission delay ensures listening pleasure even for open fittings
The transmission range of up to 30 meters allows freedom of movement without line of sight
Plug and play - easy one-step set-up in 60 seconds
Easy volume adjustments via the Phonak TVLink basestation
The basestation doubles as a charging cradle for the iCom - one power supply for two devices
I don't have one yet...waiting for my audi to let me know when it's available.

[Kyaniet]

My audi has ordered the Phonak TVLink for me. I will let you know about my experience as soon as I have it installed and tried

[mech29]

Bill I would like a copy of the amp you built,I have the same volume problem with my sony.
thanks e-mail cstemple@pacifier.com

[Dutchy84]

Did anyone try the scart connection??
Because I see most posts talking about audio jacks and stuff, but I got a scart connector (or something) from my audi and it works perfect!

I only use the white cable with the 2 audio plugs, 1 plug goes into the scart connector and 1 into the Voiis. Then I connect the Voiis with my Icom and it was all done in a second!!!
The volume level is normal, same when I listen to my mp3 by bluetooth. And I checked the delay, but that's really minimal, I expected much worse after I read your posts.

So maybe this is a better solution?? I only need to check if the TV sound is muted when I'm connected, because it's hard to find out if you are alone haha.

I'm gonna try this 2 weeks and then the TVLink of Phonak if that's available.

[BlueSumos]

I've "heard" the TVLink is available...in some locations. My audi hasn't gotten any yet for me to try. A poster on another forum says that it, the TVLink, worked great for him/her.

[Kyaniet]

I promised to share my experience with the TVLink from Phonak.

I'v been using it for 1 week now and it works really ok. The connection with the icom is made within a few seconds after I've turned the TVLink on. It has 3 buttons, 1 on/off and 2 for volume up and down. The volume can be changed in small steps so most people should be able to get the audio as loud as he wants it to be.

Today I received an external bluetooth adapter (the Flaircomm btav101) and of course I compared this dongle with the TVLink. Both sounded ok but the Phonak adapter clearly wins when it's about understanding of speech. I can understand almost every word.

There is one thing I miss though. I have the TVLink connected to a scart port and therefore I can't change the volume using the remote control of the tv. So I have to stand up from my chair to change the volume using the buttons I previously mentioned. It would be easier if the volume could be changed on the icom itself just like the good old Sennheiser infra red.

To me that Sennheiser is still the best when it comes to the quality of the sound since this device doesn't use the hearing aids. But TVLink on the other hand makes it possible to listen to the tv and still being able to hear the telephone or the doorbell

So from now on I will use the Phonak TVLink to understand speech, the Flaircomm for my laptop and when visiting people who are watching tv (too bad the TVLink isn't chargeable, that makes two things I miss) and the Sennheiser when I'm alone and want to enjoy music or other special kinds of audio like sound effects from a movie.

Hope my story is usefull for you.

[BlueSumos]

Kyaniet, thanks for sharing. I'm still waiting for my audi to get the TVLink so I can try it out. I have an adjustment appt with her next week...maybe she'll have one by then.

[Kyaniet]

You're welcome BlueSumos :)

A follow up of my previous post:

I couldn't understand why the TVLink by Phonak was better in terms of understanding of speech than the bluetooth external adapter since both act the same. I took a test and connected the dongle to the scart port (just as I did with the TVLink) The sound I got now was similar to that of the TVLink. Only difference is that I can get more loudness when using the TVLink.

Today I saw my audi again and made a comment of the audio sounding a bit cold, especially noticeable with male voices. So she added some more lower frequencies. Now it sounds better but understanding of what's being said has diminished and that's what I consider as most important. Next time I see her I will ask to adjust my HA's like they were before.

Too bad fully sounding audio and optimal understanding of speech never go together. :) Something we have to live with..

[gekko]

Have tried the TVLink and for me its no good
The problem is the audio delay through bluetooth
The (delayed) sound from the aids combines with the sound from the TVs speaker and its sounds wierd, very very disturbing echo

[Clive]

Hi Bill, I have new phonak aids with bluetooth, Icom and Voiss TV transmitter. I an experiencing exactly the same problem as you did with the volume of signal received from the TV. Bluetooth works really well with my mobile phone so I know the Icom is ok. I would appreciate a schematic and circuit diagram of the line level amp you built and can get one of my colleagues at work to build it for me. Many thanks.
Regards
Clive
Verwood, Dorset, UK