TTY to VoiceVoice Carry-OverHearing Carry-OverSpeech to SpeechV-A Speech to SpeechEmail Pre-Call SetupInternet RelayVCO to VCOVCO to TTYHearing ImpairedAmeriphoneVideo Relay Service (VRS)Access RequirementsInstalling SkypeFAQs
FAQs
How does it work?>Video Relay Service (VRS)>FAQs
Your Questions (FAQs):
Can I use VRS for 111 Emergency Calls?
We strongly encourage you to dial the Emergency Call Centre on 111 or on your TTY: 0800 16 16 16 to receive prompt and faster emergency services. However, if a VRS emergency call reaches the Video Interpreter, the VI will do whatever is necessary to quickly handle the call and pass on relevant information to the emergency service. We recommend that you verify your address including the city so that the VRS emergency call can be processed quicker. Please be aware that VRS emergency calls may take longer then dialling 111 directly or 0800 16 16 16.
In an emergency, please contact Emergency Services directly on:
In an emergency, please contact Emergency Services directly on:
- Deaf Emergency Fax 0800 16 16 10
- Deaf Emergency TTY 0800 16 16 16
Can I use this service for NZSL Interpreting?
No. The Video Relay Service (VRS) is a telephone relay service to provide communication between a person who is Deaf or hearing impaired and uses sign language to communicate with a hearing caller.
Is this service free?
Yes, this service is provided and funded by the government.
Is there a time limit for each calls?
No, provided that the calls are within the allowed hours as seen on the right. However, we would like to ask you to try and limit your calls to 20 minutes. This will allow other callers the opportunity to access VRS.
Who can I call?
Currently only to NZ Residents.
Can I use this service to call another Deaf person, who has video equipment?
No, you may not use VRS to call directly to another deaf person using sign language. In this situation, you would call the person directly on video, not through VRS. But, you can still call a Deaf person directly if they have downloaded the VRS software.
Can I make a VCO call with VRS?
Yes you can!. Contact the NZ Relay Helpdesk for more information in setting this up for you.
Are the Interpreters qualified?
Yes, we have professionally-trained and qualified interpreters in order to provide quality video interpreting services. Our service has a pool of skilled interpreters.
How do I access NZ Relay VRS through D-Link or other video equipment?
Here's another way to access NZ Relay VRS by simply using a TV, high speed internet access and a D-Link DVC 1000, Grandstream, Vid-Tel, i-2-eye video phone or other videophone equipment. Please contact the NZ Relay Helpdesk for more information in setting this up for you.
Is there a wait time to use this service?
One of the reasons we ask to limit calls to 20 minutes is to keep from accumulating a wait time. If you try to connect to a VRS interpreter using NZVRS01 and it is busy as indicated by the red icon next to their screen name, you can initiate a video call with NZVRS02 or NZVRS03 instead.
How do I know if the VRS interpreter is available on Skype?
Next to the VRS screen name, there will be either a red or a green icon. Green indicates that the interpreter is available to take calls whereas red means they are busy. - See below:
Can I use a pre-paid calling card?
Yes you can! We have identified 3 pre-paid calling cards that have been confirmed to work with Skype as long as there is a local access number. They are:
- Go Call (www.gocall.co.nz)
- Easy Call (www.easycall.co.nz)
- Kia Ora Card (www.compassphonecards.co.nz)
Resources:
Rules & Tips for using VRS
Added on Sat, 15 May 2010Configuring X-Lite Beta 4
Added on Fri, 18 Mar 2011