Hands On VRS (HOVRS) was the first, and remains the only, Video Relay Service (VRS) that offers a true Video Relay solution on the Mac. Their VRS solution is in line with Apple’s philosophy: offering a product of the best quality with an intuitive and easy-to-use user interface. They have embedded VRS within the arguably most prevalent communication tool in the deaf community, AOL Instant Messenger™.
To use HOVRS on iChat, it helps to think of hovrsIM as a new friend that you’ve just met:
And getting connected is that simple, really. Sorry to disappoint those out there who thought it was going to be more complicated. Here’s a video clip that shows you how to add hovrsIM to your iChat AV buddylist.
A video screen with the Video Interpeter (VI) will appear and you’ll be able to make your Video Relay call. And for the still-skeptical Mac users out there who are asking, “Why HOVRS?†Yes, users of Video Relay Services are overwhelmed with options—but the answer is right before your eyes within the video screen: HOVRS has the best VIs in the industry. Those who try HOVRS never go back to another provider.
HOVRS also provides Spanish-language service over hovrsIM. Instead of typing “helloâ€, just type “hola†instead. For those who prefer to use their TV, just dial hovrs.TV. PC users can connect through the program VideoSign 2.5.
Best of all, deaf Mac users can access a feature on their computers that they claim as their own.
May 9, 2007You forgot another possible step towards HOVRS’ VRS accessibility: the hovrsWidget.
It’s another way for deaf Mac users to instantly contact a VI with a phone number right from the Dashboard.
Gotta love HOVRS. :P
May 9, 2007Right on, Melvin! I completely agree with him! HOVRS has been excellent with its service.
One time, I was traveling with my wife up to New England area and we wanted to find a hotel nearby. I parked my car right next to a Starbucks, pulled out my macbook and called few hotels with HOVRS in MY CAR! If it wasn’t for HOVRS, I’d be stuck with AIM text message which would be too hassle and time consuming.
Not to mention, I love HOVRS interpreters! They are friendly and made me feel comfortable being myself during the VRS call.
HOVRS +  = Effective VRS! :-D
May 10, 2007How funny it’s for me to see one of my former college interpreters (last picture) in this post! I just came over to look up info on HOVRS on my three macs, two at home, one at work, after two friends of mine told me they work for HOVRS now.
May 21, 2007Hey, I’m a hearie but want to stay in touch with my Gally friends by VP. I’ve never had a VP before, but now I’m trying to find the best option.
I have a powerbook G4 laptop, DSL with wireless router, and a friend gave me her old isight camera. (I think isignt needs to be charged and/or I need to install software, but I’ll get it working soon). Is it possible to use my powerbook and isight to call VP numbers? For example, if a person or business lists a 10-digit VP phone number like (888)555-1234, could I call it from my laptop? Or do I need a regular VP for that, like the kind you put on top of a TV?
Also, I heard that VP users can only call VPs that are the same equipment as theirs (for exmaple: D-Links can only call D-Links, Sorensons can only call Sorensons). Is this still true? I’m taling about VP-to-VP calls, not VRS.
Thanks in advance for your help!
May 22, 2007try x-meeting–this doesnt convenience me enough to have a clear screen, but i call this “better than nothing…” :) you could use x meeting and call your friends if they have VP (d link or sorenson) it just doesnt matter , but it works OK.
Aug 18, 2009Any one have problems with Xmeeting’s screen smooshing everything? can’t seem to get it to be the same size my isight camera is when turning this on. Also, xmeeting is only way to use MacBook and call other VP users?
Thanks for any help/suggestions!
Sorry, comments are closed.
4:49 am
Hands on VRS is “THE” only VRS provider that met my personal and professional needs.
In early 2004, Videophone became popular in our Deaf Community but I came in and out of my home a lot. I disliked the fact that I can’t take VideoPhone out with me anywhere anytiime. It was pretty frustrated for me. I was not willing to tell my hearing colleagues that I need to go home in order to call someone via VRS. What is that?
I learned that HOVRS is a Mac friendly company and I gave it a try. It was so rich when I saw how extremely friendly VIs were. At first they were about 15 of them (VI #124 above is one of them) and then I knew them all. Every time they answer or right before I hang up, I always say HELLO, my friend!!!!!! or THANK YOU FOR ALLOWING ME to use the ‘AWESOME’ VRS!. (As of today, look at HOVRS… many many new faces and most of them are still smiling. (No kidding)).
I took my powerbook with iSight everywhere anytime and I made several calls thru HOVRS. Wait… Stop think for a minute. O-U-T-S-I-D-E between your home and meeting place….. YOU can call someone through HOVRS right there. I did at starbucks. Do you drink coffee? Try HOVRS at any Starbucks with WIFI. You like read books at the library? Try HOVRS over there. Free Wifi sites, try HOVRS. There, there, there, TRY HOVRS and check on HOVRS again.
Eventually HOVRS offered a free HOVRS’ widget for MacOS X dashboard, free HOVRS Mail, oh my! Free Voice to Video (either your AIM account or VP at home), Free International Call, Free Spanish Service, and HOVRS became 24 hours service…… Man!! I love it! Wait… wait.. oh.. HOVRS offers another free Vital Sign in DVD from Mosdeux! … Hey, HOVRS, what else?
Whew! Now, my friends… tell me, what is it that you lose? If HOVRS wows you already, go and say hello to one of HOVRS’ wonderful VIs! :-)
Hey HOVRS, you are the best!