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Commonly Asked Questions FAQ


How do I change my Account information?

You can change your account information from your Account Management Page.
Follow these steps to get to your page:
1) Launch and log into SightSpeed.
2) Click on My Account from the menu bar and choose Account Information.
3) This will open a browser window to your account Management page.



What if I forget my password?

1) Click on the "Forgot Your Password?" link on the SightSpeed login to have a temporary password emailed to you.
2) Use this password to log into SightSpeed. This password is only valid for 48 hours.
3) Then click on My Account from the menu bar and choose Account Information to edit your password.

4) Click "edit" next to password and complete the current and new password fields. Use the temporary password as your current password. Then click "save".



How do I change my password?

You can change your password at any time by going to your Account Management page. Here are the steps:
1) Launch and log into SightSpeed.
2) Click on Actions from the menu bar and choose My Info.
3) Click on the Account Information then click Password.
4) Complete the current and new password fields and click “save”.



How do I change my email address?

To change your email address, follow these steps:
1) Login to SightSpeed using your current email and password.
2) Click on My Account from the menu bar then choose Account Information
3) Click on "edit" next to Email Address
4) Enter your new email (twice) and click Save.



How do I change my Display Name?

To change your Display Name follow these steps:
1) Launch and login to SightSpeed.
2) Click on My Account from the menu bar then choose Account Information.
3) Click on the "edit" button next to Personal Profile.
4) Change your Display Name.
5) Click Save.



How do I place a video or voice call?

Once you have downloaded SightSpeed, it’s easy to make a video call!
1) After logging in, take a look at your contact list on the right of the video window.
2) The green dot next to a contact means they’re online and available to accept calls.
3) Click on the video (looks like a video camera) or voice (looks like a phone) call icon next to the available contact’s name. You will hear it start to ring just like a regular phone call!
4) Once the contact responds you’ve just successful made a video or voice call.

Note: If no one answers you can leave a video message for them.



How do I receive a video or voice call?

1) When someone is trying to call you through SightSpeed, a dialog box will appear on screen.
2) The box will show the number you’re being called from (if available) or the person's Display Name, as well as an Answer and Ignore option.
3) To accept the call click “Answer” to ignore the call click “Ignore”.



How do I use the Click to Call Feature?

 

SightSpeed allows you to call anyone even those without a SightSpeed account by using the "Click to call" feature.  Simply send the other party a the click to Call link (you'll find yours in your My SightSpeed section under My Account>Account Information menu) or place it on your website, email signature, or blog and have them follow these instructions

 

1. Click the on the “Click to Call” link or button you received

http://www.sightspeed.com/images/faq/UsingSSConsumer/SSConHowdo/Click_2_Call/click%20to%20call1.jpg   

 

 

http://www.sightspeed.com/images/faq/UsingSSConsumer/SSConHowdo/Click_2_Call/click%20to%20call2.jpg

 

2. A browser window will open stating that the plugin is installing.  (Actually is it accessing the components for Active X installation.  This is the beginning of the plug in installation process and may take a few minutes)

 

http://www.sightspeed.com/images/faq/UsingSSConsumer/SSConHowdo/Click_2_Call/click%20to%20call3.jpg


3. Next you will probably be prompted to allow the “Active X” plug in installation as many browsers by default require authorization to install. It often appears as a yellow bar at the top of your browser window.  Active X is a commonly used set of web technologies developed by Microsoft for sharing information among different applications.  To find out more click here

 

http://www.sightspeed.com/images/faq/UsingSSConsumer/SSConHowdo/Click_2_Call/click%20to%20call4.jpg

 

4. Once you allow the Active X plug-in to install, the page will refresh with the previous plugin message on screen.  Don’t be alarmed. This is what it is supposed to do. It may take a few minutes to do so.

 

http://www.sightspeed.com/images/faq/UsingSSConsumer/SSConHowdo/Click_2_Call/click%20to%20call5.jpg
 

5. Next a dialog box will pop up on screen asking you to install  SightSpeed 6.0.   Click Install.

 

 http://www.sightspeed.com/images/faq/UsingSSConsumer/SSConHowdo/Click_2_Call/click%20to%20call6.jpg

 

6.  Once the components install the party you’re calling will hear their SightSpeed interface ring and tell them they are receiving a call from a web user and that’s it!
7. You’ll see and hear both yourself and the other party on screen on screen and you begin you video chat.

 

 http://www.sightspeed.com/images/faq/UsingSSConsumer/SSConHowdo/Click_2_Call/click%20to%20call7.jpg

 

Note -You only have to go through this process once to set up your initial SightSpeed settings for web calls.


 



How do I add a contact?

Adding or inviting contacts to your contact list is easy.
1) Launch and login to SightSpeed.
2) Click the Contacts tab.
3) Enter the email addresses of the contacts you want to add and click submit.

If the email address is registered with SightSpeed, your contact will be added and their status dot should be either green if they are online or blue if they are offline.
If the email address is not yet registered with SightSpeed, they will receive an invitation to join and their status dot will be grey until they register.



Can I make out going calls to telephone numbers?

Yes! With SightSpeed’s Phone-Out feature! The Phone-Out feature allows you to call telephones in most places around the world. You can make International calls at low rates. You simply need to buy Phone-Out Credits that serves as a balance when you make calls.



Can I receive international calls with my Phone In number?

Yes! Your Phone In number works just like any standard number when receiving calls.

 



Can I contact non-SightSpeed users?

Yes! My SightSpeed allows you to have a video call with anyone, even if they aren’t SightSpeed users. Every SightSpeed member has a personal SightSpeed web address. Just have the other person type your My SightSpeed web address into their Internet Explorer browser and moments later they will see and hear you at full SightSpeed quality right in their browser window!



What is the maximum number of people I can conference with at one time?

With the SightSpeed PLUS Plan, you can make a multi-party conference call with up to 4 people at one time. The other users you call can be on the free plan and still participate. The difference is that the user with the PLUS Plan can initiate the Multi-Party call.



Does SightSpeed support desktop sharing?

Currently SightSpeed does not support desktop sharing. We do offer an excellent file sharing feature in our SightSpeed Business Plan.



Can I have more than one SightSpeed account?

Absolutely!  We understand that at times is helpful to have more than one account so just sign up again if you need to with a different email address.  Additional software download is not required unless you intend to use the second account at a second computer.



Can I have more than one SightSpeed account running at the same time on one desktop?

No, only one account can be a used on a system at a time.



Can I have the same SightSpeed account running on different desktops?

No. You can only be logged onto your SightSpeed account on one computer at a time.



Is there a time limit on Video calls, Voice (Phone) or PC-to-PC Calls?

No, however Phone out calls are limited to your phone out account balance.



How do I cancel my account?

While we’d hate to see you go, you can contact us here to cancel.



How do I uninstall SightSpeed?

SightSpeed is non-intrusive so you can easily go to the Add/Remove Programs section of your system control panel to uninstall.



Is there a limit to the number of contacts I can have?

None at all! In fact, we welcome you to invite all you friends, family and associates to join.



Does SightSpeed have parental controls?

Yes.  SightSpeed believes that security is of the utmost importance.  To this end we have created parental controls to password-protect access to the SightSpeed Community.

1) Launch and login to SightSpeed.
2) Click on My Account from the menu bar then choose Parental Controls.
3) You can edit and/or set the parental key by clicking "edit" next to Parental Key.



Can I block a SightSpeed user from contacting me?

Yes. SightSpeed’s Parental Controls include blocking contacts to prevent incoming and outgoing calls with a particular user.



How do I join the SightSpeed community?

To join the SightSpeed Community:
1) Launch and log into SightSpeed.
2) Click the Video & Voice Calls tab. 
3) Click the Community mini-tab, and list yourself in the Community by creating a community profile. 
For privacy reasons, we recommend not using your name.  After you’ve completed the process, you can browse the community for various users.



How do I find out information about a contact’s phone number, location, or personal info?

For privacy reasons, personal information, phone number, and location are not visible to other users.



Is there SightSpeed community forum?

 Yes: www.sightspeedforums.com



How do I Check my voice/video mail?

Follow these steps:
1) Launch and log into SightSpeed.
2) Click the Inbox tab.
3) Missed calls, voice and video mails will be listed there in most recent order.



How do I delete my voice/video mail?

Follow these steps:
1) Launch and log into SightSpeed.
2) Click the Inbox tab.
3) Then mouse over the one you wish to delete.
4) Then click the X button.



How do I Set up my voice mail?

Users who have a Phone-In number can personalize their greeting for those who call and leave a voicemail.
Follow these steps:
1) Launch and log into SightSpeed and click the "Contacts" tab.
2) Next, click on the "Record a Greeting" link (only visible to those who have bought a Phone In number).
3) Click the "Record" button, then record your greeting.
4) When you are finished, click "Stop", then click "Preview" to hear it.
5) If you like what you’ve recorded click the "Save" button, otherwise, record it again until you're satisfied with the message.



How do I set up my blog page?

While SightSpeed does not provide WebPages for blogs, your videos can be embedded into a webpage, blog, or vlog.  Just be sure to check the box “Send me a link and embed code for this video” in Step 3 when creating a video.



How do I set my display picture?

1) Launch and log into SightSpeed.
2) Click on the Contacts tab.
3) Click on the My Display Picture sub-tab.
4) Frame yourself on the screen, and click the Capture Picture button.
5) If you are satisfied with the results, click the save button.



Does the other party need a camera if I want them to see something?

Not at all. If they do have SightSpeed, but do not have a camera, they will be able to see you and hear you. If they have a microphone you will be able to hear them.



If I have the PLUS plan, do the users I’m calling need to be PLUS subscribers to participate?

No. They can be free SightSpeed subscribers and still be able to participate.  Only you, however, will be capable of initiating the conference call.



How do I record a Video Mail?

Please see: How do I create a video mail?



General Install Prep Tips

 

Below are a few things we recommend before downloading and installing SightSpeed. These tips will ensure that you have a smooth and easy download and installation process.

 

•    Check to see if your computer meets the Minimum System Requirements.
Even if you have a new computer, checking for any updated audio and video card drivers at manufacturers website can be helpful and sometimes required

•    Make sure your camera software and drivers are properly installed and up to date.

•    Make sure that there are no other programs running that use your camera when installing SightSpeed. This includes your camera’s software, MSN Live Messenger, Yahoo Messenger, iChat and any other messenger program.  Often these programs hold the camera’s permissions preventing SightSpeed from using or even detecting your webcam.

•    Double check that all your necessary devices are plugged in properly and operative.

•    Last but not least, follow the installation carefully. SightSpeed will take you step by step through the initial set up for your camera, microphone, speakers, and internet connection.   It will be a snap!

 



How do I record a call?

 

1) While in a call/conference, look underneath the video window for the Call Controls.  You’ll see a button labeled Record Call.  Press this button to start recording (The Record button will then change to Stop Recording).
   *Note - The other party will receive a text notification denoting that “Call Recording has started.” 
2) When you are finished recording, click the Stop Recording button.  The other party will receive a text notification of this as well.
3) You can retrieve the call you’ve recorded from the Call Exporter.



I recorded a call but where did it go?

 

Recordings are automatically saved to your local system but must be retrieved and configured for export with the SightSpeed Call Exporter found in your Actions menu.



How do I block a contact?

Please see: How Do I block a user? 



What do the icons/buttons next my Contacts mean?

When you mouse over a contact, you may see up to four buttons with the following descriptions:
1. Start a video and voice call (computer-to-computer video conference)
2. Start a voice call (computer-to-computer voice-only call – no video)
3. Record a video mail or blog (record and send the user a video mail)
4. Start a text chat (send the user a text message that will appear on their screen)



How do I contact support via Phone?

Live phone support is available for SightSpeed Business users via 800 number.



How do I contact support via Email?

Support inquiries and questions can be sent via this link

 



How do I contact support via Video mail?

Feel free to send us a video mail with your question.  Click the Video Mail and Blogs tab on the top of SightSpeed, and then record a video.  In the “Subject and Message fields” please explain your question and include as many details as possible, including (but not limited to) system information, software behavior, etc.



What are your recommendations for a Webcam?

 

SightSpeed supports more than 90% of webcams manufactured within the past 3 years.  The better your webcam, the better your outgoing video will be, and the better you’ll appear to friends and family!  Here’s a list of some we recommend.



What are your recommendations for a Microphone?

We recommend using a microphone in a headset, since the microphone is closer to your mouth, making your voice clearer and more understandable to those you communicate with.  Additionally, it virtually eliminates echo that callers would hear if you were not using a headset.  All this makes for the best audio experience possible!



What are your recommendations for a Headset?

 

Any headset will do – more expensive headsets may be more comfortable, but they may not necessarily produce better audio.
Here are some other tips when considering which headset to purchase.



What are your recommendations for a Speakerphone?

There are scant few speakerphones that function well and are relatively inexpensive, but one that we’ve found produces acceptable audio and echo reduction is the Clear One Chat 50



Where would I find a site map for the interface?

While not an actual map, here is a diagram of the Interface and it's controls.

 SightSpeed Consumer

 SightSpeed Business



How do I find out what version I’m using?

1) Open SightSpeed, and click the Help menu at the top. 
2) When you click “About SightSpeed”, a small window will open that will list the build (version) number. 
You can also check our website to find the latest build the here.



What is the Call Exporter?

The Call Exporter is SightSpeed’s proprietary media exporter software.  It allows you to save and edit video and voice media you have recorded. Access to the Call Exporter and record ability is available to PLUS members and above only.



What is SightSpeed TV (PTZ and TV controls)?

SightSpeedTV is a feature that gives users with a TV capture card on their PC or laptop the ability to view their home TV from anywhere in the world via their SightSpeed interface. The most noteworthy feature of SightSpeedTV (unlike many similar competitor solutions,) is that it requires no additional hardware and comes complete with an intuitive “remote control” interface, enabling true channel surfing — from anywhere.



What do I need to get started using SightSpeed Business?

 

Please visit our “SightSpeed Business Step by Step” section to get you started.



How do I contact technical support?

SightSpeed Business accounts have “Extended Live Priority Technical Support” which consists of the following:
1) Live 800 Phone Support
2) Live Video Call Support through your SightSpeed Contact list
3) 1 Business day turn around on all email inquiries
4) Prioritized response
5) Available from 6am - 6pm Pacific Standard Time
Contact your account administrator for your Live Support Access Code.  Note: Your support access may be restricted without the support access code.



How can I get it a new password or login info?

There is a Forgot Password link on the login page.  You can click there to be issued a temporary password.  Once you login you’ll need to change your password via the account information menu as the temporary password is only valid for 48 hours.   If you’ve forgotten your login email address contact SightSpeed Support.



Is there a minimum amount of seats required for SightSpeed Business?

No.  You can start with as few or as many as you need.



I’m new to SightSpeed Business, what do I do first?

Visit our SightSpeed Business - Step by Step instructions section to get started.



Can I conference with non-SightSpeed users?

Yes you can.   The Click to Call links allows non-SightSpeed users to click a link to initiate a call with you.



What payment options are available for SightSpeed Business?

Currently SightSpeed Business can be paid monthly or annually by Visa, MasterCard or American Express cards. *Note - Once selecting the annual or monthly payment option you will not be able to change this option.



Do you provide conferencing equipment such as webcams and headsets?

Yes, we do.   Contact SightSpeed support for more information.



How do I meet new people through SightSpeed?

Visit our popular SightSpeed Community and meet people from all over the world.



I’m new to SightSpeed Consumer, what do I do first?

Visit our SightSpeed Consumer - Step by Step instructions section here to get started.



How do I get my own Phone In or 800 number?

Click the “Phone Calling” link My Account menu of your SightSpeed Interface.  There you can purchase Phone In numbers and increase your Phone Out balance.



How do I call a regular phone number?

Please see: How do I place a Phone Out call?



Do you have a return policy?

Visit SightSpeed Return Policy




Inviting others to join SightSpeed


1. Sign into the SightSpeed interface

2. Click on the Contacts tab

3. Enter the email address of the party you’d like to invite

4. Once you enter the email address confirmation box will appear denoting whether or not they are currently a SightSpeed member.  

5. If not a member the following message will appear….
The following people were added to your contact list, but are not SightSpeed members. They have been sent an invitation to join SightSpeed

6. That’s all you need to do.

SightSpeed Business User Note -  The steps above adds the user to your own personal contact list.   To have users added to your business account contact your account administrator.



How do I update my Video Card Drivers?


XP

 

1. Go to your Control Panel (usually accessible via the Start Menu)
2. Select System
3. Select the Hardware tab
4. Select Device Manager
5. Select Display Adapter
6. Your video card will be listed here.   Use this information to go to the manufactures site and update your video card drivers.  then select “Display Settings”

 

Vista

 

1. Go to your Control Panel (usually accessible via the Start Menu)
2. Select System and Maintenance
3. Select Device Manager
4. Select Display Adapter
5. Your video card will be listed here.   Use this information to go to the manufactures site and update your video card drivers.  then select “Display Settings”

 

Mac

 

1. Click on the apple icon on the left side of the menu bar.
2. Select Software update.
3. If there is a software update available, it will be listed for you.
4. Click Install, and your update will begin.
5. If there is no software update available, your system is up to date.



Updating your credit card (Consumer)

 

1. Log into your account at the link below in order to update your credit card information.

https://secure.sightspeed.com/current/signin_index.php

2. Once logged in, click on "Billing Information",
3. Then click on "Credit Card" or "Edit".
4. Enter your new credit card information and click “Save”
5. Then click on "Billing Information" again to make sure the updated new card or expiration date is shown.

 



How do I upgrade from a free account to a Plus account?

Upgrading your current FREE service plan to PLUS is very simple. Just follow the steps below: 1) Login to SightSpeed 2) Click on My Account, then choose Summary 3) Click on Upgrade your service plan now 4) Follow the Account Upgrade steps, including your billing information, and complete your order

Video Mail Embed Code - Auto Play or No AutoPlay

 

 

Sightspeed sends a different version of your video mail embed code to your email than is displayed in the client.

The code sent in email auto plays when embedded

<embed src="https://app.sightspeed.com/video/6aedlr13vbi69gdxviiz9ayqtxqfqagv" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="320" height="260" ></embed>

 

The code displayed in the client (shown below), does not auto play

<embed src="https://app.sightspeed.com/inbox/blog/1324/8j3lrzygh6xa6mi5sjzf3w8kwru8mprx" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="320" height="260"></embed>

 

It’s also, import to remove all line breaks (no returns) from your embed code when pasting it to your site.  It should be one continuous line.

 



SightSpeed Personal Support Form 3

SightSpeed Personal Support Form

 




a Top 25 product - PC World, May 21, 2007 The Next Level of Video Conferencing – Financial Times, May 11, 2007 2007 IP Communication Services Company of the Year - Frost & Sullivan, November 2006