Far-end echo occurs when making a call using a BlackBerry and a Bluetooth headset

[BESadmin]

Far-end echo occurs when making a call using a BlackBerry smartphone and a Bluetooth headset or car kit

Doc ID : KB05389
Last Modified : 2007-09-18
Document Type : Support

Environment

• BlackBerry® 7130 Series
• BlackBerry® 7250 smartphone
• BlackBerry® 8703e smartphone
• Bluetooth® enabled car kit with echo cancellation technology
• Bluetooth enabled wireless headset with echo cancellation technology

Problem

When a phone call is made using a BlackBerry smartphone and a Bluetooth enabled headset or car kit, the audio path is disrupted. Because the audio path was disrupted, the person on the receiving end of the call experiences a far-end echo. The problem can occur during the same call or with subsequent calls.

Cause

The echo control option on the BlackBerry smartphone was disabled by disruption due to one of the following:

• The BlackBerry smartphone was moved out of range of the headset or car kit.
• Bluetooth technology is turned off on the BlackBerry smartphone.
• The battery on the Bluetooth headset is drained of power.
• The power on the Bluetooth headset or car kit is turned off.
• The audio path is switched manually from the headset or car kit to the BlackBerry smartphone (handset or wired headset).

Resolution

Note: If your headset or car kit has an embedded echo canceller, the far-end echo problem will stop once you switch the audio path back to the headset or car kit.

To resolve the issue, upgrade to BlackBerry® Device Software version 4.1.0.452 or later.

Note: To confirm which BlackBerry Device Software version you have installed on your BlackBerry smartphone, go to the Home screen and click Options > About.

Workaround

Enable the echo control option on the BlackBerry smartphone.

1. On the Home screen of the BlackBerry smartphone, click the Bluetooth icon or click Options > Bluetooth.
2. Make sure the BlackBerry smartphone is paired with the Bluetooth enabled headset or car kit.
3. On the Bluetooth screen, click the headset or car kit, then select Device Properties.
4. Set the Echo Control field to ON.
5. Click the trackwheel and select Save.

Additional Information

For a list of supported Bluetooth enabled headsets and car kits, see KB04009.

[am_bb8800]

I think your approach to listing these issues is great.

I have the same problem between my BT car kit (Sony Ericson) and 8800, the caller on the far end hears an echo of their voice. This happens on every call. The echo hasn't been a problem with any other BT phone only the BB

I don't have the option in the 8800 as you described in the workaround and I'm running the latest firmware from Telstra (4.2.1.101).

Would you have any other suggestions?

[BESadmin]

When you highlight the car kit in the Bluetooth screen and select "Device Properties" what options can you see?

[am_bb8800]

Yes I was misstaken, I had that option and set it to "ON". The problem is still there and by the way its a Nokia BT car kit.

[GaryCutri]

Originally Posted by am_bb8800

Yes I was misstaken, I had that option and set it to "ON". The problem is still there and by the way its a Nokia BT car kit.

Most Nokia car kits have known issues with BlackBerry devices (such a severe echo) and it may not be possible to resolve this issue without changing the car kit. The best all round car kit is the Motorola HF850 (approx $395 installed) or the new HF1000 (unsure of price). I personally used the HF850 with my 8100, 8300 & 8800 and they worked 100%, even the voice dial button works from the Motorola remote. I will check with a few car kit installers and see if they know of any workarounds for this issue.

[am_bb8800]

Thanks Gary for your comments, much appreciated.

My wife has a SE car kit which I'll test over the weekend, if it works I'll swap them over.