nVideon Tel-Lynx Connexion Personal Telephone Assistant

Promising but ultimately disappointing. Purchased the unit based on its glowing description and proceeded to initialize it following the fairly complex but thorough instructions. It does screen calls as advertised, but the first-time access procedure is fairly onerous so I wanted to import my rather large telephone contact list - either from my MacBook Pro or from my iPhone. Unfortunately there's no software available for Mac OS X and no software available for the iPhone. So back it goes until such time that it supports Mac users. Too bad.

I read the Amazon reviews and the positive responses swayed me towards Tel-Lynx TLC model. Some of the features I was looking for (the White book, Do Not Disturb scheduling, & PC editing of phone book). Some of these issues were lightly covered but no warning given. I will summarize some of my observations: ==> PC connection issues with Unit: There is no PC or MAC graphical interface (GUI) software to allow one, via the PC, to easily communicate with base unit to make schedule or Phone book changes. The current version of software runs a batch file that open a DOS window and one has to remember import and/or export commands. It was not an efficient way for the PC to edit the phonebook or communicate with the device. ==> AC Power drop out Issue: The unit does not have or offer a battery backup to the clock circuitry. Other reviewers mentioned it, but I thought the internal clock would just hold the last time settings until power was restored. The "DO NOT DISTURB" schedule requires the clocking to be accurate. AC power dropout happened when I was sleeping and I did not know why I started receiving calls. ==> PC Driver issue affecting Sound: The unit purchased did not come with its' PC or MAC software drivers or the installer. For the program to work, one has to let their PC go to Microsoft to install the current driver best suited. One Problem; The Microsoft installed driver disabled my PC audio from working and no audio would come from my speakers. Tel-Lynx is aware of the issue but offered no simple fix. I eventually disconnect my computer from the unit so I could do my video editing work. ==> Distinctive Ring Pattern: There is no column or field in the phone book list to designate a pattern to certain individuals.MY current telephone provider uses the NOMOROBO black list so implementation of the White list or "Do Not Disturb solves the last of the local political calls. Note, there are work around to the Tel-Lynx problems, but after paying $250 and I now realize I would have less issues if I purchased the cheaper $75 unit.

I have tried several devices in the past. The blocking feature on my Panasonic Phone was effective until telemarketers and robocalls started changing their numbers with every call they made which filled up the 30 number limit. Now, with the TLC, it brings great joy when I see the "Caller ID" on my TV screen flash, yet the phone doesn't ring.The device is VERY advanced and keeps getting better as far as functionality and even after using it for 6 months, I keep learning new things it does or can do. As it stands right now, the only GUI type interface is with a connected Android phone using their app. It doesn't have all of the capabilities programmed in, but pretty much all the ones you would normally want to change.Pros:It has been 100% effective in blocking robocalls and telemarketersIt is easy for the basic setup to get it workingWorks even if you don't have Caller IDYou can import your address book to automatically allow people you know to get through right awayBuilt in voicemail that can be setup for multiple peopleIt can work with up to 2 cell phones **Caveat below**Support is GREAT!Cons:-The instruction manual can be overwhelming. Some of this can be alleviated if you have an android phone connected.-It isn't working 100% with iPhone yet. The only breakdown is when a new caller calls your iPhone, your phone will ring once they have gone through theirs steps, but your next step is to press a number to accept or deny the call. For some reason, apple won't let your key presses be transmitted, so you can't continue. Chris is working to try to get this to work. Everything else works fine though.I also tried a Sentry call blocker that worked alright, but it had a few features that didn't work for me. 1) You had to manually input any numbers you wanted white listed. 2) It used only one number for the caller to press to show they weren't a robocaller, which I believe some of them caught on to since I could see they white listed themselves on the device. 3) It didn't have any of the advanced features of the TLC.

Mac and iPhone users will not be able to update the firmware unless you have a Windows PC laying around. There is no app for iPhone or Mac as there is for Android. iPhone users will not be able to import contacts reliably. I tested the qualification process on my brother. It took him 3 tries to get through. It asks more than typing a random number: name and affiliation with delays. There is no way I could find or support could tell me how to abbreviate the qualification process for those not in the phone book. I don’t know how this works for Android and Windows users.