Our FAQ is a great place to learn more about Biscotti. If you don't see an answer to your question, please contact us.

 

How does Biscotti work?

The short answer is: magic. Biscotti uses some of the most advanced wireless and video technology available today to let you see and hear those who matter the most like they’re in the same room. To learn more, we recommend a Master’s Degree in Electrical Engineering.

 

Who can I call with Biscotti?

You can call all of your Biscotti and Google contacts on their laptop, mobile phone or, of course, their Biscotti.

 

How much does Biscotti cost?

The price to purchase Biscotti is $199. All calls are 100% free and there are no monthly fees.

 

Will Biscotti work anywhere in the world?

Yep, as long as you’ve got Wi-Fi connection you can use Biscotti.

 

Is Biscotti compatible with my cable or satellite box?

Biscotti is compatible with the most popular cable and satellite boxes, including but not limited to DirecTV, Comcast, Dish Network, Time Warner and Bell TV in Canada.

 

Does the person I want to call need to be using a Biscotti?

No. You can also call computers, tablets and smartphones that support Google voice and video. For the best TV-to-TV experience, we recommend both parties use Biscotti.

 

Are Biscotti video calls high-definition (HD)?

Yes. Biscotti is capable of making and receiving calls in true 720p high-definition video. Although Biscotti works at Wi-Fi uplink speeds as low as 256 Kbps, be sure your speed is 1 Mbps or above for a high-definition experience.

 

Do I need to leave my TV on to receive calls?

No. For the ultimate in convenience, you can set Biscotti to automatically turn on compatible TVs when you receive a call. If you don’t answer the call, it will even turn itself off automatically.

 

Do I have to stand close to Biscotti for people to hear me?

No. A long-range microphone is built in to Biscotti, so you can feel free to move about and speak as though you are in the same room with the other party.

 

If I am watching TV, how do I know if someone calls?

If you install Biscotti between your cable or satellite box and your TV, you can use Biscotti and receive calls while watching TV. When a call comes in, simply tap answer with the remote control.

 

How do people call me on my Biscotti?

Your Biscotti ID is like a phone number. You will select it during setup. Give it to your family and friends and they can invite you by entering it on their Biscotti, or sending you an invitation from their Google account; just tell them to send the invitation to <your Biscotti ID>@biscotti.com (e.g. linda@biscotti.com).

 

How do I know if the camera is on?

When the camera is on, you will see an amber light on Biscotti’s front panel.

 

What if someone calls, but I do not want to video call?

You’re in control of all calls. When a call comes in you can choose to answer with video, answer with audio only or ignore the call.

 

How do I control Biscotti?

Use the included six-button remote to control Biscotti. It’s so easy to use, you don’t even have to worry about turning it on or off.

 

What’s that yellow colored strip on the Biscotti remote control?

That is the Biscotti button (and one of our official colors).

 

How do I setup Biscotti?

For the best experience, use the included Mount Kit to adhere Biscotti to the top center of your TV. Be sure to use the cable ties to support Biscotti and ensure it stays level.

 

Where do I get customer support for my Biscotti?

We didn’t include a thick user manual for a reason. Biscotti has been designed with ease-of-use in mind. Should you require additional support, please visit www.biscotti.com/support to access usage tips and more frequently asked questions.

 

My family doesn't fit on a computer or tablet web cam. How is Biscotti different?

Biscotti brings HD video calling to the biggest, nicest screen in your home... your HDTV. Its wide angle camera captures the whole room, so everyone can participate.

 

I'm frustrated by small, grainy video calls.  How is Biscotti different?

Biscotti calls are in 720p HD. Biscotti uses a 5MP camera that has best in class low-light performance, allowing you to pan and zoom and still have an HD picture. Biscotti captures the entire room allowing users to move around freely and not be confined to cramped screens and a head-and-shoulders only view.

 

With my computer web cam, I am constantly shouting from across the room.  How is Biscotti different?

Biscotti features a very high sensitivity microphone that can pick up audio 20 feet away. You can also make/receive calls in “audio only” mode if you prefer.

 

I don't want to pay for high definition video calls like some video conferencing, video chat and telepresence systems charge.

We don’t want you to either. Biscotti calls are free!

 

I love video calling friends and family, but it’s just too complicated.  Is Biscotti easier?

Everyone from your 6 year old son to your 70 year old grandmother can use Biscotti, with its simple 6-button remote control and intuitive user interface. The single-purpose device has been tested to easily install in minutes.

 

I love video calling, but it’s inconvenient to setup and wait for the computer to turn on, then wait for the application to launch.  How quickly can I connect with Biscotti?

Not with Biscotti! Biscotti is "always on." There is no need to "log in" when you want to make calls. Calls are spontaneous – call when you want, just like the telephone. You can also program Biscotti to automatically turn your TV on to answer calls from certain contacts, and it will turn back off once it stops ringing. Auto-answer is a great security feature when you call yourself so you can check on your living room from your laptop anytime you want. If you’re watching a different input source (like a DVD or computer), the light will flash and you won’t be interrupted.

 

My Internet connection is too slow for video calling. Will Biscotti work?

Biscotti works best on a high speed link of 1Mbps, but its advance rate control algorithms scale down to just 256Kbps.

 

I want to call anyone on any device from my TV, including computers, smartphones and tablets.

With Biscotti, you can call family on friends who are using other devices, such as a smartphone or computer. Out of the box, Biscotti works with the Biscotti and Google networks. This means that you can also call anyone with a GMail address on a computer, smartphone and tablet.

 

Can I use my Biscotti device while watching TV?

Biscotti is designed to be installed between your set top box and TV. Just plug your source (e.g. cable or satellite box) into the HDMI IN and connect Biscotti to your TV using HDMI OUT.  No need to switch inputs on your TV when a call is incoming or when you want to make a call. Incoming calls are displayed as pop-ups in the corner of the screen.

 

I am concerned about security and privacy – can anyone call me without permission?

You cannot make or receive calls with anyone that you have not authorized. All contacts have individual privacy setting.

 

My TV does not support 720p video resolution. Will Biscotti work with my TV?

No. Currently the Biscotti requires your TV to support 720p mode for video calls. 

 

What type of video pass-through resolution does Biscotti support from my cable or satellite box?

Biscotti is capable of passing through 480, 720 and 1080i video from your cable, satellite or other set top box. 1080p is converted to 1080i.

 

How do I make and receive calls with my Google contacts on their computers, tablets and smartphones?

For the best video and audio experience, we recommend the person you are talking to also use a Biscotti. Friend doesn't have a Biscotti, no problem. Biscotti also works with Google.  To add anyone with a Google account to your contact list, simply select “Add a contact” from the contact list and enter their full gmail address.  They will receive an invitation.  Once they accept you can call.  

 

How do i use invite a Biscotti user to call me via Gmail on a computer?

Your Google contacts can also invite you to video call with them.  Simply ask them to send an invitation to your Biscoti address; <your username>@biscotti.com  Friend doesn’t have a Google account?  No problem. They can get a free Gmail account here. They will also need to install Google voice and video chat here. It's free and installs in seconds. Additional information about using Google voice and video chat from within Gmail is available here.

 

Does Biscotti work outside the United States and Canada on 220 volts of power?

Biscotti will work on 220 volts.  Biscotti includes a power adapter that automatically converts from 100 to 240 volts.  All you need is an adapter plug to fit into the local  wall socket.

 

Can Biscotti be set to turn on my TV automatically with compatible? How do I know if my TV is compatible?

For the Biscotti to turn on your TV, your TV's HDMI input must have CEC (Consumer Electronics Control) support. TV manufacturers use various trade names for CEC. Here's a list for your convenience  Anynet+ (Samsung), Aquos Link (Sharp), BRAVIA Link and BRAVIA Sync (Sony), HDMI-CEC (Hitachi), E-link (AOC), Kuro Link (Pioneer), CE-Link and Regza Link (Toshiba), RIHD (Remote Interactive over HDMI) (Onkyo), SimpLink (LG), HDAVI Control, EZ-Sync, VIERA Link (Panasonic), EasyLink (Philips), and NetCommand for HDMI (Mitsubishi).

 

What do I need to call Biscotti from a computer, tablet and smartphone?

Computer users can connect with Biscotti from their Gmail account. You must install Google voice and video chat to activate the video calling feature within Gmail. Android tablet and smartphone users can connect with Biscotti from the built-in Google Talk application. iPhone and iPad users can install the free Vtok application.

 

Can Biscotti place and receive calls from Google Apps accounts?  

Yes. But, you Google Apps domain must be configured to chat with other domains. Google calls this "Outside Chat."

 

How do I configure my Google Apps domain for Outside Chat?  

You will need to add  SRV records to the DNS entries for your domain. These SRV records allow non-Google devices to find the video calling servers needed for video chats. Enter these SRV records, but replace "mydomain.com" with your actual domain:

 

_xmpp-server._tcp.mydomain.com. IN SRV 5 0 5269 xmpp-server.l.google.com.

_xmpp-server._tcp.mydomain.com. IN SRV 20 0 5269 alt1.xmpp-server.l.google.com.

_xmpp-server._tcp.mydomain.com. IN SRV 20 0 5269 alt2.xmpp-server.l.google.com.

_xmpp-server._tcp.mydomain.com. IN SRV 20 0 5269 alt3.xmpp-server.l.google.com.

_xmpp-server._tcp.mydomain.com. IN SRV 20 0 5269 alt4.xmpp-server.l.google.com.

 

You can get additional information on how to setup your SRV records from Google by clicking here.

 

How do I know if my Google Apps domain is configured for interoperability?  

The best way is to try it. Send a contact request from Biscotti account to Google Apps Account. If it works, you're all set. If not, you will need to follow the instructions above to enable Outside Chat for your Google Apps domain.

 

My Biscotti displays "Call Failed…Your call could not be connected." when placing a video call. What should I do?

Biscotti send voice and video directly to the person you are calling. This is done to ensure the best possible experience. However, certain networks or networking devices may not be configured to allow directly to the person you are calling. Firewall settings are the most common reason for receiving the Call Failed message. Firewalls may block ports that are used by Biscotti to send voice and video directly to the person you are calling. A firewall is typically a feature of your wireless router or other networking device. If you receive a Call Failed message, configure your wireless router to enable "Port Forwarding." Some wireless routers require you to enter a port range for forwarding. If yours does, enable port forward on ports 30,000 to 40,000. Some wireless routers may also need to know the protocol that will be forwarded. If your device asks for the protocol, enter UDP. If your Wi-Fi router needs to know the MAC address of your Biscotti, you may find this information by selecting the Settings icon on the main menu and then selecting About.