LG VX-6100

Just out of curiosity, is anyone else experiencing the "volume bug" problem? It only seems to happen when people call me vs. when I dial out. When I answer an incoming call, my phone's volume seems to be at it's lowest setting even though I have it set at "High". The only way to fix this is to "reset" it, by manually lowering the volume key on the side of the phone, and then increasing it back up (I hope this makes sense)to it's maximum setting. Not a huge deal, but I think for a new phone, this shouldn't be happening.

I'm thinking of taking the phone back and exchanging it for another 6100, however if they're all this way, I don't want to have to re-program all of my contacts.

Any feedback is greatly appreciated!

I recently traded in my Samsung 670 for this phone, and I have to say I am extremely pleased with the unit. That said, though, I do experience the "volume bug" you referenced whenever I answer an incoming call. However, unlike you, I don't have to do anything to fix it: the phone seems to resolve the issue and revert to the volume level I've selected within 2-3 seconds after the call is answered. So basically, when I answer the phone, the first few seconds of the call seem very low, but then afterwards, the call volume level creeps up and is crisp, clear, and loud.

This isn't a huge deal for me, but obviously I wish the volume level was loud right from the start of the call. I guess no unit is perfect -- but I am a little relieved to...
(continues)

Kevin,
Thanks for the feedback. I just had someone call me on my phone, and unfortunately, I still have to manually lower and then increase the volume button on the side of the phone in order for it to get back to the higher volume settings. At this point, I'd be happy if it automatically increased like yours!!!

My hope is LG will release some sort of patch or software upgrade sooner rather than later. Unfortunately, I'm not holding my breath, as I called LG's customer service about the "volume bug" this morning, and they were extremely un-helpful. Sigh. I did check two local Verizon stores today on my lunch, and their 6100 phones seem to have the same issue with the "volume bug", so hopefully Verizon will do something to speed ...
(continues)

i also have the bug. but fortunately, it is like someone else said. it will be low for only about 2 seconds and then will automatically go to high as it is set at. i don't have to use the side buttons. also, it only happens when someone calls me. not when i call out.

kevinbos said:
I recently traded in my Samsung 670 for this phone, and I have to say I am extremely pleased with the unit. That said, though, I do experience the "volume bug" you referenced whenever I answer an incoming call. However, unlike you, I don't have to do anything to fix it: the phone seems to resolve the issue and revert to the volume level I've selected within 2-3 seconds after the call is answered.

That's the same "volume bug" that I experience. I also have the A670, so I'm taking advantage of the 15 day trial period to decide if I want to keep my 6100.

This "volume bug" is the only thing that don't like on the 6100 so far. Hopefully it will get fixed by the next software update.

I actually never noticed the bug until it was pointed out on this forum and then I confirmed that it does exist, although it does not bother me at all. What happens is when you receive a call, the party's voice that called you is at a low volume for the first 2-3 seconds or so of the call and then the volume goes up to whatever level you have the phone's earpiece volume set at. Literally, in the time it takes you to greet your caller with a "hello" or whatnot, they may have a chance to get a "hello" out to you at the low volume before the volume goes to your level setting. It is not an issue for me at all--definitely not enough to steer you away from this phone--I think it is an excellent phone (I traded in ann Audiovox CDM-9900 for it and...
(continues)

Yes, most of the time the volume self-corrects within 2-3 seconds... but I've noticed with my 6100, that if I'm in a lower signal area, it takes noticeably longer for the volume to correct itself! Seems the poorer the signal, the longer the low volume gap.

GadgetFreak, I can confirm this. Now that I'm in New Mexico where my signal strength is a little weaker than when I'm at home in Boston, the self-correction takes a few seconds longer. I'm getting a little tired of asking folks who call me to repeat their initial greetings.

This is really too bad because this is one very sexy little phone.

- Kevin

Kevin, Yes it truly is too bad... because otherwise I luv the 6100, and felt it a very worthy successor to my 6000!... but 10 days into my trial, this volume bug is really beginning to 'bug' me! ☹️

I'll probably swap the phone for another 6100 since I'm still within my 15 days... just to see if perhaps I luck out, and the next 6100 doesn't have the bug... although I'm sure it will since sounds like they all do.... If so, I may return the 6100 and go back to my trusty and much loved 6000 for now until LG hopefully soon releases a software update to correct it.

Well it didn't come through again! You'll find it. Look under the Phone Info > Call Setup > Auto Volume menu.

Yes, I have the auto volume enabled. The "volume bug" happens whether I have this feature turned on or off to all my incoming calls. I think the only thing that's going to fix it is a software upgrade.

\\Doesn't it depend on the setting your phone is on? If mine is on manner mode then the volume is low in this case otherwise is pretty similar to the volume level I have set for my ringer (which could be the bug)

I too have called/written LG, and gotten the same lack of support from them. I'm in the Portland, Oregon market, and four of the Verizon locations I've been to have LG 6100 phones that have the "volume bug", so it's definitely a software issue. The Verizon people aren't much help either, and actually seemed annoyed when I brought this to their attention. Because of this, I've seriously been thinking of switching to AT&T/Cingular.

Back to the point, I think the "volume bug" is inherent on all the new 6100's. Hopefully there will be a software upgrade soon.

GD

PS. My volume doesn't increase automatically when someone calls me; I have to manually lower it, and then increase it in order to be able to hear the other person. It ...
(continues)

I called LG and they were no help. She said that this was the first time she heard of this, and that I should just exchange the phone for a new one. I said what's the point if all the phones have this problem, and she responded with if it was a problem with all the phones then we would of heard about it and fixed it.

Obviously from reading this forum a lot of people ARE having this volume problem. My question then is do ALL the phones have this problem, or do a lot of people have defective phones??? I sure would like to hear if someone DOESN'T have this problem.

I have an update on this topic. I'm currently in New Mexico and I decided to pay a visit to the largest Verizon store in Albuquerque to exchange my 6100 for a brand new unit. I decided to swap it out just on the off chance that the folks at LG were correct when they told me that this "volume bug" was evidence that my phone was defective. And I decided to return it here in Albuquerque just in case all the 6100 units sold at the store I frequent in Boston were from the same bad batch.

The folks here in Albuquerque couldn't have been more helpful in processing my exchange, but guess what? The problem persists. And the rep who handled my transaction wasn't at all surprised when I told her of this issue, since it was eerily reminiscent of...
(continues)

Kevin...

The upcoming Motorola v265 -DOES- have a VGA resolution camera...

It looks like you will be able to check out the v265 next week at the Verizon stores...

~ TMBS ~

Thanks, TMBS, you're absolutely right. I must've been thinking about the v260 when I typed that.

I really hate to say good-bye to my 6100 -- the interface is one of the best I've ever seen on a phone, and the Motorola OS, from what I've seen, isn't as user-friendly.

But this whole experience has taught me that I'm buying a phone first, and all those other bells-and-whistles don't amount to much if the reception isn't there. Motorola phones -- especially the v710 -- may have their flaws, but I've rarely read a review where someone has criticized the reception and speakerphone quality. Motorola seems to get that right.

Here's hoping ....

- Kevin

Just returned from local verizon store and was told by the tech that they are aware of the problem and that the manufacturer is currently working on a software fix. I have no idea what the time frame is.

Herd, I hope you're right because I'm at the point where this issue is going to force me to trade it in for another brand, probably Motorola. I'm just curious, though -- in which market do you live? The techs in Boston gave me the standard, "Gee, you're the first one to complain about that" line.

- Kevin

NYS...Mid-Hudson area.

Same here in AZ. As of yesterday the customer service (*611) people were telling me to return my phone to the store. Neither the store in Tucson or CS seemed to be able to comprehend that this is not a unique problem even when you try to tell them about this forum. Go figure.

Anyway, thanks for the update. Lets hope LG is quick about the fix.

The plot thickens on the "volume bug", at least for me anyway.

I use my phone on "Vibrate/Manner Mode" almost 100% of the time. When someone calls me, the only way to get the volume up to an acceptable level is to manually decrease, and then increase the volume using the side volume buttons (as has been discussed in this forum).

If I change the settings from "Vibrate/Manner Mode" to "Ringers On", when a call comes in, the volume starts off very low, but increases automatically within 2-3 seconds without having to adjust the side volume buttons manually. I'm thinking the "volume bug" might have something to do with the "Manner Mode" setting. Regardless, LG is going to have to release a software update to remedy this either way.

...
(continues)

I can confirm that my 6100 does the same thinkg in manner mode that you described. I can also confirm that the in store reps I have dealt with on other semi-technical matters have been jackasses.

Great Dane said:
...I use my phone on "Vibrate/Manner Mode" almost 100% of the time. When someone calls me, the only way to get the volume up to an acceptable level is to manually decrease, and then increase the volume using the side volume buttons (as has been discussed in this forum).

If I change the settings from "Vibrate/Manner Mode" to "Ringers On", when a call comes in, the volume starts off very low, but increases automatically within 2-3 seconds without having to adjust the side volume buttons manually....

Interesting discovery Great Dane! Yup, mine behaves exactly the same! 😕

Great Dane, mine also requires manual adjustment if I'm in Manner Mode! I almost never use Manner Mode, so I didn't notice this until you pointed it out. (I thought I was one of the "lucky ones" whose 6100's automatically adjusts the earpiece volume 2-3 seconds after an incoming call is answered.)

As a side note, I had resigned myself to returning this phone once the new Motorola v265 goes on sale in Verizon stores on November 12th. The specs seemed promising, and it met my minimum requirements of having a speakerphone and analog coverage. However, I just visited a Radio Shack store that had a few of those phones on sale now, and boy was I ever disappointed. There is no way I'm buying that phone. It was just too small and the side but...
(continues)

When you guys say earpiece, are you talking about the earpiece on the phone, or the earpiece on the handsfree headset? Or are they one in the same? I'm in a toss-up between this phone and the v265. I got the chance to see one of the v265 prop phones at a verizon store, and the size didnt't bother me, but I'm not sure about the side buttons. Haveing them harder to press might be a good thing if it is in my pocket.

Hi, Oryan. We're referring to the earpiece volume on the phone itself -- at least I am. 🙂

- Kevin

Don't want to be negative...

But historically LG (which in general is making some superior products) is very slow to prepare and release firmware changes... to them 3 to 6 months to fix a clearly defined problem is considered "quick"...

~ TMBS ~

I guess you can disregard my previous post. Spoke earlie today with LG tech service and although they were extremely nice and responsive, the tech knew nothing of any problem or current solutions to whatever I was referring to. At this point, according to him, LG isn't aware of any volume bug.

What does this Volume bug actually do or doesn't do? 😎

Finally some answers! After several calls that left me speaking to the verizon 'jackasses' mentioned earlier (that angry 'can you hear me now!!' cracks me up), I got a very nice woman (thanks Jodie) who checked with the verizon tech dept people and they still don't seem to be aware of the problem. So she gave me the number for LG and I called them.

I can confirm that they are aware of the problem and are getting many calls per day on this issue. The nice man said they are researching it now and expect to have a fix within a month. Who knows if thats a line or not, but it gives me hope.

JDRogers, thanks for the update. I'm generally a very patient person, but I'm afraid "within a month" is too long for me to wait. My phone's going back to Verizon as soon as I return to Boston.

I think the thing that really makes me seethe about this particular bug is that it doesn't seem like the type of bug that any Quality Assurance tester or even your average focus group should have missed. I mean, I could forgive a bug involving some obscure feature that's buried beneath a labyrinth of menus -- something involving the scheduler or the world clock, for example. But the earpiece? Come on! I noticed this within minutes of use, and it didn't take me forever to realize that the error didn't involve my hitting the side keys or mispro...
(continues)

kevinbos said:I think the thing that really makes me seethe about this particular bug is that it doesn't seem like the type of bug that any Quality Assurance tester or even your average focus group should have missed. I mean, I could forgive a bug involving some obscure feature that's buried beneath a labyrinth of menus -- something involving the scheduler or the world clock, for example. But the earpiece? Come on! I noticed this within minutes of use, and it didn't take me forever to realize that the error didn't involve my hitting the side keys or misprogramming the phone. How could they not hear that the incoming calls were softer than programmed? Unforgiveable.

- Kevin

Well said, and I agree with y...
(continues)