cable
THG540 - Voice Over IP Cable Modem
User manual
Important Information
CAUTION
Disconnect power before servicing.
CAUTION
This device is intended for indoor operation only. Telephone jacks Line 1 and Line 2 must not be connected to outside wiring.
CAUTION
To ensure reliable operation and to prevent overheating, provide adequate ventilation for this modem and keep it away from heat sources. Do not locate near heat registers or other
This symbol means that your inoperative electronic appliance must be collected separately and not mixed with the household waste. The European Union has implemented a specific collection and recycling system for which producers' are responsible.
This appliance has been designed and manufactured with high quality materials and components that can be recycled and reused. Electrical and electronic appliances are liable to contain parts that are necessary in order for the system to work properly but which can become a health and environmental hazard if they are not handled or disposed of in the proper way. Consequently, please do not throw out your inoperative appliance with the household waste.
If you are the owner of the appliance, you must deposit it at the appropriate local collection point or leave it with the vendor when buying a new appliance.
-If you are a professional user, please follow your supplier's instructions.
-If the appliance is rented to you or left in your care, please contact your service provider. Help us protect the environment in which we live !
NORTH AMERICAN CABLE INSTALLER:
This reminder is provided to call your attention to Article
This product was designed according to
i
Important Information
Operating Information
Operating Temperature: 0?? - 40?? C (32?? - 104?? F)
Storage Temperature:
If you purchased this product at a retail outlet, please read the following:
Product Information
Keep your sales receipt to obtain warranty parts and service and for proof of purchase. Attach it here and record the serial and model numbers in case you need them. The numbers are located on the back of the product.
Model No. ____________________________Serial No ________________________________
Purchase Date: ________________________Dealer/Address/Phone: _________________________
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Table of Contents
iii Illustrations contained in this document are for representation only.
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Chapter 1: Connections and Setup
Chapter 1: Connections and Setup
Introduction
Voice over IP Cable Modem Features
zProvides
zCapable of receiving data at rates of up to 38 Megabits per second
zAble to send and receive data over the cable line
zAble to connect multiple computers through Ethernet, USB at the same time (if applicable and your service provider offers multiple computer connections)
z
What???s on the
Insert the cable modem
Note: You might need to use the
zLinks to RCA and Thomson web sites
zElectronic file of the instruction book in additional languages
zUsage and troubleshooting tips
Accessing the Diagnostics Display through the
A button on the
Your PC must receive an IP address assignment from the cable company???s server, over the cable network. You may want to ???bookmark??? the IP address in your browser after the diagnostics page is displayed.
DOCSIS and PacketCable are trademarks of Cable Television Laboratories, Inc.
1 Illustrations contained in this document are for representation only.
Chapter 1: Connections and Setup
Computer Requirements
For the best possible performance from your cable modem, your personal computer must meet the following minimum system requirements (note that the minimum requirements may vary by the cable company):
*Windows is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation.
**Macintosh and the Mac OS are trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc.
Placing the Rubber Feet on the Cable Modem
A set of rubber pads has been packaged with your modem. These pads (or "feet") can be attached to keep the modem from sliding around on your desktop.
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Chapter 1: Connections and Setup
Cable Modem Overview
Front Panel
The following illustration shows the front panel of the EMTA machine:
The LEDs on the front panel are described in the table below (from left to right):
3 Illustrations contained in this document are for representation only.
Chapter 1: Connections and Setup
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Chapter 1: Connections and Setup
Rear Panel
5 Illustrations contained in this document are for representation only.
Chapter 1: Connections and Setup
Wall Mounting
The number of the screw: 2 pcs
Direction for wall mounting: LED panel upward.
Dimension for the screw: TBD
There are 4 slots on the underside of the EMTA that can be used for wall mounting.
Note: When wall mounting the unit, ensure that it is within reach of the power outlet.
You will need 2 suitable screws which screw diameter would be 4.4 mm to wall mount the Cable Modem or the Battery Pack. Two different wall mount directions could be chosen for the Battery Pack.
Note: When wall mounting the unit, ensure that it is within reach of the power outlet.
To wall mount the unit:
1.Ensure that the wall you use is smooth, flat, dry and sturdy and use the 4 screw holes which are 101.6 mm apart from each other.
2.Fix the screws into wall, leaving their heads 3 mm (0.12 inch) clear of the wall surface.
3.Remove any connections to the unit and locate it over the screw heads. When in line, gently push the unit on to the wall and move it downwards to secure.
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Chapter 1: Connections and Setup
Relationship among the Devices
This illustration shows a cable company that offers
What the Modem Does
The voice over IP cable modem is a residential
What the Modem Needs to Do Its Job
??The Right Cable Company: Make sure your local cable company provides data services that use cable TV
??The Internet/Telephony Service Provider (ISP/TSP): Your cable company provides you access to an Internet Service Provider (ISP) and Telephony Service Provider (TSP). The ISP is your gateway to the Internet and provides you with a pipeline to access Internet content on the World Wide Web (WWW). The TSP provides you with telephony access to other modems or other telephony services over the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN).
Check with your cable company to make sure you have everything you need to begin; they???ll know if you need to install special software or
7 Illustrations contained in this document are for representation only.
Chapter 1: Connections and Setup
internet service work for you.
Contact Your Local Cable Company
You will need to contact your cable company to establish an internet account before you can use your modem. You should have the following information (which you will find on the sticker on the modem) ready:
??The serial number
??The model number of the modem
??The Cable Modem (CM) Media Access Control (MAC) address
??The Media Terminal Adapter (MTA) MAC address
Record your information here:____________________________
Serial Number: ____________________________
Model Number: ____________________________
CM MAC Address: ____________________________
MTA MAC Address: ____________________________
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Chapter 1: Connections and Setup
Please verify the following with the cable company
??The cable service to your home supports
??Your internet account has been set up. (The Media Terminal Adapter will provide data service if the cable account is set up but no telephony service is available.)
??You have a cable outlet near your PC and it is ready for cable modem service.
Note: It is important to supply power to the modem at all times. Keeping your modem plugged in will keep it connected to the Internet. This means that it will always be ready when you are.
Important Information
Your cable company should always be consulted before installing a new cable outlet. Do not attempt any rewiring without contacting your cable company first.
9 Illustrations contained in this document are for representation only.
Chapter 1: Connections and Setup
Connecting the Cable Modem to a Single Computer
This section of the manual explains how to connect your cable modem to the USB or Ethernet port on your computer and install the necessary software. Please refer to Figure 1 to help you connect your cable modem for the best possible connection.
Attaching the Cable TV Wire to the Cable Modem
1.Locate the Cable TV wire. You may find it one of three ways:
a.Connected directly to a TV, a Cable TV converter box, or VCR. The line will be connected to the jack which should be labeled either IN, CABLE IN, CATV, CATV IN, etc.
b.Connected to a
c.Coming out from under a baseboard heater or other location. See Figure 1 for the wiring example.
Notes: For optimum performance, be sure to connect your cable modem to the first point the cable enters your home. The splitter must be rated for at least 1GHz.
Fig. 1: Basic Home Wiring
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Chapter 1: Connections and Setup
Important Connection Information
The cable modem supports Ethernet and USB connections simultaneously.
USB Connection to One Computer
Note: Only use the power supply provided with this unit. Using other power supplies may damage the unit.
Fig. 2: USB Connection
If you received an Installation/Quick Start kit with the purchase of your modem, you should use the software provided in that kit. If not, the Voice over IP Cable Modem CD included with your modem contains the drivers, Installation Wizard, and other information you need to install your Voice over IP Cable Modem. The Installation Wizard serves as your
connecting and configuring your Voice over IP Cable Modem.
11 Illustrations contained in this document are for representation only.
Chapter 1: Connections and Setup
1.Before you begin, close all open applications and dialog boxes as they may interfere with your Voice over IP Cable Modem installation.
2.Insert the CD into the
3.Click ???Install RCA Cable Modem.??? If the options menu does not automatically appear:
A.Go to the ???Start??? menu on the Windows menu bar, then click ???Run.???
B.Type the letter of your
C.Click ???OK??? to begin installation.
4.The Installation Wizard checks your computer to make sure you have the minimum configuration specifications required to install the Voice over IP Cable Modem.
5.The Installation Wizard prompts you to attach a coaxial cable to the connector labeled CABLE on your Voice over IP Cable Modem, and to the wall connection for your cable service.
If you???re using a splitter, click on ???Installing a splitter.??? The splitter diagram appears. When you???re finished, hit the ???Back??? button.
6.Click ???Next??? to go to the next screen.
7.The Installation Wizard prompts you to attach the power supply. Use only the power supply that accompanied this unit. Using other power supplies may damage the unit.
A.Insert the plug from the AC power supply into the POWER AC ADAPTER jack on your Voice over IP Cable Modem.
B.Plug the other end of the power supply into the AC outlet.
C.Click ???Next??? when you have finished connecting the power supply.
8.The next step begins an automated installation of the USB drivers. This installation may require Windows system files that are not currently located on your hard drive. If the Installation Wizard needs those files, you will be asked to insert your Windows Operating System
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Chapter 1: Connections and Setup
9.Connect one end of the USB cable included with your Voice over IP Cable Modem to the USB port on your computer. Connect the other end of the USB cable to the USB port on the Voice over IP Cable Modem.
10.If the modem is detected, the ???Windows Found New Hardware??? window appears and the ???Installation Complete??? screen appears.
USB Connection - Without Using the Installation Wizard
If you do not want to use the
they appear.
1.Connect one end of the coaxial cable to the cable connection in the wall, and the other end to the CABLE jack on the Voice over IP Cable Modem.
2.Connect the plug from the AC power supply into the POWER AC ADAPTER jack on the Voice over IP Cable Modem and plug the power supply into an AC outlet.
3.Insert the supplied Voice over IP Cable Modem
4.Close all open applications and dialog boxes, including the CD window.
Note: Open applications may interfere with your Voice Over IP Cable Modem installation.
5.Connect one end of the USB cable to the USB port located on the back of your computer. Connect the other end of the USB cable to the USB port on the Voice over IP Cable Modem.
Note: Use only the power supply that accompanied this unit. Using other power supplies may damage the unit.
Next, you need to install the USB driver for your operating system.
Using Windows 2000 for USB Connection
Follow steps 6 through 14 if you have a Windows 2000 operating system:
6.When the ???Found New Hardware Wizard??? appears, click ???Next??? to initiate the search for drivers for your USB device.
13 Illustrations contained in this document are for representation only.
Chapter 1: Connections and Setup
Note: If Windows 2000 does not recognize the Voice over IP Cable Modem???s presence, your BIOS settings may not permit USB and/or
7.Choose the ???Search for a suitable driver for my device (recommended)??? option, and click ???Next???.
8. Choose ONLY the
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Chapter 1: Connections and Setup
9.The search should find the driver for the ???Thomson USB CDC Devices???. To confirm that this is the case, click ???Next??? to continue and proceed to step 11. Otherwise, see step 10.
Important: Do NOT continue if the search finds ???USB Composite Device??? driver. Proceed to step 10.
10.Follow these instructions ONLY if the driver found was NOT the ???Thomson USB CDC Devices.???
A.Click ???Back??? to return to the previous window.
B.Ensure that you have selected the
C.In addition to the
D.In the location box, type in your
E.Click ???Next??? to continue.
F.The search should find either ???RCA or Thomson USB Cable Modem??? or ???RCA or Thomson DCM 3xx Cable Modem.???
11.Windows should now prompt you to install the ???Thomson USB CDC Devices???. Click ???Next??? to
15 Illustrations contained in this document are for representation only.
Chapter 1: Connections and Setup
install the driver.
At this point your PC needs to copy Windows 2000 specific files. If these files are not located on your hard drive, you may need to insert your Windows 2000 installation media (i.e., Windows 2000
12.After the Windows specific files are copied, you may be asked for another USB driver file named ???NETRCACM.SYS,??? located on the Voice Over IP Cable Modem
13.Click on ???Finish??? to complete the process.
14. The Voice over IP Cable Modem installation is now complete. To validate a proper installation, perform the following instructions:
A.Click on the ???Start??? icon in the lower
B.Select ???Settings,??? followed by ???Control Panel.??? The ???Control Panel??? window appears.
C.
D.Scroll down the list until you come to ???Network Adapters.???
E.The ???RCA or Thomson USB Cable Modem??? should exist. If the ???RCA or Thomson USB Cable Modem??? does not exist, the Voice over IP Cable Modem was NOT installed correctly. Please install again.
Using Windows Me for USB Connection
Follow steps 6 through 9 if you have a Windows Me operating system:
6.Windows Me will briefly display the ???Found New Hardware Wizard,??? and automatically proceed to the ???Add New Hardware Wizard???.
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Chapter 1: Connections and Setup
Choose the ???Automatic search for a better driver (Recommended)??? option, and click ???Next.???
Note: If Windows Me does not recognize the Voice over IP Cable Modem???s presence, i.e., the ???Add New Hardware Wizard??? did not automatically appear, your BIOS settings may not permit USB and/or
7.The automatic search should find and install the driver for the ???RCA or Thomson USB Cable Modem???. Click on ???Finish??? to complete the process.
8.When the ???System Settings Change??? window appears, click ???Yes??? to restart your computer.
9.The Thomson Voice over IP Cable Modem installation is now complete. To validate a proper installation, perform the following instructions:
A.Click on the ???Start??? icon in the lower
B.Select ???Settings,??? followed by ???Control Panel.??? The ???Control Panel??? window will appear.
C.
D.Scroll down the list until you come to ???Network Adapters.???
E.The ???RCA or Thomson USB Cable Modem??? should exist. If ???RCA or Thomson USB Cable Modem??? does not exist, the Voice over IP Cable Modem was NOT installed correctly.
Using Windows XP for USB Connection
Follow steps 6 through 9 if you have a Windows XP operating system:
6.Windows XP will briefly display the ???Welcome to the Found New Hardware Wizard,??? and ask you to insert the installation
17 Illustrations contained in this document are for representation only.
Chapter 1: Connections and Setup
software automatically (Recommended)??? option, and click ???Next.???
Note: If Windows XP does not recognize the Voice over IP Cable Modem???s presence, i.e., the ???Welcome to the New Hardware Wizard??? did not automatically appear, your BIOS settings may not permit USB and/or
7.Your computer will install the drivers for the ???RCA or Thomson USB Cable Modem???. Click on ???Next??? to complete the process.
8.When the ???Completing the Found New Hardware Wizard??? window appears, click ???Finish??? to complete the process.
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Chapter 1: Connections and Setup
9.The Voice over IP Cable Modem installation is now complete. To validate a proper installation, perform the following instructions:
A.Click on the ???Start??? icon in the lower
B.Select ???Settings,??? followed by ???Control Panel.??? The ???Control Panel??? window will appear.
C.
D.Scroll down the list until you come to ???Network Adapters.???
E.The ???RCA or Thomson USB Cable Modem??? should exist. If ???RCA or Thomson USB Cable Modem??? does not exist, the Voice over IP Cable Modem was NOT installed correctly.
19 Illustrations contained in this document are for representation only.
Chapter 1: Connections and Setup
Below are important points to remember before you connect the Voice over IP Cable Modem:
??For Ethernet connections, go to page 21.
??For telephone and fax connections, go to page 23.
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Chapter 1: Connections and Setup
Ethernet Connection to One Computer
Make the connections to the modem in the following sequence:
1.Connect one end of the coaxial cable to the cable connection in the wall, and the other end to the CABLE jack on the cable modem.
2.Connect the plug from the AC power supply into the POWER AC ADAPTER jack on the cable modem, and plug the power supply into an AC outlet.
Note: Use only the power supply that accompanied this unit. Using other adapters may damage the unit.
3.Connect one end of the Ethernet cable
Make sure that the Ethernet cable is
Fig.3: Ethernet Connection
21 Illustrations contained in this document are for representation only.
Chapter 1: Connections and Setup
Connecting More Than Two Computers to the Cable Modem
If you need to connect more than two computers or if you need to connect two computers, but USB is not available, you???ll need the following additional equipment:
??
??10BaseT or 100BaseT Hub or Switch
??Straight through, or standard, category 5 Ethernet cable (one for each computer to be connected)
If you have a hub with an uplink port*, a straight through cable can be used in combination with that port in lieu of the crossover cable.
*An uplink port has a small switch on it to change the polarity of the connection. It can accept either a crossover or a straight cable, depending on the setting.
Fig.4: Ethernet Hub Connection
Note: You may need to check with your service provider in order to connect multiple computers.
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Chapter 1: Connections and Setup
Telephone or Fax Connection
When properly connected, most telephony devices can be used with the cable modem just as with conventional telephone service. To make a normal telephone call, pick up the handset, wait for a dial tone, and then dial the desired number. For services such as call waiting, use the hook switch (or FLASH button) to change calls. The following procedures describe some of the possible connection schemes for using telephony devices with the cable modem.
1.Connect a standard phone line cord directly from the phone (fax machine, answering machine, caller ID box, etc.) to one of the LINE jacks on the cable modem (see Fig. 5).
2.If there is a phone line in your home which is NOT connected to another telephone service provider, connect a standard phone line cord from a jack on this line to one of the LINE jacks of the cable modem. Connect a standard phone line cord directly from the phone (fax machine, answering machine, caller ID box, etc.) to one of the other jacks in the house that uses that line.
3.If you have a
Fig. 5: Phone/Fax Connection
23 Illustrations contained in this document are for representation only.
Chapter 1: Connections and Setup
Activating the Cable Modem
After you install the cable modem and turn it on for the first time (and each time the modem is reconnected to the power), it goes through several steps before it can be used. Each of these steps is represented by a different pattern of flashing lights on the front of the modem.
Note: All indicators flash once prior to the initialization sequence.
If all of the lights are flashing sequentially, it means the cable modem is automatically updating its system software. Please wait for the lights to stop flashing. You cannot use your modem during this time. Do not remove the power supply or reset the cable modem during this process.
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Chapter 2: Additional Information
Chapter 2: Additional Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Q.What if I don???t subscribe to cable TV?
A.If cable TV is available in your area, data and voice service may be made available with or without cable TV service. Contact your local cable company for complete information on cable services, including
Q.How do I get the system installed?
A.Professional installation from your cable provider is strongly recommended. They will ensure proper cable connection to the modem and your computer. However, your retailer may have offered a self installation kit, including the necessary software to communicate with your cable ISP.
Q.Once my cable modem is connected, how do I get access to the Internet?
A.Your local cable company provides your internet service*, offering a wide range of services including email, chat, and news and information services, and a connection to the World Wide Web. *Monthly subscription fee applies.
Q.Can I watch TV, surf the Internet, and talk to my friends through the cable modem at the same time?
A.Absolutely!
Q.What do you mean by ???Broadband????
A.Simply put, it means you???ll be getting information through a ???bigger pipe,??? with more bandwidth, than a standard phone line can offer. A wider, ???broader??? band means more information, more quickly.
Q.What is DOCSIS and what does it mean?
A.???Data over Cable Service Interface Specifications??? is the industry standard that most cable companies are adopting as they upgrade their systems. Should you ever decide to move, the
Q.What is
A.
25 Illustrations contained in this document are for representation only.
Chapter 2: Additional Information
General Troubleshooting
You can correct most problems you have with your product by consulting the troubleshooting list that follows.
I can???t access the internet.
zCheck all of the connections to your cable modem.
zYour Ethernet card or USB port may not be working. Check each product???s documentation for more information.
zThe Network Properties of your operating system may not be installed correctly or the settings may be incorrect. Check with your ISP or cable company.
All of the lights are flashing in sequence.
zThis means the cable modem is automatically updating its system software. Please wait for the lights to stop flashing. The updating process typically lasts less than one minute.
zDo not remove the power supply or reset the cable modem during this process.
I can???t get the modem to establish an Ethernet connection.
zEven new computers don???t always have Ethernet capabilities ??? be sure to verify that your computer has a properly installed Ethernet card and the driver software to support it.
zCheck to see that you are using the right type of Ethernet cable.
The modem won???t register a cable connection (CABLE LINK light not on continuously).
zIf the modem is in Initialization Mode, the INTERNET light will be flashing. Call your cable company if it has not completed this
zThe modem should work with a standard
zIf you subscribe to video service over cable, the cable signal may not be reaching the modem. Confirm that good quality cable television pictures are available to the coaxial connector you are using by connecting a television to it. If your cable outlet is ???dead???, call your cable company.
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Chapter 2: Additional Information
zVerify that the cable modem service is
I don???t hear a dial tone when I use a telephone.
zTelephone service is not activated. If the rightmost light on the cable modem stays on while others flash, check with your TSP or cable company.
zIf the cable modem is connected to existing house telephone wiring, make sure that another telephone service is not connected. The other service can normally be disconnected at the Network Interface Device located on the outside of the house.
zIf using the second line on a
27 Illustrations contained in this document are for representation only.
Chapter 2: Additional Information
Service Information
If you purchased or leased your cable modem directly from your cable company, then warranty service for the cable modem may be provided through your cable provider or its authorized representative. For information on 1) Ordering Service, 2) Obtaining Customer Support, or 3) Additional Service Information, please contact your cable company. If you purchased your cable modem from a retailer, see the enclosed warranty card.
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Chapter 2: Additional Information
Glossary
10BaseT ??? Unshielded, twisted pair cable with an
Authentication - The process of verifying the identity of an entity on a network.
DHCP (Dynamic Host Control Protocol) ??? A protocol which allows a server to dynamically assign IP addresses to IP device on the fly.
DOCSIS (Data Over Cable Service Interface Specifications) ??? A project with the objective of developing a set of necessary specifications and operations support interface specifications for cable modems and associated equipment.
Ethernet card ??? A
F Connector ??? A type of coaxial connector, labeled CABLE IN on the rear of the cable modem that connects the modem to the cable system.
HTTP (HyperText Transfer Protocol) ??? Invisible to the user, HTTP is used by servers and clients to communicate and display information on a web browser.
Hub ??? A device used to connect multiple computers to the cable modem.
IP Address ??? A unique,
Key exchange - The swapping of mathematical values between entities on a network in order to allow encrypted communication between them.
MAC Address ??? The permanent ???identity??? for a device programmed into the Media Access Control layer in the network architecture during the modem???s manufacturing.
Network Driver ??? A file that is loaded on the computer to allow the computer to recognize the Ethernet card or USB port.
29 Illustrations contained in this document are for representation only.
Chapter 2: Additional Information
NID - Network Interface Device, the interconnection between the internal house telephone wiring and a conventional telephone service provider???s equipment. These wiring connections are normally housed in a small plastic box located on an outer wall of the house. It is the legal demarcation between the subscriber???s property and the service provider???s property.
PacketCable ??? A project with the objective of developing a set of necessary telephony specifications and operations support interface specifications for cable modems and associated equipment used over the
PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network) ??? The worldwide voice telephone network which provides dial tone, ringing,
Provisioning - The process of enabling the Media Terminal Adapter (MTA) to register and provide services over the network.
TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol) ??? A networking protocol that provides communication across interconnected networks, between computers with diverse hardware architectures and various operating systems.
TFTP - Trivial File Transfer Protocol, the system by which the Media Terminal Adapter???s configuration data file is downloaded.
TSP - Telephony Service Provider, an organization that provides telephone services such as dial tone, local service, long distance, billing and records, and maintenance.
Universal Serial Bus (USB) ??? USB is a
Please do not send any products to the Indianapolis address listed in this manual or on the carton. This will only add delays in service for your product.
Thomson Inc.
10330 North Meridian Street
Indianapolis, IN 46290
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Fore more information
Thomson | 46, quai Alphonse Le Gallo | 92100
Tel. : 33 (0) 1 41 86 50 00 | Fax : 33 (0) 1 41 86 56 59 |
?? 2007 Thomson Inc.- Trademark(s) ?? Registered\
Illustration of product finish may vary from actual color.