Just a quick update on the Android experience… The HTC one V that I bought has proved to be a pretty good handset, apart from one fundamental flaw that I’ve decided that I just can’t live with. When using a headset (either the one supplied, or any of the others I’ve tried), there is a persistent and annoying hiss / interference noise whenever sound is being played. It sounds like interference / crosstalk from the processor – and it stops when the DAC powers off. This includes notification sounds, calls, and worst of all (for me) when listening to music. For a handset that makes much of it’s audio credentials (with ‘beats audio’) that’s simply not acceptable. In the light of this, I’m sending it back for a refund. Amazon have been completely fine with this. HTC are reluctant to admit that there’s a problem.
I contacted them to tell them of the problem:
Hi, I am writing to tell you that I’ve had a problem with my HTC one V handset. I purchased it from Amazon. There is a persistant and annoying hiss / interference when using a headset. It’s noticeable when listening to music and when making phone calls. It seems strange to me that a handset that promotes audio quality with ‘beats audio’ has such a fundamental flaw. I am returning the handset to amazon for a refund, which is a real shame, as there was a lot to like about it in other respects. The sound quality issue though, is a deal-breaker for me. Researching this on the web, I’ve come across many other reports of this issue, which suggests that it is not an isolated incident.
Regards,
john harris
Their response was apologetic, but suggested that the problem lay elsewhere:
Dear John Harris,
Thank you for contacting HTC regarding your HTC One V
My name is Chris and I am a Technical Support Agent for the HTC Written Team.
I’m sorry to hear that you are experiencing difficulties with a hiss/interference when using the headset.
I apologise that your experience with HTC hasnt been of top quality, we aim to provide the best experience possible with your device and I’m sorry this has not happened in this case.
The reason for this is most likely down to a faulty headset or the headphone jack.
Did this happen when using other headsets as well?
Did this happen in any other mode, like on loudspeaker?
I would appreciate your feedback and should you wish to continue your correspondence via email then please reply using the link below.
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Sincerely,
Christopher
HTC
I’ve replied, giving examples that I’ve found when researching the problem, to illustrate that the problem is not isolated:
Hi Chris, thanks for your response.
I have tried 4 different headsets with the phone, the HTC one that came in the box, an iPhone headset, a Sony iPhone headset and a pair of Bose QC3 headphones. All exhibit the same problem, and all work fine, with no noise on other devices (a MacBook pro, and an iPhone 4). The hiss / interference that I can hear can also be heard through the speaker, though it is much less apparent. I am sure that the headphone jack is not at fault either – attempting to move the headset jack in the socket makes no difference to the hiss. The hiss sounds like processor interference – the noise changes as I use the phone, opening apps and so on, and stops as soon as the handset stops playing sound – i.e. when the DAC powers off. It is not a unique problem – there are many reports on the web:
http://www.htconeforum.com/forum/htc-one-v/525-headphone-hissing-sound.html
In the light of this, I am returning the handset to Amazon for a refund. The handset simply does not deliver the promise made on the HTC site: “Sound The HTC One series all come with Beats Audio™ so everything you hear on your phone—from music and videos to games and YouTube—is rich and authentic.” I will be looking elsewhere for a replacement handset. I am as disappointed with this outcome as I hope you are.
Regards,
john harris