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Tri-Mode vs. All-Digital?

adamlevy

Oct 31, 2004, 12:58 PM
I understand the main differences between Tri-Mode and All-Digital phones, but I have a specific question...

Imagine that I have two phones, with all features and qualities exactly the same except that one is Tri-Mode and one is All-Digital. Now, assuming that I spend 100% of my time in areas fully covered by digital service, is there any downside to going with the Tri-Mode phone?

I know that I would never need the analog capabilities of the Tri-Mode, so I'll agree that it's unnecessary, but I would simply consider that a needless feature, not a reason to avoid the tri-mode.

One thing I've heard, but don't know whether to believe, is that the tri-mode phones tend to give up on holding the digital service a little more...
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drakeir

Oct 31, 2004, 5:28 PM
I have had both Tri-Mode and all Digital. And yes I have found that when in a mixed area, analog and digital, the phone does kind of tend to prefer the analog side rather then the digital side. But really other then that, there is no difference. I travel, so I like to have the triple coverage to ensure I always get a signal. If you are never in an analog area, don't worry about it. Just go for whatever phone has the features that you want.
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SBacklin

Oct 31, 2004, 8:53 PM
adamlevy said:
I understand the main differences between Tri-Mode and All-Digital phones, but I have a specific question...

Imagine that I have two phones, with all features and qualities exactly the same except that one is Tri-Mode and one is All-Digital. Now, assuming that I spend 100% of my time in areas fully covered by digital service, is there any downside to going with the Tri-Mode phone?

I know that I would never need the analog capabilities of the Tri-Mode, so I'll agree that it's unnecessary, but I would simply consider that a needless feature, not a reason to avoid the tri-mode.

One thing I've heard, but don't know whether to believe, is that the tri-mode phones tend to give up on holdin
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bleu_tropix

Oct 31, 2004, 9:06 PM
One advantage to tri-mode is that you can turn on the digtal only feature thru the hidden menus, and then turn tri-mode back on if you were to travel to areas that don't have digital service.
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adamlevy

Oct 31, 2004, 10:16 PM
Wow - a "force Digital-Only" option is exactly what I'm looking for. Obviously this would be different for each manufacturer/model, but where should I go to look for the "hidden menus" you refer to? The phone I'm specifically thinking of is the LG VX-6100.
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shadedpain4

Oct 31, 2004, 10:26 PM
if you hit menu + 0, it will ask you for the service code. Default should be 000000. That will bring you to the programming menu. It might be in there, but be careful not to screw anything up in your phone 🙂
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XPDX

Nov 22, 2004, 1:01 AM
for the 6100: menu+0, enter service code (000000), then 3 for force call, you can choose pcs, cdma, or analog only,
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bleu_tropix

Nov 1, 2004, 12:08 AM
I'm not sure about the 6100 hidden menu access keys...but I think shadedpain4 answered that for ya...and just to add to what he said...be sure you never hit the reset WAP option...it will be a headache trying to get it back to normal (I did it, and luckily was able to get it back from someone at howardforum.com)...howardforum.com or cellphonehacks.com (sp?) BTW are great sites for tips on these sort of things. Good luck.
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adamlevy

Oct 31, 2004, 10:22 PM

Not to be rude, but it's kind of obvious that Tri-Mode phone would have more of a chance to pick up a analog signal because all digital phones don't have that capability at all.


Clearly you didn't read my question. I am NOT AT ALL interested in the ability to grab an analog signal.

My second question was related to whether or not a tri-mode phone would mistakenly decide to switch to analog just because the digital signal was a little weak, when instead it truly could/should still be operating in digital mode.
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shadedpain4

Oct 31, 2004, 10:28 PM
i think most of those tri-mode phones grab the stronger signal. So if you have a 4 bar analog and a 3 bar digital available, you'll be on analog.

I dont know that for sure however. Anyone want to correct or clarify?
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schnozejt

Nov 22, 2004, 5:06 AM
Tri mode phones will hold on to a digital signal for dear life before letting up to switching into analog
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SBacklin

Oct 31, 2004, 11:40 PM
adamlevy said:

Not to be rude, but it's kind of obvious that Tri-Mode phone would have more of a chance to pick up a analog signal because all digital phones don't have that capability at all.


Clearly you didn't read my question. I am NOT AT ALL interested in the ability to grab an analog signal.

My second question was related to whether or not a tri-mode phone would mistakenly decide to switch to analog just because the digital signal was a little weak, when instead it truly could/should still be operating in digital mode.



LOL, I did read your question and that is why I replied to it. I also realized that you weren't interested in analog signals, I was just trying to...
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st1x80

Nov 4, 2004, 7:42 PM
It depends on the carrier but most Sprint PCS phones have a Sprint Only Mode. If it is Verizon, I would definetly find a way to lock out analog unless you specifically need the feature.

Sprint phones will stay in Digital in most cases. The case is when you get around 2 bars or less. Analog will try to always take over and it will keep your phone in limbo switching back and forth. It will sent a signal to grab the digital signal every so often and then a minute later analog will take over.

Tri-Mode is a better option because it means you have the ability to use analog if you ever get in a non digital area for any emergency issue. I would suggest Tri-mode and make sure you know the way to disable analog until you need it.

Technical Su...
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VZWASO

Nov 9, 2004, 1:13 AM
yeah there is a way to change to only digital. You should not have to go into the manual programming, it should be in network options in the menu
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