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Logitech CC3000e Review

April 7, 2014/0 Comments/in How To's/by Danny Hayasaka

By Danny Hayasaka

April 7, 2014

I can’t believe I haven’t written about the Logitech CC3000e!?

This is a super exciting product. All the buzz these days is “collaboration”. There are numerous web-based collaboration platforms customers are using: Microsoft Lync, Cisco Jabber, WebEx, Bluejeans, Zoom, Skype, Google+ Hangouts, GoToMeeting, Vidyo, etc.

There hasn’t really been a good solution for web-based collaboration meeting outside of 1-4 people using standard USB webcam and USB speakerphone.

When you have 5-10 people, you really need a more robust solution. You need a better speakerphone and you definitely need a better camera. The Logitech CC3000e is the solution.

It’s a USB device that is PC and Mac compatible and is compatible/optimized/certified with all the major collaboration platform providers.

What you get in the box: Speakerphone, Camera, Remote Control, Powered Hub, Wall/Table Mount, Two 16-foot cables for Speakerphone/Hub and Camera/Hub Connection, USB cable for Hub/PC Connection, Adhesive solution for hub mounting, Power adapter and Quick Start Guide.

Set Up: The actual set up is easy. What may help make it even easier is if you determine “where” the camera and speaker will go? Actually connecting the camera and speakerphone to the hub is easy. Connecting the USB cable to a PC is simple. And just about anyone can connect the power adapter to the wall.

Use: I personally have had multiple video calls across a variety of platforms: Microsoft Lync, Skype, Bluejeans, Zoom, GoToMeeting, Vidyo and more. The picture clarity and audio were great. I can hear and be heard clearly. With the handy remote control, I can pan, tilt and zoom camera to position it to exactly what I want the viewer to see. I have some pictures in my office that I like to zoom in on to show the powerful zoom and just really nice crisp video. Perfect for zooming in on a whiteboard. There is one preset webcam angle. That makes it nice to zero back in if during call cam has been pointing here and there. There is also a lens security cover so you can rest assured you are not seen if you don’t wish to be.

In addition to connecting via USB to PC/Laptop/Mac the speakerphone also has Bluetooth and NFC (Near Field Communication). This allows you to have better audio for a conference call from your mobile device (tablet, smartphone).

Conclusion: The Logitech CC3000e gets two thumbs way up. There is so much versatility with this device. Set up and use are simple. Because it’s USB, it works across multiple platforms plus it’s Bluetooth and NFC enabled. This is great for any organization looking to enhance their meetings, for interviews, training, teaching, brainstorming sessions, for collaborating. The BEST part is the price. Normally video codecs with PTZ cams can cost thousands and thousands of dollars and possibly a proprietary platform/infrastructure. The Logitech CC3000e is ONLY $999!!! The only negative thing about the CC3000e is that we can’t keep them on our shelves!!! I’m not the only one who is impressed and sees the value of this device. Order yours today!

VXi CC Pro Review

April 4, 2014/0 Comments/in How To's/by Danny Hayasaka

Received VXi CC Pro 4010G Monaural Headset with Jabra QD.

In the Bag: Yes, this product does not come in a product box but in a bubble wrap bag much like the Plantronics C300 Series. Inside you have the CC Pro 4010G headset and VXi CC Pro Headset Instructions

Initial thoughts: Looks like solid contact center headset with clearly large foam ear cushion.

Set Up: Basically you place headset on headband style with one ear covered. Connect QD portion to appropriate compatible QD cable/amplifier/adapter.

I received “G” variant of CC Pro so I connected to Link 265 and my PC with Microsoft Lync.

I must say headband is a bit snug on initial wear however you can remove headband and gently stretch headband to loosen it up a bit.

Because I’m using Jabra Link 265, it was plug and play with Microsoft Lync. Lync client recognizes Link 265 and I have all the feature functionality: answer/hang up, mute, volume up/down

Audio Quality: Had several test calls including one fairly long conference call and audio was good. There were no complaints from persons I was calling and the audio on my end was very good. The noise canceling appears to be very good. On one of the test calls I played music in the background and slowly increased volume. I had the volume up loud (not maxed out but then even I wouldn’t be able to hear myself). Person on other end had to be told there was music playing however they couldn’t really distinguish song and it seemed to cut out when I was talking.

Closing Comments: This is a fairly priced contact center headset the competes with Plantronics SupraPlus, Jabra GN 2000 Series and Sennheiser’s SH 300 Series. Key selling point is that like other VXi QD headsets, you have the options of Jabra, Plantronics and VXi Quick Disconnect variants to easily transition from those brands to VXi.

Jabra Link 265

March 19, 2014/0 Comments/in How To's/by Danny Hayasaka

We received the Jabra Link 265 USB Training-Y for Jabra QD Headsets a little while back however just now getting around to writing about it.

In the Box: Jabra Link 265 USB Training-Y Cable with inline control, Jabra Link 265 Quick Start Guide

Set Up: The Jabra Link 265 is very easy to set up. Just plug into USB port and you’re done. Connect two Jabra Headsets with Quick Disconnect (QD) like the new BIZ 2300 Series Headsets. The green birdband is for agent and the red is for supervisor.

Use: Once you have Jabra Link 265 and headsets connected you are ready to use. The softphone/pc based application will determine whether or not you will have call control via inline control. I have Microsoft Lync (now Microsoft Skype for Business) and was able to answer/hang up, adjust speaker volume and mute. One of the cooler features of this Jabra device is that you have the option to mute the supervisor headset and place it in listen only mode. Or, you can have both headset wearers receive and transmit.

The audio quality was very good on my end as well as to the folks I called.

Conclusion: This Jabra solution is a must have for contact centers or any organization that requires supervisor or “buddy” training in a softphone environment. To date, there is no such thing as a training-y for USB headsets (It’s a PC/USB thing – only recognizes one audio path at a time). This is a much cleaner solution. Currently customers need two QD headsets, Training-Y and QD to USB Adapter to accommodate training. For those who have done this understand that is a LOT OF CABLE all over the place. This is a much, much cleaner solution; just two Jabra QD headsets and the Jabra Link 265 USB Training-Y. Very awesome product and solution!

VXi ConneXt – Review

February 26, 2014/0 Comments/in How To's/by Danny Hayasaka

By Danny Hayasaka

February 26, 2014

Received my VXi ConneXt Deskphone/PC Switch

In the Box: ConneXt switch box, Phone to ConneXt cable, ConneXt to USB cable, QD cable (VXi, Plantronics and Jabra QD variants available), Headset Stand, User Guide, Warranty Info card

Set Up: Easy. Attach headset stand to the base. Connect QD coil cord to the base and run along the cord management system on the underside of base. Connect base to phone patch cable. Connect the USB cable to base.

There are A, B and C switch settings on side of ConneXt depending on the phone you are connecting to. “A” switch setting is the most common (Polycom, ShoreTel, Panasonic, and others). “B” for Cisco 6900, 7900, 8900 and 9900 Series and “C” for Avaya 1600, 9600 and 96×1 Series.

Additionally, there is a built-in microphone boost. There are 8 settings (1-8). Position #1 (default) is when no additional boost is needed. Position #8 is for maximum microphone boost.

I have no desk phone so I was only able to connect to my PC with Microsoft Lync. Lync recognized the device as VXi 2-Wary Switch V1.0

If I was connected to the desk phone, I would use the toggle switch on ConneXt to switch back and forth between desk phone and PC.

Making calls. I used my Microsoft Lync client to make calls. The audio quality was really good on my end. There was a delay in “answering” a Lync call however after I went into Control Panel à Sound and made VXi 2-Way Switch default, there was no delay.

VXi VoxStar UC Review

January 14, 2014/0 Comments/in How To's/by Danny Hayasaka

By Danny Hayasaka

December 17, 2013 – January 14, 2014

Received the new VXi VoxStar UC Bluetooth Headset and USB Dongle

In The Box: VoxStar Bluetooth headset, USB Bluetooth Dongle, ear hook, ear cushions and rings, headband, neckband, USB to micro USB cable, AC power adapter with USB port, VXi VoxStar UC Quick Start Guide

Set Up: Charging is simple. Connect micro USB connection to back of VoxStar headset. Connect USB plug to AC Power Adapter or to USB port on PC. Headset charging, the LED will illuminate red and blue when fully charged.

To turn headset on, hold multi-function button (MFB) for 2-3 seconds, if you are wearing headset, headset will state, “Power On”. To power off, hold MFB for 3-4 seconds and you will hear, “Power off”.

When you first connect USB dongle to PC, a series of drivers install before device is ready for use. VoxStar automatically pairs to USB Dongle when VoxStar is turned on and USB dongle is connected to PC.

You can also go to www.vxicorp.com/usb for more info on configuring your specific operating system.

To pair headset to mobile device, from headset turned off, press and hold MFB for 5-15 second, it will state “Discovering”. Place your mobile device into Bluetooth pairing mode. Select VXi VoxStar as your device. Once connected/paired, it will state “Your headset is connected”.

You can make and take calls via Lync. The only negative is that you can NOT answer Lync calls remotely. However I hear VXi is “working on that”. Folks may overlook lack of remote answer capability once they realize how good the noise canceling mic is. I have three different comparable Lync optimized audio devices and the VXi VoxStar provides much better noise canceling mic ability.

Conclusion: VXi has produced a pretty great product. There are currently other Bluetooth headsets that allow you to pair to mobile and PC/Laptop via USB dongle however, the great noise canceling mic really takes this product to another level. Plus the three included wearing styles and multiple charging options are very nice features. I would definitely recommend this product to those in need of a Bluetooth with exceptional noise canceling mic.

CS540 vs SaviW740 Batteries

December 19, 2013/0 Comments/in Uncategorized/by Danny Hayasaka

Is there a difference between Plantronics CS540 vs SaviW740 Batteries? YES! Quick blog to help customers see the differences between the CS540, CS540 XD and Savi W740 headset batteries. At first glance, the three models look similar if not identical. However there are some subtle differences in CS540 vs SaviW740 Batteries.

The CS540 and CS540 XD models both have a black boom mic, chrome/silver answer/hang up button and black volume/mute switch. The Savi W740 has a chrome/silver boom mic and volume/mute switch. Upon closer inspection, the CS540 XD has “CS500XD” stamped right below volume/mute switch:

Now for the batteries. The CS540 XD and Savi W740 use the same hot swappable battery (Plantronics Part Number: 84598-01).

The CS540 had field replaceable battery (Plantronics Part Number: 86180-01). You must remove the battery cover pull battery out to replace.

Logitech Speakerphone P710e Review

November 25, 2013/0 Comments/in How To's/by Danny Hayasaka

Received the New Logitech Mobile Speakerphone P710e – certified for Skype for Business

Set Up – With the Logitech P710e, setup is very easy, only one cable. USB cable attached to speakerphone and has cable management. There is also AC power adapter with the USB port so you can charge via standard wall outlet or power strip.

Use – the Logitech P710e Speakerphone is very simple to use. Here’s how:

Via PC: Connect the USB cable to PC it registers and sets it up as a device option via Skype for Business.

Once Logitech P710e is selected, I can make calls via Skype either by clicking to call or dialing like I normally would. If I get a call, I can click on accept call or I can simply touch the green handset icon on P710e to answer. The P710e rings when you have an incoming call. You can increase and decrease the speaker volume. There is also mute feature available at your fingertips.

Via Mobile Device (Smartphone/Tablet): The Logitech P710e allows you to pair via Bluetooth and/or NFC (Near Field Communication). To access Bluetooth, simply press and hold Bluetooth button until the unit is in pair mode. Go to your mobile device Bluetooth menu and select the Logitech Speakerphone:

If you have NFC enabled device, simply tap a mobile device to NFC icon on P170e. Your device will ask if you would like to pair to Logitech Speakerphone.

Another cool feature of the Logitech Mobile Speakerphone P710e is the sliding top that allows you to sit your mobile device for better experience. It’s great for video calls (seated vertically) as well as for watching videos (seated horizontally).

Other features of the Logitech Mobile Speakerphone P710e:

Digital Signal Processing (DSP) for enterprise-quality audio
- Advanced DSP technology enables precise tuning for both the mic and speaker so conversations are more life-like.
Wideband audio
- Hear and be heard in true wideband audio, so those on both sides of the call can enjoy a life-like communication experience.
Optimized for Cisco® compatible** and certified for Skype^® and Skype for Business
- Ensures enterprise-quality audio and an integrated experience with most all business-grade UC platforms.
Dynamic Equalizer
- Automatically switches between voice and music modes, delivering the best sound quality and EQ for what the user is listening to.
Headphone jack
- Plug a headphone directly into the Logitech Mobile Speakerphone P710e when additional privacy is desired.
Acoustic echo cancelation and noise-canceling microphone
- Optimized to hear and be heard even in noisy workspaces, this is a mobile speakerphone users love to use.
Visual incoming call indicator
- Onboard LEDs flash to provide a visual alert when a call is coming in.
Zippered neoprene carrying case
- Protect the speakerphone in style with the zippered neoprene carrying case.

Great features but how does it sound? I have been using for close to a month now for quick calls as well as long conference calls. I haven’t had anyone complain about audio quality yet via Skype calls.

When it comes to mobile device calls, the audio quality is good, however not as good as Skype calls. Of course, I’m also at the mercy of our weak Wi-Fi signal. So I’m certain that plays a factor. I used for Facetime call and I could see and hear very well. It’s also a good speaker to listen to streaming music from your mobile device.

I believe Logitech has a winner with this device. As the business world turns to more and more web-based and mobile applications for communications and collaboration, the Logitech Mobile Speakerphone P710e is a great device, especially when paired with a Logitech webcam like the C930e or Brio 4K Pro Webcam.

Plantronics Blackwire C325-M Review

October 8, 2013/0 Comments/in How To's/by Danny Hayasaka

Unboxing: The new Plantronics Blackwire 300 Series. Plantronics will sell these in bulk via the case. Call One, however, will break cases and sell as 1ea. Blackwire 300 Series come packaged in bubble wrap, well at least headset portion. USB cable/inline control are wrapped in a plastic baggie. This Blackwire C325-M included is Quick Start Guide and pretty nice, mesh-like storage bag with zipper.

Headset: I am evaluating the dual ear Plantronics Blackwire C325-M model optimized for Microsoft Lync. Looks just like the other 300 series except for two differences: leatherette ear cushions and foldable speakers that allow the headset to lay flat. The microphone boom is flexible however it does NOT have a 360-degree rotation.

USB Inline Control: It’s standard inline control. Call Answer/Hang Up button, Volume Up/Down and Mute. Placement of inline is actually higher up/closer to the headset so it’s not down by my foot. It’s in a more accessible location/position. The answer/hang up button didn’t work. I can’t seem to answer or hang up using inline control. The Mute button works well.

Comfort: It’s “ok”. The Plantronics Blackwire C325-M is not the most comfortable, however, not uncomfortable either. I headband does seem to feel like it’s digging into the top of my head.

Set Up: USB headset, plugged it in and allowed drivers to be installed. It is Lync optimized so once the device was ready for use, it became an Audio Device option via Lync client.

It’s also detected via Plantronics software:

AudioQuality: It’s “ok”. Not spectacular but it works. I can hear and be heard. The person on the other side stated I sounded “muffled”. I’ll make a few more calls to identify if isolated or not. Other calls state I sound good and clear.

Summary: Not certain how this product is priced compared to existing Blackwire 300 Series however, I’m assuming it will be lower price point than Blackwire 500 and 700 Series. After just an hour of wear, I find myself wanting to take it off. The headband feels like its digging into my head. May I just have a pointy head. Also, it feels like it’s squeezing my head. I’m certain after a few days it will loosen up.

BIZ 2300 USB Duo MS Review

September 30, 2013/0 Comments/in Uncategorized/by Danny Hayasaka

Unboxing: The BIZ 2300 USB Duo comes packaged in one of the space-saving Jabra boxes. The headset is inside a Styrofoam-like bag. Included is a Quick Start Guide and Warranty info.

Headset: I happen to be evaluating the dual ear version that is Microsoft Lync optimized. Automatically eyes are drawn to the ear cushions/speakers as they are different than most current headsets on market in terms of shape. The headband is also contoured and unlike most current headsets. The speakers swivel to lay flat plus they swivel up and down slightly to contour to ear. One of the coolest things is the 360-degree rotating boom. The microphone can be easily positioned to correct spot.

USB Inline Control: The USB inline control is pretty nice. Big, pronounced buttons allow you to easily control: Mute, Volume, Answer/Hang Up as well as Hold button that places call “on hold” and resumes call. My complaint with this is the same as for ALL the other USB headset manufacturers. The inline control is too far down the cable which when sitting, places the control just above my ankle. This makes it challenging to easily use. Additionally, no lapel clip so I can’t clip the cable to help keep the inline control up higher in a more manageable position. For now, I wrap cable behind my neck.

Comfort: it’s a really comfortable headset, fits nicely.

Set Up: Set up was fairly straight forward. I took USB cable and connected to an open USB port on my PC tower. Appropriate drivers were installed and headset becomes Audio Device you can select via Microsoft Lync client.

It also becomes a device that can be managed via Jabra PC Suite:

Audio Quality: The audio quality is very good. The speakers provide a nice clean, clear sound. The transmit levels appear to be good. I haven’t received any complaints in reference to transmit. The mic seems to be sensitive and “on” all the time because if I breathe it seems to pick it up.

Summary: I’ve only used a few days now but so far so good. I had initially received a non-Lync version (standard UC model) and I experienced issues connecting calls. Either it wouldn’t answer or I couldn’t hear the person on the other end once call did connect. I still continue to experience not being able to hear caller immediately on some calls. It seems to be a sporadic issue that is corrected by placing calls on hold and resuming the call. Other than that, BIZ 2300 USB Duo MS is working well.

Update 10/18/13: I was able to correct the issue of the lag/delay by going into my PC Control Panel –> Hardware & Sounds –> Setting BIZ 2300 as “Default” Playback and Recording. After I did that I had no further issues. I found the headset to be very comfortable enough for all-day wear. Unlike its competitors, I did enjoy the “Hold” button/feature BIZ 2300 USB offered.

Logitech Wireless Headset Dual H820e – Review

May 7, 2013/0 Comments/in How To's/by Danny Hayasaka

May 7, 2013

Received the New Logitech Wireless Headset Dual H820e – Optimized for Microsoft Lync

Set Up – Very easy. Only two cables: power and USB cables – The “W” and “N” is Wideband and Narrowband switch.

Use – Very simple design. The base is heavy and solid feeling.

Answer/Hang Up Button on the back of microphone boom – When engaged in a call, back of boom lights up to indicate in use
Mute switch also on the boom. When depressed, small red light on tip of Mic boom lights up red. Not certain how useful that is since when you are wearing the headset, it’s tough to see the tip of the mic
Volume Up and Down is two separate buttons and are shaped differently to help you differentiate. Nice feature
Lync Optimized – Software/Drivers install automatically – and becomes selectable audio device option via your Lync client
Audio Quality – The audio quality is good. I experienced no major issues – you can hear me breathing as I was walking up/down stairs. Noise canceling is “ok” however anyone speaking in normal tone nearby can be heard.

Concerns –

Weight – as I mentioned, the base is heavier than most wireless. I’m concerned as to what that will do to shipping costs for larger deployments/orders
Service – We haven’t been selling Logitech products long and to date, I’m not fully versed in their service offering. Basically, what happens if the headset breaks within the first 30 days, 30+ days and after the warranty expires
Accessories – Not currently aware if there are available accessories, i.e. spare headset, spare ear cushions, ac adapter, USB cable
Battery Life – Again, new to wireless line of headsets, not certain how long a battery life when it comes to Talk Time as well as just how long before the battery will need to be replaced – which goes back to accessories – also, does H820e series have field replaceable batteries?
Only Headband Style Options – No Convertible Model
Only USB connectivity – No multi-connectivity variant/s

Conclusion

This is simple to set up and use headset. Because it connects only via USB, you’re limited to PC only applications. While more and more businesses are shifting to VoIP softphones or UC platforms, there are still plenty of hybrid platforms out there with a desk phone and PC based voice applications. (and let’s not forget the mobile space of laptops, tablets & smartphones. This is not a mobile employee (road warrior) solution as it requires AC power to operate.

The range was good, the audio quality good. Easy to use.

The challenge is Plantronics and Jabra have been out there promoting, pushing complete UC portfolios for many years now so unlike the first couple of years where Plantronics and Jabra were relatively unknown in the IT space, they are now the top two UC device players when it comes to headsets, especially wireless.

Because Logitech is bigger than both Jabra and Plantronics, you certainly cannot dismiss their attempt at entry into the headset world.

Logitech CC3000e Review

VXi CC Pro Review

Jabra Link 265

VXi ConneXt – Review

VXi VoxStar UC Review

CS540 vs SaviW740 Batteries

Logitech Speakerphone P710e Review

Plantronics Blackwire C325-M Review

BIZ 2300 USB Duo MS Review

Logitech Wireless Headset Dual H820e – Review

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