Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications (DECT™) is the European Telecommunications Standards Institute’s (ESTI) standard for short-range cordless communications, adapted for voice, data, and networking applications. DECT technology has become the global standard for secure residential and business cordless phone communications. More than 110 countries have adopted the DECT system, with more than 100 million new devices sold annually.
DECT Security Certification
To meet the increased demand for secure communications, the DECT Forum, the international association of the wireless home and enterprise communication industry, has established the DECT Security Certification program. The certification program consists of requirements and security features, which, when implemented in a product, are validated by an accredited and independent test laboratory to show compliance. (DECT Security Certified products listed here)
3 Steps in the DECT™ Security Chain
The DECT™ security chain is made up of three steps, as shown below:
Pairing
The first and vital step in the process is to bind the headset with the base. Pairing can be done over the air or for greater security by physically docking the headset into the base. This ensures the secret key shared during the process is exchanged via the charging contacts and not over the air.
Authentication
The secret key shared during the pairing process is used for each call to establish authentication between the subscribed headset and the base. A non-paired headset will not work with the base.
Encryption
The audio between the headset and the base is encrypted for each call so that intruders cannot read it – the encryption keys are regenerated every 60 seconds.
DECT™ Security Evolution
DECT security has evolved from the original security definition to new enhanced definitions called Step A, B, and C, each step offers increased security over the previous step. Each new security level includes all features of the prior level.
DECT security – Authentication (DSAA)*, Encryption (DSC, 64 bit keys)
DECT security step A – New features which correct certain vulnerabilities. Secure DECT certification.
DECT security step B – New authentication using strong AES 128 bit encryption (DSAA2)*
DECT security step C – Strong encryption of audio stream using AES 128 bit keys (DSC2)*
* DSAA and DSC are the authentication and encryption algorithms defined in the DECT security standard ETSI EN 300 175-7 applicable for DECT security and DECT security step A. DSAA2 and DSC2 are the equivalent updated security algorithms for the next steps of DECT security, steps B and C.
FIPS 140-2
The Federal Information Processing Standard Publication 140-2 (FIPS 140-2) is a U.S. government computer and security standard used to approve cryptographic modules. Select DECT wireless headsets go one step further and utilize encryption algorithms (Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) 256-bit encryption) listed in FIPS 140-2 standards required by the US military and government. This level of security goes beyond DECT level C.
Who Needs DECT Security Step C or FIPS 140-2 Level Security?
Any industry that shares sensitive or private information over voice calls should strongly consider DECT wireless headsets with a higher level of security to include Financial, Banking, Healthcare, Insurance, Government, and Contact Centers.
Secure DECT Wireless Headsets
EPOS has a Protected Pairing process which transfers sensitive pairing data via the charging terminal of the IMPACT SDW 5000 base station instead of ‘over the air’. The security of the pairing process is further enhanced by the authentication algorithm (DSAA2), which uses AES-128-bit keys. The EPOS Impact SDW 5000 Series has reached step B in the DECT security level by implementing this enhanced algorithm. There are multiple wearing styles and connectivity options available to support individual preferences. Contact us for help in selecting the right EPOS Impact SDW 5000 model! Security Features in the IMPACT SDW 5000 Headset Series.
Yealink WH6X Series utilize DECT security level step C: Authentication – DSAA2, Encryption – DSC2 (128bit) and Cordless Advanced Technology: CAT-iq 2.0. They are available as stand alone DECT wireless headsets that connect to a computer or compatible IP phones that support USB headsets and they also have a new category of audio devices with their Yealink UC Workstation series.
AES-128 encryption ensures secured communication when using Cisco Headset 560 Series available with a Standard or a Multibase. The Standard base supports single connectivity to a desk phone or a computer. The Multibase supports connectivity to a desk phone, computer, and mobile phone.
Military Grade Security
These DECT wireless solutions utilize AES 256-bit keys for the very strongest level of encryption in professional headsets. The Jabra Engage 75 Series and Poly Savi 7300 Office models are also available in multiple wearing styles and connectivity options to support your team members regardless of work style and workspace. Contact us if you need help selecting the right wireless headsets for your team.
Cybercrime is on the rise, and in a business environment where customer calls are evermore sensitive, making valuable conversations secure is vital. Protect sensitive information by using secure DECT wireless headsets from EPOS, Jabra, Poly, and Yealink. Call One, Inc. helps mid-to-large organizations, including Financial, Banking, Healthcare, Insurance, Government, and Contact Centers, do their business better by providing professional-grade audio and video solutions.
Regardless of the work model being implemented, video conferencing will be part of the equation. Over the past 17-18 months most of us have participated in a video call over Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Cisco Webex, or some other video meeting platform. One thing we’ve learned is that it’s nice to have high-quality video but it’s more important to have great audio.
Audio is Critical in Video Calls
To have a productive video meeting, all participants need to be able to hear and be heard. In the early days of the pandemic, there was a massive shift to work from home. Once vaccines were introduced, businesses started developing plans to return to the office. Some leaders have made remote work permanent. While others have strong arguments for why employees need to be back in the office. And some are opting for a hybrid/flexible work model. As organizations navigate this topsy-turvy landscape, they need to focus on developing device standards that will work in the current and future environments.
Employees need the right technology to stay connected. The challenge is one size does not fit all. Business and IT leaders need to consider a day in the life of the employees in their various roles and work environments. Today team members can join video calls from a dedicated office, an area in their home, a third space, or from pretty much anywhere. Whether or not they turn their video on, they will need to be able to hear what’s being said. And if they speak, they need to be heard by all participants.
Since the start of the pandemic, I’ve been in countless video meetings, mobile calls, listen-only webinars, and online training sessions. Audio has been the most critical part. Even with great video, poor audio quality or no audio can stop a meeting dead in its tracks. It’s critical to have great audio.
What about different work environments? Call One, Inc. and Hello Direct, Inc. have team members working from our Headquarters in Cape Canaveral, FL, and remotely in different cities and states. We have open office environments, private offices, home environments, small to large meeting rooms, and an operations and warehouse facility. Audio and video device needs will be different depending on the team members’ roles and workspace. It’s not practical to use a speakerphone in an open office or noisy warehouse. First, we’ll take a look at desktop video options, and then we’ll discuss audio devices.
Desktop Video
There are multiple options available when it comes to desktop video and webcams. In my blog, Webcams for Business – What to consider I share a list of things to consider when choosing a webcam: Compatibility with Operating System, Supported Video Platforms, Windows Hello Face Support, Video Resolution, Field of View and Auto-Framing, Autofocus and Auto-light correction, Built-in Microphones, Privacy Shutter, Mounting Options, USB Type Connectivity, and Cable length, Additional USB Ports, All-in-One Video Bars, Device Management, Warranty, and Price. On our YouTube channel, we have a playlist dedicated to Webcams / Video Collaboration Solutions. These videos allow you to learn more about the webcams and see them in action. We also have side-by-side comparison videos.
Speakerphones are great audio devices for team members who work in a private or home office space where their audio will not distract others. Most personal speakerphones are excellent for travel as they are small and portable. Some models include Bluetooth which allows you to pair with a mobile device. This is great for streaming music or having an ad-hoc small group conference call with others. Speakerphones can be connected to a computer via USB-A or USB-C. There are wireless options that provide flexibility as to where you position the speakerphone from the computer. Zoom and Microsoft Teams certified speakerphones are available. Take a look at these USB Speakerphone options available from Poly, Jabra, EPOS, Konftel, Yamaha UC, Yealink, and ClearOne. In our Business Personal and Small Group Speakerphones video playlist, we put these speakerphones to the test and share their features and audio quality performance.
At the beginning of the pandemic, we experienced a lot of panic-buying from customers of all sizes and industries as they transitioned from in-office to work from home. Many used “freemium” collaboration apps on their computers and there was a mad dash for any USB headset they could get their hands on. We now have over a year and a half of experience and lessons learned under our belt. What we learned is that our team members need better when it comes to headsets. Business and IT leaders need to understand team members communicate and collaborate in different ways based on their work styles and workspaces. Having the right headset fosters better communication, collaboration, and improves productivity. When team members can hear and be heard when in a voice or video call, work just flows. The first step is to identify what they are connecting their headsets to. Is it a desk phone? Which brand and model? Is it a computer? What softphone or UC platforms are being used? Do they need Zoom or Microsoft Teams certified headsets? Is it a mobile device? Does it support Bluetooth or a 3.5mm plug? Do they need to connect to a combination of those three devices?
When I was able to travel and go on customer sites, it wasn’t uncommon to walk by a cubicle and see multiple headsets. When I inquired why they had so many headsets, the response often was, “This headset is for my desk phone. This headset is for my computer. And this is the headset I brought from home to pair with my mobile phone.”
With so many team members working remotely, what are they using? Has it been tested? Is it compatible or certified with the platforms and applications your business is using? How do you know? This conversation can wait for another video and blog I’m working on. We’ll cover device management software and why it’s important for your business.
Headset Connectivity
Today headsets support single and multi-connectivity. Here is a list of connectivity combinations headsets can support today:
Desk Phone Only
Computer Only
Computer + Mobile
Desk Phone + Computer
Desk Phone + Mobile
Desk Phone + Computer + Mobile
What connectivity do your team members need? Need help? Call One, Inc. can help you identify the right headsets based on connectivity, work environment, and use case. Contact us!
Wireless Headsets
Wireless headsets increase productivity by providing team members the ability to roam away from their workstations. They can answer and end calls right from their headset. This is beneficial in any environment. Those working from home will find being wireless especially beneficial. Wireless headsets allow you to get up and refill your coffee, tend to your children or pets, start a load of laundry, get a snack, get your deliveries, and more! There are multiple wireless operating frequencies in use today however, DECT and Bluetooth are the most prevalent when it comes to headsets. Which is best for your environment? If you need to go further, DECT headsets claim to offer a longer wireless range compared to Bluetooth headsets. Bluetooth headsets can pair to mobile phones which allows you to take calls on the go beyond your office or workspace. Poly Savi 8200 Office and Jabra Engage 65/75 Wireless headsets can easily be converted into hybrid work options. Take a look at this video to learn how!
Because work is being done from a variety of environments, employees no longer have immediate physical access to replacement units. I strongly recommend having a secondary/backup audio device wherever they are working. A corded USB headset is a good backup. A good choice would be a USB headset model that does not require software/firmware updates so employees have a truly plug-and-play experience should their primary audio device quit working. The JPL Commander-1, Commander-2, 400-USB Monaural, and 400-USB-Binaural are great inexpensive options as primary or backup headsets.
Make Informed Purchasing Decisions
We created our YouTube Channel to help you make more informed purchasing decisions by testing business-grade audio and video solutions in real-world environments. Check out some of our more popular video playlists:
In the new normal of work from anywhere, hybrid meetings with a mix of in-person and remote participants will be prevalent. Video is awesome however, audio is critical. It’s important to have an audio device that allows the user to hear and be heard. The audio device should align with the individual team member’s work style and workspace. Since 1987, Call One, Inc. has been helping people do their business better. We are authorized resellers of Poly, Jabra, EPOS, Logitech, Cisco, JPL, Yealink, Konftel, and more. We help mid-to-large enterprise customers select the right audio and video devices for their team members. If you would like help, contact us.
https://calloneinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Call-One-Blog-Audio-Hybrid-Work.jpg310850Danny Hayasakahttps://calloneinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/CallOneInc_HDI2.pngDanny Hayasaka2021-08-27 15:18:302021-08-27 15:18:39Video is great, Audio is Critical for Hybrid Work, Office Work, Work from Home
Jabra confirmed that the PanaCast 50 is shipping and is certified for Microsoft Teams and Zoom rooms on June 23, 2021. Engineered to be the world’s first new-normal-ready intelligent video bar, the PanaCast 50 reinvents meeting room video, audio, and intelligence for the ‘new normal’ workspace. The Jabra PanaCast 50 is available in Black or Grey.
Professional Grade Audio
The PanaCast 50 features eight professional-grade microphones and an array of four powerful Jabra-engineered speakers, two 50mm woofers, and two 20mm tweeters. Beamforming mics and full-duplex audio allow you to hear and be heard, naturally. Meetings flow better when everyone can communicate clearly. Jabra’s advanced beamforming technology maximizes the signal-to-noise ratio for crystal-clear voices, anywhere in the room.
And with full-duplex technology, everyone can contribute to the conversation in real-time. So those verbal cues that are so integral to face-to-face conversations will never go unheard.
Outstanding 180° Video
In addition to Jabra’s world-leading audio, Jabra’s gone all-in on inclusive video that keeps everyone in the frame. The three 13-megapixel cameras, mounted in a high-precision, multi-camera array, cover every part of the room. Their patented real-time video stitching technology intelligently decides exactly the right point to live-stitch the three feeds together, creating a smooth, 180° view in high-definition Panoramic-4K. That means nobody is squeezed together, distorted, or missing from the picture. Jabra PanaCast 50 puts inclusive meetings back on the table, safely.
Virtual Director and Intelligent Zoom
The Jabra PanaCast 50 features two Automatic Zoom modes.
Intelligent Zoom - dynamically frames all visible people within 3.5 meters (11 feet) of the camera.
Virtual Director - utilizes advanced speaker tracking to focus the camera view on whoever is currently speaking.
By default, the Automatic zoom mode is set to Intelligent Zoom. You can configure the setting in Jabra Direct > PanaCast 50 > Settings > Camera > Automatic Zoom mode.
If your organization has implemented socially distanced meetings, how do you know if your staff is sticking to the guidelines? Jabra’s intuitive software anonymously counts heads and provides notifications when your customized guidelines are being breached. Their unique 180° data stream remains constantly focused on the entire room, delivering real-time people count data, even when the video stream is zoomed in. Visual data in Jabra Xpress allows you to analyze your previous meeting history, and take data-driven action accordingly. This functionality doesn’t require a computer connection so it’ll capture impromptu meetings as well.
Whiteboard Streaming
Jabra’s whiteboard streaming technology lets you live stream your whiteboard content. This supports meeting equity and allows in-room and remote participants to see the whiteboard. This is a built-in feature that does not require a secondary content camera.
The recommended size of the whiteboard should be between 1.5-2.7 meters in width (5-9 feet), however, whiteboards measuring between 1-3 meters in width (3-10 feet) are supported.
It is recommended that the whiteboard should be positioned within 3.6 meters (12 feet) of the Jabra PanaCast 50, and no closer than 1.5 meters (5 feet). The optimal viewing range is 3 meters (9 feet).
Before a whiteboard can be shared in a video conference, a whiteboard view must be set up using Jabra Direct.
Optional Remote Control
The optional Remote Control makes it easier to control your meetings without having to leave your seat. You can access the presets, whiteboard stream, pan-tilt-zoom, mute, adjust volume, and start/end meetings all through the PanaCast 50 Remote Control available in black or grey.
Simple Installation
There are only two cables, AC Power and USB so set up is simple. The Jabra PanaCast 50 supports three different installation options to suit every room setup. You can choose from the Wall Mount in black or grey, Table Stand in black or grey, and Screen Mount (VESA). The Wall Mount hardware is included with the purchase of the PanaCast 50. The Table Stand and Screen Mount are sold separately.
The Jabra PanaCast 50 is optimized for all leading UC platforms, including Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and Google Meet. No matter what platform you use, the PanaCast 50 allows you to collaborate.
Meeting Room Guidelines
The PanaCast 50 is designed for meeting room sizes of 3m x 3m (10ft x 10ft) up to 4.5m x 4.5m (15ft x 15ft). In the PanaCast 50 Meeting Room Guide, they share setup information that includes optimized placement of equipment for Large Huddle Room, Huddle Room, and Break Out Room.
Large Room
Huddle Room
Breakout Room
In Conclusion
The hybrid workplace will require the ability to video enable meeting spaces small and large. The Jabra PanaCast 50 helps provide meeting equity for in-room and remote participants with key features like professional-grade audio, 180° field of view in Panoramic-4K, Intelligent Zoom, Virtual Director, and the built-in whiteboard content camera. Schedule a virtual demo or contact us to learn more about the entire Jabra line of business and contact center audio and video solutions.
Check out this Jabra PanaCast 50 Quick Demo Video featuring Intelligent Zoom, Presets, and Whiteboard sharing!
https://calloneinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Jabra-Panacast-50-Blog-Demo.jpg300850Danny Hayasakahttps://calloneinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/CallOneInc_HDI2.pngDanny Hayasaka2021-08-13 13:21:092021-08-13 13:32:37What size room is Jabra PanaCast 50 designed for?
The Poly Studio P Series provide organizations with personal video conferencing device options to support their multiple workstyles from entry-level workers to top executives. Combined with Poly Lens cloud management software and you have a robust solution for IT to easily deploy, monitor, and manage from anywhere.
Remote, In the Office, Hybrid
When it comes to personal audio and video devices, one size does NOT fit all. Different workers need different technology depending on how and where they work. Today people work remotely, in the office, or a hybrid model with a mix of locations. Workers in a fixed quiet location can benefit from an all-in-one solution like the Poly Studio P21 or Poly Studio P15. Someone working in a shared noisy environment may benefit from an external webcam like the Poly Studio P5 and headset with ANC speakers and a strong noise-canceling mic like the Poly Voyager Focus 2 Series. The Poly Studio P Series work with the video apps you already know and are Zoom and Microsoft Teams certified.
The goal for business and IT leaders is to identify the right solutions for their workforce based on workstyles and personal workspaces. In this blog, we’ll focus on the Poly Studio P Series Personal Video Conferencing Devices.
Poly Studio P5
The Poly Studio P5 webcam is great for home, office, private, or shared spaces. Coupled with a headset or speakerphone and you have a complete, portable, audio/video solution. The P5 is designed to attach to an existing computer or laptop monitor and connect via USB. The monitor clamp can be removed to mount on a standard tripod to provide greater positioning flexibility. It has an integrated privacy shutter, status LED light fin that indicates call and mute state. The Poly Studio P5 also has a built-in USB-A port to connect a wireless headset adapter like the BT600 or new BT700. It’s designed for personal use and offers a built-in single directional microphone and 80° DFOV. See the Poly Studio P5 in action in this video.
The Poly Studio P15 personal video bar includes a 4K camera, integrated privacy shutter, speakers, multi-microphone array, and two USB 2.0 Type-A ports. This is a great solution for the executive who wants a premium audio and video experience. With NoiseBlockAI and Acoustic Fence technologies, the P15 can be used in either your home or dedicated office. A simple USB connection to your PC or Mac will transform your video conferencing experience. See the Poly Studio P15 in action to include NoiseBlockAI and Acoustic Fence demo in this video.
Poly Studio P21
The Poly Studio P21 personal meeting display is truly an all-in-one video conferencing device that is easy to set up and use. This single device is packed with features and functions that include a 21-inch display, camera, microphone, speakers, lighting, wireless phone charger, and can be customized via the Poly Lens App. Take a look at all the available options and settings in this video! This is a great option if you want an additional display that includes all the components necessary for a high-quality video call. Additionally, there are two USB-A ports to connect a corded or wireless Poly headset if you need to take the conversation private. The Poly Studio P21 is a good fit for top executives who prefer a clean, simple solution that allows them to look and sound their best.
Which Poly Studio P Series is best for you by Workspace
Poly Studio P5 Webcam
Home or Office
Private or Shared Workspace
Cubicle or Hot Desk
Poly Studio P15 Personal Video Bar
Home or Office
Private Workspace
Poly Studio P21 Personal Meeting Display
Home or Office
Private Workspace
Keep Employee Devices Up, Running, and Ready for Action
Poly Lens makes collaboration better for your employees no matter where they work or the compatible device they choose. You get better line of sight on device health and adoption rates and you may also see fewer help-desk tickets. IT can quickly get started remotely provisioning, monitoring, and troubleshooting from a single pane of glass. And since Poly Lens is cloud-based, it’ll scale with you, maintaining security without all that heavy overhead of traditional IT management. Check out this interview video with a Principal Solutions Architect at Poly where we discuss what Poly Lens is and how it helps organizations.
Poly Lens
Control Your Experience
Poly Lens Desktop is a single app for customizing your compatible personal devices to how you work. Stay up to date with the latest software and gain access to product guides, setup, and support, right at your fingertips. And with built-in wellness and nature sounds, you’ll have better focus and peace of mind, so you’ll look and sound great.
https://calloneinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Pseries.jpg10131800Danny Hayasakahttps://calloneinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/CallOneInc_HDI2.pngDanny Hayasaka2021-07-29 16:00:562021-07-30 15:11:11Which Poly Studio P Series is best for you? Poly Studio P5, P15, or P21?
We recently ran a poll across Call One, Inc’s Twitter, YouTube Community, and LinkedIn. The objective was to see if there was a clear model businesses were adopting in this post-pandemic landscape: hybrid, fully remote, or return to the office. According to Best Practice Institute 2021 Return to Work Study, over 83% of CEOs wanting their employees back in the office in 2021, while only 10% of employees wishing to be back in the office full time. Some companies like Twitter and DropBox are giving employees the option to permanently work remote, according to Vox April 21, 2021 article. So what is currently happening? We asked in our polls, “As of July 2021, what is your current work model? Work From Home, In-Office, Hybrid, Not Working. We had a total of 2,010 votes. Here are the results:
Twitter Poll Results – 1,839 votes
31.4% Working from home
32% In the office
22.2% Hybrid
14.4% Not working
YouTube Community Poll Results – 140 votes
61% Working from home
15% In the office
19% Hybrid
6% Not working
LinkedIn Poll Results – 31 votes
52% Working from home
13% In the Office
32% Hybrid
3% Not working
If you take the average of all three poll results:
48.1% Working from home
20% In the Office
24.4% Hybrid
7.8% Not Working
What these results show is there is a strong need for audio and video solutions to support employees across multiple environments. Recently I posted a video sharing my home office setup and HQ office setup. My objective is to have a consistent work experience regardless of where I’m working. I’m fortunate to have a dedicated office in both locations. For those who don’t, you have the option of assigning seats or you can take a look at Office Hoteling.
Office Hoteling
Embrava Desk Sign
Office hoteling is the elimination of assigned seating in a workspace. This allows members to reserve office space as needed. Effectively implement hot-desking or hoteling in your office with Embrava Desk Sign. These Desk Signs visually allow users to quickly determine which workspaces are available to be used. Green indicates the space is available. Orange shows it’s reserved. When checked in the sign glows red. Yellow is ending. Learn more in this blog, How Embrava Desk Sign helps with Office Hoteling which includes a video showing the Embrava Desk Sign in action.
Personal Audio and Video Devices
Poly Voyager Focus 2
Business and IT leaders need to identify what experience they want their employees to have in a hybrid or flexible work environment. Those who have been working from home since March of 2020 understand the pros and cons. Hybrid work presents its own set of challenges when it comes to technology. Besides a laptop, what additional hardware will employees be expected to transport to and from the office? I’m a fan of the Poly Voyager Focus 2 and Evolve 75 as audio solutions for hybrid work. I explain the reasons why in this ANC Headsets for Business Collaboration blog. I also like the Poly Studio P5 Kits for the simplicity it provides organizations as they make decisions on device standards. The Poly Studio P5 Kits include an audio and video device all in one SKU which makes it easy to order and manage. Learn more in this blog Poly Studio P5 Kits – Great for Hybrid Work!
Another area business and IT leaders need to address are the meeting spaces. With video being a staple of how organizations communicate and collaborate, the need to video-enable all your meeting rooms is important. Konftel and Logitech have made it easy to identify what solutions are best for your various meeting spaces with online room configuration tools. For small to medium meeting rooms, All-in-One Video Bars are a simple and cost-effective way to provide video. There are several options available when it comes to video conferencing. Take a look at these options from Yealink, Konftel, Logitech, Poly, and Jabra.
Logitech Rally Bar (All-in-One Video Bar)
Using Microsoft Teams or Zoom?
Having a certified, reliable, and secure device that offers high-quality audio and video ensures clear conversations. Teams and Zoom certified devices include headsets, desk phones, speakerphones, and more. Whether working from home or on the go, there are Microsoft Teams and Zoom devices for you.
Sharing Dry Erase Whiteboard in Video Meetings
Logitech Scribe
Dry Erase Whiteboards are great for education, training, and collaboration. They are still widely used. In the past, remote participants struggled to see what was on a whiteboard. Today solutions from Logitech, Jabra, and others, allow presenters to share content from the whiteboard in stunning fashion. Take a look at this quick Logitech Scribe demo from my HQ office!
In Summary
As of today, people are working remotely, in an office, or both. The need to communicate and collaborate doesn’t change regardless of location. Business and IT leaders need to ensure their team members have the right tools for their role regardless of where their working. Call One, Inc. can help people do their business better. Contact us to learn which solutions are best for your team members!
https://calloneinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Hybrid-Work_Remote-Work-blog.jpg300850Danny Hayasakahttps://calloneinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/CallOneInc_HDI2.pngDanny Hayasaka2021-07-23 12:03:002021-07-23 12:03:10What are you doing? Hybrid Work, Work From Home, Work In Office
Regardless of what work model companies and organizations are implementing, video is a part of the equation. Most organizations have one or a few large meeting rooms however, they have more small to medium-sized meeting spaces. Some have hundreds to thousands of these spaces. All-in-One Video Bars are a great way to easily video-enable these rooms for these reasons:
Compatible with all major video platforms
Compact all-in-one design
Easy to Set Up
Easy to Use
Affordable
Additionally, device management software is available to help simplify the deployment, monitoring, and management of these devices.
All-in-One Video Bars for Small Meeting Rooms (Up to 6 People)
The Poly Studio is a premium USB video bar built for rooms with up to 6 people. It’s designed for BYOD spaces that allow users to bring in their laptops and connect to the video service platform of choice. It has integrated mics and stereo speakers with a 4K, 120° wide-angle; Group framing/speaker tracking; 5x EPTZ camera. It has a USB-A connection to a PC or Mac for video calls. The Poly Studio includes some great audio technology features that improve the meeting experience. Eliminate distracting sounds with their patented Poly NoiseBlockAI technology. Acoustic Fence technology keeps voices and other noises outside of the fence perimeter that can be adjusted from narrow to wide via the Polycom Companion App. Check out this Poly Studio Acoustic Fence demo against barking dogs!
The TridentAI is an all-in-one solution for next-generation video conferencing. Get a 120° wide-angle field of view, 4K auto-tracking video, a four-microphone beamforming array, and a speaker that fills your conference room with crisp audio output. Keep your team working seamlessly in a remote or hybrid environment. Perfect for BYOD, BYOM, and modern collaboration spaces. Take it out of the box, plug the camera into your USB-C port, hang it on your monitor or mount it on a tripod and you’re ready to go. You don’t need extra software or drivers. The TridentAI doesn’t care which operating system you choose, it plays well with Windows, Android, Mac OS, and Linux. See it in action in this video!
The Konftel CC200 is designed for a meeting size of up to six people. Unlike the first three video bars I’ve shared, this is a whole video system in a compact collaboration camera. There is no need for a computer. Connect via SIP/H.323 or WiFi. Check out this video where I unbox, configure, set up, and share some of the CC200 features! You can share content wirelessly with all the meeting participants – sending it from your laptop or mobile phone to the Konftel CC200. We call this Wi-Fi Display. If your organization requires screen sharing to be done by cable, the Konftel AV Grabber is available as an accessory. This is a feature-packed solution that can quickly and cost-effectively transform any space with a screen into a venue for video conferencing.
The Poly Studio X30 is ideal for small meeting rooms of up to six people that need an all-in-one video solution. You can order with or without the TC8 touch control. It’s radically simple to use with support for leading cloud video services built right in—no PC or Mac required. Voices are crisp and clear, thanks to a beamforming microphone array and acoustic chamber design. Built-in, wireless content sharing lets users share from their devices without the need for cables or pucks. Setup, management, and maintenance are all streamlined, too. Say hello to lower IT costs. Check out this quick overview video where we set it up and demo the Studio X30.
The Jabra Panacast 50 is engineered to be the first new-normal ready intelligent video bar. It’s great for standard (10 ft x 10 ft)to large (14 ft x 14 ft) huddle rooms with up to seven people. As well as break-out rooms. See Meeting room setup guidelines. The Jabra Panacast 50 has a unique 180° field of view that keeps everyone in the picture at a safe distance. Virtual Director intelligently adjusts the video in real-time for more immersive meetings. Intelligent Zoom automatically adjusts the field of view to include everybody in the conversation. There is also a whiteboard sharing/content camera (Windows only) for real-time whiteboard streaming for more inclusive remote collaboration. Watch this Jabra Panacast 50 overview video! See all Jabra Panacast Solutions and Accessories.
Rally Bar Mini is Logitech’s premier all-in-one video bar for small rooms and huddle spaces. It’s remarkably simple to use, manage, and deploy at scale, delivering the capabilities of larger video bars like Logitech Rally Bar in a compact form factor for smaller spaces. With studio-quality audio and video, motorized pan and tilt, and AI-powered performance, Rally Bar Mini sets new standards for video collaboration. Easily connects to virtually any PC or Mac®, with no additional software required. Built-in compute allows you to run supported video conferencing applications such as Zoom directly on the device. Check out the Logitech Rally Bar Mini Data Sheet for a list of features and benefits, accessories, and technical specifications. Watch this overview video!
The Yealink MeetingBar A20 with CP18 touch panel is an all-in-one Android video collaboration bar for small meeting rooms. Featuring a 20MP camera and 133° superwide-angle lens, A20 delivers outstanding video quality. Together with the electric lens cap, and AI technologies including Auto Framing and Speaker Tracking, allow users to experience a smarter and safer video conference. With 8 MEMS microphone arrays and Yealink noise-proof technology, A20 brings excellent audio experience in small rooms even in full-duplex mode and ensures that everyone can be heard as well as seen. Moreover, A20 combines a computing unit, camera, microphones, speaker, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth, which provides you a solution for simple deployment. A20 supports cloud video platforms like Zoom and Microsoft Teams without a PC or Mac. The A20 is capable of content sharing and whiteboarding that makes the meeting more communicative and collaborative. Simple and flexible deployment but powerful features deliver excellent video collaboration performance. Check out this brief demo from Microsoft Ignite 2020.
he Poly Studio X50 is ideal for medium-sized rooms with up to 10 participants and can be ordered with or without the TC8 Touch Control. The Poly Studio X50 video bar delivers radical simplicity in a small, elegant package. In small- and medium-sized rooms, connect easily with whatever video collaboration software you may use. Experience full boardroom-quality audio, advanced camera capabilities, and quick wireless content—all in one sleek video bar. And say goodbye to unnecessary pucks, cards, and cables, along with the PC or Mac to drive the meeting, since the Poly Video OS runs the show. Easy to install, easy to manage. It also offers dual monitor support to ensure an ideal setup for many types of rooms.
Logitech Rally Bar sets a new standard for video meetings in midsize rooms, with expansion options for larger groups and settings. It’s remarkably simple to use, manage, and deploy at scale, delivering cinema-quality video and audio in a sleek, all-in-one form factor. Plug and play Rally Bar with any PC or Mac, or leverage the built-in compute to run video conferencing applications directly on the device. Rally Bar features a multi-element lens assembly, powerful low distortion speakers, and an advanced mic system to create meeting experiences that sound as good as they look. A dedicated AI camera amplifies RightSight auto-framing and delivers insights about room usage directly to the Logitech Sync dashboard. Learn more about Logitech Sync in this video interview with Sr Product Manager, Trevor Rush. Upgrade your video collaboration with Rally Bar. Check out this Logitech Rally Bar Overview video we did with fellow YouTuber and Microsoft MVP Ragnar Heil.
In Summary
The global pandemic has forever changed the workplace. Video conferencing and collaboration are now the new normal. Meetings will be a mix of in-person and remote participants moving forward. Meeting spaces of all sizes will need to be video-enabled. All-in-one video bars are a great option for small to medium-sized meeting rooms for these reasons: Compatible with all major video platforms, Compact all-in-one design, Easy to Set Up, Easy to Use, and Affordable. Listed are units we’re familiar with based on our partnerships. There are other video bars like the Aver VB130, Neat Bar, and Bose Videobar VB1. I haven’t had the pleasure of testing those solutions yet.
If would like to schedule a meeting to discuss your small to medium meeting room video needs, contact us!
https://calloneinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/All-in-One-Video-Bar-header1.jpg300850Danny Hayasakahttps://calloneinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/CallOneInc_HDI2.pngDanny Hayasaka2021-07-20 14:10:082021-07-20 14:10:14All-in-One Video Bars Perfect for Small and Medium-sized Meeting Rooms
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) technology in business headsets became increasingly popular during the global pandemic as the multitude of traditional in-office workers transitioned to work from home. The home environment introduced sources of noise not often found in offices like doorbells, barking dogs, blenders, and screaming children. Today organizations are making plans that will include the return to the office, remote work, or hybrid work.
In addition to having a strong noise-canceling microphone, headset wearers have found they want to suppress the background noise they hear so they can focus on their work.
ANC headsets used for business, need to be compatible or certified with the collaboration platforms being used like Microsoft, Zoom, Cisco, Genesys, AWS, 8×8, RingCentral, and more. Leading headset manufacturers will often include a USB dongle to be used with their ANC Bluetooth headsets. Our customers and YouTube viewers frequently ask, “Why do I need a USB dongle?” With the help of our partners, we provide reasons in this blog: “Why Do I Need a USB Dongle vs Pairing the Headset Directly to a Computer?” The primary reasons to use the dongle are compatibility, connection stability, and call control (answer/end, mute, volume up/down) from the headset vs using your mouse.
Microsoft Teams certified models will work with no extra configuration required and offer call control with Microsoft Teams and Skype for Business. The dedicated Teams button and LED indicator light will provide user notification of events and alerts from the Teams client: Meeting starting, voicemail, or missed call. You can also activate the Teams client or respond to notification with a press of the button i.e. to join a meeting.
Wearing Styles
Today there are multiple headset wearing styles that include ANC technology to support the wide range of personal preferences. Some folks prefer having both ears completely enveloped by the speakers. Others prefer the more discreet earbud-wearing style. And, some wearers prefer a headset with a boomless mic.
DECT Wireless ANC Headsets
Savi 8220 Headset Side View
Savi 8220 Headset Rear View
The majority of headsets that offer ANC speakers are Bluetooth. If you require a DECT wireless headset with ANC speakers, the Poly Savi 8220 stereo models are a great option. The Poly Savi 8220 are available in Office and UC variants. The Savi 8220 Office series support connectivity to desk phone, computer, and mobile device. The Savi 8220 UC includes the D200 DECT Dongle for computer-only connectivity. The D200 is available in USB-A UC, USB-A Microsoft, USB-C UC, and USB-C Microsoft. I’m not aware of another business-grade DECT headset with ANC.
Corded ANC Headsets
The Poly Blackwire 8225 Series are corded USB headsets available in USB-A, USB-C, and Microsoft Teams variants. Not only do you get ANC speakers, but you also get Poly’s Acoustic Fence technology built into the microphone so the people you’re speaking with don’t hear the noise around you. If you prefer a boomless mic corded USB option, take a look at the Poly Blackwire 7225 Series. If you prefer to have your ears completely enveloped, the Jabra Evolve 80 Series may be a good choice for you. The Jabra Evolve 80 offers USB-A connectivity as well 3.5mm for select mobile devices. They are available in UC and Microsoft variants.
I test a lot of headsets. Typically I’m testing the microphones to see how well they perform in real-world environments. Take a look at this Headset Mic Test Video Playlist on our YouTube Channel. Plus, I use headsets daily for communicating and collaborating with colleagues, customers, and partners. I’ve used them in the office, on the road, in airplanes, and from my home office. Here are the variables and factors I considered when selecting my top ANC headset picks for business collaboration:
Connectivity – I need connectivity to a computer and mobile device.
Compatibility – Headset needs to be compatible with 8×8, Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Cisco Webex, Google Meet, and more.
Battery Life / Talk Time / Listen Time – Whenever I’m not writing blogs or filming videos, I’m in voice and video calls or streaming music. The headset should support 6hrs+ of talk/listen time. If I get back to traveling, I’ll need even longer battery life.
NC mic performance – Hybrid work means working from anywhere. The microphone needs to suppress background noise from multiple noise sources so the party on the other end can hear you.
ANC speaker performance – The key point of ANC headsets is to help you block out distracting background noises so you can focus and be more productive.
Flexibility to use as a wireless or corded USB device – On the off chance, you forget to charge your headset, having the ability to use it as a corded USB device is a great feature. Not all headsets support this option.
Comfort – Anyone who has worn headsets for extended periods knows how important comfort is.
Overall performance – Your headset is a primary collaboration tool that will be used daily. It must perform consistently every day. To ensure optimal performance, be sure to keep your headset firmware updated via the appropriate headset software or app.
Danny Hayasaka’s Top ANC Headset picks are:
These two headsets have been solid performers. The Poly Voyager Focus 2 is newer but it very quickly became a favorite based on all the above factors. The Jabra Evolve 75 has been a long-time favorite of mine. Take a look at this Voyager Focus 2 vs Evolve 75 comparison video.
Poly Voyager Focus 2 – I gave the Poly Voyager Focus 2 the top spot due to additional connectivity. The Voyager Focus 2 Office UC and Microsoft Teams certified models support connectivity to a desk phone, computer, and mobile device. And the Teams models have a dedicated Microsoft Teams button.
Jabra Evolve 75 – This has been a solid performer for years. Watch the comparison video to see the differences and similarities between these two top picks.
ANC headsets are a great option for Hybrid Work which translates to Work from Anywhere. The need to block out distractions so you can focus on work or enjoy streaming music can be satisfied with a headset with good ANC speakers. We have created a page that lists all the current ANC Headsets by Brand (Poly, Cisco, EPOS | Sennheiser, Jabra, & Logitech). If you would like guidance or need mass deployment support regarding ANC Headsets for Business Collaboration, contact us! We are more than happy to help you do your business better!
https://calloneinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/ANC-Headsets-for-Business-Collaboration-blog-header.jpg310850Danny Hayasakahttps://calloneinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/CallOneInc_HDI2.pngDanny Hayasaka2021-07-02 10:17:182021-07-02 10:17:24ANC Headsets for Business Collaboration
Cape Canaveral, Florida, June 1, 2021. Call One, Inc. announced today that Dawn Mays has been appointed new CEO and Stephen Mays has been promoted to President.
As CEO, Dawn Mays is focused on building upon the fundamental strengths of Call One, Inc. and developing new and innovative ways to help people do their business better by simplifying access to communication and collaboration solutions. This includes strengthening our decades long relationships with leading partners and developing additional partnerships with new emerging technology brands in this space.
Dawn Mays first joined Call One, Inc. in 2000 and served as the Marketing Director until 2003. Dawn has since had multiple leadership roles outside of Call One, Inc. In 2014, she returned as Senior Director of Real Estate for Sheldon Cove, LLLP, where she was responsible for all aspects of Sheldon Cove’s commercial and residential real estate assets and included active involvement in the governance, policy, and external affairs for Sheldon Cove.
In 2019, Ms. Mays was named Chief Strategy Officer (CSO). She worked with the CEO and Executive Vice President on the development, communication, and execution of corporate initiatives essential to the long-term growth of the company.
About Dawn Mays
Originally from Jacksonville, Dawn and her husband moved to the Space Coast to be closer to family and have enjoyed being Space Coast residents for over 20 years. They have three children and two dogs. Dawn is an active community leader and volunteer. She is currently serving as Chairperson for Space Coast Business Voice PAC, is a member of the Junior Achievement Board of Directors, the Brevard Civilian Military Council, the Economic Development Commission Board of Directors, weVenture’s League of Extraordinary Investors and the Brevard Zoo Board of Directors. She recently finished her term as a board member for St Mark’s Episcopal Academy and previously served in an alumni leadership role with Zeta Tau Alpha at Stetson University.
Ms. Mays received her M.B.A from the Crummer School of Business at Rollins College and holds a B.A. in History from Stetson University.
About Call One, Inc.
Call One, Inc. was founded in 1987 as a national headset specialty vendor providing Plantronics, GN Netcom, Unex, and ACS brands. Over the years, they have evolved with the changing landscape. Today, Call One, Inc. provides and supports Video Collaboration, Enterprise and Contact Center Headsets, Samsung Enterprise Mobility, Cloud Services, and UVC Disinfection Solutions across multiple industries to include Finance, Insurance, Logistics / Transportation, Banking, Professional Services, Telecom / Communications, Education, Healthcare, Manufacturing, and Government entities. Call One, Inc. is a Nationally Certified Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE) and Woman Owned Small Business (WOSB). The company values partnerships and is a Samsung Titanium Mobile Partner, Jabra One Premium Partner, Poly Platinum Partner, Cisco Premier Certified Partner, JPL Premium Partner, Logitech Gold Partner, Konftel Partner and more!
https://calloneinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Call-One-blog-CEO-announcement-v2.jpg6561771Danny Hayasakahttps://calloneinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/CallOneInc_HDI2.pngDanny Hayasaka2021-06-24 15:01:022021-06-28 14:25:16Call One, Inc. Appoints Dawn Mays as New CEO
Businesses are still reviewing and developing post-pandemic work models. Many will implement a hybrid work model that includes both in-office and remote work. For organizations that are going back full time and do not allow Bluetooth headsets on the premises, a dual connectivity DECT wireless headset that does not include Bluetooth is beneficial.
Desk Phone and Computer Connectivity
The Poly Savi 7300 Office Series offer desk phone and computer connectivity. They are compatible with existing EHS cables and Handset Lifter. Included in the box are both USB-A and USB-C cables for connecting to a computer’s USB-A or USB-C ports. The Savi 7300 Office Series are available in four models that include single and dual ear headband wearing styles. There are also Microsoft Teams Certified models.
The Savi 7300 Office Series is a new range of ultra-secure wireless DECT headsets for connection to a computer and/or desk phone. They do not replace any existing products. A key difference is security. The Savi 7300 Office Series headsets are designed to meet the highest level DECT Security Step C enhanced with Military level FIPS 140-2 listed features, such as 256-bit AES encryption. These are a great choice for financial, medical, government, contact centers, or anywhere sensitive conversations happen.
Acoustic Fence and Microsoft Teams Open Office
Additionally, the Savi 7300 Office Series headset uses a flexible noise-canceling microphone boom with Acoustic Fence technology, so conversations stay private. Acoustic Fence technology uses a second microphone on the ear cup to help identify and reduce background noise. The Savi 7300 Office Series meets the Microsoft Teams Open Office specification.
Microsoft Teams Certified
The Savi 7300 Office Series are the first Poly Microsoft Teams certified DECT™ headset with dedicated Microsoft Teams button. When pressed, the Teams button brings the Microsoft Teams desktop client to the front of the screen. If there is a message waiting or other notification the application will open to that screen – for a seamless Microsoft Teams experience.
Conference Feature for Training
Like all other Poly DECT Wireless headsets, the Savi 7300 Office Series supports multi headset conferencing. You can conference up to 3 additional headsets to a call in progress. This is a great feature for training Customer Service Representatives, contact center agents, or new team members. You can also mix desk phone and softphone calls together via Savi 7300 Office Series.
2x Better Density
The Savi 7300 Office Series makes more efficient use of the available spectrum by using the latest compression and modulation techniques as well as a new codec to provide up to 2x better density (compared to existing Poly and competitor devices) without impacting audio quality. There is no question that wireless headsets increase productivity. A challenge for large enterprises is deploying large numbers of wireless headsets without impacting performance. If you are looking to deploy large quantities of wireless headsets in single location, it’s best to contact an Authorized Poly Reseller like Call One, Inc. or Hello Direct to start a wireless density survey for your location/s.
Combined call answer/end and Microsoft Teams button, mute volume +/-, power on/ off (Microsoft Teams version only)
In call indicator
Multiple voice prompts—chosen language configurable via software.
Desk phone, softphone selector buttons
Microsoft Teams button (Microsoft Teams version only)
Incoming call ringer (configured via software)
Plantronics Hub application on desktop
Plantronics Manager Pro (Asset Management and Adoption, Health and Safety Suites—see Supported Devices for full list of supported reports
Microsoft Teams Certified (Microsoft Teams versions only)
Headset Weight
Savi 7320 Over-the-head (binaural): 160 g /5.64 oz
Savi 7310 Office Over-the-head (monaural): 120 g /4.23 oz
https://calloneinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Poly-7300-Blog-header.jpg315850Danny Hayasakahttps://calloneinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/CallOneInc_HDI2.pngDanny Hayasaka2021-06-24 12:51:292021-06-24 12:51:33Poly Savi 7300 Office Series great solution for Return to Office
One of the most frequently asked questions comes in many forms but ultimately, the end objective is the same. Can you connect two USB headsets to a single computer so both headsets receive/transmit audio simultaneously for training? The answer is, “No”. We have written a couple blogs previously (Is there a Training-Y for USB Headsets? and Training-Y for USB Headsets in Softphone environment?) as well as put out a video titled How To Connect Two USB Headsets to a PC for Training!. The challenge being the limitations of the computer only allowing you to select one Output and Input audio path. The same is true when using a collaboration app like Microsoft Teams, Zoom, 8×8, etc. You can only select one audio source. In video below we show you using a USB splitter we purchased online and a Poly Blackwire 8225 and Jabra BIZ 2400 II USB Headset.
This blog is revisiting the topic of training two people via one computer for voice calls, especially as organizations explore return to office plans.
Currently there are four options organizations can select:
Option 1 – Two QD Headsets + Training-Y + QD to USB Adapter
Poly, Jabra, EPOS, and JPL all offer a QD Headsets along with Training-Y cables and QD to USB Adapters.
Cloud communications platforms today offer Call Monitoring features that many include:
Listen: Listen to a call without the parties being aware.
Whisper: Speak to a user in a call without other parties being aware.
Barge: Join a call and speak to all parties.
Take over: Take over the call from another user.
Call One, Inc. is a Trusted Advisor and can help you select and appropriate UCaaS or CCaaS platform that aligns with your business goals and objectives to include 8×8 and Zoom. Contact us to learn more! In the video below, we physically connect two USB headsets via USB Splitter we purchased online to show that you can’t select more than one device for audio source.
https://calloneinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/2-Headsets-1-PC-blog.jpg10001778Danny Hayasakahttps://calloneinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/CallOneInc_HDI2.pngDanny Hayasaka2021-06-08 17:13:242023-11-16 18:09:39Why You Can’t Use 2 USB Headsets on 1 PC
