The Poly Studio R30 video bar, designed for small meeting spaces, offers a variety of tracking modes via Poly Lens to adapt to different meeting scenarios. These modes automatically adjust the camera’s framing, ensuring that your participants are always shown in the best possible view. From Speaker Framing to People Framing, the Poly Studio R30 gives you control over how your meeting is presented.
In this article, we’ll explore each of these tracking modes and highlight how they enhance your video conferencing experience. If you’d like to see these modes in action, check out our demo video here.
Tracking Modes Available in Poly Lens for Poly Studio R30
Here’s a breakdown of the different tracking modes available through Poly Lens:
Off Mode: This option disables auto-tracking and framing, allowing you to manually control the camera’s Pan, Tilt, and Zoom settings. Off Mode is ideal when you need a fixed view or want full control over the camera’s positioning for a custom framing solution.
Speaker Framing: Automatically focuses on the active speaker, zooming in on them to keep them at the center of attention. Speaker Framing is perfect for presentations and one-on-one meetings, ensuring the speaker is always the primary focus.
Group Framing: In Group Framing, the camera adjusts to include all participants in the room. It dynamically zooms in or out based on the number of people in the room, making it suitable for team meetings where everyone should be visible.
Presenter Mode: This mode is designed for situations where a single presenter moves around the room. The camera tracks the presenter’s movements, ensuring they remain in frame as they speak and interact with others. It’s a great choice for training sessions and workshops.
Conversation Mode: In small group discussions, Conversation Mode follows participants who are actively speaking. This mode is particularly useful for capturing the natural flow of conversation, ensuring that everyone who contributes is visible.
People Framing: People Framing captures each individual participant in their own frame, making it ideal for interviews or panel discussions. This mode ensures that every participant’s expression and reaction is clearly visible, providing a more engaging meeting experience.
Download Poly Lens for Windows and Mac
You’ll need the Poly Lens software to use these tracking modes and access other advanced settings. Poly Lens lets you configure your Poly Studio R30’s settings, giving you full control over tracking modes and more.
Watch the Poly Studio R30 Tracking Modes in Action
Want to see these modes in action? Check out my demo video, which showcases each tracking mode in a real-world setting. Filmed from my home office during Hurricane Milton, I walk you through how each mode works and demonstrate its adaptability. Watch the demo here:
Conclusion
The Poly Studio R30’s various tracking modes offer flexibility and customization for any small meeting space. Whether you prefer auto-tracking or manual control, these options ensure you can create the best meeting setup. If you have questions or want to schedule a personalized demo, contact Call One, Inc. or Hello Direct. Call One, Inc. specializes in supporting mid-market to large enterprise clients, offering tailored solutions for complex business needs. On the other hand, Hello Direct focuses on serving small businesses with fewer than 500 employees, providing expert guidance and affordable solutions to enhance their communication and collaboration. No matter your organization’s size, our team can help you find the best video conferencing solution to meet your unique requirements.
https://calloneinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Poly-Studio-R30-Blog2.jpg310850Danny Hayasakahttps://calloneinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/CallOneInc_HDI2.pngDanny Hayasaka2024-10-16 21:26:352024-10-16 21:26:37Exploring Poly Studio R30 Tracking Modes with Poly Lens: A Guide to Enhanced Video Conferencing
The Yealink WH63 Wireless Headset offers a range of professional features designed to enhance productivity in any business environment. One of its standout features is the ability to hold multi-headset conference calls, allowing multiple headsets to connect to the same base for shared audio during calls. This feature is particularly useful for training scenarios where a supervisor needs to monitor a call or when a trainee is shadowing a more senior agent.
In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps to enable multi-headset conferencing mode on the Yealink WH63. This will allow you to easily manage group discussions and training sessions without external audio devices.
Step-by-Step Guide to Enabling Multi-Headset Conferencing Mode
Before You Begin:
Ensure your Yealink WH63 headset is properly paired with the base station and that the base station is powered on.
You can connect up to three additional headsets to the same base for conferencing.
1. Initiate or Join a Call
To start the multi-headset conference, first initiate or be on an active call with your primary Yealink WH63 headset.
2. Dock an Additional Headset
While on the active call, take an additional Yealink headset and dock it into the same base station as the primary headset.
3. Accept the Conference on the Primary Headset
A tone will play in the primary headset when the additional headset is docked. To accept the additional headset into the conference, press the Call Control button on the primary headset.
Once accepted, audio will be shared between both headsets, allowing participants to hear and speak to each other.
Note: When additional headsets pair into the conference, they are muted by default. Users can control the volume and mute settings individually without affecting the primary headset.
4. Adding More Headsets
To add more headsets (up to three in total), simply repeat the process by docking the additional headset(s) into the same base station and accepting them on the primary headset.
5. Managing the Conference
Each headset connected to the base will use its own tuning settings, allowing participants to individually adjust volume levels or mute/unmute their microphones during the call.
Example Use Case: Multi-Headset Conferencing for Training Purposes
One of the primary reasons businesses use multi-headset conferencing is for training purposes. For instance, a supervisor might want to listen in on a live customer call to provide feedback to a trainee or monitor the interaction.
In this scenario:
Trainee and Senior Agent: The trainee can wear one headset and interact with the customer, while the senior agent or supervisor listens in through a second headset, ready to step in if necessary or provide guidance after the call.
Real-Time Coaching: The supervisor can listen to the call in real-time and offer advice to the trainee while the call is happening, either through chat or after the conversation.
Call Quality Monitoring: This feature is also beneficial for quality assurance purposes. A QA manager can monitor a live call without disrupting the flow of the conversation between the agent and the customer.
Multi-headset conferencing is a simple yet powerful feature for training. It ensures that new team members are supported while handling live calls without compromising customer experience.
Ending or Leaving the Conference Call
To end the call for all headsets, the user of the primary headset can either press the Call Control button or dock the primary headset back into the base. This will disconnect all additional headsets.
If an additional headset user wishes to leave the conference, they can press their own Call Control button to disconnect from the call without ending it for others.
Tips for Effective Multi-Headset Conferencing with the Yealink WH63
Ensure Strong Connectivity: All headsets should remain within the base’s wireless range to avoid audio dropouts or disruptions.
Mute Etiquette: When more than two people are in the conference, remind participants to mute their microphones when not speaking to reduce background noise.
Battery Check: Ensure all headsets are fully charged before starting the conference, especially if the meeting or training session will be lengthy.
Conclusion
The Yealink WH63’s multi-headset conferencing feature makes it easier to collaborate and train team members in a live environment. Following the steps outlined in this guide, you can quickly set up and manage multi-headset conference calls for effective training and monitoring. Whether you’re training new employees or overseeing customer interactions, this feature enhances communication and supports continuous learning in your organization.
If you need assistance with Yealink headsets or would like expert advice on finding the right solution for your business, Call One, Inc. is a Yealink Certified Headset Solution Professional. Feel free to contact us today for help with any Yealink products and more!
Have you used the Yealink WH63 for multi-headset conferencing during training? Share your experience in the comments below!
https://calloneinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Yealink-WH63-Multi-Headset-Conference-Mode-header.jpg310850Danny Hayasakahttps://calloneinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/CallOneInc_HDI2.pngDanny Hayasaka2024-10-06 13:33:072024-10-06 13:33:50How to Set Up Multi-Headset Conferencing Mode on the Yealink WH63
Video conferencing has become a staple of the modern workplace, but open-plan offices and meeting rooms with glass walls introduce a unique challenge: unwanted distractions in your video feed. Participants walking by, reflections, and activity outside the intended meeting area can disrupt focus. Enterprise-grade video conferencing manufacturers have developed cutting-edge technologies to address this issue.
Defining Your Meeting Space: Boundary and Perimeter Features
These solutions allow you to establish a virtual perimeter or boundary for video calls, ensuring the camera frames or tracks only people within the designated meeting area. Let’s explore these features from industry leaders:
The Neat Framing Boundary, initially known as the Subject Boundary, was introduced by the Neat team in their June 2021 software update. This feature lets system administrators define a specific area or “frame” for the Neat cameras. Consequently, the camera’s auto-framing functionality will only detect and frame people within this predefined boundary, ignoring those outside it, such as individuals walking beyond a glass wall. Additionally, as of the May 4, 2023 software update, adjusting the framing boundary to a smaller depth also reduces the microphone’s sensitivity. This adjustment aims to minimize background noise issues, especially when users are close to the device.
Logitech’s CollabOS 1.9 introduced the Camera Zone feature for Rally Bar and Rally Bar Mini. This feature allows IT or A/V administrators to customize camera framing dimensions to focus exclusively on in-room participants and exclude distractions from outside, such as people beyond glass walls. This enhancement ensures meetings remain productive by focusing on relevant participants and improving conference room flexibility and meeting experiences.
Define a specific area for tracking participants during meetings, ensuring the camera focuses only within the conference room boundaries, even in spaces with glass walls. This feature prevents tracking of movements outside the set perimeter, keeping the focus strictly on attendees inside the room.
Jabra Intelligent Meeting Space:
This is a PanaCast 50 feature that defines the area that the camera considers a meeting space. The camera will only frame the people within that area. This is especially useful for meeting rooms with glass walls and meetings in open areas.
Video Boundary – Users can define the cameras’ capture range on the Dashboard > Settings. With Auto/Multi-focus framing, the cameras will only capture individuals within the defined circumferential zone of the device’s cameras.
Owl Labs Ignore Zone:
Owl Labs’ Ignore Zone feature enhances meeting focus by allowing users to designate areas in the device’s panoramic view that shouldn’t be emphasized on the Main Stage. This functionality ensures distractions, such as noise or visual disturbances from monitors, TVs, or other elements within the specified zone, do not detract from the main meeting discussion. While it does not reduce audio from the ignored area, the Meeting Owl app’s Noise Reduction setting can help mitigate constant background sounds. However, the Ignore Zone is not recommended for privacy, as the panoramic strip will still display the entire room’s view. Available on the Owl Bar, Meeting Owl 3, and Meeting Owl Pro with specific software requirements, this feature is accessible through the Meeting Owl App in its default or by-meeting mode.
Benefits of Boundary and Perimeter Technologies
Enhanced Focus: Distractions outside your meeting are minimized, helping remote participants stay engaged and improving the overall meeting experience.
Professional Appearance: Maintain a clean and professional video feed without worrying about background activity interrupting the presentation.
Privacy Considerations: Protect the privacy of those outside the meeting by preventing their accidental inclusion in your video call.
Flexibility: These features are often customizable, allowing you to tailor them to your room layout and needs.
Open workspaces and meeting rooms with glass walls pose challenges for video collaboration. Still, you can maintain clear, distraction-free meetings by implementing boundary or perimeter features from top manufacturers like Neat, Logitech, HP Poly, Jabra, DTEN, and Owl Labs.
Call One, Inc. is a nationally certified women’s business enterprise and woman-owned small business headquartered in Cape Canaveral, FL. We are B2B and provide professional-grade audio and video solutions for personal and team workspaces. We believe in the fundamental principle that people do business with people. Our passion is to help people do their business better by simplifying access to business communications and collaboration technology.
https://calloneinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Glass-Walled-Meeting-Rooms-and-Open-Spaces-Blog.jpg310850Danny Hayasakahttps://calloneinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/CallOneInc_HDI2.pngDanny Hayasaka2024-03-24 11:18:132024-03-27 19:17:00Tools to Keep Your Focus in Glass-Walled Meeting Rooms and Open Spaces
Video conferencing and collaboration continues to expand and evolve to support the new ways of working. Microsoft Teams and Zoom are front runners; however, businesses use multiple platforms, including Webex, Google Meet, BlueJeans, GoTo, 8×8, and more.
Leading brands have developed online tools to help establish a starting point. It’s always best to contact a subject matter expert. Something as simple as a wrong cable or length can delay your project. Subject matter experts can help guide and ensure you get all the required components to set up an optimal video conferencing experience based on your needs and expectations. Companies like Call One, Inc. have been in the audio and video conferencing space since 2003 and can help provide the right solutions.
Below are the current online video conferencing selection tools available. I’ve also created short videos to help you navigate these awesome online tools!
Logitech Room Configurator
Online Room Configuration Guides for Video Conferencing
What is your primary video conferencing platform? Choose the video conferencing platform your organization uses most often.
Google Meet
Microsoft Teams
Zoom Rooms
Ring Central
What size room are you setting up? Choose the option that best matches the seating capacity of your room.
Phone Booth (Up to 3)
Huddle Room (Up to 6)
Medium Room (Up to 12)
Medium Plus (Up to 16)
Large Room (Up to 20)
Board Room (20+)
U-Shaped Table (20+)
Would you prefer to deploy via a dedicated video conferencing appliance, or a meeting room computer?
Appliance-Based Video Conferencing Solution
PC-Based Video Conferencing Solution
Choose Conference Camera
Add room-filling audio. – Choose from the following audio extensions to make sure everyone can hear and be heard clearly. Please note: Some items may be required based on a previous selection. Choose your meeting controller – Select a controller that directly connects to the meeting room PC or video bar, or one that is untethered from the room system.
Pick optional mounting hardware and cables – These items will safely secure your meeting room devices. Please note: Some items may be required based on previous selections.
Choose optional add-ons – Enhance the meeting experience with optional add-ons.
As of writing this blog, there are multiple “Spaces” to choose from, including Home Office, Education, Government, Healthcare, Office, Financial, and Mobile. However, “Office” is the only Space currently available for selection.
Pick your Platform
Poly
Microsoft Teams
Zoom
Select Workspace
1-2 people – Focus Room – Room size 10’ x 10’ / 3.05m x 3.05m
3-5 people – Small / Huddle Room – Room size 10’ x 15’ / 3.05m x 4.57m
6-10 people – Medium Room – Room size 15’ x 20’ / 4.57m x 6.10m
11-15 people – Large Room – Room size 15’ x 28’ / 4.57m x 8.53m
16+ people – Custom / Specialty Room – Room size 20’ x 33’ / 6.10m x 10.06m
When a Workspace is selected, you will have the options to review:
View Cabling
Room View
Diagram View
Check Coverage
Cameras
Displays
Speakers
Microphones
Show Materials
Featured Poly Hardware
Poly Accessories
Poly Service / Support
Accessories
Available Poly Accessories
Available Third-Party Accessories
Options
List of available options by Poly or 3rd Party
Download
You have to option to download a pdf of the results
Scroll down their Business Video Conferencing page until you locate: Meeting your meeting needs – Use our configurator to help you decide which PanaCast is right for you and your business. Scroll down and click Start.
Question 1 of 3
What type of collaboration solution do you need?
Personal Solutions
Teaching Solutions
Meeting Solutions
Question 2 of 3
Please select your platform
Personal Solutions
Microsoft Teams
Zoom, Google, Others
Teaching Solutions
Microsoft Teams
Zoom, Google, Others
Meeting Room Solutions
Bring your own laptop
Teams Room
Zoom Room
Question 3 of 3
Personal Solutions
Where do you work?
Home Office
Office Desk
Co-Working Space
Once you select work space, you will be provided a list of Jabra audio, video, and accessories models including highlighted Recommended solutions.
Teaching Solutions
Where do you work?
In the classroom
From home
Once you select work space, you will be provided a list of Jabra solutions including highlighted Recommended solutions.
Meeting Room Solutions
Where do you meet?
Huddle Room
Medium meeting room
Large meeting room
Once you select a meeting space, you will be provided a list of Jabra audio, video, and accessories models including highlighted Recommended solutions.
Many companies deployed cloud-based communications platforms like Microsoft Teams and Zoom during the pandemic. USB headset demand and purchases skyrocketed now that employees use their computers to make and take voice and video calls. Some organizations have elected to return to the office or adopt a hybrid work model. The challenge is that the headsets employees use in their home offices may not be compatible with the desk phones in the office, or desk phone only headsets will now need to connect to computers.
Consumer USB headsets typically do not have options to support connectivity to a business desk phone. Fortunately, there are options to connect existing business-grade USB headsets from brands like Poly and Jabra to desk phones and computers. Some devices enable desk phone only headsets to connect to a computer.
Here are some available solutions. Contact a subject matter expert like Call One, Inc. for help with compatibility and more information.
Solutions to connect USB headsets to desk phones and computers
The Jabra Link 950 enables you to use a compatible Jabra USB headset, either with just your desk phone or with your desk phone and softphone. Choose from Jabra’s wide range of corded and wireless USB headsets, and look for Bluetooth functionality if you also want the headset to connect to a mobile phone. Check if your Jabra headset is compatible here: jabra.com/help/link950/compatibility.
The Poly MDA220 USB allows you to connect to PCs, Macs, desk phones, Poly USB headsets, and devices (corded, wireless, Bluetooth). As of writing this blog, here are the compatible Poly USB devices: Blackwire Family Voyager Family when used with a BT600. Audio 615 and 630M Savi 400 Series EncorePro USB Series Bluetooth USB Adapter BT600, BT300 Entera USB (HW111N, HW121N) DA70, DA80, DA90. Not compatible with Savi 8200 Office and UC Series.
Solutions to connect Jabra and Poly QD headsets to desk phones and computers
Jabra Link 860
The Jabra Link 860 is a flexible audio processor with dual connectivity to desk phones and softphones straight out of the box. With easy-to-reach buttons for mute, volume, and switching calls between desk phone and softphone, the Jabra Link 860 includes audio streaming: call recording, agent greeting, and transcribing.
The Poly MDA500 QD Series includes four models: MDA524 QD USB-A, MDA526 QD USB-A, MDA524 QD USB-C, and MDA526 QD USB-C. The MDA500 QD Series allows you to connect Plantronics standard QD and digital QD headsets and Y-Training cables.
The Poly MDA100 QD Series is a lower-cost option to connect existing Plantronics QD headsets to desk phones and computers. There are two models: MDA100 QD and MDA105 QD.
Solutions to connect modular headsets to computers and desk phones
ZoomSwitch ZMS10-C / ZMS20-UC
The ZoomSwitch has been around for several years and was the original option to help organizations transition to computer-based telephony. The ZoomSwitch is still an outstanding solution as it supports DECT wireless headsets, wired modular headsets, or handsets to connect to a desk phone and computer.
It’s always best to contact a subject matter expert to discuss headset solutions for return to the office and hybrid work. We completely understand the need for immediate solutions; however, organizations should be moving towards developing new device standards that support new ways of working. Poly, Jabra, EPOS, JPL, Logitech, Yealink, and others have multi-connectivity wireless headsets, Active Noise Cancelling Headset Solutions, and Corded USB headsets that align with the different workstyles and workspaces of today’s workforce.
https://calloneinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Call-One-blog-connect-Existing-Headsets-to-a-Desk-Phone-and-Computer-.jpg310850Danny Hayasakahttps://calloneinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/CallOneInc_HDI2.pngDanny Hayasaka2022-07-29 14:51:372022-07-29 14:51:44How to connect Existing Headsets to a Desk Phone and Computer for Return To Office and Hybrid Work
Organizations choose wireless headsets for many reasons, including increasing productivity by allowing employees to be hands-free and mobile. Bluetooth and DECT are the most prevalent wireless technologies and operating frequencies in professional-grade headsets. Industries and organizations that share sensitive or private information over voice calls typically opt for DECT wireless headsets due to their increased security. Click here to see a complete list of professional-grade Bluetooth and DECT wireless headsets!
Depending on the brand and model, DECT Wireless Headsets usually include a base station that provides connectivity options to desk phones, computers, mobile devices, or combinations. These solutions typically use cables to connect to a desk phone, computer, and AC power. These were great pre-pandemic solutions as most worked in an office with most of their equipment fixed at a workstation.
The Challenge
The pandemic has shifted where and how people work. Hybrid and remote work models have increased dramatically. The benefits of DECT wireless headsets are substantial; however, their portability is not. It’s not practical to disconnect the cables, AC power, base, and headset to pack up and transport between work locations.
The Solutions
Fortunately, there are a few solutions.
Good
Use DECT Wireless headset as a corded USB audio device. Some DECT wireless headset models support using it as a corded USB headset. This is a good option that allows employees to use their existing equipment in the office and remote workspace with their laptops. While this is an excellent money-saving option, you lose the critical benefit of being wireless. If you have grown accustomed to a wireless headset and then need to go corded, there is a bit of a learning curve. When I’m testing corded headsets, I sometimes forget and try to get up and walk away and am quickly reminded I’m tethered to my laptop. The Jabra Engage 65 and 75 support this option. You can use the included Jabra USB-A Cable – 14201-26 or purchase a spare cable to keep at home.
Jabra USB-A Cable
Better
EPOS Impact SDW D1 USB DECT Dongle
USB DECT Dongles. This is not a new option. Poly (formerly Plantronics) introduced the D100 years ago with their Savi 400 Series. The latest, smaller D200 DECT Wireless Savi Adapter is available in USB-A, USB-C, and UC and Microsoft variants. The D200 DECT dongle will work with Poly Savi 8200 UC Series headsets. EPOS recently introduced the EPOS Impact SDW D1 USB DECT Dongle that works with the EPOS Impact SDW 5000 Series. It’s currently only available in USB-A. EPOS introduced three new SDW 5000 Series models designed for hybrid and remote work and include the SDW 5000 headset of choice, the dongle, charging cable, and carry case.
Complete setups at each location is the best solution; however, budgets may not support this option. A setup at each location is optimal and relieves the worry about transporting equipment to and fro and potentially forgetting an item or breaking something in transit. I am fortunate enough to have solid setups in my dedicated home and corporate office. I have monitors, docking stations, webcams, audio devices, and other peripherals, making it highly convenient for hybrid work. The only thing I haul is my laptop.
Audio is critical
Whichever solution you choose, audio is critical in business communication. Ensure your team members have high-quality, purpose-built audio solutions designed for UC and Collaboration platforms. Do not fall into the trap of ordering inexpensive audio devices to help check a box on your to-do list. Engage a subject matter expert who can walk you through the various solutions that align with your organization’s needs and budget.
Call One, Inc. is an authorized reseller of professional headsets by Jabra, Poly, EPOS, JPL, Logitech, Yealink, Cisco, Shokz, and more. How can we help?
https://calloneinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Call-One-blog-DECT-Dongle.jpg310850Danny Hayasakahttps://calloneinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/CallOneInc_HDI2.pngDanny Hayasaka2022-01-11 17:11:262022-01-11 17:11:31USB DECT Dongles for Hybrid Work
An EHS (Electronic Hook Switch) cable is a solution that connects a DECT wireless headset base and a desk phone. The EHS cable enables remote answer and end call function from the headset. The ability to answer and end calls directly from your headset while at or away from your workstation is a highly beneficial function and a primary reason for getting a wireless headset.
Jabra, Poly, EPOS, and JPL have a wide range of wireless headsets and EHS cables to support multiple desk phone brands and models. Contact us! A trained team member from an Authorized Reseller like Call One, Inc. can help. EHS Cables are NOT included with the purchase of a wireless headset due to the various combinations of wireless headsets and desk phones.
Before you get excited at the prospect of wireless freedom, you will enjoy using a wireless headset and EHS cable; make sure your phone supports it. Not all phones support EHS Cables. Contact an Authorized Reseller to check compatibility. Additionally, they can help identify alternatives like a handset lifter.
Online compatibility guides are available. However, they may be challenging to navigate and understand if you are not familiar with them. It’s best to contact a subject matter expert to help you select the correct, compatible wireless headsets and EHS cables for your environment. There are hundreds of brands and thousands of individual phone models. You must know the desk phone brand and model whether you check compatibility on your own or contact an expert to help.
Poly and Jabra have developed audio adapters that provide multi-connectivity to corded USB headsets and Bluetooth headsets with the appropriate dongle. The Jabra link 950 and Poly MDA220 adapters connect compatible USB headsets to a desk phone and computer. These adapters can use select, compatible EHS cables to support remote answer/end call functions. It’s best to contact a subject matter expert or the manufacturer directly to check compatibility.
EHS Cables provide the beneficial function of remote call control. The challenge is that not all phones support EHS cables, so it’s important to check compatibility online or contact a subject matter expert who can help you select the right solutions for your use case. Call One, Inc. is a Nationally Certified Women’s Business Enterprise (WBENC) and an Authorized Reseller of Jabra, JPL, EPOS, and Poly. We have over three decades of knowledge and experience and are happy to support you.
https://calloneinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Call-One-Bronto-EHS-Cable-blog-graphics.jpg310850Danny Hayasakahttps://calloneinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/CallOneInc_HDI2.pngDanny Hayasaka2021-10-20 14:31:362021-11-03 16:49:03What is an EHS Cable for Wireless Headsets?
The global pandemic accelerated many organizations’ transition to remote work models. Heading into our second year of living in a continued state of uncertainty, organizations have made significant changes to how their employees communicate and collaborate. Cloud-based communications are being adopted and used. Business and IT leaders are developing new audio and video device standards to support the new normal of hybrid work or permanent remote work models.
The Challenge
How do organizations deploy, monitor, and manage devices for a dispersed workforce? How do organizations know if their employees are utilizing approved devices? How can IT teams better support a remote workforce and mitigate potential issues and reduce help desk ticket submissions?
The Solution
Device Management Software. The leading device manufacturers have developed device management software that is free or as a paid subscription. They also offer different delivery methods.
Please provide a brief overview of your solution and share a real-world example of how it has benefited a client.
What’s the difference between enterprise and individual desktop software? Do they need both?
One of the objections IT has for not supporting device management software is “security.” Security is certainly a legitimate concern, does your software have built-in security measures? What is your response to IT teams who express security concerns?
What do you see in the future for device management software?
Watch the video to hear the complete discussion.
Question #1: Please provide a brief overview of your solution and share a real-world example of how it has benefited a client.
Each panelist provides real-world examples of how device management software has benefited clients.
Marty with Poly shares how their software helped a large school district in southern California deploy tens of thousands of Poly Studio USB devices.
Trevor of Logitech shares how their software helped a large insurance company manage their meeting room devices remotely. This saved time and the need for IT team members to go room to room to ensure the devices were up and running.
Scott of EPOS shares several insurance institutions in Connecticut have been doing a hard phone removal. They utilize their software to ensure that headset firmware is updated and in high turnover scenarios, ensuring they are not repeating headsets.
Tim with Jabra shares how a multinational agriculture company in the Midwest uses their software to mass deploy updates to more than 25,000 devices including USB headsets, DECT wireless headsets, and video devices.
Question #2: What’s the difference between enterprise and individual desktop software? Do they need both?
Each partner offers device management software. The software allows IT teams to deploy, monitor, and manage audio and video devices. There are also desktop apps that provide end-users the ability to customize their device experience based on their preferences.
Question #3: One of the objections IT has for not supporting device management software is “security.” Security is certainly a legitimate concern, does your software have built-in security measures? What is your response to IT teams who express security concerns?
Each panelist expresses that security is a concern, and they have developed their software with that in mind. They are more than happy to share their certifications and allow your IT teams to test their software. Some also have white papers on privacy and security they are pleased to share.
Watch the video to hear their complete remarks regarding security and the measures they take.
Question #4: What do you see in the future for device management software?
Each panelist shares their thoughts on the future of device management software and devices as a whole. Some mention “smarter” people are working that on that.
Almost two years have passed, and we’re all still working and living with the pandemic. It’s safe to say work will never return to a pre-pandemic state. The exciting part is how quickly new work norms have accelerated. EPOS, Jabra, Logitech, and Poly are global leaders for multiple reasons. Key reasons are their ability to service and support customers on a global scale. Additionally, they are constantly innovating and developing new technology and devices to help people do their business better regardless of where they work. Business and IT leaders need to look at these new work norms and develop device standards based on their employees’ work styles and workspaces. If you would like to learn more or set up a proof of concept or pilot with any of these leading partners, contact us! And bring it all together by implementing device management software, so team members are more productive.
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
There is no shortage of webcam options available for businesses to select from. In fact, it can become a bit overwhelming. Organizations like Call One, Inc. and our sister company Hello Direct can help you select the right webcam for your multiple use cases.
Here is a guide of things to consider when choosing webcams for business.
Compatibility with Operating System
Not all computers and laptops are created equal. Make certain the webcams you are considering are compatible with your computers’ Operating System/s. Most leading webcam manufacturers will provide a System Requirements list. For example, the Logitech C925e System Requirements are: Windows 7 or later, macOS® 10.7 or later, Chrome OS™ Version 29.0.1547.70 and later. Some webcams will even include the type of processor and recommended RAM, like the Cisco Webex Desk Camera System Requirements list: Operating system: Windows 10 with Universal C Runtime and above, Mac OS X 10.12 and above | CPU (Recommended) I5@2.4 GHz/i7@1.9 GHz Intel processor, or a processor with equivalent capabilities | RAM (Recommended) 8 GB or more | USB Port: USB-C port, USB-A port (USB 2.0 or USB 3.0, 4K video requires USB 3.0 port).
Be sure to check webcam System Requirements before you buy.
Video Platforms Supported
Most USB webcams will work across all major and popular video platforms, but it is a good idea to check to ensure webcam will work in your video environment. Some webcams are certified to work with specific platforms. This means the webcam manufacturer has met all the specifications and requirements set forth by the platform provider to perform in an expected way. For example, the Logitech C930e, Yealink UVC20, Huddly IQ, Jabra Panacast and others are certified for Skype for Business and Microsoft Teams. However, they are also compatible with other popular applications to include BlueJeans, Cisco Webex™, Fuze, Google Meet™, GoToMeeting®, Lifesize Cloud, Pexip, RingCentral Video, Vidyo, and Zoom®.
Young modern woman having Video Conference at home
Windows Hello Support
Microsoft face authentication in Windows 10 is an enterprise-grade identity verification mechanism that is integrated into the Windows Biometric Framework (WBF) as a core Microsoft Windows component called Windows Hello. Windows Hello face authentication utilizes a camera specially configured for near infrared (IR) imaging to authenticate and unlock Windows devices as well as unlock your Microsoft Passport.
Most users are good with 1080p and even 720p depending on their role in a video meeting. Some cameras have a fixed resolution like the Logitech C505e at 720p at 30 fps. While many webcams can adjust from 720p to 1080p. Most presenters will do well by selecting webcam with higher video resolution.
Field of View and Auto Framing
Field of View (FOV) has become increasingly more important as video meetings have become a part of our daily lives. Today people are joining from a variety of environments and some are using green screens to help hide their background. Some video participants prefer less of their background to be seen and require a webcam with a narrow FOV. While others need to share a wider field of view. The ability to adjust field of view is ideal for many use cases and select webcams offer that function via their software. While others allow you to zoom or provide pan, tilt, zoom capabilities via their software. The Cisco Webex Desk Camera supports FOV adjustment between 65°, 70°, 75°and 81°. The Logitech Brio supports FOV adjustments between 65°, 78°, and 90°. If you need a wider field of view, the Jabra Panacast offers 180 degree field of view with the option to adjust between 90°, 120°, 140°and 180°. Some cameras have a fixed FOV with digital zoom. How much or how little of your background do you want shown? Field of View is something to consider.
Auto Framing, Group Framing, Intelligent Zoom, or whatever they name the technology, is a great feature available from select cameras. This technology finds you and frames you perfectly in the center. This is great for those who like to walk and talk or simply need to move to another area of the room and not have to manually adjust position of camera. These cameras offer this feature: Huddly IQ, Jabra Panacast, and Poly Studio P15.
Autofocus and Auto Light Correction
Autofocus is a great feature especially if you want to show something directly from of the camera so others can see the detail. Most cameras offer Autofocus however a select few lower cost models like the Logitech C505e and JPL Vision Mini do not support. Low light or poor lighting is a major factor depending on your location. Some have ideal settings with strong light source facing them while others due to room and furniture configuration may have strong light source coming from behind them or they have poor or no light source. All the Logitech Business Webcams offer RightLight technology that help you look your best in any lighting environment. Other webcams like the Poly Studio P5, Konftel Cam10, JPL Vision and Vision Mini, and Cisco Webex Desk Camera all offer Auto Light Correction.
Built-in Microphones
Personally, I strongly recommend a good corded USB or wireless headset or USB speakerphone. However, I understand some folks rely solely on their laptops for audio so having solid performing built-in mics available, is an upgrade. Webcams offer a variety of options from single omni-directional mic, two omni-directional mics, single and dual directional microphones, two full-duplexed microphones to microphones that can also support background noise reduction. If you need to walk away and still be heard, the VDO360 2See includes a far-field mic array that picks up your voice from up to 8 meters / 26 feet away.
Privacy Shutter
Many like the peace of mind of having a privacy shutter on their webcam when not in use. I am a fan of webcams with built-in privacy shutters like the Poly Studio P5, Logitech C925e, Konftel Cam10, Yealink UVC20, and Cisco Webex Desk Camera. Some do not include a lens cover like the Logitech C505e and Huddly cameras. If a privacy shutter is important, be sure to ask if one is included.
Mounting Options
Because of the multiple use cases, many folks require threaded tripod-ready mounting as well as mounting clip to attach to monitors and laptop screens. Some also invert the camera and mount in ceiling. If you are looking to flip and mount camera upside down, ensure there is software available to invert view.
USB-A or USB-C Connectivity and Cable Length
Most webcams today provide a USB-A connection. However, many newer computers and laptops only provide USB-C ports. Some cameras include USB-A and USB-C connection options. The Yealink UVC30 Desktop camera has a USB-A cable and includes a USB 3.0 Type A to Type C adapter. The Cisco Webex Desk Camera includes removeable USB-C to USB-A and USB-C to USB-C cables. The Poly Studio P15 and VDO360 3See include a USB-C type connection. I have tested USB 3.0 Type USB-A to type USB-C adapter with several USB-A webcams and they have worked.
There currently does not appear to be a standard USB cable length and will range from 3ft to 7ft+. Check on cable length prior to ordering to ensure the length will be sufficient for your setup.
Additional USB Ports
Computer manufacturers are decreasing the number of USB ports they include. Some webcams include additional USB ports that can be used to connect a headset, speakerphone, or other USB peripheral. The Poly Studio P5 and VDO360 1See each include one USB-A port and the Poly Studio P15 includes two additional USB-A ports. This is a great feature to consider when selecting a camera.
All-In-One
If you are looking for a personal all-in-one device that includes a camera, microphones, and speakers, you may want to consider the Poly Studio P15 or VDO360 3See. Check out the Poly Studio P15 in action in this video below!
Device Management
Today the hybrid work model is prevailing across multiple industries. Remote work will be a part of many. Being able to manage your audio and video devices personally or remotely is something to consider. Leading brands like Poly, Logitech, Yealink, Jabra, and Cisco offer enterprise and individual device management software to ensure your devices are performing optimally by having the latest software and firmware updates. Additionally, you can access multiple features and settings to help customize your video experience.
Warranty
Warranty can range from 1 to 3 years depending on webcam brand and model. All Logitech Business Webcam models include a 3-year limited hardware warranty. Beyond warranty, check with your vendor to understand the warranty service process. However please note, I have tested several webcams and it is very rare for a webcam from an established brand like Logitech or Poly to quit working. We have experienced issues with some of the lesser-known brands.
The individual use case will ultimately determine which webcam is best. Our helpful team along with our partners can help you and your business select the right solution. If you would like to set up a meeting to discuss your audio and video solutions needs, contact us!
https://calloneinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Call-One-hybrid-work-WEBCAM-BLOG.jpg310850Danny Hayasakahttps://calloneinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/CallOneInc_HDI2.pngDanny Hayasaka2021-04-26 17:11:452021-04-27 09:10:16Webcams for Business – What to consider
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