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.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/logo.pngDanny Hayasaka2021-10-20 14:31:362021-11-03 16:49:03What is an EHS Cable for Wireless Headsets?
Organizations seeking to provide a consistent audio experience for their hybrid workforce have a few questions they need to answer like, “Is their setup the same in their home as their office? If not, what are the differences?” More questions to consider can be found in this blog: Questions to ask when selecting audio and video devices for Hybrid Work.
Many organizations have deployed the Poly Savi 8200 Office. However, due to the Savi headset and base, phone interface cable or EHS cable connected to their desk phone, USB cable connected to their work computer, and AC power supply that’s part of the spaghetti of cables under their workstation, it’s not really designed to be “portable”.
The Poly D200 DECT Wireless Savi Adapter can be purchased separately as an accessory to enable PC connection. They are available in in USB-A, USB-C, UC, and Microsoft variants.
The DECT wireless Jabra Engage 75 and Engage 65 Series are top sellers deployed in thousands of offices nationwide. Enable your Jabra Engage 75/65 or Jabra Evolve USB wireless headset to work as a corded USB device with the Jabra USB-A Cable – 14201-26 that is included with the Jabra Engage 75/65 system. The cable is black with a length of 4.9 ft/ 1.5 m. Leave the Jabra Engage base, telephone interface cable or EHS cable, and AC power supply in the office and take the headset and USB cable to work from home or from anywhere!
If you prefer to leave set up in office intact and not disconnect existing USB cable from the Engage base, buy a spare USB cable for only $23.
Please note when your headset is connected as a wired USB audio device, call controls and the busylight feature on the headset are not supported.
See the steps to use your headset as a wired USB audio device in the video below!
If you would like to learn more about audio and video solution for the hybrid workforce, please contact us directly. As authorized partners of Poly, Jabra, Logitech, JPL, Cisco, EPOS and more, we can help your business identify solutions to support the multiple use cases across your organization.
See the steps on how to pair a Savi 8220 headset to a D200 Savi Adapter (dongle) and the steps on how to convert an Engage 75 / 65 headset to a wired USB headset in video below!
https://calloneinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Call-One-hybrid-work-dect.jpg310850Danny Hayasakahttps://calloneinc.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/logo.pngDanny Hayasaka2021-03-25 12:13:172021-03-25 12:14:59How to use existing Poly and Jabra DECT wireless headsets for Hybrid Work
It’s been a year since the first stay-at-home orders were issued here in the US. I remember how incredibly easy it was for Call One, Inc. and our sister company Hello Direct to transition from in-office to working from home because we had invested in cloud platforms for our ERP/CRM and business communications and collaboration platforms. We’re looking at the best contact center headset solutions for 2021.
Our businesses utilize 8×8 as our primary voice and UCaaS platform however, we also use Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Cisco Webex, and other collaboration platforms to communicate with our customers, partners, and vendors. Our team has access to pretty much any headset they would like. Many of our team members are using the Poly Voyager Focus UC (MSRP $299.95, currently only $199.95). It was great in our open office environment, and it’s also a great solution in their home office environments. It provides ANC speakers, compatibility with all major business communications and collaboration platforms, wireless connectivity to their computer and mobile device, and up to 12 hours of talk time which is more than enough to cover an 8hr workday. Shop all Poly Voyager Focus Series Here!
Poly, Jabra and EPOS are the current leaders globally in the contact center headset solutions space for a reason. Poly has been in the call center/ contact center space since the 1960’s and Jabra is a subsidiary of the GN Group that’s been around for over 150 years. These leaders have deep relationships and integration with all leading contact center on-premise and cloud platforms like Avaya, Cisco, Genesys, NICE inContact, Amazon Connect, 8×8, Five9, talkdesk, twilio, and more!
Flexibility – Wearing Styles, Corded and Wireless
Headset Wearing Styles – Headsets are available in a variety of wearing styles to include: Single or Dual Ear Headband Style, Over the ear, Neckband (behind the neck) and Convertible options that include multiple wearing styles with a single sku (Headband, Over the ear, Neckband, other).
QD Corded Headsets – Headsets that terminate in a QD or Quick Disconnect (Easy Disconnect for EPOS Headsets) allow agents to change out interface cable to support connectivity to a desk phone, computer, dispatch console, turret and more. There is not a universal cable that allows you to connect a headset to all phones, computers, and consoles. An authorized headset vendor like Call One, Inc. can provide compatibility and help you choose the right interface option.
Wireless headsets today offer a ton of flexibility. They utilize DECT and/or Bluetooth to support multiple connectivity options and provide you freedom to move about your workspace.
The preferred wearing style for most contact center agents is single or dual-ear headband style like the new JPL Element TT3 Avant Monaural and Binaural options that have QD (Quick Disconnect) feature that allow agents to change out interface cable to support connectivity to a desk phone or computer.
Jabra Engage 50 series
The Jabra Engage 50 series are headsets designed for the digital contact center. The Jabra Engage 50 features a powerful processing chip in the earcup that delivers advanced functionality including call analytic data. A unique, 3 microphone system with intelligent noise-cancelation filters our background noise and breathing sounds, giving callers a superior experience. For greater efficiency and call control, pair with the Jabra Engage Link. The call control unit accessory enables agents to adjust volume levels and mute, speed dial, answer and end calls, and update their status lights at the touch of a button. The control unit is easy to use and designed to stay in place.
The Poly Blackwire Series offer a broad range of solutions that include ANC speakers, USB-A, USB-C, and 3.5mm Connectivity options, UC and Microsoft Teams certified variants, and headset models that align with all budgets. From the entry-level Blackwire 3200 and 3300 Series all the way to the Poly Blackwire 8225 that includes Hybrid Active Noise Canceling (ANC) speakers and microphone that is Noise canceling with Acoustic Fence Technology and meets Microsoft Teams Open-Office certification levels. Check out this video below showcasing Poly Blackwire 8225 vs Barking Dog!
https://youtu.be/cr5ILr2HrhU
Pre-and Post-Sales Support
All leading headset manufacturers along with their authorized partners like Call One, Inc. and Hello Direct understand the challenges of the contact center. Together we can work to support Proof of Concept or Pilots that allow you to thoroughly evaluate headset solutions before you make a purchasing decision. Additionally, for those contact centers looking to deploy wireless headsets, select brands offer Wireless Density Surveys to determine which wireless headsets and how many you can deploy.
Warranty Service – Most Contact Center headsets include a 1-3 Year Warranty depending on brand and model. In-Warranty Service is available directly from the manufacturers.
As Contact Centers shift to working remotely, a robust CCaaS solution like available from 8×8 is becoming critical, as well the ability to monitor and manage headsets remotely. Most IT leaders understand that you need more than the ability to push out software and firmware updates. Headset Management Software continues to evolve. Today, headset software from select partners allows you to monitor, manage and maintain your headsets. IT can help troubleshoot and fix issues remotely as well as manage deployment and inventory effectively. But there’s so much more! Contact Center customers can improve the customer experience by leveraging the power of analytics to influence business results with unique data captured directly from the headset. Please contact us to learn more about current headset management software.
Other Contact Center Services
Call One, Inc. can support contact centers of all sizes. Global Contact Centers may have additional services available directly through the manufacturers depending on size and global footprint. Contact us directly to see if you qualify!
Trade-In Programs – To help simplify the deployment of new headsets, trade-in programs are sometimes enabled to leverage existing headsets by assigning them a dollar amount and using that as a credit towards the purchase of new. Contact us to see if you qualify!
Eprocurement – Our in house Ecommerce team can integrate with your existing purchasing platforms and even help to develop and manage CIF and PunchOut catalogs to help simplify access to the headsets and full line of accessories you need. Contact us to learn more!
Budget Optimization Program – Call One, Inc. offers convenient monthly payment options for your contact center headset needs. We understand the value of positive cash flow and provide equipment financing options to help you make the most of your budget. Contact us to see if you qualify!
CCaaS Solutions – Call Center as a Service (CCaaS) solutions enable you to architect a customer experience that will leave your customers pleased and feeling good about interacting with your brand when they call. They enable a more dynamic business with on-demand scalability, global reach, and easy, out-of-the-box integrations into the widely used software that makes your business run. Contact us to learn which CCaaS provider is best for your Contact Center!
Conclusion
2021 marks 34 years of servicing customers. In the beginning we served primarily call centers and dispatch centers with Plantronics, GN Netcom, ACS and Unex headsets. Today, the contact center manages multiple channels of communications with customers that includes email, social media, chat, voice and increasingly, video. Our long term and very strong relationships with the leading brands and providers give us an additional layer of support when it comes to helping meet your contact center headset solutions needs. If you would like to learn how we can help your contact center, contact us today!
https://calloneinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/CallOneInc-Contact-Center-2021-Blog-header2.jpg5001900Danny Hayasakahttps://calloneinc.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/logo.pngDanny Hayasaka2021-03-16 08:18:352021-03-19 13:46:39Contact Center Headset Solutions for 2021
It’s been six months since most were sent home with a laptop and corded USB heasdet. (If even that much). Now that work from home has become more permanent, people are looking at upgrading to wireless headsets. In this video, we tackle whether to go with a Bluetooth or DECT wireless headset to work from home. Key things to consider: Range, Connectivity, & Battery Life.
Choosing between Bluetooth and DECT is solely based upon your use case. What are you looking for? Do you want to get up from your work space and pour a cup of coffee while attending a webinar? Do you have dogs to let out? Being able to narrow down what you want, and what you need, makes it easier to choose. Call One can assist you through the process. We’re here to help people do their business better. Narrow your choice of wireless headset by connectivity, whether you’re looking for a headset that offers Penta connectivity, triple connectivity (desk phone, PC and mobile) DECT and more. Take a look at the video below and subscribe to our Youtube channel here.
https://calloneinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Cisco-730-Lifestyle-4.jpg6671000Danny Hayasakahttps://calloneinc.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/logo.pngDanny Hayasaka2020-09-24 11:29:222020-12-02 10:16:04Bluetooth or DECT Wireless Headset for Work From Home?
https://calloneinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/How-do-you-choose-the-right-headsets-for-your-organization-Part-I.jpg432768Danny Hayasakahttps://calloneinc.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/logo.pngDanny Hayasaka2019-10-01 10:08:072020-05-11 16:37:22Headset Compatibility is Important
Every day I hear customers requesting “ANC” or “NC” headsets. Some know the difference however many don’t. It’s kind of like “Bluetooth”. To some, “Bluetooth” simply means “wireless”. Whether it’s DECT, 2.4Ghz, 900Mhz is irrelevant to them. They want a “Bluetooth (Wireless)” headset. For this blog, I’m talking about headsets for professional use by Poly (formerly Plantronics), Jabra & Sennheiser.
https://calloneinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Sennheiser-MB-360-Call-One-Inc.jpg5001500Danny Hayasakahttps://calloneinc.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/logo.pngDanny Hayasaka2019-08-15 10:00:162021-04-19 09:20:36What’s the difference between ANC and NC?
https://calloneinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/HeadsetColumn.jpg15121512Danny Hayasakahttps://calloneinc.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/logo.pngDanny Hayasaka2019-04-22 20:19:502021-09-28 11:25:56What’s The Best Headset?
Does your business need the popular Plantronics (Now Poly) CS500 Series wireless headsets or Savi Series? What’s the difference between CS500 vs Savi Series?
Plantronics (Now Poly) produces wireless headsets that increase productivity by providing mobility in the office and multiple connectivity options to support how you work.
The CS500 Series consists of DECT and 900MHz wireless headsets with single connectivity to Desk Phones.
Overview of the differences between these very popular models of headsets from Poly (formerly Plantronics). Let us know if you have any questions about these headsets!
https://calloneinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Poly-savi_8220-header.jpg10661600Danny Hayasakahttps://calloneinc.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/logo.pngDanny Hayasaka2019-04-10 14:43:172021-03-10 14:52:27CS500 vs Savi Series
Noise is a major distraction in open offices today. It becomes extremely challenging for employees to focus on their work. Plus co-worker interruption causes a decrease in productivity as it takes an average of 23 minutes to get back on task.
How many times throughout the day are you interrupted or distracted?
One simple solution is to use an Active Noise Canceling (ANC) headset that helps reduce or completely block out background noise (if streaming audio/music).
This question continues to come up again and again. Can you connect two hardwired USB headsets to some sort of splitter for training purposes? The answer is still “No”.
As more and more companies adopt new voice technologies that include softphones there has been a shift from traditional QD headsets to hardwired or wireless USB headsets. The shift from desk phone to softphone does not eradicate the need to train. Businesses still need supervisors/team leads/trainers to sit with new employees/agents and train.
I recently visited a small credit union call center. Fortunately for them, they were using Jabra PRO 9450 wireless headsets across the floor. I noticed they had a spare PRO 9450 on a shelf plugged into power to keep it charged. Attached also was a Zoomswitch Trainer. I asked what it was for. They said for training purposes. They connect two PRO 9450 bases to a Cisco desk phone via Zoomswitch Trainer. I then asked if they were aware of Conferencing Feature that allows them to pair up to 4 headsets to one base. They were not. I provided the instructions on how to do this and they were ecstatic. Much easier and cleaner solution.
I bring up that story because another shift we’ve seen is customers ordering MORE WIRELESS headsets. This is good news when it comes to training. Most major headset brands (Plantronics, Jabra, Sennheiser) that offer wireless headsets include the Conferencing feature.
Plantronics Savi 700, Savi 400, CS500 & CS500 XD Series
Jabra PRO 9400, *PRO 900 Series (*some models)
Sennheiser SD, D10 Series
If you have hardwired corded USB headsets you will run into some challenges if you need to connect two headsets for training.
What are your options? First, understand you can’t connect two hardwired USB headsets to one PC for training. Next, review employees’ roles and daily routines. Based on their roles and daily routines, is corded best option? Perhaps single or multi-connectivity wireless headsets are better options. If you deem corded is best, then let’s look at training options for USB softphone environment.
All major headset brands (Plantronics, Jabra/VXi, Sennheiser) include standard training solutions for USB softphone environment and typically consist of:
Two QD (Quick Disconnect/Easy Disconnect) Headsets + Training-Y Cable + QD to USB Adapter
Before you buy all hardwired USB headsets, make note of how many trainers/supervisors and how often training is done so you can order the appropriate number of standard USB training solution.
Alternative options.
Two Jabra QD Headsets + Jabra Link 265 USB Training-Y
Same Series Wireless Headsets using Conference feature
Contact your dedicated Call One, Inc. Account Executive to help you identify what solution is best in your environment.
https://calloneinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/dd.jpg384684Danny Hayasakahttps://calloneinc.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/logo.pngDanny Hayasaka2017-04-20 20:51:362019-08-29 10:41:24Training-Y for USB Headsets in Softphone environment?
Every day I hear customers requesting “ANC” or “NC” headsets. Some know the difference however many don’t. It’s kind of like “Bluetooth”. To some, “Bluetooth” simply means “wireless”. Whether it’s DECT, 2.4Ghz, 900Mhz is irrelevant to them. They want a “Bluetooth (Wireless)” headset. For this blog, I’m talking about headsets for professional use by Poly (formerly Plantronics), Jabra & Sennheiser.
