Sound quality is crucial when making calls and streaming multimedia. We always want to use the best headset for each environment, connection type, and personal wearing preference. We assume that "all headsets are created equal," but that is not the case. Recently, we heard the statement: "Jack connections work more reliably than USB ones" when used with PCs; in fact, USB headsets offer more benefits and better sound quality, as well as reliability. We recommend USB headsets over 3.5mm headsets when connecting to computers, and here's why:

Jack connections, or 3.5mm connectors, are pin-shaped plugs that can support stereo sound and microphones, depending on the number of separate connector rings on the plug or jack. The 3.5mm jack has been a standard feature across numerous devices, especially portable ones, such as the transistor radio, Walkman, and most recently, different makes and models of smartphones. They can also be used with computers that have the 3.5mm jack plug. The 3.5mm uses the device's sound processing system, such as a computer's sound card, for analog sound.

USB headsets bypass your computer's sound card and use their own sound processing system, for better sound quality than 3.5mm headsets. USB headsets benefit from digital-to-analog processing outside of the computer. USB processes digital sound from your device and runs it through its sound system that filters out the audio and removes ambient noise, resulting in much cleaner sounds. For rich wideband audio, and to hear more highs and lows, USB connection is typically preferred. USB provides a lifelike audio experience, compared with 3.5mm headsets.

Another great feature found in USB headsets: in-line call controllers, for ease of call management. Buttons for answer/end, volume, and mute are standards for the control units.

USB headsets can be continually updated, thanks to the free firmware updates offered by each brand, such as Jabra Direct for all Jabra USB devices. And, with cloud-based software management programs that support all main operating systems (some free, others available at scaling costs), global inventory, mass deployments, call analytics, agile maintenance and more can be achieved at the click of a button from an IT administrator. Jabra Xpress is one of these global software management software packages.

The Jabra Evolve 40 headset pictured throughout this post offers both 3.5mm and USB connections. It is a versatile headset for both in the office, and on the go. We always recommend the use of the USB connection when using the Evolve 40 with a PC. The Jabra Eolve 40 is available in both standard USB and USB-C options.

Our Headset Experts are ready to help you find the best headset for your environment. Give us a call at 1-866-998-9991 or Chat us now!

Source: USB vs Analog Headsets, azcentral.

 

99% of workers in open offices are distracted.*

Who wouldn’t be, with daily mayhem coming from every direction? Luckily there are plenty of high quality headsets from Poly that are designed to avert open office perils and combat the chaos.

Give your teams the perfect balance of Active Noise Canceling (ANC): not too much to be uncomfortable, not too little to let noise sneak in. Noise blocking microphone technology, too. So people on both ends of a call can hear what matters. Count on all-day comfort, thanks to premium, lightweight materials. And a range of styles that work for everyone in the office.

ANC Headsets from Plantronics, now Poly

Voyager 8200 UC (pictured above) has a boomless mic design, adjustable ANC levels, connects to mobile via Bluetooth, and offers a choice of USB adapter to connect to PC: either USB-A or USB-C. The ear speakers completely surround the ear. Choose between two colors: Black or White. MSRP: $379.95.

Voyager Focus UC is comfort+: the adjustable sling cushioned metal headband and leatherette ear cushions wrapped around pillow-soft memory foam maintains a secure fit. Available with a desktop charge stand, or without, and USB-A or USB-C. MSRP varies: $279.95 No Stand; $299.95 With Stand.

Voyager 6200 UC features earbuds on a neckband; wear both earbuds for complete concentration, thanks to ANC, or just one, to keep an ear on the surrounding office. The neckband vibrates as an incoming call alert. Two color choices: Black and Sand; and USB-A and USB-C adapters are available. MSRP is $299.95.

Finally, if your team is primarily desk-bound, and prefer a corded ANC headset, Blackwire 7225 headsets have a boomless mic design with the call controls on the ear speakers. Blackwire 7225 headsets are available in Black and White, and USB-A and USB-C. MSRP: $199.95.

If your teams are struggling to tune out the chaos of an open office — whether it’s scooter rallies or loud talkers or ice chewers — distractions make it almost impossible for people to stay focused. Time to bring productivity back.

Ready to reduce interruptions and boost productivity? Download the ebook from Poly, here: Perils of the Open Office Ebook and then contact us today for personalized headset solutions: 1-866-998-9991.

*“All Your Employees Are Distracted: The Realities of Today’s Open Office and What You Can Do About It,” by Future Workplace, April 2019, sponsored by Poly

 

As you are shopping the Avcomm Solutions web site, you may notice that many of our products such as USB headsets and speakerphones, are labeled as "Microsoft," "MS," or "Certified for Microsoft," while others are labeled "UC." We are often asked the difference between a Microsoft and UC (Unified Communications) product, and how to choose between them.

Our answer: If you are using a Microsoft platform (such as Microsoft Teams, Skype for Business, or Lync), you should purchase the Microsoft certified variant.

What this means: the models certified for Microsoft support Microsoft platforms as a Plug and Play experience. The Plug and Play experience includes:
•automatic selection as the default audio device and
•features to answer and end calls, adjust volume, and mute.

If you are using another communications platform, such as Cisco Jabber, Ring Central, or other softphone, you should purchase the standard UC version of the headset or speakerphone. If you do use a model that is certified for Microsoft Skype for Business with a different computer softphone client, the product should work the same as a UC model regarding audio and features (such as answer and end calls, adjust volume, mute).

To set up your headset or speakerphone to work with Microsoft Skype for Business (or Teams, or Lync), install the headset manufacturer's free software:
Jabra Direct for Jabra products;
Plantronics Hub for Plantronics, now Poly, products;
and Sennheiser HeadSetup Pro for Sennheiser products.

All of these are free from the manufacturers.

For further help with your unique headset and speakerphone needs, reach out to our dedicated customer care team at 1-866-998-9991, via email, or Chat with us now.

 

BlueParrott headsets, long the favorite of professional truck drivers, are strong and stable enough for life on the road, anywhere you go. Take calls safely with BlueParrott headsets and keep your hands free to drive. Here, we simplify the headset features and hopefully make the choice of which BlueParrott headset to buy, easier for you. With a range of features, and prices, you've got choices. All of these headsets will handle calls, and stream music and GPS directions.

	B250-XTS	B350-XT	V450-XT	B550-XT
IP54 Rated	No	Yes	No	Yes
Talk Time	20+ hours	24+ hours	24+ hours	24+ hours
Standby Time	150 hours (6 days)	500 hours (20 days)	500 hours (20 days)	500 hours (20 days)
Wireless Range	Up to 66 ft	Up to 300 ft	Up to 300 ft	Up to 300 ft
Voice Activation	No	Yes	Yes	Yes
Parrott Button	No	Yes	Yes	Yes
Headset Weight	2.52 oz	3.5 oz	5.44 oz	5.8 oz
MSRP	$99.99	$139.99	$149.00	$199.99

All of the headsets come with leatherette and foam ear cushions, mic windscreens and USB charging cables. Additionally, a mobile charger is included with the B350-XT, B450-XT and B550-XT models.

Three of these headsets feature the popular Parrott Button, which lets you customize your favorite features at the touch of a button. Speed dial, mute, and Push-to-talk capabilities make for quick and easy access to what matters most: your conversations.

The IP54 rating means that the headset is water and dust resistant.

These headsets come with a one-year warranty. Ready to talk about a BlueParrott headset? Give our headset experts a call at 1-866-998-9991 or Chat them now, and they'll help you select the best headset for you.

 

Do more with your headsets, thanks to Amazon Alexa Built-in technology.

Specific headsets now offer Amazon Alexa Built-in, a voice-forward experience that uses Alexa to play music, control smart home devices, provide information, read news, and much, much more. With cloud-based Alexa, the offerings continually expand. Two of our brands are part of the Amazon Alexa Built-in program: Plantronics, now Poly, and Jabra.

Alexa Built-in is a category of devices created with the Alexa Voice Service (AVS) that have a microphone and speaker. You can talk to these products direclty by saying "Alexa," and receive voice responses and content instantly. Alexa Built-in products work with Alexa Skills (which are like apps) and Alexa-compatible smart home devices, bringing familiar capabilities from the Amazon Echo family of devices to a range of new form factors — in this case headsets — developed by leading brands.

Headsets with Alexa:

With Alexa built-in to your Voyager headsets, you can link your work email with your personal Alexa account, so now you can tap and ask, "Read priority email." Yep, it's that easy.

Plantronics Voyager 5200 has a comfort-tested ergonomic design that feels as good at the end of the day as it does at the start. The ergonomic earpiece is designed to feel like it’s barely there. It’s a comfortable, powerful tool for all-day productivity. The included portable charging case features an integrated docking stand. Completely charge your headset up to two full times, so you’re always ready to talk. An included BT600 Bluetooth USB adapter connects this headset to your PC.


Voyager 4200 UC headsets are available in single and dual ear versions, with USB-A or USB-C adapters. In open office environments, you may want a stereo headset to listen to media — or you may prefer a mono headset to hear your surroundings. Count on vibrant and crystal-clear audio, whether you’re listening to multimedia or collaborating with colleagues, within the headset’s 98 ft/30 m range. Plantronics Voyager 4200 headsets make it easy to switch between PC/Mac and mobile devices, so you're always connected. A dedicated button gives you quick access to mute, while voice prompts alert you if you’re on mute when you start talking. Enhanced voice alerts tell you connection status, remaining talk time, mute status and more. Your colleagues will know when you’re talking to someone because of the red call indicator light.

Voyager 4210 USB-A
Voyager 4210 USB-C
Voyager 4220 USB-A
Voyager 4220 USB-C

To use Alexa with these headsets, you must have both Plantronics Hub and Amazon Alexa apps downloaded to your mobile phone. The Voyager 4200 headsets must have firmware version >271. Use the Plantronics Hub app to update your device if required.

Jabra headsets with Alexa Built-in are part of the Elite series: Elite 65t, Elite Active 65t, Elite 45e and Elite 75t. Contact us to learn more about these ear bud headsets.

Count on our brands to bring user-friendly technology and features to headsets that make your life easier, and more productive. Call us at 1-866-998-9991, and our dedicated team of headset professionals can provide recommendations for your headset requirements.