I was talking to a customer of a small insurance agency about a problem he was having with getting a new employee quickly up to speed to assist clients with questions from incoming calls.  The challenge as he described it is every time we have a new hire, or even expand job duties during times of downsizing, there is a need to have an employee be able to learn how to handle calls, answer questions and provide necessary answers to clients.  In his current situation, the new person would sit next to an experienced co-worker in a cubical for weeks while they listened to one side of the conversation.  After the call, most of the time is spend repeating the conversation so the new employee can hear what the caller was asking and what answer was provided.  Hearing the problem, I was easily able to offer a solution of a Headset Y-Training Cable

They were already using headsets in the office, so a simple $39.95 cable was the only necessary equipment.  A headset y-training cable allows you to plug two headsets into one telephone.  Both headsets will be able to hear the phone conversation, but only one microphone will be live while the other is muted.  There is a toggle switch in the Y-cord that allows you to control which microphone is live.  For this situation, the experienced worker will have the live microphone and carry on normal conversations with clients.  The new hire, or trainee, will listen into the call and now have the ability to hear both sides of the conversation making a gigantic step forward in the learning curve of what to say and how to respond to clients because now you’re hearing the entire conversation instead of a one sided conversation as before.  As you can see for an extremely small investment, you can increase the speed of training and have new employees up and going on their own in a fraction of time with the use of a headset y-training cable.

Problem: Where can I find Plantronics accessories for my Plantronics headset? I have tried looking for Plantronics accessories in stores and no one seems to carry them.  I have also looked on the Plantronics web site for Plantronics accessories but they don’t show the parts that I am interested in.

Solution: We get lots of calls from people who have purchased a Plantronics headset and they need Plantronics accessories, or replacement parts, but the store where they purchased the headset doesn’t carry them.  We feel your pain, and at Headsets Direct, we believe it is important to carry Plantronics accessories for every headset we sell.   We are a large, stocking distributor and we do our best to keep them in stock for the convenience of our customers.

On our website at www.headsetsdirect.com, we try to make it easy for you to locate the Plantronics accessories or replacement parts you are looking for.  The “key” to quick and easy shopping on our web site is to know what Plantronics headset you have.  On our home page there is a teal green column on the left side of the page.  At the top of the column is a “google custom search box”.  Just enter the model number of the headset you have and hit search.  A page will open offering several matches to your search.  Select the best match; click on it and it will take you to an entire page that is all about your headset.  You will find all of the Plantronics accessories and replacement parts for your headset at the bottom of the page.  If you aren’t certain which accessory or part you need, you can click onto the part number at the left and (for most parts) there will be a picture of that part available to look at.

However, if you would rather talk to a real person, rather than order off the computer, just give us a call!  We have real, live, customer service specialists available Mon-Friday from 7:00 AM to 4:30 PM, and they will be happy to assist you and answer any questions you may have.  If we don’t have the Plantronics accessories you are looking for in stock, we can get it from Plantronics for you.

Plantronics recently introduced the M100 Bluetooth Headset, as an ultra-slim, lightweight headset that features advanced technology to deliver clear and natural audio. The M100 combines dual-microphones, wind-noise reduction and Digital Signal Processing (DSP) technology for an enhanced communication experience for what you hear, as well as your caller.

• Multipoint technology pairs one headset to two Bluetooth devices.
• Battery that provides up to 6 hours of talk-time and 10 days of stand-by life.
• At only 9 grams, the Plantronics M100 is lightweight and comfortable.
• Soft gel ear tips and an optional ear loop provide multiple wearing options.

The Plantronics M100 is a replacement for the Plantronics Voyager 835.

Question: I’m looking for a good wireless Bluetooth headset that is really comfortable, what would you suggest?

Solution: Now-a-days, there are many states and municipalities with laws requiring drivers to wear headsets for their cell phones, so they can have both hands free to drive.  The majority of drivers prefer wearing the wireless Bluetooth headsets so they don’t have to deal with a cord hanging from their headset which could easily get caught on things.  Plantronics offers an excellent selection of high quality wireless Bluetooth headsets for you to choose from.

The majority of wireless Bluetooth headsets come in one of two styles:  the first is worn in the ear, using only an ear bud placed inside the ear, and the second style is worn over the ear using an ear hook along with an ear bud resting inside the ear.  If you prefer a light weight, discreet, ear bud type of wireless Bluetooth headset, take a look at the New Plantronics Discovery 975.   This unit comes with its’ own sleek rechargeable case which not only displays battery levels and connection status, but it can triple your talk and standby time.  The Plantronics Discovery 975 has a classy, modern look, and only weighs 8 grams, but it offers a ton of high tech bells & whistles including:  WindSmart technology to block intrusive wind noise, Multipoint technology which allows you to pair one earpiece to two phones (like a Smartphone and a cellphone) and the innovative, dual-mic Audio IQ technology so your callers will hear only your clear natural sounding voice without invasive background noise.

Would you rather have the security of an ear hook over your ear, in addition to the ear bud inside your ear?  If that’s the case, then take a look at the Plantronics Voyager Pro because this headset is made of soft, flexible materials that conform to your ear, providing the secure, comfortable fit that you’re seeking.   However, comfort is not the only attribute of this little Bluetooth gem.   The Voyager Pro wireless Bluetooth headset also comes with a full range of technological advancements such as:  Dual-mic Audio Q2 noise cancelling, WindSmart technology to cancel out wind noise, Multipoint technology which allows two phones to be connected to one headset, and a full 6 hours of talk time so you can enjoy it all day long!

If you have any questions regarding our wide selection of wireless Bluetooth headsets, you can contact us at headsetsdirect.com

or call us at 800-914-7996 and one of our Customer Service Specialists will be happy to assist you!

If you are looking for cordless phone headsets, Plantronics has several to choose from. We offer corded headsets and also a wireless headset for your cordless phone.

Cordless phone headsets provide hands-free safety and improved productivity. It will increase your comfort level and has superior call quality. Cordless phone headsets also have adjustable microphones for placement where you best need it. The headsets also include a clothing clip to help keep the cord out of the way.

The cordless phone headsets come in a variety of wearing styles. We carry cordless phone headsets for over the ear, under the ear, over the head and one that comes with an ear loop and a headband so you have two styles to choose from for the price of one headset.

All of the cordless phone headsets are single ear headsets and they have a 2.5mm connection on the end to plug into your cordless phone.  You can also use the cordless phone headsets on cellular phones, providing your phone has the 2.5 mm connection. The cordless phone headsets all have a noise-canceling microphone to ensure clear calls even in noisy environments.  The cordless phone headsets have volume control and mic control. The features are either on the ear piece or inline for your convenience.
We also carry cordless phone headsets in a wireless version for your cordless phone. The best thing about the Plantronics CS55H wireless headset is that you can answer from anywhere in your home with just your headset, you will not need your cordless handset to answer incoming calls. You will have hands free freedom up to 300 ft distance and the system gives you up to 10 full hrs of talk time. With just one touch of the button you can answer or end calls. The CS55H is a convertible headset, you will receive both ear loops and a headband, so you can choose the style you would like to use. The headset also has volume and mute control features. There are volume controls on the charging base also for fine tuning. The microphone is noise canceling to filter out background noise.

If you need help to make a choice for cordless phone headsets, please give us a call at 1-800-914-7996 and let one of our customer service experts give you a hand.

In the search for a wireless phone headset, you will have various options to choose from.  First of all, it would depend on if the wireless phone headset will be used on a corded phone or if the wireless phone headset will be used on a cordless phone, because Plantronics has different wireless phone headset models for different phone applications.  If you are using a single line cordless phone for home use, you can use the Plantronics CS55H wireless phone headset.  Unlike the regular office wireless phone headset models, the CS55H does not plug directly into the cordless phone base.  The CS55H wireless phone headset comes with a splitter that can be plugged into the phone jack at the wall and then you run the one phone line cable to the cordless phone (just like normal) and then run one phone line to the CS55H wireless phone headset base.  You can also just plug the CS55H directly into the wall jack without the splitter, if you have another phone jack available.  The Plantronics CS55H wireless phone headset is used in conjunction with the cordless phone to make a call, but does not rely on the cordless phone to answer an incoming call, you just press the button on the headset to answer and hang up.

If you are using a corded phone (has a corded handset receiver), it does not matter if it is a single line $20 phone from a retail store or if it is a commercial phone system that has multiple lines like Cisco, Avaya, or Nortel, you can use a wireless phone headset such as the Plantronics CS55, CS70N, CS351N, CS361N, WO100, WO200, WO300 and WO350 models.  However there are a couple of phone models such as the AT&T 3 digit model phones and GE phones that do not work as well with headsets, for some reason, these phones can make headsets buzz.

When researching a wireless phone headset, you will also see mention of an optional device called a Handset Lifter, the model is “HL10”.  The Plantronics HL10 Handset Lifter is an optional device which is used with a wireless phone headset to answer and hang up calls remotely away from your desk.  With the HL10, you just press the “call control button” on the actual wireless phone headset itself to answer and end a call.  When you press the call control button on the wireless phone headset, the handset lifter will physically raise the top portion of the handset receiver, allowing the little button to “pop up” and give you dial tone.  When you press the call control button again to end a call, the handset lifter will lower the handset receiver, pressing the little button down to hang up the phone.  And just remember that if you choose not to get the optional HL10 Handset Lifter to go with your Plantronics wireless phone headset for a corded telephone, you will physically need to lift the handset receiver, set it off to the side, and then hang it up after each call.  So when purchasing a wireless phone headset, a handset lifter is definitely a worthwhile accessory to add on.  For more information on a Plantronics wireless phone headset or any other Plantronics products, please browse our website or give us a call.

We’re sure that by now many of you have heard of Unified Communication (UC) and wondered: What’s this all about? You go online to get more information and you’re greeted with this: “An evolving communications technology architecture which automates and unifies all forms of human and device communications in context, and with a common experience. Its purpose is to optimize business processes and enhance human communications by reducing latency, managing flows, and eliminating device and media dependencies.” Right…so how can we non-geeks get a handle on this new way of communication designed to make our life more productive?

I guess the key word is “Unified.” (UC) brings together various ways to talk and listen to one another. It takes your phone and your computer (two different ways of communication) introduces them to each other and gets them to work together (sort of like a marriage counselor). And to make your experience truly rewarding, you’ll need a headset. That’s where Plantronics comes into the picture. Be they corded or wireless headsets, at home or in the office, Plantronics has just the right model to bring communication together.

Take, for instance, the new Savi WO100 from Plantronics, their new wireless multi-function headset. With the included cables you can connect the Savi WO100 to both devices and, with the touch of a button, seamlessly travel between your phone and computer. You can make traditional calls, computer calls using Skype*, conference the two together, do dictation using Dragon* naturally speaking, stream music from your Virgin online radio station, etc., etc., etc. Well, you get the picture. And Savi is just one of a complete line of Plantronics wireless and corded headsets designed especially for Unified Communications. And Headsets Direct is the place for fast, friendly and courteous service. Give one of our knowledgeable sales personnel a call and find out what’s new from Plantronics in Unified Communications.

*Headsets Direct does not endorse any particular brand over another. These are used as examples only.

When it comes to a corded telephone headset, we have a few different options and models to choose from.  A corded telephone headset will also require either an amplifier or bottom cable to connect to the actual telephone, the phone make and model will determine which amplifier or cable is needed.  All of the Plantronics regular corded telephone headsets are called the “H-series” and are considered to be commercial grade which can be used in the office, however they can also be used at home as well.  These commercial grade corded telephone headsets are just better quality than the inexpensive models that are typically found at some of the retail stores, and they will also usually have a longer manufacturer’s warranty.  The H-series corded telephone headset will have the Plantronics proprietary “Quick Disconnect” plug on the end of the cable, which is a flat rectangular connection that looks similar to a USB and will not directly plug into any device, that is why it is important to also get the proper compatible amplifier or cable for your particular application.

Although a  Plantronics corded telephone headset and amplifier are pretty universal and will work great with most single and multi-line corded telephones and systems, it’s still always a good idea to check compatibility.  To check the compatibility of your individual phone model, we have a link on our website called “Compatibility Guide Product Finder”, this is the Plantronics Compatibility Guide which will allow you to choose your phone make and model and it will determine if your phone requires an amplifier or a bottom cable to connect a corded telephone headset.  Another thing to consider is the environment that you will be working in, is it quiet or is there a lot of background noise going on around you?  The Plantronics corded telephone headsets have a couple of different versions, voice tube models for quiet areas and models with noise canceling microphones for noisy areas.  A noise canceling microphone on a corded telephone headset blocks out background noise going on around you so that your caller doesn’t hear everything so vividly.  Please keep in mind that they won’t block out everything, but they usually take care of most of the distractions, and some of the corded telephone headset microphones do block out more than others.  So please consider your corded telephone headset microphone type, and choose accordingly.

Now that you have determined what it takes to connect your corded telephone headset to your phone and you know what type of environment it will be used in, just choose one that looks comfortable for you.  We have various styles such as over the head, over the ear, and some models called “convertible” that give you both wearing styles.  Hopefully this helps to get you well on your way to finding a corded telephone headset for you to use in the office and at home.  No matter where your work takes you, we’ve got the perfect corded telephone headset just for you.

Replacing the Plantronics CT12 with the Plantronics CT14 cordless telephone headset

Problem: Several years ago I purchased a Plantronics CT12 cordless headset phone that I use in my home office and I love it. However, my CT 12 is getting old, and I am considering getting a two line phone for my office. Is there a unit similar to mine that will work with a two line phone?

Solution: Well, I have both good news and bad news for you. The good news is that Plantronics developed an updated cordless headset phone called the CT14. The Plantronics CT14 cordless telephone provides the user with about 300 feet of roaming distance (the size of a football field), compared to the older units with only 150 feet of roaming distance. Plus, it has been upgraded from a 2.4 GHz frequency to the 1.9 GHz voice dedicated 6.0 DECT technology, which means less chance of interference. In addition, our new improved cordless headset phone provides twice the talk time as the older CT12 model! The Plantronics CT14 cordless telephone offers the ability to place your caller on hold and use Call Waiting, Caller ID and Telephone Messaging, providing you subscribe to those services through your phone company. If you have these features, you may not need that second phone line. Plantronics also improved the design of the mobile phone pad that you clip to your waistband or belt. You will find the display is easier to read, the buttons on the dial pad are a little larger and the clip on the back of the phone pad is sturdy, but smooth, offering a more comfortable and secure fit.

The bad news for some of our customers is that the CT14 is designed specifically for single line phone systems. There is only one multi-line phone system that the CT14 cordless headset phone is compatible with, and that is the Avaya Partner phones. If you happen to have an Avaya Partner multi line phone system, this unit works just great with it, and the price is very reasonable for the convenience of being totally mobile. There are two features that the CT14 does not have that the CT12 did: (1) the CT12 came with a “Firefly Headset” so the tip of the microphone would light up to let people know you were on the phone and (2) it also offered a speed dial feature. Although the CT14 does not have speed dial, you can put approximately 70 contacts in the CT14 dial pad phone book. Consequently, if you have been happy with the CT12 you should be quite impressed with the CT14, because you are doubling your roaming distance and talk time, plus the new design makes it even easier to use! For more information on this, or other options for home office use, call Headsets Direct at 800-914-7996 and one of our customer service specialists will be happy to help you.

Problem: My teenage son wants a headset for his computer so he can listen to music and talk to his friends.  I don’t want to spend a lot of money, but I want something pretty durable, any suggestions?

Solution: Hey mom, we all know how teenagers love their music, and they enjoy listening to it on a unit that provides quality sound. Plantronics has developed a headset that hits the mark, and it’s soooo- cool they named it  BLACKWIRE Headsets.   For individuals who like to be totally immersed in their music and conversations, choose the total focus, sound reduction, dual ear version, offering Hi-Fi audio and stereo sound.  For those people who prefer a lighter headset, and having one ear free to hear what’s going on around you, there is also a single ear version.  Both styles employ wide band technology and Digital Signal Processing (DSP), along with USB enhanced digital sound, resulting in a more natural voice sound as you chat with friends or business associates.  In addition, the BLACKWIRE headsets come equipped with SoundGuard, a new technology designed to protect you from painful audio spikes that can leave your ears ringing.

So we have established the exceptional sound quality, now lets’ talk comfort!  The headband is adjustable to assure a perfect fit, and it has soft, swiveling ear cushions to provide all day comfort.  It is also light weight with simple in-line call controls to make volume and mute adjustments quick and easy.  Thanks to the adjustable noise cancelling microphone, your friends won’t hear any distracting background noises during your conversations .The standard 210 (monaural) and 220 (binaural) are compatible with most software systems and computers.

Although BLACKWIRE Headsets comes with an array of bells & whistles that his friends will envy, you will find this remarkable headset is priced very economically! If you have any questions, call Headsets Direct and talk with one of our friendly customer service specialists. We offer full technical support on everything we sell and a 60 Day Satisfaction Guarantee!