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.

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.

A customer recently ask if they could use a Savi Office system with SKYPE?

The Plantronics Savi Office systems such as the WO100, WO200, WO300 and WO350 integrate very nicely with software programs and provide a great solution as a Skype headset.  Of course you want to make sure that the headset has charged and all of the cables are installed, including the USB cable that plugs into your computer which allows you to use the Savi for any audio / sound applications.  (And of course you will need an internet connection, broadband is best)  One step to make sure that you are getting the most out of the Plantronics Savi Office system and Skype headset is to make sure that you download SKYPE on your computer first, before loading the Savi PerSono Suite software that comes with the Savi systems.  If you have already loaded the Plantronics PerSono Suite Savi software first, you may want to uninstall it and re-load it once SKYPE has been downloaded to your computer.  I know that this sounds trivial, but the downloading / loading sequence really does make a difference.  You can download the latest version of SKYPE at  www.skype.com  , you will need to set up your SKYPE account with a user name and password.  With SKYPE, you can call other SKYPE users (computer to computer) for free or you can set up an account with your credit card and pay just a few dollars a month to be able to call regular phone numbers (land lines) all across the country, the monthly low fee includes long distance as well.  Once you have SKYPE downloaded on your computer, you are now ready to load the Plantronics PerSono Suite Savi software.

When the Savi software is loaded, SKYPE will pop up a “prompt box” and say something like “another software program is trying to use SKYPE”, it will be the Plantronics PerSono software and you will want to click on the appropriate box to allow it to use or merge with SKYPE.  Once the two softwares are merged, SKYPE will have automatically chosen Savi as it’s default device.  At this point, the Savi has now become your Skype headset and is ready for use. To manually appoint a headset to SKYPE or see what is named as the default, click on the “Call” tab in the SKYPE software (towards the top of the screen) and then click on “Audio Settings”.  Here is where you can make adjustments within the SKYPE software and also see the default devices for “Microphone”, “Speakers”, and “Ringing”.

Add people to your “contacts” by using their “SKYPE name” for free computer to computer calls, these can also be video calls if both parties have a webcam.  And making a call to a regular telephone number is easy too, just click on the “Call phones” tab on the lower left side of the SKYPE screen and it will open your on screen dial pad.  You can use your mouse to enter the number and then click “call” or just use your ten key (numbers on your keyboard) and just press ”enter” (on your keyboard), and your Savi headset will automatically turn on for you.  And to end the call, just press the button on the headset, just like using it on your telephone.  That’s it, pretty easy!  (Please remember that to make regular phone calls, you will need to provide a credit card to get “SKYPE Credit”)

Problem:  I have a hard time hearing my calls and I work around loud talking people.  Which headset can I use for an extremely noisy place?

You may want to take a look at the binaural, duel ear, Plantronics SHR2083-01  Ruggedized headset.  The SHR2083-01 is a single wire design headset that has circumnaural earpieces that comfortably surround your ears to keep the conversation in and the unwanted distracting noise out.  It also has a noise canceling microphone that blocks out the background noise so that your callers don’t hear everything going on around you so vividly, and a cushioned headband for comfort.  The Plantronics SHR2083-01 is a top of the line Ruggedized headset that can be used for extremely loud environments like the floor of the New York Stock Exchange, or if you just want to be able to block out the noise around you so that you can really focus and concentrate on your phone calls.

And the Plantronics SHR2083-01 Ruggedized headset doesn’t have to be used in an extreme situation, we actually have customers that use them in call centers as well as regular office environments.  Some businesses will get these for employees that may have a little hearing loss or just a hard time hearing on the telephone.

The Plantronics SHR2083-01 Ruggedized headset has the standard Plantronics Quick Disconnect plug, so this means that it can be used anywhere that the regular “H-series” corded headsets are used.  The SHR2083-01 will work with all of the Quick Disconnect cables such as the 26716-01 cord for Cisco 7940, 7960, and 7970 series phones; the A10 cord (66268-02) for specific Nortel, NEC, Mitel, ShoreTel & Iwatsu phones; the HIC (49323-04), HIP (61804-03), & HIS (72442-01) cords for specific Avaya phones; just to name a few.  It will also work with the Plantronics audio processors, amplifiers and adapters that have the Quick Disconnect cables such as the M10, M12, M22 & AP15 amplifiers for most single and multi-line corded telephones, as well as the DA40, DA45 and DA60 USB adapters for computers.

So if you are in the market for a top of the line durable headset that will help you to give your full attention and be immersed in your calls, check out the Plantronics SHR2083-01 Ruggedized binaural dual ear headset.

We recently had an inquiry if we sell any aviation headsets for commercial airline pilots?

Yes, we sure do.  We sell the Plantronics aviation headset models MS200, MS250, and MS260.  These are standard 2 plug commercial grade headsets with 5ft cords for commercial and military pilots (2 plugs = 1 each, PJ055 and PJ068), which are the most common.  Chances are if you’re a commercial pilot, you have probably worn a Plantronics aviation headset when you fly. That’s because Plantronics has been supplying headsets to pilots for more than 40 years, and not to mention having the FAA stamp of approval and meeting the TSO (Technical Standard Order) C57a and C58a specifications that dictate the performance of headsets that are used aboard aircraft.  And even though the FAA is a U.S.-only agency, these FAA flight standards are recognized all over the world.

The Plantronics MS200 commercial aviation headset combines a unique lightweight design and advanced technology to deliver the ultimate in comfort and reliability.  Its compact under-the-ear design ensures a secure, comfortable fit and it is convenient to carry and stow.

The Plantronics MS250 commercial aviation headset uses a proven design to set new standards in comfort and reliability for pilots.  The MS250 is a monaural headband model that goes over the head and covers one ear.

The Plantronics MS260 commercial aviation headset is a binaural headband model that goes over the head and is the same as the MS250, except it covers both ears.  The Plantronics MS260 comes in handy for those international flights because when you’re landing in foreign countries, you really want and need to hear every word from air traffic control.  Unlike domestic routes where pilots usually wear their headsets throughout the duration of the flight, you might only have the headset on for takeoff and landing on an international flight.  And the binaural dual ear headset really helps you concentrate when communicating with an international air traffic controller in another country.

The Plantronics MS200 seems to be the most popular choice among pilots, probably due to its light weight under the ear design with an ear bud that makes it feel stable on the ear, and of course not to mention the award winning superior sound quality.  The noise-canceling microphones on these Plantronics aviation headsets enable clear, uninterrupted communications between the pilot up in the air and air traffic control on the ground.  The MS series of Plantronics aviation headsets are built for comfort and have a track record of reliability.  Each of these compact light weight headsets also come with a carry case for convenient quick and easy portability.  So kick the tires, light the fires, just grab it and go!  Whether you are flying a Boeing 737 full of vacationers or a military transport full of Humvees , from outer space to aerospace, we may just have the headset for you.

Dictation Headsets that are corded and wireless:

There are so many headsets to choose from that will connect to a computer that can be used with dictation software, however not all of them will give you the best quality.  And a lot of computer software can be a little finicky on the quality that it wants to hear, customers that are using Dragon Naturally Speaking can even do a test which will tell them the quality ranking of the headset microphone… It lets you know if you are up to par.  Some customers prefer corded and some like the wireless headsets such as the Plantronics CS50-USB, which is a great wireless computer headset.  Typically when using headsets on regular office telephones, the wireless headsets will sound just as good as the corded, and actually the wireless headsets are so good now that your callers usually can’t even tell that you are on a headset at all.  But when it comes to making recordings or using dictation software on computers, this isn’t always the case.

If you do a side by side comparison with a wireless headset and a good commercial grade corded solution such as the Plantronics DA60 USB adapter and HW251 headset, you will notice that the corded solution does sound better.  If you use one of the inexpensive computer headsets, you may not notice as much of a difference between the wireless and corded.  You can also use the Plantronics DA45 USB adapter with any Plantronics H-series headset, but the DA60 has DSP (Digital Signal Processing) technology.  DSP technology usually makes the microphone quality a little better and clearer, for instance in a side by side comparison, you may notice the “white noise” (shhhh… sound) in the background whereas you don’t typically hear that with the DSP because it really just focuses in on your voice.  And also since dictation headsets are normally done in a predominantly quiet setting such as a private office, the Plantronics headsets with the voice tubes will pick up your voice better than the headsets that have a noise canceling microphone.  So if you are not working in a noisy environment, there is no need to have a headset with a noise canceling microphone.  And remember that a noise canceling headset is looking to block out background noise going on around you, but if your voice is the only thing that it hears, it may muffle your voice and wouldn’t be as clear as a voice tube model.

So if you want the absolute best sound quality for your Dragon Naturally Speaking or other dictation software, the Plantronics DA60 USB adapter along with an H-series headset such as the Plantronics HW251 is a great combination.

Practical Headset for a Plantronics Practica T50?

First, let me start off by saying that Plantronics does not recommend using any headsets on the Practica units other than the one that came with it.  However, since the Plantronics Practica A100, T100 and T50 units are discontinued, what are you supposed to do if your base still works great but you just need a replacement headset?   Well you could of course purchase a brand new complete system such as the Plantronics S11 or the Plantronics S12 which is like the Practica A100 that works with most single and multiline phones, or the Plantronics T10 which is a single line telephone like the Practica T50 and T100.  These systems can range from around $88.95 to $129.95 in price.

Now these are all really good systems, but it may seem kinda silly to throw the whole thing away just because the headset stopped working.  And that is usually the case, the headsets wear out (maybe because of the thin cord) but the bases are durable and last a long time.  So that being said, we have yet another option for you other than buying a complete new system…  This would be the Plantronics S11 replacement headset (model# 65388-02), which is around $29.95, considerably less than buying a complete new system.  The Plantronics S11 replacement headset is just a simple headband (over the head) headset that has a noise canceling microphone and covers one ear.  I have sold the Plantronics S11 replacement headset to several customers that still have the Plantronics Practica bases but were unable to find a replacement headset.  And so far, these have worked out very well.  Not to mention, a very budget friendly practical solution for the Plantronics Practicas.

Problem: I work in two different locations, is it possible to pair the Voyager 510 headset to two different 500A bases or devices?

Solution: Yes, although the headset can only be connected and switch back and forth between two devices at a time, the Voyager 510 headset can be paired with up to 4 different devices.  This is in general for most Bluetooth headsets with Multi-point technology.  You can also use different Bluetooth headsets other than the Voyager 510 with the 500A base, however, the 500A base will only charge the 510 headset (any other headsets would need to use their own charger).

Will the CT14 battery work in a CT12 remote?

Unfortunately they’re not compatible and interchangeable.  Although the Plantronics CT12 and Plantronics CT14 systems look alike, they do use different batteries.  The CT14 battery ( part # 81087-01 ) is much smaller than the CT12 battery (part # 63421-01 ) , not just in physical appearance, but also in power specifications.  The much smaller CT14 battery does have the same plug as the CT12 battery and can physically “plug in”, however it does not have enough power to even turn on the CT14 remote.  The specs are as follows:

CT12 battery – DC 3.6v, 800mah  /  CT14 battery – DC 2.4v, 600mah

Although the Plantronics CT12 and Plantronics CT14 systems look alike, they do use different headsets.  The CT12 headset (part # 64378-01) has a red light on the end of the microphone that illuminates when in use (on a call), the remote unit sends an “electronic pulse” to the headset which makes this happen.  Other headsets, including the CT14 headset (part # 81083-01), will “technically” work with the CT12 system, but we only recommend using the actual CT12 replacement headset.  When using any other headset besides the original on a CT12 (including the CT14), you will more than likely hear the electronic pulsating sound fading in and out, and you could possibly also have a buzzing issue as well.