Have you taken a look at the new wireless headsets for office phones that Plantronics is releasing later this year? Plantronics has given their most popular series a brand new look. The new streamlined base on the Plantronics CS540 model is very sleek looking with improved performance, that includes the same dependability and wireless productivity that has always made the CS series so popular. The new CS540 system is Noise-Canceling and will be offered in 3 different wearing styles: Convertible headset (with earloop, headband and optional neck band), Monaural/Single Ear and Binaural/Dual Ear headband style.

The CS540 has all the same great features as the Plantronics wireless CS55 headset with some new and improved features. Plantronics is claiming the CS540 Wireless Headset is the lightest headset on the market; weighing in at only 21 grams. One of the most exciting features on the new Plantronics CS540 is the ability to pair up to 3 additional CS/WO series headsets to each base.  Now everyone in your office can join the conversation. Plantronics has improved the range on the new CS540, the old series is only 300 feet, and the new series is 350 feet which works hand in hand with the adaptive power system that optimizes the CS540 for the perfect balance between range and talk time. The new voice-dedicated DECT technology eliminates Wi-Fi interference from other networks. Same as the old CS55 series, Plantronics continues to offer a replaceable battery for this newest unit.

The Plantronics CS540 Wireless Headset is compatible with the HL10 handset lifters and EHS adapters, so there is no need to replace your existing lifters or adapters.  This will only apply if you are using the old CS model of headsets. There are different EHS adapters for different series of Plantronics headsets.

The Savi Office Systems will work with most single & multi-line phones, but it will also work on your computer with SKYPE or whatever other software you may have.  And it’s all integrated into the base of the system, no extra devices needed.  There are currently four models offered, the Savi WO100, Savi WO200, Savi WO300 and the Savi WO350.  The WO100 is the convertible model which gives you the option to wear it over the head or over the ear, you just snap on whichever attachment you’d like.  The Savi WO200 is the over the ear model which loops over your ear and has an ear bud that goes in the ear, which resembles the CS70N headset.  The Savi WO300 is a monaural headband model that goes over the head and covers one ear, and the WO350 is over the head binaural dual ear version.

The Savi Office systems have a range of up to 350ft, while still using the same rock solid 64 bit encrypted DECT 6.0 technology to keep your calls secure.  You can also easily pair up to four of the Savi headsets to one base unit for conference calls, you can even conference between your landline phone and your softphone.  As more and more individuals as well as companies are starting to venture out and use programs like SKYPE and other Unified Communications software to be totally connected, these types of systems are quickly becoming a much needed valuable tool for us to get the job done.  The Savi systems are compatible with the standard HL10 Handset Lifters for remote one-touch answering and can also be used with specific EHS’s (Electronic Hook Switches) for certain phones.  So if you’d like to use the same wireless headset on your telephone and computer, you really have to check out the Savi models to see what they can do.

The CS540 is the latest wireless model from the legendary CS family of headsets from Plantronics. Like its predecessor, the CS55, it will continue to set the standard in wireless communication.  The CS540 features a new headset design, streamlined base and improved performance, and you don’t lose any of the dependability that has made the CS series a best seller.  So, what are some of the cool new features of the CS540?

It features the lightest headset in the industry weighting only 21 grams, gives you up to 350 feet of roaming distance for improved productivity, and a battery made to last all day giving you 7 hours of talk time.  In addition to some of the same features as the CS55, like different wearing styles, convenient volume and mute controls, a noise canceling microphone, and voice dedicated DECT technology to eliminate Wi-Fi interference, the CS540 also includes advanced wideband audio using CAT-iq technology for clearer conversations.  Two other new features on the CS540 is an adaptive power system that optimizes it for the perfect balance between range and talk time and the ability to conference up to three additional CS headsets and allow co-workers to join calls quickly and easily.  Add to that over 95% compatibility and Headsets Direct’s 60 day money back guarantee, and the CS540 is sure to be another winner.

So looking at the change of time, things only have gotten better. When Plantronics introduced the CS50 in 2004, it looked and felt sleek. It was the ultimate in mobility and sound quality, a hands free headset for the office. They offered up two different styles of wearing, unheard of for the masses of office workers who wore them faithfully.  Simply put your workday was a function of ease with more productivity.

Who would have thought a CS55 would be born? Digitally enhanced audio, 1.9GHz voice dedicated wireless technology.  Minimal interference, an extended boom and noise cancelling microphone, crystal voice delivery in loud environments.

I simply can’t believe that a product can be improved upon, why fix it if it isn’t broken?  Ok no it wasn’t and yes it is improved. WOW! CS540 still carries the same simple features that made it big, two styles of wearing, over the head or over the ear. One of the lightest wearing headsets out there, you can wear this and forget that it is there. DECT technology eliminates WI-FI interference. Advanced wideband audio using CAT-iq which simply means Cordless Advancement Technology.  This technology is the next generation and is based on the regulatory framework of the DECT technology, being performed today. So let us have the newest and brightest star, use it wisely, conveniently, smartly, and feeling so good while wearing it.

In a nutshell, a phone headset amplifier is one way of connecting a headset to a telephone.  A phone headset amplifier is used for telephones that are not “headset ready”, meaning that the phone does not have a dedicated headset jack.  If a phone is “headset ready” it will have a dedicated headset jack that will typically be one of two types, it will either look like the handset receiver jack (modular phone type plug, smaller than the plug from the wall jack to the phone) or it will be a little round 2.5 mm headset jack (looks like an ipod jack, but it is smaller).

The little round 2.5 mm headset jack was initially to only be found on cordless phones and cell phones, but now it has also been incorporated into some corded desk / business phones as well.  So if your telephone has a headset jack, you can use an adapter cable instead of a phone headset amplifier.  When using an adapter cable, the headset is relying on the telephone for its volume control.  Most telephones will only have a volume adjustment for your incoming listening volume (speaker), and not for your outgoing mic volume.  Hopefully the telephone puts out enough power to the headset jack to make your listening volume adequate for you, usually the phone type jacks are fine and work good, but the little round 2.5 mm jack is often lacking in power which usually results in low speaking (microphone) volume.

This is where the phone headset amplifier has the advantage.  A phone headset amplifier does not just rely on your telephone’s power.  It is usually powered by AA batteries or an optional AC wall adapter and has independent adjustable volume control for both your listening as well as your microphone (speaking) level. When using a phone headset amplifier, you will typically need to lift your handset receiver off hook, set it to the side, and then hang it up after each call.  If your phone has a little round 2.5 mm headset jack, you can buy an optional adapter cable (model 78333-01) which will allow you to connect a phone headset amplifier through the headset jack instead of the handset receiver jack, that way you just have to press the headset button on the telephone instead of lifting the handset receiver off hook (just like when using a direct connect cable with a modular phone type plug).  Although the phone headset amplifier will work through a little round 2.5 mm headset jack with the optional 2.5 mm to modular cable (model 78333-01), a phone headset amplifier is not meant to work through the modular phone type headset jacks.  The phone’s make and model determines which device is used, a phone headset amplifier or a direct connect cable.  Please check compatibility to see which one is needed for your particular phone.

Plantronics HL10 Handset Lifter

How to take or place a call when you are not using a Plantronics HL10 handset lifter with your wireless headset: When answering your phone, you will  need to pick up your handset and set it off to the side of your phone, turn on your headset and take the call. When you are finished with your call, turn off the headset and place the handset back into the phone cradle.  Same thing when you need to place a call. So as you can see you will need to be at your phone to perform these functions and it’s going to be a 2 step process. The reason for this is that Plantronics wireless headsets do not have the capability to open up a line when they are plugged into the handset jack on your phone.

How to take/make a call when using the Plantronics HL10 handset lifter with your Plantronics wireless headset: The Plantronics HL10 handset lifter fits most standard desktop phones.  It sits under the handset and is held in place by adhesive tape that comes with the unit. It has 3 position lift adjustments for your handset. It plugs into the bottom of your Plantronics wireless headset charging base.  It lets you answer your calls with the touch of a button on your headset, by automatically lifting your handset up out of the cradle. On most phones you will receive a notification in the headset that you have an incoming call with two sets of three short beeps.  When you are finished, push the call control button on your headset and the lifter lowers the handset back into the cradle to disconnect the call. To place a call you will need to use your phones keypad and then you may move away from your phone to continue your call. When you are finished with your call, push the call control button to end the call. This way as long as you are in range of your base you can take/make a call.

What is an EHS Adapter (Electronic Hook Switch)?

You may be able to use the new generation EHS adapters instead of the HL10 handset lifter.  This adapter does the same job as the HL10 but has no mechanical parts involved.  It is basically a cord that goes between your wireless unit and your phone. The adapter provides a ring alert signal to your Plantronics wireless headset anytime your desk phone rings. The EHS adapter allows you to answer and end calls right from your headset anywhere within your headset’s range. Each adapter is unique to a specific telephone & wireless headset combination. You can check your phones compatibility on Headsets Direct website.

If you have any questions, give us a call at 800-914-7996 or send us an email at: info@headsetsdirect.com.