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.

What are the benefits of the Plantronics Savi Office Headsets compared to other Plantronics wireless units?

Benefits: The Savi family headsets offer the latest technology from Plantronics. These units integrate your desk phone and PC or your PC and cell phone with one wireless headset. The more popular model in the family of Plantronics Savi Office headsets is the WO100, this unit is installed on your desk phone and PC. Now you can listen to your music in-between your calls, talk over the internet using VoIP software such as Skype or listen to instructional videos without disturbing others around you. It gives you up to 350 ft range with 9 hrs of talk time. Up until now the most distance you could get out of a Plantronics wireless system was 300 ft. You will receive PerSono Suite software to manage your Savi unit on your desk top. The headset is very light weight and comes with an earloop and a headband. It offers a noise canceling microphone so you sound crisp and clear while on the phone. It provides a mute feature and volume controls, the base also has volume controls for your mic and your hearing needs. You can pair up to 4 headsets with one base for easy conference calling and mix the calls from your PC and phone. In the PerSono Software you will find adjustments  for the amount of battery life you will be using throughout the day for your environment and distance needs. Keep in mind that the high range for distance will use more battery life and low range will provide the most battery life for your Savi headsets.

The WO200 is another popular Plantronics Savi Office headset model for your desk phone and PC. The headset is an over the ear piece with earbuds that come in different sizes. This unit also provides you with up to 350 feet distance, with 6 hours of talk time (I put my headset back on the charger at lunch time and I have plenty of talk time to get me through my day). Other than the talk time and headset, it offers the same high-end features as the WO100.

One of the great features you’ll want to be sure and use with your Savi WO200 wireless headset is its ability to add up to 3 additional headset users to a call.  Think of it as a conference call with headsets but instead of everyone hoovering around a telephone that’s on speaker, you can now use Savi headsets and have perfect volume levels while you and your staff are hand-free, roaming your office and collecting information as need for your call.

Step 1 – Start your call on your WO200 (This will be the master headset).

Step 2 – Place a 2nd WO200 into your bases charging cradle.

(If using a different Savi model, on the guest Savi headset, press the headset Volume Button Up “+” for 3 seconds until the Indicator Light on the side of the headset turns solid green)

Step 3 – Press your Subscription Button for less than one second on the master WO200. The Subscription Light will flash yellow and green.

Step 4 – The light will turn solid yellow, you will also hear a tone in your master WO200.

Step 5 – You now have 5 seconds to press your Call Control Button on the master WO200 headset to accept your guest.  Repeat steps 2-5 for adding additional headsets.

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To exit or Disconnect – Your guests can exit the call by pressing their Call Control Button. When the master WO200 Call Control Button is pressed to end the conference call, all guests will be disconnected.

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Having the ability to conference multiple headsets on a call or simply added an extra headset to a call for training purposes demonstrate the versatility and Next Generation features of the Plantronics Wo200 wireless headset.  If you have any questions about the Plantronics WO200 wireless headset or any other headsets, please contact give us a call.

Problem: When I am out walking or jogging I love to listen to music, so I want a headset with great stereo sound, but I also want to be able to take calls on my cell phone.  What do you suggest?

Solution: Plantronics just came out with a headset that meets all your criteria – - -and then some!  The  Plantronics BackBeat wireless headset offers Altec Lansing sound technology for rich, full spectrum, stereo music.  It also has a bass-boost feature so you can enjoy the full dynamic range of your music.  There are actually two BackBeat models available.  The BackBeat 903 is compatible with the latest iPhone, iPod Touch, MP3 players, and cell phones, which support stereo Bluetooth.  The BackBeat 906 includes an adapter to stream music from iPods, MP3 players, portable CD players, computers and laptops that are not equipped with the Bluetooth A2DP stereo profile.

With the Plantronics BackBeat wireless headset, you can wirelessly stream and control music as you walk, run, work or play, and that’s not all! You will also experience exceptional call clarity, plus an improved ability to focus on your conversations, since you will be listening with both ears.  In addition, Dual-mic AudioIQ noise canceling technology will separate your voice from any background noise for your callers.

Alright; so far we have covered the quality and convenience of this unique headset.  Now let’s talk about BACKBEAT STYLE ! It has an awesome, flexible, neck band that goes behind your head. The dual stereo headsets fit discreetly behind both ears, so you will look sharp “doing any activity you are involved in”.  Concerned about comfort? Don’t be; BackBeat offers a three-way adjustment to provide a comfortable fit for almost anyone. If a friend approaches, the OpenMic button brings the outside world in, allowing conversations with those around you.  Plus, this dynamic unit provides up to 7 hours of listening pleasure or talk time from each charge.  When you are finished with your headset, just fold it up and tuck it away for the next time.

For more information about the Plantronics BackBeat wireless headset or any other Plantronics headset, call Headsets Direct and talk to one of our trained headset professionals.

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.

Plantronics HW251 & HW261 Wideband Headsets:

Problem: Our company has been ordering the H251 & H261 headsets for several years and we are very happy with them.  When I went on line to reorder some headsets I noticed that they have been discontinued.   The HW251 & HW261 look like the same thing; what is the difference?

Solution: The H251 & H261 have been very popular headsets over a number of years.  However, Plantronics is always looking to improve on a good thing, so they have updated the SupraPlus to the HW251 and the HW261.  The “W” in the newer models stands for Wideband Frequency.  When a headset has wideband capability it provides cutting edge VoIP technologies, featuring wideband receivers to deliver improved speech clarity and life-like fidelity.  Your conversations will have fewer listening errors, fewer repeats and less listener fatigue.  This new and improved technology is also compatible with older phone systems that have standard band environments and also the newest phone systems with wideband capability.  You will find the style is exactly the same as the older H251 & H261, and the newer units are still compatible with all of the Plantronics amplifiers and bottom cords.

If you have any questions regarding what type of headsets would be best for your phones and business environment, call Headsets Direct and speak with one of our technical support specialists.  At Headsets Direct we aren’t interested in selling you something you don’t need, we are interested in making you a happy, repeat customer. We provide full technical support on every headset we sell, and we carry all the accessories and replacement parts for any headset you purchase from us.  Our 60 day money-back guarantee is proof of our belief in customer satisfaction.

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.

Problem: My boss has decided to purchase headsets so we can be more productive, better able to multitask, and hopefully avoid neck, shoulder and back problems from cradling our telephone handsets while trying to use the computer.  However there are so many different headset styles and we have 6 employees to try to please!  What do you suggest?

Solution: Choices, choices, choices . . . sometimes it’s difficult to make the right decision.  When you are trying to purchase headsets for a number of people and you would like to please everyone, the safest way may be to order convertible headsets.  So what exactly is a convertible headset?   It is a headset that can be worn multiple ways.  It comes with both a headband and an ear loop, which means your employees can choose which style is most comfortable for them.  A third wearing option is to order an accessory neckband which is worn behind the head.

Plantronics has several convertible corded headsets to choose from.  The S12 is a consumer grade headset & amplifier system designed for budget conscious companies, or individuals working from home.  Consumer grade headsets are good quality, affordable and they are complete plug and play systems.

For companies interested in higher quality and more durable units, we have two commercial grade headset models to choose from.  The H141 is the most popular and you can order it with a voice tube or with the noise cancelling microphone (H141N).  The second option is the H171 and it also comes with either a voice tube or a noise cancelling microphone (H171N).  The H171 has a unique headband that comes with two temple pads, one on each side, rather than the typical headband that has a temple pad on one side and an ear cushion on the opposite side.  Please note that with all of our commercial grade headsets you will also need to order either an amplifier or a bottom cable so that you can plug into your phone.

Today’s wireless headsets provide crystal clear communication and the ability to answer and end your calls when you are away from your desk! Plantronics manufactures two wireless headsets which are convertible, the CS55 and the Savi WO100.  The CS55 is the most popular headset we carry! Not only is It convertible, it also offers excellent clarity and tone quality.    The Savi W0100 plugs into your computer through the USB port and also plugs into your office phone.  This convertible unit allows you to switch back and forth between your phone and using VOIP software on your computer with just the push of a button.

Headsets Direct can help you find the right choice for you and your employees.  We offer a 60 day satisfaction guarantee, so if you need to exchange a unit for a different model, we will be happy to do that for you.  If you prefer a refund on your purchase price( less the shipping) we will be happy to accommodate your wishes.  At Headsets Direct our technicians are trained to ask the right questions to find out what your specific needs are, and to provide you with the information you need to make the best decision for your company.

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.