Enter to win the Blackwire C435 USB computer headset from Headsets Direct.  It’s the latest Plantronics Computer Headset! – MSRP $99.95!

Click here to enter – Contest ends January 9th, 2012!

The Plantronics C435 USB computer headset provides a choice of monaural or binaural (Stereo) audio options and wearing styles, a durable protective carrying case and superior audio quality. The new Plantronics C435 has the perfect balance of style, flexibility and sound.

Headset Features:

Modular design provides a choice of mono/stereo audio options and wearing styles.
Durable, portable design easily tucks into travel case; ideal for professionals on-the-go.
Headset can be worn over-the-ear or behind-the-head depending on user preference (neckband sold separately).
Answer/end/mute controls simplify call management while inline indicator lights show call or mute status.
Noise-canceling mic reduces background noise interruptions, ensuring great audio quality and easing listening-fatigue.
Wideband audio delivers increased speech clarity, providing the best possible PC audio quality.
A dynamic EQ feature optimizes voice quality when on calls, and automatically adjusts music.
Member of the Blackwire 400 series of computer headsets.

***Special Rules and Conditions***

Click here to enter – Contest ends January 9th, 2012!

Free standard shipping within the United States is included. Headsets Direct employees and families are not eligible to win.

Problem: Have you ever found yourself sitting at your desk closing some important sales deal and someone comes and interrupts you, not knowing you were on the phone?  The glare usually gets the point across but wouldn’t you like a more “user friendly” way to let them know how you feel?

Solution: The phone line indicator or more commonly known as on-line indicator.  The phone line indicator always lets everyone around you know when you’re on the phone and can’t be disturbed*.  There are two styles of indicators to choose from.  The first one we affectionately call “The Egg”.  About the size of what an extra large egg used to be, this phone line indicator has a bright red/purple random light pattern over the top half of the unit.  The phone line indicator cord is about five feet long which allows you to place it in the most conspicuous place for easy visibility.  The 90 degree plug allows you easy access to any of Plantronics wireless models.  Check it out at: http://www.headsetsdirect.com/65116-02-busy-light-oli.html

The second one is our more stylized phone line indicator designed for the new Savi wireless headsets.  This phone line indicator is square in shape and features the universal symbol for a headset.  It has a pulsing blue light, like a heartbeat, to show there is a live person on the headset.  The cord length for this phone line indicator is about the same as the other one.  One word of caution: it comes with a straight plug so it will work with the HL10 handset lifter BUT you can’t plug it directly into any of the CS model wireless headsets.  Take a look at this one at: http://www.headsetsdirect.com/80287-01-savi-oli.html

So, whether you go traditional or more stylized, you’ll never be interrupted again…hopefully.

Plantronics CS70N echo issues are not something that we typically get calls about, but most wireless headsets can certainly have some echo.  There are a couple of different scenarios and instances that can make the Plantronics CS70N have an echo problem.

Compatibility: Although the Plantronics CS70N is pretty universal and compatible with most phones, there are a couple of makes and models that they do not work properly with, such as AT&T three digit model number phones and a most GE phones.  For whatever the reason, these specific phones can make Plantronics headsets buzz and do quirky things so that they do not function properly.  AT&T four digit model phones work just fine.

Connectivity: The Plantronics CS70N can echo and not function properly if it is not hooked up correctly.  The Plantronics wireless headsets such as the CS70N are designed to plug into the handset receiver jack on the telephone base.  You simply unplug your handset receiver’s coiled cable from the handset jack on the telephone and plug the wireless CS70N base into the handset jack, then you plug your handset receiver into the designated jack on the wireless headset base.  That way you can still use your phone like normal if you want to.  Some phones do have a dedicated headset jack, but that is used for a corded headset with a phone model specific cable, not the Plantronics CS70N.  So just make sure that the wireless headset base is plugged in-line between the handset receiver and the base of the phone and not a headset jack. (* This does not pertain to Cisco 7940, 7960, & 7970 series phones… They are different *)

Settings: The configuration and settings on the Plantronics CS70N must be adjusted correctly otherwise it can make the headset echo.  One of the most common reasons for the Plantronics CS70N to echo is a volume level being too loud, typically it’s the microphone volume.  The master control for the mic volume on the very bottom of the CS70N base should usually be on setting “B”, and then you should use the mic volume quick adjustment buttons (plus & minus) on the upper back of the base unit to fine tune your speaking volume.  And as far as your listening volume, it is the 1 – 4 switch on the lower back of the CS70N base.  Number 1 is the loudest, adjust accordingly.  The other configuration that can make the Plantronics CS70N echo is the compatibility setting dial on the left side of the base.  It is the dial that looks like you can use a flathead screwdriver or a dime to adjust it, and it is numbered 1 – 4.  Typically for most phones, number 1 should be in the 3 o’clock position, which would also be lined up with the little ridged area to the right of the dial.  This is very important because it changes the internal compatibility of the unit, even if it’s off a little, it makes a world of difference.  It has to be right on mark, otherwise it can make a wireless headset echo and do other quirky things as well.

If the Plantronics CS70N is hooked up properly, the volume levels are set correctly and the compatibility dial is where it needs to be, see the Plantronics CS70N page on our website for instructions on how to do a system “reset”, under the “Additional Information” tab.

Problem: I’m looking for good quality headsets for an office with 10-15 employees.  Some will not be leaving their desks but others will be moving around.  I have a standard multi-line PBX office phone system.  What do you recommend?

Solution: PBX (private branch exchange) is a broad term that covers many brands of office phones.  Knowing the make and model of phone is what’s necessary to find an exact fit but these guidelines should help you in your research.  First, we’ll consider corded headsets for your office phones.  An office phone will generally fall under two categories with regards to headsets.  The phone that requires an amplifier, such as Panasonic, Vodavi or RCA, and the phone that can use a direct connect cable, such as Cisco, Mitel or Nortel.

Plantronics’ most popular amplifier, the M22, is compatible with more than 92% of the office phones on the market today.  It is compatible with both single-line and multi-line phones, and features their patented quick-disconnect cable which allows you to select any number of their office phone headsets.  Regardless of what environment you work in or what style you like, with the M22 amplifier they’re sure to have an office phone headset to fit your needs.  A word of caution: some phones have a 2.5mm jack for headsets but Plantronics does not recommend routing office phone headsets through this jack since the power requirements are greater than this jack can put out.  Check out our headsets at http://www.headsetsdirect.com/plantronics-corded-headsets/office-headsets.html or call one of our office phone headset specialists at 800-914-7996 to see what’s best for you.

Another corded solution is the direct connect cable.  You use the same office phone headsets but, depending on the make and model of phone, you can use a specific cable to connect your headset, bypassing the need of an amplifier (e.g. Cisco IP7960 uses cable # 26716-01).  Here you will need to know what phones you’re using since there are several cables to choose from.

Now, let’s briefly discuss wireless office phone headsets.  Have you heard of the Avaya Partner phone?  We bring it up because it’s unique among office phones.  It’s an analog system that can use the CS55H wireless headset without the need of a handset lifter or electronic hook switch for remote answer / end.  The CS55H’s unique connecting cable (TR-1) allows it to connect to the auxiliary jack on the bottom of the phone bypassing the need of the lifter.  What about wireless headsets for the other makes and models of office phones?  Most will require the handset lifter (HL10) for remote answer / end since you will be connecting the headset to your office phone through the handset jack of the phone.  You can choose between the CS line (e.g. CS55) and the Savi line (e.g. WO100).  There a few office phone models that can use an electronic hook switch (EHS) for remote answer / end, bypassing the need for the handset lifter (HL10), however, thus far the lifter has proved more reliable. You can check all our wireless headsets at http://www.headsetsdirect.com/plantronics-wireless-headsets/wireless-office.html or call us today, 800-914-7996. Our sales team is ready, willing and very able to help.

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.