Wireless Headsets

Wireless Headsets provide mobility to roam (within a 50 to 300 foot range from your desk) while on the phone. Without being tethered to your phone, you are free to move about your office while continuing to talk hands-free. For example, Communitech carries a wide array of Wireless Headsets products.

Selecting the appropriate cordless Wireless Headsets can be very confusing. While there are a number of models to chose from, the choices are relatively straightforward because most of the products that are available are each designed to do one function very well, thus it is especially important to determine what criteria is most important to you. For example, if you want Wireless Headsets with no belt pack, just a headset with a transmitter that goes directly to your phone (actually a device attached to your phone) then the only available choice is the GN Netcom 9120 series. If you want the best quality, then the GN Netcom Ellipse is the best choice. For those that prefer the most inexpensive Wireless Headsets but still have reasonably good quality and good range, Plantronics products offer the best choices.

How to choose a Wireless Headset: There are several points to consider prior to making a purchase.

The key variables are:

1. Application – how are you going to use it?
2. Distance – how much range and clarity are required?
3. Price – how much do you want to spend?
4. Features – what features do you want and need?

Application: How and where you will use your Wireless Headsets dictate which product you will select. Application issues include the following:

• Do you want truly Wireless Headsets? They are available as either completely wireless or with a headset that connects to a belt pack.
  • Completely Wireless Headsets consist of a headset worn on your head that communicates with a base unit that attaches to your telephone with absolutely no wire between your headset and the phone. These Wireless Headsets utilize the most sophisticated technology and are the most expensive. The GN Netcom 9120 Series is the only headset that is completely wireless.
  • Corded Wireless Headsets have a wire that connects the headset with a belt pack. The belt pack unit is independent of your phone and the communications link between the belt pack and the base unit attached to the phone is wireless. The term wireless headset generally means that it wireless from the belt pack to the receiving unit. These headsets are cost-effective and allow wireless mobility at a reasonable price.
• Do you need Wireless Headsets that work on a business or multi-line phone? If so, you are going to need a unit with an amplifier that is sophisticated enough to work with a variety of telephone sets. This is not a problem, most wired telephone headsets already work this way, but they do require a more sophisticated amplifier. If you simply need Wireless Headsets to work with a single line phone or a headset that comes with a built in single line phone you use one of the less expensive wireless headsets made by Plantronics.
• Do you need remote answer capability? If so, you need to select a unit that has a hook switch lifter.
• Do you need remote dial capability? If so, you need the Plantronics CT-10 that connects directly to your wall jack.
• Are there a large number of other wireless headset users in close proximity to you? If so, the number of users must be taken into consideration so that all users have access to a frequency and can have safe and secure communication.

Distance is a Function of Technology: The operating distance is a direct function of the wireless technology used. Wireless Headsets are available that operate on different frequencies and come packed with many different features. All Wireless Headsets work on the same principle, by transmitting a signal between the headset (usually a belt-worn device) and the base station. The frequencies used to transmit vary in terms of range and clarity.

The three wireless technologies are:

• 2.4 Gigahertz (GHz)
  • The most advanced Wireless Headsets use the 2.4 GHz frequency. This superior technology provides extremely clear cordless reception at the longest ranges possible. These Wireless Headsets are the most expensive because of their outstanding performance and long range. It uses a more recently allocated frequency that is less crowded, more secure and less likely to have interference from other devices. If you want the best sound quality and the longest range you need a 2.4 GHz wireless headset. GN Netcom is the only manufacturer who offers 2.4 GHz in the 9120 Series, 9050 Series, and the Ellipse.
• 900 Mhz
  • 900 MHz technology is a popular technology for Wireless Headsets. Wireless Headsets that operate at this frequency are very cost effective and have good long-range performance. 900 MHz technology is widely used in cordless phones and comes in both digital and analog versions. The latest version is digital 900 MHz technologies, which provides better transmission than analog because it transmits a digital signal less subject to interference. Digital 900 MHz also comes in a version known as 900 MHz DSS (digital spread spectrum technology). This technology spreads the signals over multiple frequencies that provide better security, noise reduction, and extended range. Presently only the Arialphone uses 900 MHz DSS. The older and more mature version of 900 MHz is analog, consequently it least expensive technology. Plantronics has adopted this technology for their wireless headsets.
• Bluetooth
  • Bluetooth is a new, emerging wireless technology. Bluetooth is a wireless technology that has a specification for small-form factor, low-cost, short-range radio links between a variety of devices and it works particularly well with headsets. Products like the GN-9010-BT are new entrants to this emerging market. If you want the latest technology, a Bluetooth headset is your best choice.

Price: The price of Wireless Headsets varies. Prices primarily correspond to the wireless technology utilized. The ability to answer or disconnect remotely requires the use of a hook-switch control device, which can also add to the cost of your wireless headset.

Features: Important features include the following:

• Voice Recognition Command and Control
  • The Arialphone is the only Wireless Headsets that comes with built-in voice recognition capabilities.
• Integration with Outlook or Outlook Express
  • The Arialphone is the only wireless telephone headset that comes with software that integrates to Outlook or Outlook express.
• Ability to work on multi-line phones
  • Wireless Headsets are compatible with most business phone systems. The wireless converter takes the place of the headset amplifier. Some of the Wireless Headsets plug directly into the wall jack.
• Flexible headset style
  • The GN Netcom Ellipse, GN 9120 Series, and Plantronics CA-10 allow flexibility concerning the headset style. These products include just the wireless amplifier. The user is then allowed to choose the headset style they prefer. Other Wireless Headsets products are bundled in "systems." These products include the standard headset with the wireless amplifier.
• Maximum number of units
  • The number of other units can be used in close proximity varies depending on product and environment. In some situations, up to 70 units can be used in one area.
• Talk time/Battery life
  • Wireless Headsets have a battery life of two to six hours, depending on the product. Most Wireless Headsets bases are equipped with an additional recharging area for an additional battery. By charging a battery while using the headset, battery life will not be an issue. Please see our accessory section for additional batteries.
• Remote Dial Capability
  • Most Wireless Headsets do not have a dialpad to initiate outgoing calls while remote; they rely on the desktop phone to originate new calls.
• Remote answer capability
  • All Wireless Headsets let you take an already answered phone call and talk on your Wireless Headsets. The most sophisticated wireless headsets let you answer calls remotely. They do this by using a Handset Lifter/Hook switch. These products allow you to answer calls away from your desk by a device that lifts the handset on your phone.