Headset Terms:
A Glossary of Headset and Telecom TerminologyAt 1.9 GHz the voice-dedicated DECT 6.0 technology provides uncompromised audio quality and the lowest probability of interference.
2.4 GHz is a newly allocated wireless frequency. In general 2.4 GHz wireless headsets are less susceptible to interference.
900 MHz is the more traditional wireless frequency. Many cordless phones are 900 MHz.
Automatic Call Distribution is a type of phone system used in professional call centers where incoming calls are routed to the different operators automatically.
An Acoustic Coupler is a special seal on some headsets (notably the Plantronics M130) that allows better caller focus by blocking out unwanted sounds.
Amplifiers make sound louder. This technology enables headsets to be used with corded phones and phone systems.
Plantronics manufactures and markets a wide selection of corded, stand-alone amplifiers, such as the M12 and A20. Amplifiers are also included as part of a headset system, such as the S12 and S20. The CA10 is an amplifier for a cordless headset system.
Analog signals are generally not encrypted and are of limited bandwidth when regarding wireless phones. When refering to computer headsets, analog is referring to connectivity to your sound card using a 3.5mm jack in a similar way as headphones to your Walkman.
Plantronics recently introduced the new, behind-the-head neckband accessory that adds a unique wearing style for the CS50, the CS55, DuoPro (H181, H181N) and DuoSet (H141/H141N) headsets. The neckband offers a fresh alternative for those looking for a contemporary wearing style.
This style provides sound transmission to both ears.
When it's important to help filter or screen out background sound, you should consider over-the-head binaural headsets, such as the Supra (H61/H61N) headset and Encore (H101/H101N) headset.
Bluetooth takes its name from Harald Bluetooth, a Viking and former King of Denmark. He was famous for helping people communicate and as a result united Denmark and Norway.
Bluetooth, a new protocol, officially standardized in 1999 was developed jointly by industry leaders, including Microsoft, Plantronics, Nokia, Ericsson, IBM, 3Com and Motorola that gives the user a true hands-free experience. The design allows for seamless, wireless, automatic connectivity between a large number of devices. Its wireless technology uses short-range radio links to help eliminate the cables and wires that currently connect most devices.
Bluetooth devices operate in the frequency band where other devices operate including wireless LAN, microwave ovens, cordless telephones, wireless video cameras, and others. This minimizes interference to and from other devices.
A boom microphone is a microphone that is held in a fixed position near the mouth by an arm (or boom). The benefits over a fixed, desktop microphone (such as the one in your used in �speakerphone mode� on your telephone) is when you move your head around, the volume is unaffected by the changes and what the caller hears remains constant.
The BroadBass speakers (GN Netcom headsets) have a wide dynamic range and are particularly good at reproducing the lower or bass tones. These speakers have been specifically designed to minimize the �tinny� sound that common in cheaper headsets.
The Busy Light is an easily visible light which indicates to others when you are on the line. Great for preventing interruptions and monitoring group phone activity. You can use it with or without a headset.
Proprietary Plantronics technology, Call Clarity is an electronic signal processing and noise reduction system found in our amplifiers that enhances transmit and receive quality.
Circumaural (Compare to Intraural, Supraural) A style of speaker that covers the entire ear, blocking out all sounds. This is typically not found on headsets (apart from specialist models) but is more common on headphones.
The 1/4inch plug jack connects headphones to guitar amps and mixing equipment.
The 1/8inch jack connects headphones and microphones to portable audio equipment.
The 2.5mm jack connects headsets to wireless and cellular phones.
The 3.5mm jack connects headphones and microphones to portable audio equipment.
The 6.35mm jack connects headphones to guitar amps and mixing equipment.
The 6.4mm jack connects headphones to guitar amps and mixing equipment.
The Connector Cord is the cord that connects your base unit amplifier and your telephone.
Convertible headsets offer the choice of multiple wearing styles, over-the-head for stability, over-the-ear for easy on/off convenience or now the new behind-the-head. These headsets can easily be "converted" from one style to the other in a few simple steps.
Plantronics convertible headsets include the CS50, the CS55, the DuoPro (H171/H171N), the DuoSet (H141/H141N), and the M170/M175 mobile headsets.
The optional amplifier adapter provides power for your amplifier and eliminates the need for batteries. Just plug it in.
1.9GHz DECT is a digital wireless technology which originated in Europe, but is now being adopted increasingly worldwide, for cordless telephones, wireless offices and even wireless telephone lines to the home. DECT has been designed and specified to be more compatible with other wireless technologies which can increase call clarity and security on headsets that use this standard.
Digital (Compare with Analog) In the context of wireless phones: Digital signals are less prone to interference and can be securely encrypted on the fly for greater security. In the context of computer headsets: Digital Headsets offer connectivity to your computer via the USB port. They require software (supplied) to function. The software can provide additional features (noise cancellation, frequency manipulations etc.)
Directional (Compare to Omni-Directional) Usually applied to a microphone, when it is capable of receiving sounds from only one direction.
Earbud style describes a small, discreet headset with a speaker that fits in the ear and the microphone positioned along the cord. The H132N office headset, as well as the MX100 and the M205 mobile headsets are some examples.
Extension Cord is a cord that gives you even more mobility while using your headset.
Firefly is the unique in-use indicator light that lets others know you are on the phone. No more interruptions! You can find it on the CT12 cordless headset telephone.
The Flex-Grip (Plantronics Wireless) is a design style used to help an Over-the-Ear headset fit more comfortably and securely.
FlexFit (Plantronics Wireless) is a design style for an intraural headset that improves the stability of the microphone.
GN Netcom is a subsidiary of GN Danavox, a Danish company. Based on our 25 years of experience converting dissatisfied GN customer to Plantronics headsets, we believe that GN Netcom headsets are inferior to Plantronics Headsets. In the last few years, GN has acquired many of the smaller brands of headset manufacturers, including Unex, ACS, Jabra and Hello Direct. This move has only strengthened Plantronics, who as a company are focused on quality and consistency.
Device designed to be worn on the head or over the ear that utilizes a microphone and headphones or earbuds to facilitate communication via telephones, radio devices, mobile phones, and other communication equipment.
In-the-Ear is a style of headset that uses an Intraural speaker. Typical examples are the ear bud style of headphones.
"Built into" for example, a headset. This allows the user access the controls without returning to the telephone base to make changes such as volume control or mute.
Intraural (related to Supraural, Circumaural) is a type of speaker that sits gently in the ear canal.
This handset lifter with remote telephone ring detection fits on your telephone and automatically lifts the handset and returns it to the cradle, working together with a Plantronics Wireless Headset, letting you answer calls with the touch of a button.
A Modular Connector is an RJ11 (standard phone jack) connector.
Monaural headsets deliver sound to one ear. Unless it says otherwise, Plantronics headsets are monaural.
Noise-canceling refers to a microphone design that greatly reduces the transmission of background noise, enhancing headset sound quality. Noise-canceling headsets are especially effective for offices with employees in close proximity to one another. In mobile applications, noise-canceling microphones reduce background noise in cars, airports or on the street.
Omni-Directional (compare to Directional) is usually applied to a microphone, when it is capable of receiving sounds equally from any direction.
On-the-Ear is a style of headset that hangs from the ear.
Over-the-ear is used to describe Plantronics headsets that have over-the-ear earloops or other devices to hold headsets in place. TriStar, Mirage and the M130 are some examples.
Over-the-Head is the most common style of headset - with a headband that goes up and over your head. Typically available in monaural and binaural styles.
PerSono (Plantronics DSP Headsets) is a software suite designed to enhance communications over VoIP softphones.
Plantronics is the largest manufacturer of Headsets. Plantronics does not sell headsets direct to consumers � only through registered distributors such as us, Tele-Communication, Inc. / HeadsetExperts.com.
Quick Adjust refers to a telescopic microphone boom that lets you place the microphone in the optimal position for speech recognition and clarity of sound in your conversations.
On H-Series headsets, the Quick Disconnect (QD) Connector is at the end of the headset cable that lets you disconnect your headset from an active call when you need to grab a fax or file, then easily reconnect. With the QD, there's no need to put the call on hold or remove your headset.
The RCA plug jack connects wireless headphones to AV receivers and hi-Fi Equipment.
Remote Answering Platform is used with the Plantronics Wireless Headset System, this device allows you to answer the phone without returning to your desk to lift the receiver.
Reversible (compared to Convertible) is a reversible headset which can be worn with the speaker on either the left or right ear. The headset is designed to be easily adjustable to suit your preference.
The RJ11 plug jack connects analog telephones to the wall jack.
The RJ45 plug jack connects most digital phones and computers to networks.
The RJ9 plug jack connects phones to handsets and headsets to amplifiers.
A sound card converts the digital signal your computer produces into a signal that can be played through speakers or headphones. (See Analog)
The Plantronics Sound Enhancement System lets you highlight bass or treble sounds for a fuller, richer tone. It�s used on the Plantronics Encore line of headsets.
Plantronics SoundGuard Plus technology, ensures that loud tones are quickly reduced and that any transient �pops� are instantly capped. Most importantly, SoundGuard Plus ensures that the normal, human voice remains natural and unchanged, delivering face-to-face clarity of communication to the call center environment.
An automatic gain control system found in Plantronics amplifiers, SoundGuard Plus provides natural voice tone and removes loud tones, as well as occasional noises and crackles on the line.
Standby-Time (Contrast with Talk-Time) is a mode of operation on a wireless (or cellular) phone that allows it to conserve power while not in use. �Stand By Time� is usually the amount of time that headset system will need between charges � even if no calls are made or received.
Supraural (Compare with Circumaural, Intraural) is a type of speaker that rests on the outside of the ear.
Talk-time (related to Standby-Time) is the number of hours you can talk on your headset before it must be recharged.
Three-Point Fit (Plantronics TriStar Headset) is a Plantronics technology provides four sizes of user-selectable earbuds and an adjustable receiver arm, so the headset can be customized to your preference. The headset is in contact with your ear in three places, each can be adjusted to match the uniqueness of your ear.
Tru-Comfort is a combination of design and materials that have been developed to allow the ear to breath during prolonged use, and to eliminate issues arising from long term pressure or contact on the outer ear.
The Two-Prong plug jack Uses a wireless headset with your two-prong telephone systems.
The USB plug jack connects digital headsets to computers.
Carrying a sound from the mouth to a microphone that is attached to the ear cup of a headset. This allows headsets to be manufactured at a significantly reduced cost . However the microphone can not make use of Noise Canceling technologies, and is therefore less suitable for noisy environments.
VoIP - Voice over Internet Protocol. This is a technology that allows you to talk to others over the internet, rather than over phone lines.
The wireless transceiver module takes radio frequency commands from remote controls and converts them to signals carried over wiring.The Plantronics CA10 900 MHz Wireless Transceiver connects to most single-line or multiline corded phones.
The Training Adapter connects two headsets to a single phone. Supervisors can listen in along with trainees allowing the new employees to get up to speed quicker. |