The Phoenix Audio Quattro3 is the latest, most technologically advanced table top conference phone that maximizes performance for medium and large conference rooms while maintaining a small, sleek, and sophisticated design.

What Does It Do?

The newest in the successful line of Quattro conference phones, the Quattro3 replaces the Quattro2.

What hasn’t changed with the Quattro3 is your ability for 3-way communication bridging to your other devices with the USB link, recording of conversations directly to your PC or Mac, and the Quattro3 remains the smallest solution for a big conference room!.

• Performance: New, more powerful processor delivers true HD audio.
• Expandable: Daisy chain all Quattro3 devices with standard Ethernet cable and power them from a single source.  You no longer need proprietary cables.
• Flexible: A modular speakerphone, the Quattro3 easily upgrades with new interface cards as technology changes.
• Dialer: A new model with a built-in dial pad improves your standalone conferencing solution.
• Connectivity: The USB outlet allows you to connect to a computer for any VoIP sessions such as Skype, Vidyo, etc. The “smart” interface on this model allows you to connect to any analog audio device.
• Adaptability: Included with this model is a 2.5mm to 3.5mm cable adapter enables you to connect to any smart phone or tablet device such as iPhone, Android, Blackberry, iPad, Galaxy, ect.
• Talk for Hours: The internal battery allows for 7 hours of use.

Expanding upon the previous edition, the new Quattro3 also raises the bar for audio performance with a new, more powerful processor that delivers exceptionally clear High Definition full-duplex audio.

In addition to that, you can still rely on the Quattro3 for the latest in digital signal processing and technology that includes a four microphone beamforming array, four speakers, echo canceling, noise suppression, De-reverb, and bridging between USB and IP Telephones.

Who Is It For?

A conferencing speakerphone for a large area doesn’t have to be just that; large.  The Quattro3 is for anyone who needs the flexibility and portability to turn any room into a professionally sounding conference room.

Although technologically advanced, the Quattro3 remains a simple and user friendly product. Phoenix Audio strives to maintain a plug-and-play philosophy so the Quattro3 does not require expert knowledge in audio setup or any additional installations such as drivers.

Availability?

The Phoenix Audio Quattro3 is available now!  Click here for all available models.

Download:

• Phoenix Audio Quattro3 Datasheet

This information was originally posted on the VoIP Insider blog.

Need VoIP Phones or a VoIP Phone System? Checkout VoIPSupply.com!

The AudioCodes Fax ATA MP-202B HTTPSFAX is an analog based fax machine and telephone adapter that allows your fax machine to connect to cloud-based fax service providers like eFax®.

This analog telephone adapter (ATA) is the fax enabled version of a standard AudioCodes ATA and if you noticed the “HTTPS” in the full product name, that denotes the encrypted HTTP protocol keeping your transmissions secure.

What Does It Do?

The HTTPS Fax enabled MP-202B preserves the easy and familiar experience of the fax machine, so that users can eliminate the cost and hassle of a dedicated phone lines to their fax machine.

Receiving faxes as an email attachment works great and this adapter doesn’t change that.  The problem of how to efficiently fax paper documents is what this AudioCodes Fax ATA solves.

This is a “send only” device to compliment the eFax® features you’re already enjoying.

The Fax ATA retains the ability to connect voice calls, provide real-time audio feedback on fax call connections, and provides E911 support.

Who Is It For?

The target audience of the AudioCodes Fax ATA are those who already have an eFax® account, are well-versed with a fax to email setup, you still have a need to send hard copy faxes, and you would love to stop spending money on a phone line just for your fax machine.

New users who also want to keep their fax machines or multifunction printers can simply sign up for eFax and get started right away.

If users have a fax number connected to their Fax Machine that they want to keep and continue to use to receive faxes on, they can easily port this fax number over to eFax® and start to receive those faxes as an email.

Availability?

The AudioCodes FAX ATA MP-202B HTTPSFAX is available to ship immediately.

Get rid of the phone line, save costs, and add more value to your existing® eFax account.

This information was originally posted on the VoIP Insider blog.

Need VoIP Phones or a VoIP Phone System? Checkout VoIPSupply.com!

Proving that the more you do, the more you want to do, Grandstream has introduced four brand new products in just the last few weeks.

Read on for the lineup additions.

Grandstream HT701 ATA

The Grandstream HT701 is a 1-port Analog Telephone Adapter (ATA) that is replacing the Grandstream HT286 ATA:

• Great for single analog phone line that you want to convert to VoIP usage for home or small business.
• Compact design works well for telecommuters needing to convert analog phones, fax machines, and conference phones to IP-based phone services while travelling.
• Caller ID for various countries, call waiting, do-no-disturb, 3-way conference, transfer, forward, message waiting, T.38 fax, flexible dial plan, multi-language voice prompt.
• Strong encryption and security protection of  your voice and data privacy.

Grandstream HT702 ATA

The Grandstream HT702 is a 2-port ATA:

• Allows use of up to two (2) analog phones or fax devices on an IP or VoIP network.
• Compact size is great for residential users or small businesses.
• The ideal 2-port ATA for large scale commercial IP voice service deployment.
• Strong encryption and security protection of  your voice and data privacy.

Grandstream HT704 ATA, 4-Ports

The Grandstream HT7024 is a 4-port ATA:

• Allows use of up to four (4) analog phones or fax devices on an IP or VoIP network.
• Unrivaled affordability allows service providers to offer high quality IP voice service at extremely competitive price.
• The ideal 4-port ATA solution for large scale commercial IP voice service deployment.
• Strong encryption and security protection of  your voice and data privacy.

Grandstream GXP2124 HD VoIP Phone

The Grandstream GXP2124 is a 4-line VoIP phone with HD audio:

• The ideal solution for enterprise users looking for a high quality, feature rich multi-line VoIP phone with many extension keys.
• PoE enabled with dual network ports.
• Electronic Hook Switch (EHS)
• Four line keys with up to 4 SIP accounts and 4 dedicated XML programmable context-sensitive soft keys,
• HD wideband audio with superb full-duplex hands-free speakerphone, advanced acoustic echo cancellation, excellent double-talk performance, and 5-way conferencing.

This information was originally posted on the VoIP Insider blog.

Need VoIP Phones or a VoIP Phone System? Checkout VoIPSupply.com!

The side of ClearOne that I know best is their USB personal and tabletop conferencing products which is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to what they have to offer. The new CHAT USB headsets fall into the same bin as the mentioned products and are a smart move by ClearOne.

3 Headset Groups

These USB headsets are broken into three different classifications by ClearOne:

• Classic
• Premium
• Professional

Before I go into what makes each headset different I’ll go over the common ground. All of the headsets have simple plug-and-play installation and feature in-line volume controls for UC applications. This includes full compatibility with Microsoft Lync call controls.

All three styles are also equipped with Acoustic Shock Protection (ASP) technology which helps prevent high-pitched tones and annoying volume spikes. Additional they all have ClearOne proprietary noise-cancelling technology filters.

Separating the Classic from the Premium

The Classic consist of one headset,  the ClearOne CHAT 10D which features:

• A binaural headset with an adjustable headband.
• Foam ear cushions.
• An adjustable boom mic.

With an MSRP of $40 this really is your entry level headset for call centers.

The Premium consist of two different models:

• ClearOne CHAT 20M 
• ClearOne CHAT 20D

The only difference between the two is that the CHAT 20M is monaural while the 20D is binaural.  The CHAT 20 headset’s adjustable boom mic features a windscreen and the headset includes a travel pouch. They also have an adjustable headband but, feature a higher quality ear piece.

Once again with the MSRPs being pretty low (CHAT 20M, $50 and CHAT 20D, $60) they are still a good match for call centers.

Professional Models

The Professional models are the crème de la crème of the ClearOne USB Headsets.

Like the CHAT 20 models the Professional ClearOne CHAT 30 series come in two different styles:

• ClearOne CHAT 30M (Monaural)
• ClearOne CHAT 30D (Binaural)

These CHAT 30 series headsets feature:

• An ‘ergonomic’ ear piece for extended wear.
• Adjustable headband. 
• A pivoting boom mic.

Of the three models the CHAT 30 are most expensive (CHAT 30M, $75 and CHAT 30D, $100) which might make them a bit pricey for some call centers but are a good match for higher level employees. Plus you still get the travel pouch.

I don’t think this signals ClearOnes’ intention to go head to head with Jabra or Plantronics in the headset market as a whole but just the Lync USB headset market.

With the growth of Lync users in 2011the ClearOne CHAT USB headsets make a lot of sense and could add some padding to their bottom line. Whether it’s foam or ergonomic, we’ll just have to wait and see.

This information was originally posted on the VoIP Insider blog.

Need VoIP Phones or a VoIP Phone System? Checkout VoIPSupply.com!

The newly released Digium R-Series redundancy appliances enable your network to recover from hardware or software failures and maintain communication with the outside world.  

Digium failover appliances work with their open source telephony platform Asterisk to ensure that you have an open line of communication even in demanding enviroments.

There are two models in the R-Series.  They work on Asterisk based open sourced PBX’s but do not work on Switchvox.  Both models are 1U rack mount devices:

• Digium R800:  Supports up to eight analog (POTS) circuits.
• Digium R850:  Handles up to eight digital (T1, E1, PRI or BRI) spans.

What’s The Difference?

So even in the event of a catastrophic failure, your communications system will stay up and running with the Digium R-Series.  That sounds great but, what makes these appliances different from other redundant systems that work with Asterisk?

With the help of Digium engineer Pete Engler, here’s how the R-Series stacks up agains other popular appliances from Xorcom and RedFone.

Digium vs. Xorcom

The combination of Xorcom Astribank (HW Channel Bank) and Xorcom TwinStar (Software for redundancy) is a similar application to the Digium R-Series. Below are the main differences between using the R-Series and Xorcom for redundancy:

Cost

• The Astribank hardware can run a customer up to four times the cost of R-Series appliances depending on the number of T1 interfaces that are populated in the Astribank. All eight T1 ports are included in the R-Series for $995 list price.
• The Xorcom TwinStar software is an additional cost. The open source tools used for the servers connected to the R-Series is downloadable and is free to use.

Hardware Platform

• The Xorcom Astribank channel bank has more parts, such as a power supply, that are prone to fail. Digium utilizes USB power from the servers to power the R-Series which is much less vulnerable.
• R-Series is 1U rack mountable and therefore takes up less space in the rack than the 2U Astribank.

Functionality

• The TwinStar/Astribank solution can only detect a hardware power failure if the Linux kernel has crashed. It cannot detect if Asterisk has stopped working but is with the R-Series solution (along with loss of power detection).
• If the R-Series were to lose power, the PSTN spans will continue to function through the same ports at the time of power failure. The Astribank will cease to operate at this point and communication with the PSTN is down.

Digium vs. RedFone

The RedFone gateways are another application where redundancy can be introduced to a customer location. By nature, gateways operate in a completely different manner than the R-Series for providing redundancy.

• A gateway is converting the PSTN TDM circuits to an IP format. RedFone uses TDMoE. Digium R-Series offers physical layer switching and does not convert the signal at all from one network to another.
• If the RedFone loses power, communications cease in their gateway.
• To deploy a redundant system, multiple gateways would need to be installed and therefore will be more expensive than the R-Series. Providing redundancy for up to eight T1’s will be at least four times the cost, just like the Xorcom solution, including several additional hardware pieces to manage in the datacenter.

This information was originally posted on the VoIP Insider blog.

Need VoIP Phones or a VoIP Phone System? Checkout VoIPSupply.com!

The Workforce Development Unit at Sidney Institute, one of Australia’s largest education and training providers, uses Adobe Connect for their web conferencing series.

Looking for a simpler solution than wired or wireless microphones paired with amplified speakers, Stephan Ridgway of the Workforce Development Unit explains how he discovered and tested the ClearOne Chat 160 to acheive quality back-and-forth audio from both audience members and speakers:

“The unit connects to the computer via USB with plug and play operation so that no drivers are required. Working on both MAC and Windows, once connected the unit becomes the computers microphones and speakers.

By spreading the 2 pods apart on a table the unit can quite easily cover a conference room table ensuring reliable audio enabling participants to move around freely without being tethered with a headset. The unit also has built in mic gain and echo canceling so you avoid the feedback of the speaker audio into to microphones.”

So far Ridgway has had “excellent results.”  For an overview of his set-up and application, check out his video:

For another review, take a look at Michael Graves’  experience at:  ClearOne Chat 160 Earned Its Keep This Past Week.

This information was originally posted on the VoIP Insider blog.

Need VoIP Phones or a VoIP Phone System? Checkout VoIPSupply.com!

Q:  What’s the last piece of the puzzle after you’ve got Unified Communications coursing through your Microsoft Lync Server through optimized Microsoft Lync IP phones?

A:  A qualified Lync headset that provides the most power and the highest return on investment from your Lync usage.

Lync on the Go

Did you know that soldiers in the US Army rely on Lync for critical, instant communications?

“Instant communication is critical to soldiers on the front lines. In fact, soldiers rate instant messaging applications as the most important application they use. Adverse conditions, a wide variety of communications equipment, mobile personnel, and bandwidth constraints make communications difficult. Instant messaging helps the army overcome these challenges.”

When Volkswagen needed a bullet proof communications solution for it’s mobile workers, they also turned to Lync.  You can read and watch their experiences here; Taking Lync for a Test Drive.

What’s Your Style?

Whether you’re looking for Microsoft Lync Headsets with wired, wireless, DECT, or Bluetooth connectivity in headband, earhook, or over the head wearing styles; VoIP Supply has it.

All “Optimized for Microsoft Lync” and “Optimized for Microsoft Communicator” headsets support both Lync Server 2010 and Office Communications Server 2007 R2.

Not sure which VoIP headset goes with your VoIP phone? Download our headset compatibility guide.

Via TechNet Blogs

This information was originally posted on the VoIP Insider blog.

Need VoIP Phones or a VoIP Phone System? Checkout VoIPSupply.com!

Immediately following the UC Voice webcast, get to the Jabra UC voice headset giveaway link and register to win.  Jabra will match the registration list with the webcast participation list.  And that is it:

• No trade-ins.
• No shipping fees.
• No lengthy terms and conditions.

Future of Business Communication

The webcast is a live opportunity to meet CEO Mogens Elsberg and learn about Jabra’s view for successfully adopting a UC solution:

“With the official launch of the Jabra UC VOICE™, Jabra is now taking the lead in all categories of hands-free communication for Unified Communications – learn how Jabra’s hands-free solutions help drive a successful adoption of UC and hear our vision for taking a leadership position in this market.”

For more information, check out our Jabra Headsets product page.

This information was originally posted on the VoIP Insider blog.

Need VoIP Phones or a VoIP Phone System? Checkout VoIPSupply.com!

Small footprint speakerphones for use with both PC’s and Mac’s from Phoenix Audio provide reliable loudspeaker output for virtually any sized room.  Powerful features are not compromised in Phoenix Audio’s lightweight and sleek designs.

Desktop and Conference Room Solutions

Phoenix Audio offers their Duet models for desktop conferencing and the Quattro2 models for conference rooms.  All models come equipped standard with a USB interface for:

• Connectivity
• Power source
• VoIP recording and conferencing 

Phoenix Audio also offers the unique ability for daisy chaining units providing near limitless coverage for any size room you have.

Plug-and-Play

Garrett Smith, Chief Marketing Officer at VoIP Supply, notes how simple it is to operate these devices:

“Phoenix Audio speakerphones don’t just look great they also pack a lot of advanced features into a small, portable package that maintains Phoenix Audio’s hallmark user-friendly, plug-and-play philosophy.”

For additional information, check out the Phoenix Audio Speakerphones product page and these addtional resources:

• The Phoenix Audio Quattro2 Finds a Home at Top Universities
• 3 Desktop Speakerphone Solutions from Phoenix Audio
• VoIP Phones Buyers Guide

This information was originally posted on the VoIP Insider blog.

Need VoIP Phones or a VoIP Phone System? Checkout VoIPSupply.com!

What’s the catch?

Mail in a used Jabra headset, working or not, and they’ll trade it up to a new Plantronics Blackwire 435 corded, over-the-ear headset designed for Unified Communications (UC).

Details

• One day only – September 1st, 2011, while supplies last.
• The application form, posted the day of at www.plantronics.com/customeroffer, must be completed.
• The Jabra headset must be shipped by September 1, 2011, to the address provided by Plantronics, and must be received by Plantronics no later than September 9, 2011. You’re responsible for these shipping fees.
• The traded-in Jabra headset does not have to be in working condition.
• Plantronics will pay the shipping fees when shipping the Blackwire 435 headset to participants. 

Click here for a Blackwire 435 demo.

This information was originally posted on the VoIP Insider blog.

Need VoIP Phones or a VoIP Phone System? Checkout VoIPSupply.com!