Glossary of Important Headset Terms
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2.4 GHz
A newly allocated wireless frequency. In general 2.4 GHz wireless headsets
are less susceptible to
interference.
900 MHz
The more traditional wireless frequency. Most cordless phones are 900 MHz.
A
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Accessory Pack for Executive
Pro Systems
The office headset Accessory Pack includes an amplifier adapter (removing the
need for batteries) and a 7ft. Extension Cord for maximum reach while on the
phone. Accessory packs can be purchased separately from our accessories page.
ACD
Automatic Call Distribution — A type of phone system used in professional
call centers where incoming calls are routed to the different operators automatically.
Acoustic Coupler
A special seal on some headsets (notably the Plantronics M130) that allows better
caller focus by blocking out unwanted sounds.
Amplifier
Sounds from your telephone are generally too weak to drive the speakers in
a headset - the signal needs to be amplified. The Amplifier is typically a
small box that sits next to your phone and provides access to volume controls
etc. The Headsets.com Executive
Pro Series brand of headsets are supplied with an amplifier, but other
brands are not; the amplifier must be purchased separately.
Analog (Compare
with Digital)
In the context of wireless phones: Analog
signals are generally not encrypted and are of limited bandwidth.
In the context of computer headsets: Analog Headsets offer connectivity to your sound card via 3.5mm jacks - in much
the same way as headphones for a Walkman.
Automated Handset Lifter
Used with the Plantronics Wireless Headset System,
this device allows you to answer the phone without returning to your desk to lift the receiver. The remote answering platform for the Plantronics Wireless Headset System can be purchased in our
Wireless section.
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Behind-the-Neck
A style of headset with a band that drapes around the nape of your neck.
Biaural and Binaural
(Compare with Monaural)
A style of headset with speakers for both
ears. Typically these offer the user a greater degree of caller focus.
Bluetooth
A new protocol developed jointly by industry leaders in many fields, including
Microsoft, Plantronics, Nokia, Ericsson, IBM, 3Com and Motorola. Bluetooth is
still in its infancy, but the design allows for seamless, wireless, automatic
connectivity between a large number of devices. Bluetooth headsets are among
the first Bluetooth devices available.
Boom Microphone
A boom microphone is a microphone that is held in a fixed position from your
mouth by an arm (or boom). It has significant benefits over a fixed, desktop
microphone (such as the one in your telephone when it is used in ‘speakerphone
mode’) because as you move your head around, the volume that the caller
hears remains constant.
BroadBass speakers (GN Netcom headsets)
Speakers with a wide dynamic range, particularly good at reproducing the lower
or bass tones. This term is used to describe some headset by GN Netcom, that
have been specifically designed to minimize the ‘tinny’ sound
that cheaper headsets can be plagued with.
Busy Light
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. Works with or without a headset. Busy Lights can be purchased separately
from our accessories
page.
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Call Clarity™(Plantronics Systems)
Plantronics Call Clarity™ system uses electronic signal processing to
enhance transmission and reception through innovative noise reduction techniques
that result in the clearest possible calls. With Call Clarity™, the headset
wearer benefits from less phone line disturbance and background room noise.
For both the wearer and the listener, the Call Clarity™ system ensures
less confusion as to who is speaking.
Circumaural
(Compare with 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.
Connector Cord
The cord that connects your base unit amplifier and your telephone.
Convertible
(Contrast with Reversible)
A headset style that can be quickly reconfigured to be worn either as an over-the-head
headset or alternatively as an on-the-ear model. (Please note the Plantronics
DuoPro model can also be configured as a behind-the-neck headset). Examples
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DECT (1.9 GHz Wireless Frequency)
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
(Contrast with Omni-Directional)
Usually applied to a microphone, when it is capable of receiving sounds from
only one direction.
DC Adapter
The optional amplifier adapter provides power for your amplifier and eliminates the need for batteries.
Just plug it in, and forget it! Amplifier adapters can be purchased separately from our accessories page.
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Extension Cord
Our Extension Cord is a 7ft cord that gives you even more mobility while using
your headset. Extension cords can be purchased separately from our accessories
page.
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Firefly™ (Plantronics Systems)
Firefly is a feature on some Plantronics headsets, integrating an on-line indicator
at the tip of the microphone boom that flashes when in use, letting other people
know that you are on a call.
Flex-Grip™ (Plantronics Wireless)
Flex-Grip is a design style used to help an Over-the-Ear headset fit more comfortably
and securely.
FlexFit™ (Plantronics Wireless)
FlexFit is a design style for an intraural headset that improves the stability
of the microphone.
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GN Netcom
A subsidiary of GN Danavox, a Danish company. GN Netcom has over the last few
years acquired many of the smaller brands of headset manufacturers, including
Unex, ACS, Jabra and others.
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Headset
A number of headsets require an amplifier to function. Please be sure to verify what components the headset you're looking at requires.
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Inline Volume Control
This type of volume control is built into the headset cord so you can change
the volume of your headset in a natural and efficient manner.
In-the-Ear
A style of headset that uses an Intraural speaker. Typical examples are the ear bud style of
headphones.
Intraural
(Compare with Supraural, Circumaural)
A type of
speaker that sits gently in the ear canal.
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Lift Lever
The Handset Lifter is a simple device that lifts your telephone receiver from
its cradle and holds the line open while you talk. Perfect for reducing desktop
clutter.
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Monaural
(Compare with Binaural)
A headset with a single speaker.
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Noise-canceling
Noise-canceling refers to a microphone design which virtually eliminates the
transmission of background noise. This inexpensive option can greatly enhance
the sound quality of your headset.
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Omni-Directional
(Contrast with Directional)
Usually applied to a microphone, when it is capable of receiving sounds equally
from any direction.
On-the-Ear
A style of headset that hangs from the ear. Examples
Over-the-Head
The most common style of headset - with a headband that goes up and over your
head. Typically available in monaural and binaural
styles. Examples
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PerSono™ (Plantronics DSP Headsets)
PerSono is a software suite designed to enhance communications over VoIP softphones.
Plantronics
The largest manufacturer of Headsets. Plantronics does not sell headsets direct to consumers
— only through registered distributors (such as Headsets.com).
Polaris
A range of headsets from Plantronics designed to work with specific models of
phones that have a built-in amplifier. Typically Meridian and Norstar systems
use this type of headset.
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Quick Adjust™
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.
Quick Disconnect
A small connector in the headset cord that allows the user to break away from a call to
move around the office and reconnect without placing the caller on hold.
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Remote Answering Platform
Used with the Plantronics Wireless Headset System, this device allows you to
answer the phone without returning to your desk to lift the receiver. The remote
answering platform for the Plantronics Wireless Headset System can be purchased
in our Wireless
section.
Reversible
(Contrast with Convertible)
A reversible headset 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.
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Sound Card
A sound card converts the digital signal your computer produces into a signal
that can be played through speakers or headphones. (See Analog)
Sound Enhancement System™ (SES) (Plantronics)
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.
Soundguard™
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.
Standby-Time
(Contrast with Talk-Time)
Standby 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)
A type of speaker that rests on the outside of the ear.
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Talk-time (Contrast
with Standby-Time)
The number of hours you can talk on your headset before it must be recharged.
Three-Point Fit™ (Plantronics TriStar
Headset)
This 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.
Training Adapter
Our training adapter allows two headsets to connect to a single phone so supervisors
can listen in with trainees. Ideal for getting new recruits up to speed as quickly
as possible. Training adapters can be purchased separately from our accessories
page.
Tru-Comfort™
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.
Two Prong Adapter
Allows you to use a headset with your CAD COM, Key and other two-prong phone
systems. Two prong adapters can be purchased separately from our accessories
page.
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Voice Tube
A voice tube carries sound from your mouth to a microphone that is housed in
the ear cup of a headset. This design strategy produces headsets that can be
manufactured at a significantly reduced cost – a saving that is reflected
in the cost to the end-user. The downside is that 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.
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