The Logitech Rally Bar (Graphite, White) is an all-in-one video bar designed for mid-sized meeting rooms. A fellow content creator and tech geek, Ragnar Heil agreed to join me in providing a quick overview and audio and video test.
This Rally Bar can be used via simple USB plug and play or in Appliance Mode. The built-in compute allows you to run supported video conferencing applications such as Zoom directly from the device. Ragnar shares his top 3 features and together we provide group framing and mic pick up range tests and Ragnar also shares Logitech TAP.
So, what are the specs?
Camera
Resolution: 4K, 1440p, 1080p, 900p, 720p, and SD at 30fps
Pan: Motorized ±25°
Tilt: Motorized ±15°
Zoom: 15X HD zoom (5X optical, 3X digital available with upcoming software update) Diagonal field of view (dFoV): 90°
Horizontal Field of View: 82.1°
Vertical Field of View: 52.2°
Total Room Coverage: 132.1° Horizontal x 82.2° Vertical
Speakers
Drivers: 2x 70 mm / 2.7 in
Output: 90dB SPL @1W, 99dB SPL @8.0W, both +/-2dB at ½ meter
Sensitivity: 90+/-3dB SPL at 1W, ½ meter
THD: 1kHz < 2%
Microphones
Frequency response: 90Hz – 16kHz
Sensitivity: >-36dBFS +/-1 dB @ 1Pa
Microphone data rate output: 48 kHz
Pickup Range: 15 ft / 4.5 m
Beamforming Elements: Six omnidirectional digital MEMS microphones forming five adaptive acoustic broadside beams
Audio processing: AEC (Acoustic Echo Cancellation), VAD (Voice Activity Detector)
Noise suppression: AI filter
Add-on Mics: Supports up to 3 additional Rally Mic Pods for larger conference rooms
The Logitech Rally Bar has multiple features, mounting and configuration options that were not covered in our video. Out of the box you get the Rally Bar, USB Cable, HDMI Cable and Power Supply that allows you to connect directly to a computer and display to start using as a simple all-in-one video bar for midsized meeting spaces. If you would like to schedule time with a Logitech Video Collaboration expert to discuss Zoom Rooms and Microsoft Teams Rooms options, please contact us!
To see the Logitech Rally Bar in action, check out the video below!
https://calloneinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Logitech-Rally-Bar-blog-header.jpg7681600Danny Hayasakahttps://calloneinc.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/logo.pngDanny Hayasaka2021-03-09 10:35:082021-03-09 10:35:12Logitech Rally Bar | The Ultimate Conferencing Solution
The Poly Studio P15 is a personal video bar that includes 4K camera, integrated privacy shutter, speakers, multi-microphone array and two USB 2.0 Type-A ports and several nice features like Noise BlockAI and Acoustic Fence. We’ve been using the Poly Studio P15 for a week across multiple video platforms to include Zoom and Microsoft Teams.
We have been really impressed with the performance across the board. In this blog/video we cover the connections, USB-C to USB-C cable length, Mounting options, and Poly Lens Desktop App Controls and Settings. Stick around until the end for a link to our showcase video.
What are the Studio P15 Specs?
Features
MSRP: $599.99
Personal Video bar
Look and sound your best on video calls with one sleek device
Easy fits atop your display, or tripod mount for flexibility
Robust cloud management using Poly Lens
Robust cloud management using Poly Lens
Certified for Zoom and Microsoft Teams
Includes mounting clamp that attaches to a standard 1/4-20 tripod screw thread on the bottom of the device
4K Resolution
NoiseBlockAI
Cable Length: 4 feet 3 inches
1x USB 3.0 Type-C port (with USB 2.0 compatibility)
2x USB 2.0 Type-A ports
In Conclusion:
In our professional opinion, the Poly Studio P15 is a great value at only $599 MSRP. You get exceptional video and audio quality. It’s compatible across all major business collaboration platforms to include Zoom and Microsoft Teams. And, features like AcousticFence, NoiseBlockAI, Auto-Framing, and two additional USB Ports make this a great option for any business professional. If you’d like to learn more or get a quote, contact us.
https://calloneinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/P15-Video-Bar.jpg9561700Danny Hayasakahttps://calloneinc.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/logo.pngDanny Hayasaka2021-03-05 08:10:122021-03-05 08:10:16Poly Studio P15 | Overview
Danny Hayasaka, Sr Director of Marketing and Emerging Technology for Call One, Inc. and Hello Directinterviews Tony Poer, Contact Center Practice Lead for the Channel for 8×8 and discusses CCaaS (Contact Center as a Service). It was much easier for organizations who had implemented a CCaaS platform to transition to remote work during the pandemic. Some organizations have been using a band-aid during this period and are looking for better solution. Cloud may be the answer. We discuss things customers need to know about CCaaS, differences between UCaaS and CCaaS and other topics. Stick around until the end fora link to the full interview.
Danny Hayasaka: What are some things customers need to know about CCaaS?
Tony Poer:One of the biggest things to understand about Contact Center as a service is that it’s a hosted platform. And so a lot of the limitations that we have with our legacy on premise platforms don’t really exist in the cloud.
Danny:What’s the difference between UCaaS and CCaaS?
Tony:UCaaS is unified communications as a service whereas CCaaS is contact center as a service. Unified communications generally includes telephony, obviously, but then it also includes all of the other communication options that you might utilize with your organization. Contact center is a little bit more robust than that right now.
Danny: When agents were physically in the same building, supervisors used hardware like training-y cables, how do they do that remotely? Or can they?
Tony:In a cloud environment or a hosted environment. All of that application hardware doesn’t exist on Prem. It’s all in the cloud. It’s all at a separate data center that is invisible to you guys as the end user.
Danny: What are some monitoring tools that are available for supervisors via 8×8?
Tony: I can live monitor calls. I can live monitor the desktop. I can listen in, I can barge in. I also have the ability to access all sorts of different data points and metrics. Right? I can see that information, but I don’t have to be looking at a wall board to do it. I could get that sent to my desktop.
Thanks for tuning in! If you would like to schedule an 8×8 Demo, contact us! Want to see the full interview? Check out the Youtube video below:
https://calloneinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/8x8-contact-center.jpg6751900Danny Hayasakahttps://calloneinc.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/logo.pngDanny Hayasaka2021-03-03 14:07:072021-03-05 12:59:41What’s the Difference Between UCaaS and CCaaS? | Discussion With 8×8
On our YouTube channel, we have several videos featuring the Jabra Evolve2 85 however, viewers have asked for definitive mic up and mic down test to settle once and for all which sounds best. Additionally, we’re asked if there is difference if paired via Jabra Link 380 dongle or directly via Bluetooth to laptop. We test that as well! Stick around until the end for a link.
We set out to create instant quiet, anywhere. The result is a world-class professional headset with cutting-edge digital hybrid Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), powered by our most advanced digital chipset ever, and designed for incredible noise isolation; just put it on for instant immersion in your thoughts. It’s time to change the game. Welcome to the new standard.
Our Thoughts
After testing the Evolve2 85 with connection to the wireless dongle (boom mic up and down) Danny Hayasaka’s professional opinion is the following:
“My vote is mic down, connected to the USB dongle.”
Short and sweet and to the point, Danny!
If you have questions please feel free to reach out to us. Also, if you’re interested to see how this headset preforms, check out our YouTube video where we test different Evolve2 85 scenarios:
https://calloneinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Jabra-Evolve2-85-mic-blog.jpg10691900Danny Hayasakahttps://calloneinc.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/logo.pngDanny Hayasaka2021-02-26 15:28:542021-02-26 15:28:58Jabra Evolve2 85 Definitive Mic Test | Boom Up or Down?
Danny Hayasaka, Sr Director of Marketing and Emerging Technology of Call One, Inc. and Hello Direct had a virtual Q&A with Scott Houston, Field Engineer with EPOS to learn what they’re seeing in this new normal. What questions did we ask? Here’s a list
1. In regard to peripherals, what changes has EPOS seen from users when it comes to headsets and speakerphones?
2. How are organizations managing these assets for remote users? Does EPOS offer a solution?
3. What technologies does EPOS utilize in their solutions that make them a good fit for Contact Centers?
Scott answered the first question(In regard to peripherals, what changes has EPOS seen from users when it comes to headsets and speakerphones?) with the following:
“What we’ve seen before, you know, pre-pandemic and everything that’s happening. You’re in your office space, and you’re kind of just handed a headset.
But now with so many working from home and utilizing so many of the features that are out there for these devices, it’s just having a quality product to deliver that message.”
For the second question (How are organizations managing these assets for remote users? Does EPOS offer a solution?) He states:
“There was such a focus for so many enterprises on how do we keep our workers and and the information and, everything that they’re doing secure, right?
“But also what’s been changing is the UClandscape as a whole, right? Changes coming from Microsoft people switching from, island mode into teams only and now with the removal of Skype for business.”
And finally, the last question, (What technologies does EPOS utilize in their solutions that make them a good fit for Contact Centers?) here is what Houston had to say;
“So that’s where our offering for it is called EPOS manager. There you have a cloud service where your admin can go in and have visibility of everyone who has kind of the client versionon their machines at home.
“It’s not just EPOS devices. So you can see what your people are using out there, which will help you with, you know, troubleshooting calls and keep the burden of support tickets to a minimum.”
Thanks for tuning in! We want to thank Scott Houston for joining us on this Q&A with Danny Hayasaka. If you want to watch the full interview to see what EPOS is seeing in this new normal, check it out below:
https://calloneinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/EPOS-Impact-5000-lifestyle.jpg12001800Danny Hayasakahttps://calloneinc.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/logo.pngDanny Hayasaka2021-02-25 08:19:492021-02-26 10:36:08What EPOS is Seeing in This New Normal? | Interview With Scott Houston
Call One, Inc. Agent in a Box service was designed to help businesses simplify delivery of the technology individual employees need to do their business better.
The Challenge: The technology and devices an employee needs to work often spans across multiple brands. They might need a headset, a webcam, speakerphone, monitor, docking station, cabling, etc. Typically, organizations source the different components from multiple vendors. Then often have different shipping and delivery dates. This causes delays and makes it difficult for IT teams or individual employees.
The Solution:Call One, Inc. Agent in a Box.
One Vendor
One Delivery
Hardware & Cabling
Imaging & Asset Tagging
All in one box
Here’s a real-life example of how Call One, Inc.’s Agent in a Box helped to deliver thousands of headsets and required cabling to help simplify IT teams to deploy the solution.
Customer: Fortune 100 Transportation Company
Use Case: New Phone System was implemented and needed new headsets and cabling for each workstation. They requested single ear and dual ear kits that included a single or dual ear headset, phone cable and USB adapter cable. Customer was looking for a way to make staging easier for their teams to deploy thousands of headsets and cables.
Solution: Call One, Inc. Agent in a Box – Our team created two kits. Palletized them and shipped to appropriate location.
Total Units needed: 2,292
10 Pallets shipped to one location
Individual kits were labeled with the image and list of included contents
Qty. 100 – EPOS UI815 Switch Box were also shipped with this order for special requests but were not included in the kits
The end result, customer received entire delivery on the same day. The individually labeled boxes helped to reduce time in staging and physically deploying since all the components needed were in one box.
If you would like to learn more about Call One, Inc. Agent in a Box contact us, M-F, 8am-5pm ET at 1-800-749-3160 or sales@calloneonline.com. For more information about the Agent in a Box service, continue here.
https://calloneinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Call-One-Agent-in-a-Box-Bronto-graphic.jpg5001280Danny Hayasakahttps://calloneinc.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/logo.pngDanny Hayasaka2021-02-23 11:58:412021-02-23 11:58:44How Call One, Inc’s Agent in a Box service helped to deliver thousands of Headsets
In todays blog we show you how to connect a Poly DECT wireless deskphone-only headset to a computer using the Poly Savi 7220. You can do this with Poly (formerly Plantronics) Savi 7210, CS510, CS520, CS530, CS540 and CS545 as well. And since we have it set up, we also include a mic and wireless range test as well! Stick around until the end for a link to that video.
Step 2: Plug double prong end into the back of your DECT headset base. Note: Some DECT bases may look different than the Savi 7220.
Step 3:Plug USB end into your desired source (Example: your computer).
Step 4: Be sure to connect AC Power Adapter to appropriate power source.
And there you go! Your Desk phone only headset can now connect to you computer. This a great solution for employees that were sent home to work and don’t have a desk phone. Again, this solution also works for the Poly 7210, CS510, CS520, CS530, CS540 and CS545.
For a tutorial, check out our video below:
This quick tutorial includes a step by step tutorial on how to connect a Poly deskphone-only headset to the APU-76, but also features a microphone test at the very end.
If you have any questions please feel free to reach out to us. Thanks for tuning in!
https://calloneinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Savi7220-blog-header.jpg10131800Danny Hayasakahttps://calloneinc.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/logo.pngDanny Hayasaka2021-02-19 14:48:522021-02-19 14:48:56How do you connect a Poly desk phone-only wireless headset to a computer?
The JPL Element TT3-AVANT Headset is a unique patented modular headset system designed to provide the user with the choice of wearing styles. The Element range of headsets has been specifically designed to extend the life of the headset. Because of the modular design, if a speaker, microphone or headband breaks out of warranty, you only need to replace half of the headset (one part), which means a longer life for the headset and the cost of ownership is reduced. Why change the whole headset when changing half is the solution! How do they sound? First, let’s go over the basics:
What is the JPL Element TT3 Avant?
JPL Element TT3 Avant Features
Dual speakers for better conversation concentration
Left / right ear side compatible
Wideband enabled
Surround Shield Noise-cancelling microphone
Ratchet stop boom arm with 220° rotation
Supplied with quick disconnect system(QD) – QD compatible with Plantronics (QD bottom Lead Sold Separately)
Headset storage clam shell case and clothing clip included
Designed and engineered in the UK
Compatible with all known office phones
Full range of bottom leads available
Optional monaural headband available Approvals: CE, FCC, EAC
3 Years Warranty – 2 years repair or replacement warranty PLUS a 3rd year cover on all non-moving parts
Our Thoughts
For the price ($95 for Dual Ear and $85 for Single Ear + plus cost of cable), 3 year warranty, and part replacement, this headset should be your go to contact center solution. The audio quality is in a league of it’s own. It surprisingly blows all competition out of the water. Take a listen for yourself:
https://calloneinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Jpl_Avant-blog-header.jpg10001778Danny Hayasakahttps://calloneinc.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/logo.pngDanny Hayasaka2021-02-17 14:02:562021-02-17 14:02:59JPL Element TT3 Avant | Low Cost, Sustainable, Professional
Recently a viewer asked for a demo on the Huddly IQ Auto Framing feature. In todays blog/video, we show how to change from manual to Auto frame via Huddly App. Stick around until the end to see a quick demonstration.
Step One
Download the Huddly App. You can download via this link for free. Available on MAC and Windows.
Step Two
Once the app is installed, you simply check mark the “Auto” box.
Voilà! You now have Auto Framing on your Huddly IQ. Feel free to test by walking around different areas in your environment. You will notice it takes a few seconds for the camera to follow you, but don’t be alarmed, this is normal.
To reverse back to Manual Focus, just uncheck that “Auto” box and you will be able to manually focus the camera yourself.
Fortunately, the Huddly app isn’t just for the Auto Framing feature. There are a ton of settings jam-packed within the app. The App will notify you every time we release a new update. It’s easy to keep the camera up-to-date with the latest features, quality improvements and software enhancements. Check out this video where we dive a little deeper into the Huddly software:
Also, if you want to see a more in-depth step by step process, check out our video where we breakdown each step. At the very end we conclude with a demonstration on the Auto Framing technology:
Thank you for tuning in! If you have any question regarding the Huddly IQ, please reach out to us!
https://calloneinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Huddly_V3.jpg10691900Danny Hayasakahttps://calloneinc.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/logo.pngDanny Hayasaka2021-02-16 08:48:442021-02-16 09:00:38Huddly IQ Auto Framing Feature | Tutorial
You can save money by replacing headset accessories instead of buying a new headset! (Yes, some folks replace the entire headset when the ear cushion starts falling apart)
If you have ever been in a major contact center, there are vending machines you can go to for replacement ear cushions, mic screens and other essential accessories to keep your headset in optimal working condition. In a corporate office, there were processes in place you followed to get those accessories. The challenge for anyone working from home is they don’t have that same convenience.
What Replacement Accessories are available for your headset?
Companies like Call One, Inc. have been helping people do their business better since 1987. Our team can help you identify what replacement accessories are available for your specific headset. With multiple brands and headset models that exist, there are literally thousands of different accessories available. It can be extremely overwhelming. The Call One, Inc. team is here to help with Poly (formerly Plantronics), Jabra, EPOS (formerly Sennheiser), JPL and Cisco headset accessories.
Available Corded and Wireless Headset Accessories: Foam and leatherette Ear cushions, ear tips, ear wings, mic screens, voice tubes, replacement and spare batteries, headbands, neckbands, ear hooks, AC power supplies, Bluetooth Dongles, QD to modular coil cords, QD to USB adapters, training-y’s, charging stands, EHS cables, handset lifters, lapel clips, headband cushions, carry cases, amplifiers, audio processers, and more!
When should I replace accessories?
There are obvious times when you should replace, i.e., your AC power supply had a wrestling match with your vacuum cleaner and lost. Anytime a specific piece you need to use your headset effectively gets broken or goes missing, it’s time to replace. Foam ear cushions and mic screens should be replaced as often as you’d like but at least every 3-6 months depending on wear and tear. When it comes to wireless headset batteries, that typically depends on how heavy a user you are. Wireless headset batteries typically last at least twelve months however, we have seen batteries being replaced after only three to six months. Some batteries are field replaceable (you can DIY) while some are not (typically smaller form factor Bluetooth headsets)
Brands like JPL have modular headsets models like their Element TT3 that allow you to replace key components like the headbands and speaker and mic boom. This modular approach provides an overall lower cost of ownership.
Is there a minimum quantity order requirement?
That depends on the accessory, however, Call One, Inc. has been able to “break packs” to provide customers with the quantities they need. Another consideration when replacing headset accessories is shipping cost and how often you need to replace certain items like ear cushions. It’s best to order at least enough to last the length of the headset warranty.
Can you ship headset accessories to my home office?
Yes! Call One, Inc. can ship anywhere in the US including business and residential addresses.
How do I get started?
The best way is to contact us directly M-F, 8 am – 5 pm ET.
It’s best to have the headset brand and model you need accessories for in hand. Don’t know what headset you have? No problem. Take a picture of your headset and send it to us. Be sure to include what accessory you are looking for.
https://calloneinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Call-One-Headset-Accessories-Blog.jpg7711800Danny Hayasakahttps://calloneinc.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/logo.pngDanny Hayasaka2021-02-12 15:15:362021-02-12 15:15:39Replacing Headset Accessories Can Save You Money!
