Tag Archive for: MicrosoftTeams

Poly Studio P15 | Overview

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.

Best headsets and speakerphones for Zoomsgiving

Best Webcams and Speakerphones for Zoomsgiving and other celebrations!

The year is 2020 and we’ve done virtually everything…virtually. The holidays are no different. Many will be celebrating physically apart connected via video meeting platform from Zoom, Microsoft, Cisco, Google, or other available options.

The focus of this blog will center around things to consider when selecting a webcam or camera to capture the moment this Zoomsgiving or other celebrations! Two key things to consider are the field of view (FOV) and audio. Celebrations will range from one to one, one to many, and many to many. In order to capture everyone in the frame, a wider field of view is optimal. FOV ranges from 54 degrees to 180 degrees depending on brand and camera model. Some brands offer software that allows you to adjust FOV and other settings to improve overall video quality.

Smartphones and tablets today have nice built-in cameras that can access multiple video meeting and conferencing apps like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Cisco Webex, Google Meet, etc. Enjoy the moment by getting a stand or mount to hold the phone or tablet. Depending on where you position the smartphone, you may want to consider a Bluetooth Speakerphone to set in the middle of the table so everyone can hear and be heard.

Best Webcams and Speakerphones for Zoomsgiving
Mobile image quality

Many laptops have built-in cameras, microphones, and speakers. The video quality may not be the best and almost always, the built-in audio in laptops is horrendously bad. It’s best to look at an external webcam and audio device for Zoom or Teams conferencing.

Best Webcams and Speakerphones for Zoomsgiving
Laptop image quality

The new Logitech C505e offers a FOV of 60 degrees. (Watch Logitech C505e Video). This tighter shot is great for one person.

These cameras offer a wider field of view that can be adjusted via remote control or software:

Watch the video to see these cameras in action to see some of the best webcams and speakerphones for Zoomsgiving!

Lastly, you will want to look at a good USB or Bluetooth speakerphone designed to work with the various video meeting platforms and applications. Strongly consider a speakerphone that offers full duplex for more natural conversation. The new Jabra Speak 750 and Poly Sync 20 offer full-duplex audio while on Zoom calls!

Jabra Speak 750 video https://youtu.be/ANwzNdCEXrY

Poly Sync 20 video https://youtu.be/GkbPGy-aYWg

See a full list of webcams and speakerphones here!

UC Ms headsets ADAPT 660_lifestyle_alt

What’s the difference between UC and MS Headsets?

Online articles report that as of April 30, 2020, Microsoft Teams had increased its Daily Active Users to 75 million. Leading manufacturers partnered with Microsoft have developed a full line of Microsoft Teams certified devices to support users in individual and group workspaces. Today there are audio & video peripherals, PCs and mobile devices, IP Phones, all-in-one collaboration devices, room systems, and large screen displays all certified for Microsoft Teams.

To keep things short and sweet, we’ll focus on headsets. When it comes to business-grade headsets by Poly, Jabra, EPOS, Logitech, Yealink, and Bose, they all offer UC and Microsoft Teams certified headset models. 

What’s the difference between UC and MS headsets? This is a frequently asked question. In this week’s video, we tackle this and four other frequently asked questions when it comes to selecting a UC or MS headset for your environment.

  • When should I use a UC vs MS model? 
  • If I use multiple platforms like Microsoft Teams, Cisco, and Zoom, do I use the UC or MS model?
  • What does the Microsoft Teams button do? 
  • Will the Microsoft Teams button work in a multi-platform environment? 

If you are upgrading to Teams from Skype for Business, you won’t need to replace previously replaced devices. All Microsoft certified devices are supported for both Microsoft Teams and Skype for Business. There is one key difference between previously certified devices and it’s the Microsoft Teams button that provides additional functionality. 

UC and MS headsets offer multiple wearing styles, USB-A and USB-C connectivity, along with Bluetooth and DECT wireless options to support the various employee types and use cases across organizations. 

If you would like to learn which variants are best for your environment, contact us Monday-Friday, 8 am-5 pm ET. In the meantime, get answers to the questions above by watching the video and check out additional videos on our YouTube channel