Remote Work Archives

ALL NEW Poly Studio P Series and Bundles – Personal Video Devices

February 2, 2021/0 Comments/in Featured Articles, Meeting Space Solutions, Open Office Solutions, Recent Post, Remote Learning, Telehealth, Uncategorized, Video Collaboration, Work At Home/by Danny Hayasaka

Poly has introduced new solutions for the new and next normal! The Poly Studio P Series a series of personal video conferencing devices aimed to make remote feel less distant by providing professional-grade video devices for wherever work happens.

Hopefully, I get my hands on these devices soon so I can put out some videos to show the features, video and quality. For now, let’s take a look at what’s coming! Introducing the Poly Studio P Series!

Poly Studio P5

The Poly Studio P5 is a professional webcam that is designed for optimal performance during video calls.

The exceptional camera optics are optimized for video conferencing, giving users confidence they will always present a professional image.
Proper light exposure is maintained, even in darker rooms, with automatic low-light compensation. This is especially important in home offices, where the lighting in the room is typically insufficient.
Brilliant colors are designed to make you look your best and stand out from the background.
The camera field of view is 80 degrees – designed to show just you, but not too much of your surroundings.
The built-in direction microphone makes sure you’re heard clearly by focusing on your voice, and not the noise around you
For the best audio experience, Poly recommends you pair the Studio P5 up with one of the Poly headsets or personal speakerphones. Poly has made setup even easier by including a USB port right on the camera.
The status LED gives you quick confirmation of your call status and whether you’re on mute.
The camera body secures to the mounting clamp using a unique magnetized design, so it’s easy to set up and fits securely atop your laptop or display.
For added flexibility, you could also choose to attach it to a tripod mount.
The overall design is small and rugged, so it’s easy to take with you if you’re going between home and the office, or on the road
The Poly Lens Desktop app not only changes settings and keeps the camera’s firmware updated, but also helps with workspace setup and offer valuable health and wellness tips.
The Poly Lens cloud management gives IT powerful tools to manage and track devices from anywhere.
List Price $129

To make it easier to order and deploy, Poly is introducing the Poly Studio P5 Kits. Everything you need for a great audio and video experience, plus robust cloud management, all in one box that’s easy to buy and set up. There will be a range of options to support any workstyle.

POLY STUDIO P5 KIT
with Blackwire 3210

Professional webcam and single-ear corded headset

List Price $149

POLY STUDIO P5 KIT
with Blackwire 3325

Professional webcam and stereo corded headset

List Price $179

POLY STUDIO P5 KIT
with Voyager 4220 UC

Professional webcam and stereo wireless headset

List Price $269

POLY STUDIO P5 KIT
with Poly Sync 20+

Professional webcam and smart speakerphone

List Price $239

Poly Studio P15

The Poly Studio P15 is ideal for dedicated home offices and enclosed workspaces looking for the best audio and video performance. It includes everything you need in one sleek device, with advanced features that deliver a top-of-the-line experience. Just place it right on top of your display, connect to power and USB to your laptop, and you’re ready to go. You can even tripod-mount it for added flexibility. And just like all products in Studio P Series, the P15 can be remotely managed by IT using Poly Lens, including the advanced audio and video features.

4K Resolution
High-performance image sensor
Optimized field of view
Automatic low-light compensation and brilliant colors
Automatic camera framing

Automatic camera framing is technology first developed for Poly’s meeting room solutions. In a personal use case, you want to be sure the camera is framed properly, even when you aren’t staying still. You may want to stand up while presenting. Or perhaps you have and adjustable standing desk. Or maybe you just don’t want to feel forced to stay glued to your chair all day. Studio P15 senses when you aren’t centered on camera and automatically adjusts. So all you have to worry about is the content of your meeting, and the system makes sure you’re seen clearly.

Integrated privacy shutter
Integrated speaker with acoustic suspension
Advanced microphone array
NoiseBlockAI and Acoustic Fence technology

NoiseBlockAI listens for your voice and filters out other sounds in your workspace that could be a distraction. This includes keyboard typing, paper shuffling, fans and heaters, and other noises that are common in personal workspaces. Acoustic Fence listens for sounds and voices coming from outside your workspace – side conversations, other family members in your house, airplane and traffic noise, and more. These two technologies work together to keep the distractions that often occur when working remote from becoming a distraction during your calls. The list price for the Poly Studio P15 is $599

Poly Studio P21

The Poly Studio P21 is ideal for users who want one device that handles the entire calling experience – video, audio, and display, all in one. Just plug it into power and connect your laptop over a single USB cable, and that’s it – you’re ready to go! Use any video app on your laptop, and Studio P21 gives you a dedicated display, and handles the entire audio and video experience. It’s the perfect balance between the simplicity of a dedicated video system, with the flexibility of working with any video app of your PC or Mac. When you’re not in meetings, you can use it as a second display for your laptop to give you more screen space. Plus, the thoughtful, stylish design will fit right into any workspace.

Everything you need in one sleek, stylish device
Simple to set up and connect
Works with any app
Dedicated video display when you’re in calls, additional PC/Mac display when you’re not
21-inch enterprise-grade display
Exceptional camera optics
Integrated ambient lighting
Powerful stereo speakers and microphone array
Easy to access controls put volume and mute right at your fingertips
The stand has mobile phone charging built right in, which is ideal if you are running back and forth in between meetings
The large LED status bar gives you quick confirmation of your call status and whether you’re on mute.
Extra USB ports built into the back allow you to connect other peripherals and free up the limited ports on your laptop or dock
And like with all Studio P products, the integrated privacy shutter provides extra privacy and security
List Price $815

If you would like to learn more about the new Poly Studio P Series solutions and when they will be available fill out the form to be notified or contact us directly.

New Yealink UC Workstation and WH66

January 28, 2021/1 Comment/in Enterprise Headsets, Meeting Space Solutions, Mobile Solutions, Open Office Solutions, Recent Post, Uncategorized, Work At Home/by Danny Hayasaka

The Yealink UC Workstation and WH66 as well as WH67 will redefine your workspace. This device features a DECT Wireless Headset, Speakerphone, Qi Wireless Mobile Phone Charger, 4-inch touch screen, Built-in USB Hub (two additional USB ports), connectivity to PC and Mobile Devices, compatible with all major communications platforms to include Zoom and Microsoft Teams. This device has a ton of features to support a variety of use cases for work from home, open offices, and independent offices. Plus, it has great NC mic performance and wireless range for ultimate flexibility.

So, what’s it like?

All-in-one UC Workstation

The Yealink UC Workstation is more than a single base, it eases the management of business communication demands and other USB devices. It also delivers great flexibility with a set of integrated features to facilitate your daily routine. It is professional, collaborative, and available.

Wireless Freedom & All Day Power

No matter when and where your conversation begins, the Yealink WH66 can always catch up your steps. With up to 160m wireless range and 14 hours talk time, it is suitable for users’ daily communication needs. In addition, the product supports high density installation in the open office, which allows up to 200 users (Europe) enjoy the wireless communication at the same time.

One For All Devices Management

The Yealink USB Connect is available for the management of multiple Yealink USB devices, including headsets, speakerphones, and webcams. All the settings can be done through Yealink USB Connect, for example, the setting of the basic and premium function of WH66, which is convenient and efficient for daily use.

Our Experience with the work station

Here at Call One, we are loving this new Yealink UC Workstation and WH66. When it comes to conferencing, mobile use, and headset range, this might be the top dog in Q1 and Q2 of 2021. There is so much to cover on this new product, so stay tuned for more blogs and videos. Check out our latest where we breakdown this new product:

Remember when Huddle Rooms were all the rage?

January 26, 2021/0 Comments/in Featured Articles, Meeting Space Solutions, Open Office Solutions, Recent Post, Remote Learning, Telehealth, Video Collaboration, Work At Home/by Danny Hayasaka

Remember when huddle rooms were all the rage? All the top research and analyst firms had a ton of statistics like there were 32+ million huddle rooms globally with less than two percent being video enabled and that huddle-room meetings would grow exponentially to represent almost 70% of all video conferencing room meetings by 2022. Those statistics had manufacturers and businesses working overtime to ensure huddle rooms had the appropriate tech to support this boom.

No one expected what happened in 2020. Video conferencing did increase exponentially however, not in huddle rooms. Instead, people joined video calls right from the comfort (or discomfort) of their homes.

Because of COVID-19 there has been a huge increase in desktop video, remote learning and telehealth.

So what happens to all those huddle rooms? I don’t believe huddle spaces are going the way of the dodo bird however, their design and use may be different. Many organizations are retrofitting and redesigning their meeting spaces to support the new normal where health and safety are of utmost concern. They are reducing the number of people by 50% or more depending on size of room to maintain social distancing guidelines.

Some companies are in the process of implementing or are developing hybrid strategies that encompass a mix of in-office and remote work schedules. Some are considering making them private workspaces or a room where an individual can conduct training to the masses via video. And some businesses, haven’t done anything at all. The spaces are just sitting there as their teams continue to work from home.

Regardless, video conferencing and collaboration is here to stay. Brands like Logitech, Konftel, Yealink, Jabra and Poly have developed a broad range of video solutions to support any size room across the multiple video platforms like Zoom and Microsoft Teams.

We’re interested in hearing what your business is doing with huddle rooms. Drop us a comment. If you would like to learn more about video conferencing solutions for your meeting spaces, contact us!

Lessons Learned in 2020 from WFH and Zooming

January 11, 2021/0 Comments/in Featured Articles, Recent Post, Remote Learning, Uncategorized, Video Collaboration, Work At Home/by Danny Hayasaka

When we were all first sent to work from home, it was going to be a temporary thing. Many went home with minimal tools with the understanding they would be back in the office in a couple weeks. Weeks turned into months. Almost a year later and I am still working from home for the foreseeable future. Some organizations have elected to make remote work a permanent thing, so what lessons were learned in 2020 WFH and Zooming?

So what did I learn?

The ability to communicate and collaborate effectively is paramount. 2020 is the year when Zoom became a verb. Everyone was “Zooming”. (Even though other video platforms were also being used.) From company and team meetings, to virtual game nights, happy hours, and holiday celebrations, you Zoomed them. Regardless of video platform, these two things became very important:

Audio and Video Quality

Although video is extremely important, I am going to give audio quality a higher level of importance. How many video meetings did you attend where this happened?

“We can see you but can’t hear you”
“Are you muted?”
“Can you hear us?”
“Whoever is making that noise, can you please mute?”

Learning how to select the appropriate audio device via the various platforms is a first step. Knowing how to turn your video on and off is also key. And please learn how to mute and unmute. We all had moments where we saw and/or heard more than we should.

If you are like me, you utilized multiple video meeting platforms beyond Zoom to include Microsoft Teams, Cisco Webex, Google Meet, and more.

I am very fortunate that my role requires me to test multiple audio and video devices from leading brands like Jabra, Logitech, Poly, Cisco and EPOS, along with lesser-known brands like Konftel, JPL, Yealink and VDO360.

While open offices can be noisy environments, working from home present different sources of noise like other adults, children, pets, televisions, doorbells, lawn mowers, and other domestic noise! Some folks also deal with other sources of noise like trains, planes, traffic, construction and more!

Fortunately, there is no shortage of options when it comes to audio and video devices for WFH.

Audio Solutions for WFH

The audio quality from the built-in speakers and mics in a laptop are typically subpar. A professional grade corded USB headset will provide a much better audio experience for you and your audience. Additionally, many headsets offer the ability to answer and end calls, adjust volume up or down, and to enable the all-important mute function via an inline control or through the headset itself. Some headsets even offer a cool feature that places you on mute by simply flipping the boom arm up. If you need the flexibility to roam around your home office, it is best to get a Bluetooth or DECT wireless headset. Imagine having the ability to remain in a call while helping your kids start their online school, going to the kitchen for more coffee, or to go get your food delivery from the front door? Wireless headsets allow you to do this.

Another great feature that some headsets offer is Active Noise Canceling (ANC) speakers that help block out distracting noise and allow you to focus on your call or work.

Personally, I use a USB speakerphone. Speakerphones are a great option especially if you are in a “listen-only” webinar or conference call. Some offer full-duplex audio which allows for multiple users to communicate simultaneously. Bluetooth and NFC are available in some speakerphone models to support pairing to your mobile device. Personally, I use two speakerphones. I use one connected to my PC for voice and video calls. The other is paired to my mobile device for streaming music.

Have a hard time deciding? Look at these videos!

Headset, Webcam, and Speakerphone Comparison Videos

Headset Mic Test Videos

Speakerphone Review and Audio Quality Test Videos

Video Solutions for WFH

The built-in camera in your laptop typically provides horrible video quality. During 2020 I had the privilege of testing several webcams and cameras. I learned that 1080p means something different to the various manufacturers. Many claimed 1080p but the video quality I experienced was not quite what I expected. I guess Logitech spoiled me and the rest of us. In my opinion, they continue to be the standard when it comes to video quality. That’s not to say other brands didn’t hold their own. In addition to video resolution quality, other factors to consider when selecting a webcam are:

Field of View (FOV)

Today webcams and cameras offer a FOV of 54 to 360 degrees! Essentially the lower the degrees, the less you see, and the higher, the more you see. Some folks prefer not to expose too much of their environment and surroundings to the outside world. While some would like as much of the room or space in view. Your individual use case will always determine what is best for you. Some cameras have software available that allows you to adjust FOV and other settings to improve overall video quality and experience.

Webcam System Requirements

Not every webcam works with every computer or operating system. Make a note of your computer and operating system, then check the requirements for the webcam.

Compatible and Certified

Beyond system and operating system requirements select webcams are compatible or certified for major platforms like Microsoft Teams, Cisco® Jabber®, Spark™, WebEx®, Zoom, Google Meet, Bluejeans, and more!

Built-in Microphone

Some webcams provide built-in microphones that are pretty good and some that are not. Check out these webcam videos that include mic tests! However, having a built-in microphone is beneficial in some use cases especially those with limited USB ports. A USB Headset or Speakerphone typically provide improved audio quality.

Privacy Shutter

Webcam privacy shutters/cover webcam lens to prevent others from “seeing” what the camera sees. Some webcams have built-in shutters. Some webcams provide lens cover you can affix to webcam. Some webcams do not provide privacy shutter or cover. If privacy is important, please check to see if the webcam of interest includes a cover or not.

Lessons Learned WFH and Zooming Poly Eagle Eye shutter

Cable Length

It is critical that you understand where end-user wishes to mount camera vs where camera will be connected. Cable lengths vary from webcam to webcam. 3ft – 6ft appear to be average cable lengths however some have shorter cables.

While you can use a USB extension cable do not assume it will work. In order to maintain support for USB 2.0 or 3.0 requirements, there may be cable length restrictions, or you may need special powered USB cable (and even this may not work).

Other features:

Pan, Tilt, Zoom (PTZ) – Manual, Digital, Software based
Device Management Software
Windows Hello support
Built-in AI
Auto-framing, Intelligent Zoom
Tripod-ready and other mounting options
Rightlight2 Technology for clarity in various lighting environments
Autofocus

The point is, while a low-cost headset or webcam may sound appealing, it may not be the best solution for your use case today and in the future? Reminder, what started out as a short-term scenario has become long-term and permanent for many. Do you have the best tools to be as productive as possible while Zooming? To learn more about these solutions, contact us M-F, 8am-5pm ET! 📞 1-800-749-3160 or 📨 sales@calloneonline.com

12 Days of Call One | Day Three VDO 360 SEEME – $50 Webcam

December 17, 2020/0 Comments/in Featured Articles, Meeting Space Solutions, Recent Post, Remote Learning, Telehealth, Uncategorized, Video Collaboration, Work At Home/by Danny Hayasaka

VDO360 presents an Enterprise-grade personal webcam. Optimized for laptop use, the VDO 360 SEEME connects via USB2.0 with no drivers needed- Easy to use, simply plug it in for a full 1080p webcam with the great audio you have come to expect from VDO360.

Deep Dive

2 million pixels
Mic Distance: 40mm
Image area: 5.85mm × 3.27mm
OS Support: WinXP/Vista/Win7/Win8/Win10 / Linux with UVC（above linux-2.6.26)
MAC-OS X 10.4.8 or later / WinCE with UVC / Android 4.0 or above with UVC
Field of view: 75°(W)
Power: USB 5V

Performance

We have covered a few VDO products in the past, but nothing quite as interesting as this one. The VDO 360 SEEME puts out a surprisingly good 1080p picture, and a strong microphone pickup. With a sampling rate of 16KHz/48KHz and a Resolution: 1920*1080@30fps / 1280*720@30fps / 640*480*30fps, the $50 price tag is well worth it. Compared to webcams in the same price range, the blows all competition out of the water. Take a look at this graph (Comparing other VDO360 products)

	SEEME	1SEE	2SEE
IMAGE
SKU	VDOCME	VDO1C	VDOS4M
MSRP	$50	$75	$139
Mics	2	No	4
Speaker	No	No	No
Magnification	Fixed	Fixed	Fixed
Special feature	Budget minded, great video and audio	Passthrough USB port on rear of camera for data. Use headsets, USB thumb drives, wireless mouse dongles, even when the camera is off. Solid billet aluminum construction.	Great video with a far-field mic array that picks up your voice from up to eight meters away.
Great for	WFH, Distance Education, Students, general use	WFH, Distance Education, Call Centers	WFH, Distance Education, Teachers
	BUY NOW	BUY NOW	BUY NOW

Compared to the 2See, the only thing you get is two extra microphones and an $89 price difference. You can almost get two VDO 360 SEEME webcams at that price! On the other hand, the 2see is used for much different use cases, therefore quality, FOV, and range will be a little bit better. However, for the average WFH employee, distance education student, and other general users, this is the webcam to go with.

Overall, we were blown away with the VDO 360 SEEME. Checkout the video below and see for yourself. If you like the video, don’t forget to give it a thumbs up, share, and subscribe! Feel free to leave a comment or suggest a new products for us to cover.

Bluetooth or DECT Wireless Headset for Work From Home?

September 24, 2020/0 Comments/in Enterprise Headsets, Recent Post, Remote Learning, Work At Home/by Danny Hayasaka

It’s been six months since most were sent home with a laptop and corded USB heasdet. (If even that much). Now that work from home has become more permanent, people are looking at upgrading to wireless headsets. In this video, we tackle whether to go with a Bluetooth or DECT wireless headset to work from home. Key things to consider: Range, Connectivity, & Battery Life.

Choosing between Bluetooth and DECT is solely based upon your use case. What are you looking for? Do you want to get up from your work space and pour a cup of coffee while attending a webinar? Do you have dogs to let out? Being able to narrow down what you want, and what you need, makes it easier to choose. Call One can assist you through the process. We’re here to help people do their business better. Narrow your choice of wireless headset by connectivity, whether you’re looking for a headset that offers Penta connectivity, triple connectivity (desk phone, PC and mobile) DECT and more. Take a look at the video below and subscribe to our Youtube channel here.

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