As you are shopping the Avcomm Solutions web site, you may notice that many of our products such as USB headsets and speakerphones, are labeled as "Microsoft," "MS," or "Certified for Microsoft," while others are labeled "UC." We are often asked the difference between a Microsoft and UC (Unified Communications) product, and how to choose between them.

Our answer: If you are using a Microsoft platform (such as Microsoft Teams, Skype for Business, or Lync), you should purchase the Microsoft certified variant.

What this means: the models certified for Microsoft support Microsoft platforms as a Plug and Play experience. The Plug and Play experience includes:
•automatic selection as the default audio device and
•features to answer and end calls, adjust volume, and mute.

If you are using another communications platform, such as Cisco Jabber, Ring Central, or other softphone, you should purchase the standard UC version of the headset or speakerphone. If you do use a model that is certified for Microsoft Skype for Business with a different computer softphone client, the product should work the same as a UC model regarding audio and features (such as answer and end calls, adjust volume, mute).

To set up your headset or speakerphone to work with Microsoft Skype for Business (or Teams, or Lync), install the headset manufacturer's free software:
Jabra Direct for Jabra products;
Hub Desktop for Plantronics, now Poly, products or Poly Lens App for newer Poly devices;
and EPOS Connect (formerly Sennheiser HeadSetup Pro) for EPOS | Sennheiser products.

All of these are free from the manufacturers.

For further help with your unique headset and speakerphone needs, reach out to our dedicated customer care team at 1-866-998-9991, via email, or Chat with us now.

Question: What is the easiest (and most cost-effective) way to turn your existing QD (quick disconnect) headsets into USB headsets?

Answer: Change out the bottom cable.

PC-based phones (also known as softphones) are changing the communication landscape, and companies that have been using headsets with desk phones may not realize they can keep their current headsets and use them with PCs instead. Simply with a change-out of cords, organizations can protect their headset investment. All of our brands offer QD-to-USB cables that are compatible with each of their QD headsets, and all leading brands of softphones. As a result, users can continue to leverage the benefits of their current professional headsets.

This makes it the ideal solution for contact centers that want a smooth and cost-effective transition to a Unified Communications solution.

Jabra QD-to-USB Cords

Jabra offers the Link 230, Link 260 and Link 265. The Link 230 is simply a connecting cord; the Link 260 includes an in-line call controller. The controller gives agents call functions at their fingertips, such as Answer/End, Mute, and volume adjustments. The Link 260 has a variant that's certified for Microsoft, too: Link 260 MS. The Link 265 is unique to the market: an all-in-one USB training cord with call controls. We know of organizations that purchase the Link 265s for each agent, so the supervisor can simply connect their headset at any time during a call.

Not sure which QD-to-USB cord you need? We will find a compatible and effective solution for your unique environment. Call our headset team at 1-866-998-9991 or Chat us now!

Are you trying to solve an echo problem? Trying to maximize security in your conferencing? To answer customers' needs, Yamaha designed a new tool, the Conference Product Finder, to identify the right Yamaha Unified Communications product with ease. Answer a few questions, and immediately your recommendations pop up.

Yamaha recognizes that conferencing needs are unique; even within one organization, there may be different connection types and room arrangements. A huddle room does not require the same type of coverage that a large board room would, for example.

The first series of questions asks what you're trying to do: Enhance sound quality? Record voices? and other options. The next screen is about Compatibility: Bluetooth, VoIP, USB and Microsoft Skype for Business, or other UC platform? Next up, how many people does this system need to cover? It could be for as few as one person, and as many as 20+ people.

Depending upon your answers, the product(s) that best match your requirements, will populate. The Product Finder will ensure the best fit for device and environment, connection type, and more; we will work with customers further on pricing, availability, and delivery status.

Or, if you prefer to speak with someone directly, our staff will be happy to discuss the various conference products offered by Avcomm Solutions, and help you determine the best fit. Call us at 1-866-998-9991, or send an email.

With the introduction of the MDA200, Plantronics asserted itself as a leader in Unified Communications for hardware solutions. The device, and its sister, the MDA100 QD, are complementary audio switchers that function with a variety of headsets to ensure smooth communication, whether it's on your desk phone, soft phone, and even smartphone! Plantronics has replaced the MDA200 with the new MDA220 USB, which features improved echo cancellation and enhanced headset compatibility.

Simple, intuitive, seamless

Our testing of the MDA220 USB found that the device is pretty much the best thing since sliced bread! This device enables corded USB headsets and UC-enabled Bluetooth headsets (those with USB dongles) to be used with a desk phone and gives the user the option of switching between the desk phone and computer. When using a Bluetooth headset with the MDA220 USB, it allows for triple connection to your smartphone, desk phone and computer. It’s ideal for Unified Communications environments where desk phones are still present. And, what we really love about the MDA220 USB is that is now gives us the ability to use an active noise cancelling headset with our desk phone.

As office designs are quickly converting to open floor plans, we have received many inquiries from customers who are looking for a desk phone compatible headset that will provide active noise cancellation in the speakers. While Plantronics and Jabra both offer ANC headsets, they are strictly USB connection and unless you have an MDA220 USB, you won’t be able to use them with your desk phone.

We did thorough testing with several headsets, and did not need to stay within the Plantronics brand. As a disclaimer, Plantronics only guarantees the use of the MDA220 USB with a specific list of headsets that is continually updated.

The MDA100 QD is used with corded Quick Disconnect headsets and enables the user to toggle back and forth from USB to desk phone. There is a Mute button at the top of the MDA100 QD. When the mute is activated, the button is depressed and the area surrounding the button is red. Release the button and the mute is turned off.

Plantronics recommends this product for customer service centers who are transitioning from desk phones to softphones and unified communications (UC), and require users to manage audio from two sources with a single headset.

The MDA220 USB and MDA100 QD audio switching devices utilize the headsets you already have in place and connect them to audio endpoints for the best use of your resources. Interested in learning more about the MDA family? Contact us!

A recipe for Unified Communications success: Take your existing headset, add in the MDA 200, and you get up to 3 connection options – the Plantronics MDA200 connects QD and USB headsets to both desk phones and PCs/softphones, with simple plug-and-play setup. If your headset is a Bluetooth UC version, here’s your third option: connect the Bluetooth headset to the MDA200 and you can make calls on your desk phone! Revolutionary!

Businesses that are transitioning to softphones, yet need to keep a connection to the desk phone, will appreciate this nifty device that functions as a switcher and amplifier. And, with the overwhelming prevalence of the open office environment, we have customers ask if they can get an Active Noise Cancelling headset to use with their desk phone; with the MDA200, this is possible! Two options are the pictured Blackwire 725 (corded USB) or the Voyager Focus (wireless Bluetooth UC).

The MDA200 is a future-proof investment in your Unified Communications toolbox, with firmware updates to keep the MDA200 up-to-date and always compatible.

Be aware that Plantronics has verified only certain headsets for use with the MDA200; however, in our small scale testing, we found that the MDA200 is compatible with other brands of headsets.

In our testing, we used a Plantronics Voyager Focus Bluetooth UC headset, a Plantronics SupraPlus 251N QD headset with DA80 USB processor, a Jabra Stealth UC Bluetooth headset, and a Jabra Evolve 40 corded USB headset. We connected the headsets to desk phone, PC, and in the case of the Bluetooth headsets, to our smartphones. All four of these headsets worked well with the MDA200: We experienced great call quality from desk phone, PC and smartphone, and excellent sound when streaming music from both PC and smartphone.

The possibilities are nearly endless, and quite exciting for those looking to utilize one headset with all of their communication platforms. The MDA200 is buyable on its own here, or in 2 different bundle combinations: the Voyager Legend UC Bundle or the HL 10 Bundle.

Contact us to learn more about the MDA200! 1-866-998-9991