The current state of the workplace is in flux due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. At the beginning of the Pandemic, workers were sent to work from home at a rapid pace, with no idea when they would return. While some organizations have begun to bring back 100% of their staff, and others have completely moved to a work from home model, it appears that a hybrid method of working may be the best solution, according to surveys given to employees asking their preferences.

Hybrid working involves both locations: employees work some days each week in the office and spend the other days working from home so that the staff on premises is staggered and never at 100% occupancy to keep the workplace safe. In these hybrid work environments, audio tools that are flexible and can travel with you make the most sense.

If you work in a dedicated office space at home, and then travel into the office for meetings in conference rooms, Poly's new Sync 40 and Sync 40+ speakerphones may be the right audio device for you. The Sync 40s connect to computers via the combined USB-A and USB-C cable and smartphone via Bluetooth.

Daisy chain two Sync 40s together

Turn larger meeting spaces into professional-sounding conference rooms when you wirelessly pair two units together. When the Sync 40s are paired, you get bigger volume, more microphones, and wider voice pickup. Use two Poly Sync speakerphones with your Bluetooth-paired mobile device. Linking mode is available with Bluetooth mobile device connection only. (when connecting wirelessly to PC or smartphone via Bluetooth). Linking mode can be entered when both speakerphones are inactive (not in a call or streaming media).

• Your device will be ready to go for up to 30 hours of talk time.

• Access your favorite function — play/pause music, last-number redial, voice assistant and more — with a touch of the programmable rocket button. For use in common areas, the button can be programmed to manually clear previously paired Bluetooth devices.

• Never miss a word with multiple microphone array and full duplex audio. Workers stay productive with a high-performance, large music speaker for immersive multimedia.

• IP64 dust and water resistant. Protect your investment from everyday hazards.

• Two highly visible status light bars for 360 degree call status indication

• Microsoft Teams version supports easy collaboration and communication with a dedicated Teams button that gives you instant access to the Teams App.

• Keep your smartphone charged and ready for use.

• Take calls from anywhere —an internal battery allows up to 30 hours of talk time. A convenient charge stand is also available as an additional purchase.

• MSRP: $299.95 / $349.95 for "+" versions

Our customer care team can help you decide which Sync 40/40+ model you need. As a stocking reseller, we ship out all in-stock product the same day, on orders received before 3 p.m. CT. Our convenient location in the center of the U.S. means that shipping times are quick!

Call our team at 1-866-998-9991 or Chat us.

No conference room? No problem.

The new Yamaha YVC-330 USB conference phone with innovative SoundCap technology converts the audio of open spaces into a clear and natural signal that is almost as good as being in a quiet meeting room. Essentially, it's like meeting inside a "bubble," in an open office environment.

Three technologies together become SoundCap:

•Far Field Noise Reduction (FFNR): reduces & removes distracting noises that come from sound sources outside of the meeting area (the image above shows a “bubble” over a conference table which Yamaha calls the “bubble effect” because FFNR reduces every sound that comes from outside the meeting bubble)
•Self-silence: This is basically Auto-Mute. It utilizes Human Voice Activity Detection (HVAD) technology to mute mics automatically when meeting participants aren’t speaking
•Self-volume balancer: Automatically adjusts speaker volume properly to fit surrounding ambient noise levels

SoundCap can be turned off if you would like to daisy chain 2 Yamaha YVC-330s together (with cables), or if you would like to use it in a larger space. With SoundCap on, recommended coverage area is up to 3.3 feet; with SoundCap off, it is suitable for 4.9 feet, up to 9.8 feet. MSRP for the YVC-330 is $349.00.

Not sure if this is the right unit for your environment? Contact one of our team members today at 1-866-998-9991, or Chat us now!

“Alright, stop! Collaborate and listen… " These wise words from Vanilla Ice circa 1989 still hold true today, especially in today's work climate. With employees working some or all of their week from home, and the Open Office design making private collaboration difficult to accomplish in the office, huddle rooms have seen an increase in popularity.

Huddle rooms, defined by AVI Systems, Inc., as "small conference areas that are equipped with audio, video and display system technology," support group collaboration at a small scale. These informal team collaboration spaces are a place to “huddle” together for impromptu and scheduled meetings, and to collaborate on projects. Typically, an average huddle room houses 5-7 people, and contains a table, TV, and some type of speakerphone and USB video camera arrangement. White boards are also prevalent (and even some smart boards) to complete the tools available.

With the limited space comes requirements for equipment that not only allows for meetings and content sharing, yet doesn't cost a fortune. Organizations typically have more than one huddle room to equip.

The wall-mounted Yamaha CS-700 (MSRP: $799) from Revolabs is a new all-in-one video and sound collaboration system that allows for simple USB connection to PC. The CS-700 is easy to use, but don't let the simplicity fool you: it's a powerful tool. A beam-forming microphone array, and four speakers provide clear, rich sound. The 120-degree ultra-wide angle camera captures all meeting participants in one field of view. Audio, video, and screen sharing are all accomplished with one USB cable!

According to Revolabs co-founder and former CEO, JP Carney: "What this means for IT teams is a simple to use, set-it-and-forget-it meeting room audio and video system. No longer will they get calls asking how to connect to meeting room equipment, how to use camera controls, or worry about control pads walking out the door." This means that "the remote monitoring and provisioning of this unique system simplifies installation and control, reducing the number of IT service tickets and enabling simple collaboration for their customer base,” said Carney.

Any video conferencing software may be used. Common applications include Microsoft Skype for Business, Vidyo, Zoom, BlueJeans, and many more. The CS-700 provides a SIP interface to the corporate call manager, replacing the need for a separate conference phone in the huddle room. USB and SIP communications can be easily bridged in the CS-700, expanding the communication opportunities even further. And Bluetooth allows for fast and easy audio connections, instantly turning a mobile or computer call into a conference call.

If you're unsure about how to set up a huddle room, contact us for recommendations. The CS-700 is just one of the many options we can put together to best fit your requirements. After all, Communication is Our Business.

Today, more companies are separated by distance and can be drawn together with conference calling and videoconferencing. Clear and precise communication is always the goal for business success. Conference units are an essential piece of the conferencing puzzle and these devices are replacing the built-in computer microphone and speaker, especially for meetings and videoconferences when excellent, high fidelity, sound is mandatory. Revolabs’ FLX UC line of conference phones fits into this niche perfectly.

“From enterprise to education, and government to healthcare, organizations are taking advantage of UC systems to be more productive and efficient. But no matter how sophisticated the hardware and software, people have to be able to hear each other in order for a UC system to reach its full potential. That’s where Revolabs comes in,” said Jim Fairweather, executive vice president of global sales at Revolabs. “Our products play a critical role in an integrated system by providing pristine audio quality.”

FLX UC 500

How does this conference phone provide great sound? It starts with a subwoofer and tweeter, and has four omnidirectional microphones built into the corners of the FLX UC 500. The full duplex allows for both audio capture and audio playback at the same time – so your sound does not cut out or break up, for a more natural conversation on both sides. Integrated acoustic echo cancellation is another great sound feature.

An included AC power adapter provides power to the FLX UC 500. Connect via USB to any PC, Mac or Chromebook, and it works with any collaboration software you choose, such as Skype for Business, Cisco Jabber, Vidyo, and more.

This device is ideal for huddle rooms, executive offices, and conference rooms for up to 10 people and is available in two colors: black and white. MSRP is $399. Watch Revolabs’ video on YouTube: Revolabs FLX UC 500.

In addition to the FLX UC 500, Revolabs offers two additional models that combine a VoIP phone with USB conference calling. These devices connect to IP PBX’s and integrate with conferencing applications. They are powered via Ethernet cable.

FLX UC 1000

This device bridges USB and SIP calls with the included dial pad that has a 3.5 inch color display and easy to use functionality. You can manage up to 2 SIP calls, 1 USB call, and the user, at the same time.

This solution works best in a conference room for up to 10 attendees. The FLX UC 1000 MSRP is $799. Watch the video about the FLX UC 1000 here: Revolabs FLX UC 1000.

FLX UC 1500

The FLX UC 1500 has the same pieces as the FLX UC 1000, and also includes two expansion microphones, providing coverage for up to 18 people in a room. With an MSRP just shy of $1,000, this device gives a lot of bang for the buck!

Revolabs suggests downloading the conference phone’s latest firmware once you receive the product, to ensure best use. The complete User Manuals for these products are also available for download on the Revolabs web site.

Warranty on these devices is 1 year.

Are you perplexed about your conference room configuration? We would love to speak with you about these 3 options from Revolabs, as well as other solutions that will best meet your requirements. Don’t leave your conference room audio to chance and risk poor meetings; Contact us today!

Video or audio conference calls will sound great with the Konftel 55 series of conference phones, a nice mid-level offering from the Swedish company Konftel. The bright display, sleek modern design, and multi-connection to PC, desk and mobile phone all recommend the Konftel 55 for small-to-medium sized conference rooms. The Konftel 55 is ideal for a room of up to 12 people, and can easily be moved from desk to conference room, as needed. The Konftel 55W allows expansion mics (sold separately) and therefore can accommodate up to 20 people.

In a company press release, Konftel Product Manager Tommy Edlund said that “the biggest difference between traditional conference phones and the Konftel 55 series is the ability to connect the Konftel 55 to a vast range of communication devices available today. As we become more mobile and flexible greater demands are being placed on remote meetings and professional tools that work together regardless of the technology platform.”

Out of the box, the Konftel 55 series connects to a PC via the included USB cable. Connection to a desk phone requires the purchase of the switchbox accessory. The Konftel 55W allows Bluetooth connection to a mobile phone, whereas the Konftel 55 requires an accessory cable (sold separately) for mobile connection.

The high definition screen with touch functionality is the centerpiece of the conference phone. The LCD color screen displays only the current connections, and allows you to easily combine and switch connections. The 55 automatically detects the connections and the corresponding icon appears on the easy-to-read display. Press the icon to activate the connection. Flexibility to bridge calls from web applications to analog calls is a key feature!

It is important to note that the Konftel 55 series allows call bridging between the computer and desk or computer and mobile phone; however, bridging between desk and mobile phone is not offered.

Another nice feature of the Konftel 55 series is the 3.5mm headset port, allowing you a more private conversation if/when required. The headset icon lights up on the 55’s display screen when the headset is in use.

UC Integration
Perfect for your unified communications systems, such as Microsoft Lync, Avaya One-X and Cisco Jabber, Konftel offers free downloadable software that enhances support for answering / ending calls and other functions.

OmniSound HD, Konftel’s patented sound technology
All of Konftel’s conference phones have OmniSound® HD, a sound technology that keeps conversations natural and crystal-clear. OmniSound HD can handle full duplex, echo cancellation and static reduction for both sides of the conversation, simultaneously.

Rechargeable battery
The rechargeable battery (included) provides up to nine hours of talk time. An AC Adapter is included; when the battery is inserted, the battery is powered via USB with a USB cable.

Use as a dictation machine
A unique feature of the Konftel 55 is its ability to record phone calls and dictations by inserting an SD card into the unit, and pressing the record button. You can move the memory card to your computer to save or share the audio files.

As an authorized reseller of the entire line of Konftel conference phones, we look forward to helping recommend the best conference unit for your environment. Contact Sara, Amber or Carey to learn more!