Plantronics and Panasonic PBX Headset Overview

HEADSET OVERVIEW

1. Basic Wired Headsets

2. Basic Wireless Headsets

3. Wireless Headsets with Lifters

4. Basic Bluetooth Headsets

5. Integrated Bluetooth Headsets

6. Smart Wireless Headsets

1. Basic Wired Headsets

The simplest and most inexpensive headset is the wired type. These headsets are designed to free up your hands as well as eliminate neck ache caused by a handset teetering on your shoulder.  Newer Panasonic telephones such as the KX-DT series, the KX-NT series and the KX-7600 series have built-in 2.5 mm headset jacks. This feature allows you to plug in an inexpensive (under $20) non-amplified headset and if the volume level is sufficient, then you’re done.

• PROS: Frees up hands for other work. Reduces ear and/or neck discomfort.

• CONS: No Remote Features because you are still tethered to your telephone.  You cannot get up and walk around while having a conversation. You may still need additional amplification such as a model PL-M22.

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2. Basic Wireless Headsets

Basic Wireless Headsets are designed to free up your hands as well as allow you to untether from your telephone.  With wireless, you are free to walk around the room conversing once the call is answered or initialed.  This option consists of a wireless headset and a wireless receiver that plugs into the telephone.  There are 2 standards used to interface the wireless receiver with Panasonic telephones.  One is the new 2.5 mm connection that newer Panasonic telephones use such as the KX-DT series, the KX-NT series and the KX-7600 series. The other method is called “through-the-handset” and involves unplugging the coiled handset cord and inserting the transceiver between the phone and the handheld handset.  Additional amplification is often built-in to the transceiver.

• PROS: Like the Basic Wired Headset, you can free your hands for other work. You have far less ear and/or neck discomfort at the end of the day since you no longer have to teeter a handset between your shoulder and your ear.  In addition, you can walk freely around the room once the call is answered of after the call has been initiated.

• CONS: You still need to be at your telephone to initiate a call since the headset has no dialing keypad.  To answer a call, your phone must ne programmed to answer any ringing line and you might not be answering the one you were intending to answer.  And, if you need to dial out of specific lines for certain calls, you must still be within arm’s reach of your telephone so that you can select which line to use (or even the Intercom).

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3. Wireless Headsets with Lifters
Lifter Headsets are wireless by design and used to free up your hands, allow you to untether from your telephone and answer calls remotely (across the room) and then hang up.  This option consists of a wireless headset, a companion wireless receiver and a mechanical handset-lifting device that automatically raises and lowers the handset as needed, while in the cradle.  Like the basic Wireless Headset, there are 2 standards used to interface the wireless receiver with the telephone.  One is the new 2.5 mm connection used on newer Panasonic telephones such as the KX-DT series, the KX-NT series and the KX-7600 series. The other method is called “through-the-handset” and involves unplugging the coiled handset cord and inserting the transceiver between the phone and the handheld handset.  Additional amplification is often built-in.

• PROS: Allows a person to converse while moving about the room as well as the ability to “answer” and “hang up” on calls from across the room.

• CONS: Other than the ability to answer a call and hang up when you are finished, most other call handling is unavailable since there is no dialing keypad.

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4. Basic Bluetooth Headsets
Bluetooth Headsets are small, lightweight transmitter/receivers that hang over the ear. The device is small enough to move from your ear to your pocket when not in use. The earpiece communicates to a transceiver near your phone, similar to those used with the Basic Wireless or the Lifter type.

• PROS: The earpiece is small and very lightweight.

• CONS: Range is very limited.  Bluetooth sound quality is not as good as other wireless technologies.  Most devices have not been tested to determine the effects of long-term exposure to radiation.

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5. Integrated Bluetooth Headsets
Like Basic Bluetooth Headsets, Integrated Bluetooth Headsets are small, lightweight transmitter/receivers that hang over the ear. The device is small enough to move from your ear to your pocket when not in use. Integrated Bluetooth Headsets communicates directly to an optional snap-in transceiver located under certain Panasonic phones such as the KX-NT366, KX-NT346, KX-NT343, KX-DT346 & KX-DT343.

• PROS: The earpiece is small and very lightweight.  As opposed to the Basic Bluetooth Headsets, the Integrated type eliminates desk clutter by not having to use an outboard transceiver.

• CONS: Range is somewhat limited.  Bluetooth sound quality is not as good as other wireless technologies.  Most devices have not been tested to determine the effects of long-term exposure to radiation. Only certain telephones have the ability to add this option. Only certain Bluetooth Headsets are certified for use on Panasonic Bluetooth enabled telephones.

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6. Smart Wireless Headsets
Smart Wireless Headsets are the best choice for someone in need of complete mobility. This choice consists of a miniature Panasonic wireless phone with all of the features of a Panasonic wired phone, without th need for a Lifter. Connected to this miniature phone is a wired headset.  There are 2 technologies employed with Panasonic Smart Wireless Headsets – Hybrid, Non-Cellular and DECT, Cellular.  The Hybrid type can be used on any Panasonic PBX whereas the DECT, Cellular can only be used on KX-TDE, KX-NCP, KX-TDA & KX-TAW series PBX systems equipped with DECT Cell Stations. The Hybrid type is capable of communicating within areas of up to 4,000 square feet whereas our DECT series is can communicate across tens of thousands of square feet, static-free using small “Cell Stations” placed throughout the property.  This is complete mobility.  Multiple Smart Wireless Headsets on the same system can share Cell Stations, which make it the best choice when 2 or more headsets are to be used.

• PROS: Provides for total mobility without ever having to return to your phone.  When using the DECT Cellular type, you cannot run out of range. With both Hybrid and DECT, this solution can eliminate the need for a wired telephone all together and thereby save money.

• CONS: For the DECT type … unless your PBX has at least 1 Cell Station already installed, the initial cost can be slightly more than other wireless options.

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FEATURE COMPARISON BY TYPE