New Digium TE133 and TE134 Digital Telephony Cards – Now Available!

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Digium just released their best PBX cards for any Digium installation with the TE133 and TE134 digital telephony cards.  They are designed as replacements to the TE121BF and TE122BF cards and offer an incredible introductory price of $495 (log into our site for even better pricing) and include echo cancellation and the single span card.

Digium TE133 Digium TE134

Specs:

  • Up to 24 (T1/J1) or 30 (E1) simultaneous calls
  • Selectable T1, E1 or J1 Mode / Half-Length, Half-Height, Digital Card
  • PCI-Express (TE133) or PCI (TE134)
  • One (1) RJ48 Interface Port
  • Protocol support includes: ISDN PRI, Robbed-Bit, CAS, MFC/R2
  • Built-in 128ms Octasic DSP hardware echo cancellation
  • 5 year manufacturer warranty

The TE133 and TE134 cards support industry standard telephone protocols including Primary Rate ISDN (North American and Euro standard) protocol families for voice.  Both line-side and trunk-side interfaces are supported as well as advanced call features.  Octasic based hardware echo cancellation is built into the cards to eliminate the task of echo cancellation from systems CPC which increases overall system performance and call quality.  They are supported with both Switchvox and Asterisk, plus a 5 year manufacturer warranty from Digium.

Both the Digium TE133 an TE134 digital telephony cards are now in stock and ready to ship at The Telecom Spot!  Initial stock is limited though, so don’t wait too long to get yours.

 

Introducing Plantronics CS500-XD Series 900MHz High-Density Wireless Headsets

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Are you experiencing audio issues with your wireless headsets?  According to Plantronics you can start experiencing density issues when you have more than twice the channel count in a 10,000 squire feet area.  So if you have more than 60 active wireless headset users in the office, you may want to look into alternative solutions instead of DECT headsets.

Plantronics has just introduced their latest CS500-XD family utilizing the 900 MHz wireless technology as a no-hassle, high-quality solution for fitting more wireless headsets in the same office.  With Plantronics’ 900 MHz CS500-XD wireless headsets you get 90 channels versus 30 with DECT 6.0 headsets.  Offering the same design and features as their popular CS500 series and connection to office/deskphones, the CS500-XD series has:

  • 900 MHz wireless frequency with 90 channels
  • 3 wearing options including convertible (over-the-head, over-the-ear, behind-the-head) and over-the-head mono or binaural
  • Support for both wideband and narrowband modes
  • Ability to conference in up to 3 additional headsets by just docking the headset (auto-subscription)
  • Up to 350 foot range
  • Adaptive power for optimal battery life
  • Auto-answer by undocking headset
  • Full lifter support and Savi style EHS cable support (but no lifter bundles)
Plantronics CS500-XD Family

Plantronics CS500-XD Family

All 4 models from Plantronics’ CS500-XD family are now in stock and available for purchase at The Telecom Spot.  Please leave us a note below or contact us directly for any additional questions.

Note:  If you don’t need all the features and channels offered by the CS500-XD series but just need an economical high-density option, also look into Plantronics CS50 wireless headsets which offers 54 channels, lower price point, range up to 300ft and talk time of up to 8 hours.

Free Digium Phone App Engine API Webinar – Register Now

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On May 16th at 2pm CDT, Digium will offer a free webinar to show you ins and outs of the Digium Phone App Engine API.  The free phone API allows developers to customize the user experience using Asterisk (or Switchvox) with simple set JavaScript APIs.

The webinar will cover topics like:

  • What makes Digium’s Phone App Engine different
  • How Business Apps help in your niche
  • JavaScript API vs XML browser pages
  • The anatomy of a business phone app
  • Developer and non-developer resources
  • Live Q&A session

If you want to build custom apps for your Digium IP phone to take your business communications to a new level, this would be a great free webinar for you.

Register for the webinar here.

*The Digium App Engine for Digium IP Phones is a free tool that features an open API allowing developers to create custom apps. Developers can use JavaScript to easily create applications that extends the power of Digium phones with Asterisk or Switchvox.

Time2Trade Polycom Rebate for Polycom VVX, Conferencing, and SoundPoint IP Phones

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Take advantage of Polycom’s latest Time2Trade competitive displacement rebate promotion if you have an old but working business desktop/conference phone from non-Polycom brands, or an old legacy Polycom phone that needs replacing. Thru 9/30/2013, Polycom will give you a rebate of up to $250 per displaced device when you purchase a new and eligible Polycom VVX business media phone, conference phone or SoundPoint IP phone (North America only).

To claim your rebate from Polycom, you will need to submit a completed claim form, letter of authentication and disposal certification (thru recyclers), equipment listing and purchase contract to the Polycom rebate team.  Please see eligible equipments below.  Full Polycom Time2Trade rebate promotion details plus terms and conditions can be found here:  Polycom Time2Trade Rebate Flyer.

Polycom Time2Trade Rebate Qualified Equipment & Rebate Amounts

Analog Personal Audio Conferencing Options

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Despite the increase in popularity for UC conferencing devices, a high percentage of conference speakerphones sold today are still analog.  If you are one of the many who are still looking to procure an analog conferencing speakerphone for your personal or small meeting uses then this post will give you a few options to consider.

Option 1:  ClearOne Chat50 USB Plus

ClearOne Chat50 USB Plus

A personal speakerphone that connects to a variety of devices (including computers, telephones, mobile phones, MP3 players etc) for clear, full-duplex and hands-free communication.  Being full-duplex, it lets you listen and talk at the same time without cutting in and out of audio.  The sensitive microphone array has 120-degree audio pickup up to 8 feet away so you can talk comfortably.  The ClearOne Chat50 also has built-in echo and noise cancellation to prevent unwanted noises.

For analog use, you would connect the Chat50 to your telephone’s headset jack via the provided 2.5mm cable (it’ll also connect with cell-phones).  The Chat50 is small, slightly larger than a pack of cards so it takes up minimal footprint and is easy to take for travel.  The Chat50 is recommended if you want a good quality, no-fuss, simple-to-use conferencing speakerphone with an economical price.  The great thing about the ClearOne chat50 is you can also use it with your computer for webinars or Skype calls so it is more versatile.

Option 2:  Konftel 100

Konftel 100 Conference Phone

Konftel 100 brings you a great conferencing solution for smaller meetings up to 6 people.  This device uses Konftel’s proprietary OmniSound HD technology which provides full-duplex natural sound.  The 360-degree pick-up and reproduction let you walk and talk freely in the meeting space (up to 300 sqft range).  The Konftel 100 also comes with ultra-sensitive omni-directional microphone with 3 built-in surround speakers to provide clear reception throughout the meeting space.

Konftel 100 comes with dial pad and call control (volume, mute, flash, conference etc) buttons right on the front of the unit so you can make and manage your conference calls easily.  It plugs directly into your analog jack (bypassing the need of a separate deskphone), or to your phone system with an analog card via a modular 6/6, RJ11 port.  Because Konftel 100 only connects via analog, this is recommend if you are looking for a dedicated analog conferencing solution that’s practical, simple-to-use and is great quality.  If you would like to try one out, there is currently a 30-day trial offer on Konftel conference phones.

Option 3:  Polycom VoiceStation 300

Polycom Voicestation 300

A 3rd option would be the Polycom VoiceStation 300.  Similar to Konftel 100 it provides 360-degree room coverage but only up to 7 feet in range.  The Polycom VoiceStation 300 is more suited for personal and smaller conferencing with less than 4 participants.  The VoiceStation’s Dynamic Noise Reduction (DNR) actively removes background noises and Polycom’s Acoustic Clarity technology delivers clear, natural 2-way conversations.

The VoiceStation 300 also comes with dial pad and call controls (volume, mute, flash, hold etc) buttons on the front of the device and a handset phone can be plugged in for a more private conversation.  To use, simply connect the Polycom VoiceStation 300 into any analog phone jack.  The Polycom VoiceStation 300 is recommended if you only need analog connection for smaller or personal conferences and are more comfortable going with the Polycom brand.

I hope the options above will help you get started in selecting your analog personal audio conference phone.  If you’re looking for a personal conferencing device for your computer webinars or bluetooth devices instead, look forward to our next blog post which will go over just that.  If there are any questions please don’t hesitate to leave a comment below or contact us at sales@thetelecomspot.com.

Plantronics Releases Smart Presence App for MS Lync 2013

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Plantronics just released a Smart Presence app for Microsoft Lync which will provide enhanced presence functions for MS Lync 2013 (when used with Plantronics Spokes software and Plantronics headsets).  Mainly, it changes your MS Lync 2013 presence status to “in a call” when you’re on call (with mobile, softphone or deskphone calls).

Before installing the new app, the following are required:

Find out more on Plantronics’ page here:  http://www.plantronics.com/us/support/software-downloads/business-windows.jsp

 

 

Meet the Konftel 55 & 55W Conference Phones

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Meet the Konftel 55 series – a Swiss Army knife equivalent of audio conferencing phones.  Both the  Konftel 55 and the Konftel 55W are highly versatile – able to connect with computers, mobile phones/tablets and any IP or digital desktop phones (with adapter cables).  They are great for quick conferencing at your desk or small conferences of under 6 participants (up to 16 participants with expansion mics).  The only difference between the two models is the Konftel 55W has Bluetooth and supports expansion microphones.

Meet Konftel 55 & 55W
Konftel 55 Connection Chart
Features: 

  • OmniSound HD
  • Expandable with microphones (Konftel 55W only)
  • Headset connection
  • Rechargeable battery
  • High resolution touchscreen
  • Future proof with upgradable software
  • SD call recording
  • 2-year manufacturer warranty

Konftel’s proprietary OmniSound HD audio technology delivers crystal clear full-duplex conversations (and HD audio during VoIP calls).  The sound is transmitted via Konftel’s hypersensitive microphone with 360° audio pick-up and speakers.  It has automatic echo cancellation, noise suppression, and an audio equalizer.  With this technology, Konftel assures you can freely move about the conferencing room without loss of audio quality or irritating clipping or echos.

Another great convenience is that VoIP calls on the Konftel 55/55W can be bridged with calls via desktop or mobile phones.  You can easily combine and switch connections via an LCD screen display interface which displays only the current connections.  And with built-in SD call recording, you can easily record calls or dictations and save/share the audio files via your computer with the removable memory card.

The Konftel 55 is now available for order thru The Telecom Spot website, and the Konftel 55W is expected to be in stock soon as well.  The Konftel 55/55W comes with an electrical cable, A/C adapter, battery, USB cable and quick reference guide.  To connect with any IP or digital deskphones you’ll need an adapter (sold separately and coming soon – part# 900102126 ) or other dedicated special cables for Avaya and Siemens phones.  Any questions?  Just leave a comment below for us or contact any of our helpful consultants.

New Version of Jabra PC Suite Available for Updates!

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Jabra PC Suite is a free PC software offered by Jabra to help you configure, update firmware and enable control of your headset or other USB devices with your PC softphone and other audio programs.  Most importantly, if you have use PC softphone with your Jabra wireless headset, Jabra PC Suite enables remote call control.

Jabra PC Suite

Their latest update (Jabra PC Suite version 2.10.3050) released on 2/28/2013 include:

  • Integration for NEC SP 350 with Jabra device call control
  • Presence integration for MS Lync, Skype and Cisco CUPC
  • New products recognized for Jabra SPEAK 510 and Jabra MOTION
  • Plus various stability improvements!

For more information and to download/update the Jabra PC Suite for your Jabra USB devices please visit Jabra’s site here: Jabra PC Suites.

Polycom Paid4Trade Competitive Displacement Rebate

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Do you have an old but working business desktop/conference phone from non-Polycom brands, or an old legacy Polycom phone that needs replacing?  Then you may be interested in Polycom’s Paid4Trade competitive displacement rebate promotion.  Thru 3/31/2013, Polycom will give you a rebate of up to $200 per displaced device when you purchase a new and eligible Polycom conference phone or SoundPoint IP phone (North America only).

To claim your rebate from Polycom, you will need to submit a completed claim form, letter of authentication and disposal certification (thru recyclers), equipment listing and purchase contract to the Polycom rebate team.  Please see eligible equipments and terms and conditions below.  Full Polycom rebate promotion details can be found here:  Polycom Paid4Trade Rebate Flyer.

Polycom paid4trade eligible device

Polycom Paid4Trade rebate’s terms and conditions:

  1. Program valid from October 21, 2012 through March 31, 2013 in North America.
  2. The equipment being displaced must be in use and in working condition prior to disposal to be eligible for this rebate program.
  3. Customers must purchase or enter into a 36 month or longer non-cancellable contract for a new qualified system, and dispose of an eligible system to qualify for this rebate program. You may access a recycler in your area at www.earth911.com.
  4. The Paid4Trade – Polycom Competitive Displacement Program Claim Form, with all required documentation, must be submitted within 90 days of purchase. Note: If the documentation is not received within 90 days from date of purchase, program participation will be declared incomplete, and the customer will not receive the rebate. Rebates will be sent within 6 weeks of receiving all the necessary documentation.
  5. There is a limit of 250 phones per customer under this Program.
  6. Required documentation includes:   a) Completed Claim Form including:  i) Letter of Authentication and Disposal Certification – confirming ownership and pledge to destroy or recycle equipment being displaced  ii) Equipment Listing which details equipment being displaced and new equipment procurements  b) Proof of Purchase:  i) Invoice for new equipment purchases ii) Long Term Contract AND first month’s invoice for long term contracts
  7. All documentation must be emailed to Polycom@rebate-zone.com or The Paid4Trade – Polycom Competitive Displacement Program at:  P.O. Box 100550, White Bear Lake, MN 55110-0550 or Fax: 651-762-9701.
  8. Customer will be sent an email confirmation when their claim is received. Polycom is not responsible for lost or misdirected email, mail, or faxes.
  9. Polycom or Polycom’s Rebate Administrator has the right to call the Customer at any time for verification purposes.
  10. This offer is valid in the United States and Canada and is void where prohibited or otherwise restricted by law.
  11. This offer may not be combined with any other promotional offer or discounts, and Polycom reserves the right to modify or cancel this program at any time.
  12. No exceptions to this program will be allowed. Polycom has the right to deny all claims that do not meet the criteria outlined in this document.
  13. Any questions regarding this program should be addressed to Polycom@rebate-zone.com or 1-866-665-7402.

 

 

Introducing Avaya D100/D160 – Finally a New Wireless Phone Option for IP Office!

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After Avaya discontinued their popular Avaya 3810 wireless phones, our customers have always been asking for alternative recommendations.  Well, Avaya has finally answered the popular demands and came out with Avaya D100 SIP DECT wireless phone system!

Avaya D100 IP DECT Wireless Kit

Avaya D100 IP DECT Wireless Kit

The entire wireless system can be managed thru IP Office Manager with no additional configuration needed for a plug-and-play installation.  Not just a single-cell wireless system, it can be expanded with repeaters to cover additional area without more wiring.  The Avaya D100 base station is connected to the IP network and Power-over-Ethernet, and if you don’t have PoE switch you can also get PoE injectors like the Avaya SPPOE-1A to power the D100 base station.  It is compatible with IP Office R8.1 Feature Pack 1+ and while it does require IP resources like VCM module and IP client license per phone on top of that, at least we now have a more cost-effective wireless system for users who don’t require the robust features and range of Avaya IP-DECT and WiFi solutions.

Avaya D100 Architecture

Avaya D100 Architecture

The base station can connect with up to 8 Avaya D160 handsets and 5 Avaya D100 repeaters for added range.  The radio coverage for each D100 base station is 100-350 ft indoor and up to 7700ft in open field.  It supports IP Office features including Busy Lamp Field (BLF), Message Waiting Indicator (MWI), Programmable buttons, Emergency Calls, Hot desking and more.

Avaya D100 Repeater

Avaya D100 Repeater

The expansion D160 DECT handset offers similar feature and functionality found on 11xx/12xx SIP phones. Features including a 2×24 display, 4 soft-keys, 8 programmable buttons including support for Busy Lamp Field (BLF) and Speed dial and capable for up to 16 hours talk time or 7 days standby.

Avaya D160 DECT Handset

Avaya D160 DECT Handset

For more information, click on one of these product links below or contact us for assistance.