Plantronics Inc., the world leader in communications headsets, today announced a new digital headset adapter that brings the superior sound quality and comfort of Plantronics` professional-quality H-Series headsets to Voice-over-Internet-Protocol (VoIP) softphones. The Plantronics DA50 is a USB-to-headset adapter that also includes Plantronics` exclusive PerSono Pro^a"c software.
"As more companies take advantage of the benefits of VoIP, Plantronics is delivering headset solutions with the same superior sound, comfort and reliability we`ve provided for traditional telephony systems," said Craig May, president of the Call Center and Office Division.
"We`ve been providing headset solutions for the PC since 1994," said May, "so we understand the computer telephony environment very well. With the DA50 adapter and PerSono Pro software, we have a very robust VoIP enterprise solution for call centers and offices. The DA50 adapter is an ideal complement to our consumer line of computer audio headsets, which provides analog and digital solutions for voice recognition and a wide variety of audio applications including Internet telephony, multimedia, gaming and listening to music."
The Plantronics DA50 adapter features a USB connector on one end and a Plantronics Quick Disconnect^a"c on the other. For added convenience, the DA50 also includes inline volume and mute controls.
The DA50 is simple to install and plugs directly into the USB port on Windows-based PCs. Connecting through the USB port delivers an audio signal that is much clearer than plugging into sound cards, which are prone to noise and interference. The Digital Signal Processing (DSP) in the DA50 augments and improves the signal quality, which is further enhanced by the PerSono Pro software.
Plantronics` PerSono Pro software includes a single, convenient control panel that lets users optimize the audio qualities of their headsets, including:
* Predefined equalization settings: Users can select different profiles for incoming and outgoing audio to provide the clearest, most intelligible communication. PerSono Pro includes seven equalization profiles for incoming audio and four profiles for outgoing.
* Microphone placement and volume test: Users can record and play back their own voices to ensure that their microphones are correctly placed, and that the volume is set to an appropriate level. This feature is particularly helpful with noise-canceling microphones, where correct placement is essential for effective communication. The microphone test can also be used to evaluate the equalization profiles.
* Bass, treble and volume controls for incoming audio: Users can quickly and easily adjust bass, treble and volume levels for incoming sound to fine tune the audio for the clearest, most comfortable conversation.
"Our PerSono Pro software takes personal communications on VoIP softphones to the next level," said Nick Eisner, Plantronics senior product manager. "Our professional H-Series headsets have long been recognized for their superior sound quality and comfort. With PerSono Pro, users can now tailor the audio on their headsets to their own personal preference, which allows them to hear, and be heard, more clearly."
The Plantronics DA50 is compatible with all USB-enabled PCs running Windows 98SE and later versions, and is backed by a two-year warranty. The DA50 has a MSLP of $120.00 and will be available in November from Plantronics distributors worldwide and online at www.plantronics.co.za.
Share
Plantronics Inc. introduced the first lightweight communications headset in 1962 and is recognized as the world leader in communications headsets. Already the number one supplier of communications headsets in the call center market, Plantronics has expanded into the office, residential, mobile/cellular and computer audio market segments. The publicly held company (PLT: NYSE), headquartered in Santa Cruz, CA, was founded in 1961 and maintains offices in 19 countries with more than 2,400 employees. Plantronics products are sold and supported through a worldwide network of authorized Plantronics partners, and are available nationwide through retail, consumer electronics, cellular and PCS stores. Products and information about the company can also be found at www.plantronics.co.za or by calling 0800 22 0202.
PerSono Pro and Quick Disconnect are trademarks, and Plantronics is a registered trademark, of Plantronics Inc. All other products or service names mentioned herein are trademarks of their respective owners.
Editorial contacts