Headset Terminology 101

Find meanings for Headset terminology. If there is a term you don't understand or would like to see, please email us at Service: service@telecomsuperstore.com.

2.5 mm - 2.5 millimeter plugs are standard, round plugs. Many Plantronics mobile headsets come with this size of plug, which should fit standard mobile and cordless phones.

3.5 mm - 3.5 millimeter plugs are standard, round plugs often found on stereos and computers. They are larger than the 2.5 mm round plugs found on telephones.

Amplifier - Allows better sound control over the volume of sound in the headset device.

Artifacts - Any bits that get dropped during signal transmission that may cause pops and ticks in the resulting sound.

AudioIQ® - A Plantronics term that is designed to make wireless conversations effortless and pleasant, regardless of the environment.

A2DP - A Bluetooth communication standard. It is designed to transfer a stereo audio stream (such as music) from an mp3 player to a headset or car radio.

Binaural - Describes a headset that will cover both ears. See also Monaural.

Bluetooth - Is a wireless communication language that allows devices to talk to one another via a wireless connection. For example, in the case of headsets, a Bluetooth Headset can connect with a Bluetooth enabled cell phone so the user can talk without using wires.

Call Clarity - A Plantronics Trade Marked term for "an electronic signal processing and noise reduction system built into our amplifiers that dramatically enhances transmission and reception quality.

Clearline - A Plantronics term where audio technology is used for superior call clarity, and it is featured in the Plantroincs Vista M22 amplifiers.

Convertible - Describes a headset that can switch between Monaural and Over The Ear.

Corded - Describes a device which requires wires to connect and operate.

DECT - DECT stands for “Digitally Enhanced Cordless Telephony”, which is a type of wireless technology used in certain Plantronics headsets. It is designed not to interfere with other electronic devices aroun dit and provide better signal security.

DSP - Digital Signal Processing - this describes a technique that can provide better sound experience. DSP can be used to mitigate echo, unequal call levels, anti-startle from sudden increases in amplitude, and acoustic shock from prolonged exposure to high amplitude.

Earloop - A headset wearing style where a loop is used to secure the headset to the users ear.

Echo - Describes interference experienced in the background of a conversation over a device that sounds like an actual echo.

Ergonomics - The science of "Human Engineering". How a product can allow a user to function in a way that will have less wear on their body.

Handset - The device which the user picks up when answering calls. This unit is held to the ear.

Headset - The piece of equipment used to transmit sound to your ear and/or outgoing voice. A headset is the equipment that is mounted on the users head.

HFP (Hands Free Profile) - HFP is a more advanced version of the HSP Bluetooth profile. It allows voice dialing activation, redial, call transfer, and call answer/end capabilities.

HSP (Headset Profile) - HSP is a Bluetooth profile used for voice, mono music, and internet chat programs. This is the most commonly used profile, providing support for the popular Bluetooth headsets to be used with mobile phones.

Lifter - The device which lifts the handset off a desk phone, which allows a wireless pick up of the phone.

Link Dropping - Link dropping means that the signal between the headset and the telephone periodically disconnects. If you experience link dropping, we recommend that you establish a new signal between the headset and the telephone by repairing or resubscribing your headset.

Mismatch - Describes the operation of operating a wideband device (headset) in a narrow band environment. Truncated content creates pops and clicks, similar to screen artifacts in video. A good headset must be designed in such a way to prevent adding any artifacts in the bandwidth outside of narrow band. Artifacts distract the user and degrade the sound experience.

Monaural - Describes a headset that will cover only one ear, making it easier to talk and collaborate while on the phone. See also Binaural.

Multipoint - Multipoint is also known as “multishifting.” Although all of our Bluetooth headsets can pair with up to 4 different devices, multipoint technology allows some Bluetooth headsets to switch active connections between two paired devices. Non-multipoint headsets can be actively connected to only one device at a time.

Multi-Point Technology - Allows you to seamlessly switch between Bluetooth® devices.

Narrow Band - Narrow band telephony is actually less then the natural speech range.

Noise Cancelling (NC) - Noise Cancelling describes the ability of the device to reduce background noise for a headset user. This will allow the headset user to be heard more clearly as background noise is reduced. This feature is especially useful in noisy environments.

Open Ear Design- Designed to allow the user to hear outside noise as well as signal from the headset. Primarily used in gaming so the user can hear outside surroundings in addition to sound from the headset.

Over The Ear - Describes a headset that can be mounted just on the ear.

Over The Head - Describes a fitting of the headset where a band will sit "over the head" and hold the headset in place for the user.

Pairing - Pairing refers to establishing a wireless connection between a headset and a phone. It is often used to describe the initial set up between a Bluetooth headset and phone.

PersonCall - A Plantronics Trademark term that describes the software used over certain product lines to adjust headset functions (volume, mute, administrative control, etc.)

PersonoPro - A Plantronics Trademark term that describes the software used over certain product lines to adjust headset functions (volume, mute, administrative control, etc.)

Quick Disconnect - Allows the user to walk away from their phone while still wearing the headset, and then get right back to work when returning through a fast physical disconnection from the cord. Describes a corded solution product.

Roaming Range - The distance that the device will work when separated from the base unit.

Smart Cord - A Smart Cord is a Cord used by GN Netcom that will allow most of its headset line to connect direct to a phone without the need for an amplifier.

SIP Session Initiation Protocol - SIP, or Session Initiation Protocol, is designed primarily to set-up, modify, and tear down interactive communication sessions. SIP is agnostic—it can support any type of communication session whether it is voice, video, or instant messaging.

Staying Connected - Real-time communications requires staying connected via multiple communication channels and being able to easily switch between them.

USB Universal Serial Bus -  An external peripheral interface standard for communication between a computer and external peripherals over an inexpensive cable using biserial transmission.

Voice Activated - Describes the capability of a device to be directed using voice commands.

Voice Tube - A speaking tube or voicepipe is a device based around two cones connected by an air pipe through which speech can be transmitted.

VoIP - Voice Over Internet Protocol - Voice over Internet Protocol, also called VoIP, IP Telephony, Internet telephony, Broadband telephony, Broadband Phone and Voice over Broadband is the routing of voice conversations over the Internet or through any other IP-based network.

Wideband - This describes the full range of natural speech including those areas of the spectrum contributing to greater intelligibility.

WindSmart® - Plantronics term used to describe a devices ability to reduce wind noise.

Wired - Describes a device which requires wires to connect and operate.

Wireless - Describes a device which does not require wires to operate.