Cisco Headsets are designed to help users stay connected wherever they work. Whether working at home, at the office, or on the go, the headset helps users stay focused on what's important. The professional headsets are built to deliver exceptional audio and are integrated with the Webex platform for seamless collaboration and simple management. Bluetooth wireless, DECT, or wired headsets are available.
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Polycom RealPresence Group Series
Score 7.6 out of 10
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The Polycom RealPresence Group Series is a video conferencing codec that connects to a standards-based video conferencing infrastructure to allow users to make video conference calls. There are three products in the series – RealPresence Group 300, RealPresence Group 500, and RealPresence Group 700. It is certified to use with Office 365 and Skype for Business.
In my opinion, the headsets are well-suited for an environment with high background noise, and, specifically in open spaces, they allow you to isolate yourself very well during your call and to move around the deck without staying in your seat, thanks to the Bluetooth connection. I don't think it's less appropriate because it can be used everywhere.
If you're always working in the Polycom ecosystem then the Group Series codecs are reliable and the quality of the camera and microphones are extremely good. However, the system relies heavily on either having onsite server technology and/or cloud based bridging capability. In addition, the peripherals like cameras and microphones are quite expensive. Maintenance and support costs also make the ongoing investment a costly one
Cancel the noise side of things. You can't hear anything in the background. I quite often talk really loud because I can't hear myself talking and it's comfortable. They are really comfortable. We've got the wireless ones and they just sit so comfortably on your head. Amazing.
The only issue that we have experienced with Polycom RealPresence Group Series is the speed dial functionality. When attempting to use the speed dial buttons, the system occasionally sends a call through the computer system, not the phone. While the computer call option is valuable, not everyone can answer calls that way and we have had to do a manual lookup of an extension and call back when that happens.
Way easier to set up and manage. no fiddling with knobs, dials, and silly things like a physical receiver lifter that breaks easily. sound and call quality is great, no issues using day to day. only thing is that the price is a premium, but for us its worth it for the advantages that come with the ecosystem.
I have yet to find a use case where the 730 is not appropriate. The audio quality and active noise cancellation capabilities are excellent, and the portability puts it above many alternatives.
The directory is slightly dated and unless you have a Skype for Business integration license, dialing users into a call is difficult. The Group Series Remote whilst minimalistic is actually more difficult to use than the previous HDX remote. Having to recharge the battery on the group series remote is both annoying and difficult as if you do not keep on top of it, you will be faced with a situation where the remote is not working and then have to try and find another one. Not ideal if you need to start a video call (assuming auto join has not been enabled in the admin portal).
I would give it a 10 but the ringing on the base after you answer makes it unbearable at times. You have to unplug the USB or turn off the Bluetooth to get it to stop.
Too expensive and too heavy and too uncomfortable. It just didn't deliver the experience that we thought we would get based on the price. I can get the same features, for cheaper, with a more comfortable headset from another vendor. So overall this one just never got put on the final list.
I can't say I've needed support more than a handful of times. One was for trying to connect a Polycom Conference phone and a Real Presence together. After a few months, we came to the conclusion it wasn't possible, that was the only frustrating occurance with support. Any other time if we needed to RMA a device, it was very smooth.
The fact you can manage the Cisco Headsets as devices in admin control hub is awesome. You can push firmware updates etc. Overall audio quality from Headset speakers and microphone are hands down better than other 3rd parties at this point. The price is a premium, but you get what you paid for, quality audio.
Our Polycom RealPresence Group Series unit replaced a Cisco Room Series that was mounted to a mobile cart. The cart had one smaller display and the speakers\microphone at the cart. This required staff to be very close to the cart to hear and speak during the meeting. No fault of Cisco but the cart was not sufficient for the space. Polycom RealPresence Group Series was less costly when we were planning out the room.
Durability and quality so less spending on replacing the product.
Helped me understand speakers words clearly with no voice breaks thus making me more reliable and professional, directly increasing my productivity and impacting business in a positive light.
Uniformity. Our organisation first pilot tested Cisco Headsets and soon we changed our other vendor because of its quality. So, now it's all Cisco.
Once pexip integrates Polycom/skype this will be a big win for us due to the RPTouch integrating the "one - touch join". This will increase adoption of video greatly.
Before the Group series with peripherals was implemented the cost of a video room was twice what it is today. Massive win.
Due to provisioning and automated firmware the IT involvement has been greatly reduced. No longer is there a need for manual changes to individual endpoints.
