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.
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Sennheiser ADAPT series
Score 8.0 out of 10
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Sennheiser's ADAPT series are mobile headsets for enterprises.
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Polycom RealPresence Group Series
Sennheiser ADAPT series
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Polycom RealPresence Group Series
Sennheiser ADAPT series
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Polycom RealPresence Group Series
Sennheiser ADAPT series
Considered Both Products
Polycom RealPresence Group Series
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Chose Polycom RealPresence Group Series
Polycom Group Series was very good for what it used to do for its time, however newer technology that provides a more simpler method to configure, join and host video conference meetings has come in the form of Zoom and [Microsoft] Teams which is hard to go back from and …
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
Perfect for use in a noisy environment (i.e. an internet cafe/outside whilst walking) as the Active noise cancellation blocks out the noise from around you, allowing you to HEAR and crucially for far end to hear you. The base sound in the headset is particularly good for music with better capability than some more expensive dedicated music headsets (like BOSE). Battery life is exceptional and if you do end up running out, you can plug in the USB cable to your laptop and charge whilst using the headset which is super useful. Where you have BACK TO BACK meetings, long periods of use will mean you do get hot so this must be taken into consideration
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.
As these are over the ear/enclosed, they are very effective, but long periods of use can end up meaning you can get sweaty/uncomfortable. Difficult to improve on this situation other than to switch between using these and an external Epos desk speaker.
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 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.
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.
Jabra is one of our other main headset suppliers, and their Evolve and Speak range are regularly used within our organisation. Sennheiser ADAPT series comes down to personal choice from users, much like how there are iOS and Android users, but the Sennheiser ADAPT range (particularly in the case of the MB660) is one of the premium headsets that users have expressed an interest in for its overall capabilities.
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.
For production/broadcast users, this compares favourably with dedicated music headsets but is more reasonably priced.
For staff on regular VC/AUDIO calls, this has been seen as a very capable premium headset that pays for itself in terms of build quality/audio quality and battery life.
