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Question

Searching for a good teleconference speakerphone...

by Feb 20, 2015 2:39AM PST

I'm from a company that just started using teleconferencing through phones for meetings, and we're looking in to getting a speakerphone for one of our meeting rooms.

We actually tried Polycom's SoundStation 2, but the other end had difficulty hearing us if we're more than 3 feet away from it. I've been searching for other options, but searches keep giving me Polycom which we want to avoid using now.

The meeting room holds from 8 to 12 people max. I'm assuming this would be considered a medium-sized room.

What we're searching for is a device that can clearly pick up speakers who sit 5-6 feet away. Most ideal would be one device powerful enough for our requirement (which was why we purchased the nonexpandable one for the Polycom unit), but from my search I have a feeling units with expansion capabilities is the only way...

Any suggestions would be great. Thanks.

Discussion is locked

10 Posts
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Answer
It sounds like the off the shelf items won't do.
by Forum moderator Feb 20, 2015 3:34AM PST
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unavailable link?
by mayuld Feb 20, 2015 4:43AM PST

It seems like the link doesn't work for me.

But I did have a feeling that I would have to resort to custom solutions if not for expansion units.

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Could be true.
by r. proffitt Forum moderator Feb 20, 2015 4:46AM PST

Not all links work across the world.

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A clarification.
by mayuld Feb 20, 2015 6:06AM PST

If I am reading this correctly regarding installed audio, it is to improve the hearing quality within the meeting space? Please correct me if I'm wrong.

The members physically present in the meeting room have no trouble hearing each other. The problem we faced with the unit we were using was that the members in the room sitting the furthest away from the speakerphone was not being heard clearly by the members on the teleconference line.

Would acquiring an installed audio solve this issue?

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Or one that supports more microphones.
by r. proffitt Forum moderator Feb 20, 2015 6:50AM PST

Polycom has systems beyond what you find in retail stores. As you appear to not be in NA, I can't know what you can obtain.
Bob

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Hmm...
by mayuld Feb 23, 2015 1:06AM PST

Actually, I am located in NA, which is why I'm confused of why the site will not load for me.

Disregarding our company's ideal choice, if we are to look at retail store products would devices that offer expandable microphones the only way to cover the distance?

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So far yes.
by r. proffitt Forum moderator Feb 23, 2015 1:18AM PST

I guess since you are in NA you could hit their top level website and find their more advanced products.
Bob

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Any other manufacturer recommendations?
by mayuld Feb 23, 2015 2:47AM PST

Is there a specific brand other than Polycom that you would recommend that would be offered at retail stores?

As mentioned earlier, Polycom's SoundStation2 did not operate at the advertised maximum microphone pick-up range, and we are reluctant to get another device of this brand.

My search brings up Clear One as a possible alternative, but since our experience with teleconference speakerphones are so limited we are hesitant on purchasing another device to learn it will not work for us.

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Sorry.
by r. proffitt Forum moderator Feb 23, 2015 2:50AM PST
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No problem.
by mayuld Feb 24, 2015 12:50AM PST

Thanks. I'll keep looking around.

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