Polycom SoundStation Conference Phones

Polycom SoundStation Range Overview

The Polycom SoundStation is a conference phone made by leading suppliers, Polycom. It was first launched in 1992 but it has been upgraded several times over the years. Today it is available in a variety of different models – the current Polycom SoundStation range comprises eight models, including four SoundStation2 models, which are simply the best conference phones you can buy.

In the 15 years since the SoundStation first appeared, modern technology has advanced considerably. Polycom has been at the forefront of the progress of voice conferencing, pioneering many new developments. For example, today the SoundStation range comprises Polycom HD Voice technology, models which were designed for use with analogue, digital PBX and VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) and wireless models. Almost all of Polycom’s phones are designed to resist mobile phone and wireless interference during a call.

Polycom SoundStation VTX 1000

Designed for use in large conference rooms, this phone automatically adapts to its environment and has a microphone pick-up range of 20 feet. The SoundStation VTX 1000 is the only model to house video interconnectivity. While it may not be possible to connect the VTX 1000 to either mobile phones or computers it contains a variety of features designed to improve sound quality – HD Voice technology, Dynamic Noise Reduction and Intelligent Mic Mixing (the microphone is able to concentrate on the person speaking as opposed to background noise). It is possible to connect external speakers to the VTX 1000 and Polycom have designed a sub woofer especially for the VTX 1000.

Polycom SoundStation IP Series

There are three Polycom Soundstation IP models; the SoundStation IP 4000, the SoundStationIP 6000 and the SoundStation IP 7000. While the SoundStation IP4000 and IP6000 models are designed primarily for use in smaller spaces (offices and homes) the IP7000 also has a microphone pick-up range of 20 feet and can be used in both smaller and larger spaces.

The IP 4000 is a much simpler phone than the IP 7000 and contains only noise reduction and enhanced microphone features. It has an audio bandwidth of up to 3.5kHz, which is considerably less than both the IP 6000 and IP 7000, which have audio bandwidths of up to 14kHz and 22kHz respectively. Both the IP 6000 and the IP 7000 encompass all the features of the IP 4000 as well as Polycom’s HD Voice Technology, high resolution displays and integrated Power over Ethernet (PoE). For small office users there is not much difference between the IP 6000 and the IP 7000. The main advantage of the IP 7000 is that it houses extra ports and can be expanded. It can also be connected to either a mobile phone or computer.

Polycom SoundStation2 Series

There are two main models in the Polycom SoundStation2 range – the SoundStation2 and the SoundStation2W. These two conference phones are very similar. The only differences are that the SoundStation 2W’s software can be upgraded and it comprises wireless technology. Both the SoundStation2 and the SoundStation2W can be connected to either a mobile phone or a computer and have a microphone pick-up range of 10 feet. This makes them ideal for small to medium sized offices.

Lastly there are two different SoundStation2 models (the SoundStation2 Avaya 2490 and SoundStation2 Direct Connect for Nortel) which are ready for direct connection to Avaya and Nortel digital phone exchanges respectively.

More Reviews:

• Polycom SoundStation IP 7000
• Polycom SoundStation IP Phones
• Polycom SoundStation 2
• Polycom SoundStation Range Overview
• Polycom SoundStation IP 4000