Choosing A Conference Call Phone
Monday, February 9th, 2009Conference calls are still the business standard for talking to associates who are widespread. In this day and age of national and worldwide branches as well as telecommuting being able to stay in contact with everyone on your team and include them in important meetings is even more vital than ever before.
Setting up a conference call system is easier than ever before too. There are many types and styles of teleconference phones available. Some aspects of these phones are similar in that they all have a standard keypad for dialing, a speaker for group listening, and a microphone system. The most popular type of microphone for conference calling is the headset for totally hands free operation during the conversation.
The Keypad
The basic keypad of any conference call system should be clear, easy to read, and large enough to be easily handled. A top notch system will allow for stored numbers that can be speed dialed and screen readout. Some conference call systems are designed to encompass the speaker and microphone portion of the system while attaching to your standard digital phone system. These can be a money saving way to accomplish a state-of-the-art teleconferencing system if you already have a good phone system in place.
The Speaker System
The conference call phone needs to have a high quality speaker that will not distort sounds. The volume should be fully adjustable so that it is loud enough for everyone in the room can hear, or low enough to not disturb others while you are on your call.
The Microphone System
Most conference calling systems have headsets so that you can multi-task while on your call. Keeping your hands free allows you to leaf through files, or even prepare for your next call while in your current meeting. There are also call systems that include multiple external microphones. These systems are wonderful for times when you have a group meeting to take a conference call and allow everyone to partake in the conversation. Whichever type of microphone set up you prefer they should have noise cancelling capabilities so that any background noise is blocked out. Whether you are in a busy office, or a bustling home this is an important feature of any microphone.
Call Conferencing Prices
Prices can range from as low as £100 for a conference phone system that allows you to plug-n-play instantly with an existing phone system to £500 for a fully self-contained system with extension microphones for as many as 12 people.
Make sure that the system you choose comes with all of the connecting cables needed. Wireless systems range from £300 for a unit that plugs into an existing phone system and is perfect for single use, to £500 for a self-contained system, has a 150 foot range, 24 hour talk time, and microphones for up to 12 people. These systems use battery packs that are rechargeable for longer use.
Some of these systems can even be plugged into your existing cell phone for extra versatility and convenience.