Tag: #konftel

Tech Review – Konftel 800 & Ceiling Mount Kit

The Hybrid conference phone came in a neutral packing in terms of limited information on the packing but has the impressive Climate neutral products symbol on the packing.  This kit came with the Konftel 800 Ceiling Mount Kit allowing the kit flexibility in placements The kit is designed for Small to Large rooms while having the options for larger spaces or multipurpose rooms to be able to connect additional devices using the daisy-chain to increase audio capabilities. The 4.3-inch graphical LCD touchscreen display allowed for easy configurations and visual displays when the volume or mute options were used via colour changes on the kit. The kit has an additional, two mute key buttons located along the corners of the unit to allow any user to go on mute.

Previously at techbuzz Ireland, we reviewed The Konftel C2070 conferencing system, which came with a speakerphone, camera, and hub their Konftel Cam10 Ego bluetooth speakerphone and also the Cam10 webcam

 Features:

  •   Connectivity: USB and Bluetooth
  •   Suitable for up to 12 participants, can be expanded to 20 with expansion mics (sold separately)
  •   Supports the Konftel Unite App via Adaptor
  •   SIP Verified – ShoreTel, Swyx, Avaya, Broadsoft, Cisco, Unify
  •   Hybrid: Collaboration App and Phone call
  •   Microphone: Omnidirectional 360
  •   OmniSound with HD Audio
  •   Supports HD Audio on mobile network
  •   NFC Technology
  •   Power through PoE (Power Over Ethernet)
  •   Web-based configuration

 

Konftel 800 conference ceiling and mount kit for conference calls – techbuzzireland

Setup and use:

The Kit came with a quick user guide in terms of the setting up with outstanding diagrams to give a clear view of how to install it. The basic installation required minimal technical experience. Those of an advanced nature can refer to the web version “Installing and Administering Konftel 800” which contains  200 pages for diverse types of network installations configurations,  

The conference phone can also use Bluetooth to connect to a mobile device, or a laptop as it supports Hands-Free and A2DP Bluetooth profiles. Konftel 800 uses 10/100 Mbit Ethernet and supports PoE Class 1 and Class 2 power.

Note: This kit is a Power Over Ethernet (PoE) enabled device and would require purchasing as an optional accessory if needed which Jim has a good deal of knowledge with NTP time servers when it comes to clock systems which also uses PoE in certain configurations

App:   Konftel Unite

This allows connection via your phone for One Touch Conferencing, calling from your contact list, create your conference groups. Techbuzz tested on an android device which was a standard install.

App Store

https://itunes.apple.com/app/konftel-unite/id1093774146

Google Play

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.konftel.unite

Warranty: 2 years

Overall:

The kit came in a Climate neutral packing which is always a bonus. The design while having many awards has a few personal niggles in terms of several types of screws provided for the Ceiling Mount Kit and the network cable does not have a tray to hide the cable if placed on a boardroom table as you would see on a typical phone system.

The physical connection to the network is straightforward but may require looking towards a PoE injector for power. The Ceiling Mount Kit mechanically connects easily and can easily be removed as required. Connectivity via the app or via a laptop was standard without any issues,

As a real positive the ability to connect via a smartphone easily and quickly, is great especially if the kit is being mounted, the colour changes for the mute etc are great.  The Audio quality cannot be faulted as the test carries out walking close and further back gave exceptional audio quality.

The audio quality is a result of the three microphones in the base of Konftel 800, which support 10 users in a 30 square meters room.  The audio was excellent at blocking out noise from outside of the room testing via the Smart Microphone which had built-in cancellation of echo and background noise through OmniSound.

The additional socket via daisy chain allowed for the addition of microphones to increase the conference phone coverage to seventy square meters or daisy chain three Konftel 800 devices to cover up to 90 square meters.

The kit has a few minor niggles but is a real gem in terms environmentally friendly, easy to set up and use with the options of seriously advanced features, Voip / traditional with the option to expand the impressive audio experience for any call.

https://www.konftel.com/en/products/konftel-800

Video review

 

Konftel Helps Fast-Growing Reseller Capture Conferencing Success

Conferencing specialist Konftel is forging a productive partnership with a fast-growing reseller, which has become an official supply partner – to trigger a new wave of sales success.

Exitech Digital is an innovative digital products supply and installation company based in Ballygawley, Northern Ireland, with clients across the Republic of Ireland, Scotland and England.  

General Manager, George Condell, says that after supplying Konftel products for over a year, the company is delighted to become an official partner across its entire collaboration range.

Condell stated that as a digital equipment supply and installation company it is critical to source the best equipment at an affordable price for customers.  

“After testing a range of other manufacturers with limited success and mixed feedback from clients, we were fortunate to come across Konftel and as a result we are now supplying and installing the entire range which has provided a dramatic rise in our sales success as we continue to develop this side of our business.”

He continued: “Client feedback has been very positive as the Konftel product quality is second to none. Following installations by Exitech Digital, clients consistently comment on the fantastic quality of the video and audio pickup compared to their previous solutions.”

Konftel Audio Dynamite

Konftel’s high quality ‘Bring Your Own Meeting’ video solutions where users start remote meetings via their own laptop have earned plenty of plaudits whilst its new Attach video kits for in-room PC-based locations are set to further accelerate growth.

Konftel’s support structure is’ fantastic’ too, according to Condell who concluded: “As Exitech Digital supply, install and setup the equipment while also providing training to our customers it is of utmost importance that we have reliable technical support from the manufacturer.

“In this respect Konftel have always provided a fast and responsive service which is critical when resolving client issues should they arise. Overall, Exitech Digital is delighted to be supplying Konftel products and looking forward to a bright and innovative future with the company.”

His positive comments were echoed by Konftel’s UK Sales Director, Jeff May, who commented: “We are delighted by the positive impact we are making with Exitech Digital as a powerful partnership continues to flourish. Video meetings have become the de facto standard for many organisations and Exitech Digital is forging many new business opportunities, spearheaded by our product range.”

Konftel Launches Lecture Mode

Konftel’s flagship conferencing speakerphone has been boosted by a new ‘lecture mode’ wireless headset feature, which creates more user freedom especially for teaching and training.   

The Konftel 800 is now capable of linking to an approved wireless headset – to provide a teacher or presenter with total freedom of movement and position within a room.

“Wherever they are located, perhaps facing a whiteboard, they can still have perfect microphone pick-up and be heard clearly by all remote participants,” says Konftel Product Manager, Torbjörn Karlsson.

“We are delighted to announce the Konftel 800 now has this valuable new feature via a free software upgrade. Lecture mode ensures total freedom of movement and an optimum audio experience for everyone.”

Total freedom

To take advantage of the new function an approved wireless headset needs to be connected to the speakerphone. The first release will only support the Jabra Engage 65. Support for other headsets will come with future firmware releases.

While the presenter is speaking, the Konftel 800 will automatically mute all its microphones and only keep the headset microphone open. 

Karlsson explained that when the person stops talking, the speakerphone microphones are unmuted and all participants in the room can be heard. But through the headset, the remote participants can always be heard.

He added: “Lecture mode gives the presenter complete freedom to roam around a room and break free from any traditional communication barriers. Wherever they are located, even with their back to the room, they can still be heard clearly.”

The Konftel 800 is an award-winning device which forms the audio centrepiece of several Konftel video kits. It boasts multi-connectivity, beamforming microphones and daisy-chain connection for audio expansion. It is linked to a wireless headset via a DECT base station, with lecture mode operating via all IP, USB or Bluetooth call connections.

Konftel 800

Further new addition

In addition Konftel has developed a special ceiling mount kit for the Konftel 800, providing an appealing alternative to traditional desktop placement. The new innovation addresses growing demand for smarter and more flexible room configurations, where up to three devices can be connected from above. 

Karlsson pointed out: “You can move furniture and rearrange the room every day without any technology hassle. It’s perfect for larger spaces and multipurpose rooms, where daisy-chain capabilities make sure every inch of the room is covered by audio.

“With the speakerphones mounted to the ceiling you’re clearing the table from devices and cables, for a really neat and tidy room appearance. It also elevates the video meeting experience. The user can forget about where the microphone is placed and focus on the interaction with remote participants on the screen. The audio pick-up and distribution works it’s magic without anyone noticing. It all comes natural.”

He concluded: “The addition of Lecture Mode plus the option of ceiling mount flexibility ensures the appeal of the Konftel 800 continues to grow.”

Konftel’s Latest Video Kit Is A Triumph For Trust Distribution

One of Konftel’s newest video conferencing systems has become an instant sales success for supply specialist Trust Distribution.

The Konftel C2070 has developed into a major tool in the distributor’s conferencing armoury, with manufacturing and education sites as well as general offices proving particularly popular.

Simon Hughes, Konftel Brand Manager at Trust, says the system combines an attractive price point with many high end features which makes it a flexible ‘Bring Your Own Meeting’ solution for many different locations.

“The Konftel C2070 ticks many boxes customers are looking for. It’s the sweet-spot of our conferencing portfolio, without any additional licences which inflates the cost of ownership from some other brands. It’s a plug and play USB solution which fits most standard size meeting rooms.”

The Konftel C2070 is designed as a perfect video package for huddle to medium meeting rooms, combining the Konftel Cam20 4K conference camera with the Konftel 70 speakerphone for OmniSound audio quality. The Konftel OCC Hub brings everything together into one convenient kit, so a single USB cable is all users need to connect the camera, the sound unit and the room’s screen to the video meeting on their laptop. 

In addition Konftel has just launched a dedicated version for in room PC-based systems, the Konftel C2070 Attach, which is part of a new product range optimised for Microsoft Teams Rooms, Zoom Rooms and other platforms.

Hughes added: “It’s not just standard offices where the system is ideally suited. The auto framing of images is proving really useful in the education sector whilst the 4k detail is great for companies wanting to see and assess products that are often in another part of the world. That could be the quality of stitching and zips in garments or nuts and bolts and garage parts. Four beamforming microphones is another impressive feature along with Bluetooth capabilities. It’s not just standard meetings where the Konftel C2070 has started to shine.”

Konftel’s entire product portfolio is Climate Neutral certified where all greenhouse gas emissions have been offset. Hughes thinks this is growing in importance.

“We all have to be aware of our environmental responsibilities and both from an ethical and commercial perspective we are seeing more end user emphasis in this area. It’s important for our resellers to be able to outline this important credential during the sales process.”

Hughes concluded: “For many reasons the Konftel C2070 has become one of our best-selling conference kits since its launch last year – backed by high levels of support from both Trust and Konftel. Its popularity will continue to grow as it doesn’t cost thousands of pounds to purchase, just hundreds.” 

Konftel Aims Higher To Solve Ceiling Mount Challenge For Greater Room Lay Out Flexibility

Collaboration endpoint specialist Konftel is creating greater installation flexibility with the development of an innovative speakerphone ceiling mount kit that promotes a neater and more natural meeting room experience.

Specifically designed for its flagship Konftel 800 device, the new development provides an alternative to traditional desktop placement. It addresses growing market demand for smarter and more flexible room configurations, especially for education and training purposes.

The special kit includes a dedicated bracket and ceiling mount plate – and is compatible with tripod mounting systems.

Room flexibility

Konftel Product Manager, Torbjörn Karlsson, says the kit can dramatically improve room flexibility by providing cable and device-free desk configurations – as well as encouraging more natural meeting behaviour.

“The Konftel Ceiling Mount Kit ensures seating can quickly and easily be rearranged which is perfect for hybrid lectures or corporate presentations. The overall experience can be further enhanced by connecting two other devices via daisy chain for extended pick-up in larger areas.”

He emphasized: “In addition, by placing the Konftel 800 in the air this encourages users to stop looking at the speakerphone when talking. When the device is placed in the ceiling people will tend to forget about it and speak naturally in the direction they want, such as towards the screen when addressing a remote participant.”

Lecture mode

In a further boost Konftel is developing a new ‘lecture mode’ function (via a free software upgrade) that will enable wireless connectivity between tested and approved headset models and the Konftel 800. This feature is due to be available from September and is also particularly useful for both training and education presentations, according to Karlsson.

“When a teacher or presenter is talking via their headset, all room participants are automatically muted from the Konftel 800’s microphones. Once the person is silent, the Konftel 800 mics open again,” he explained. “So wherever the teacher is located, perhaps facing a whiteboard, they can still be heard clearly by all remote participants.”

Reach further

Further complementing Konftel’s room flexibility ethos is the launch of the Konftel Reach USB 5+15. This comprises two active optical cables that provide more installation opportunities when users bring their own laptop to a meeting room to start a video call. 

Karlsson added: “They are used to replace USB cables connected between the Konftel OCC Hub, the Konftel conference camera and a user’s laptop. Konftel Reach enables longer distances between the parts in the ‘Bring Your Own Meeting’ video solution and neater, hidden cable routing in the meeting room. It is another welcome addition to our evolving product portfolio.”

Konftel Expands Video Kit Portfolio With New ‘Conferencing Flavours’ For In Room PC-Based Market

Collaboration endpoint specialist Konftel has launched a series of video kits optimised for in room PC-based systems, to capture a wider choice of conferencing scenarios.

Konftel Attach is a range of five kits designed for Microsoft Teams Rooms, Zoom Rooms and more open-based solutions. The portfolio has been specifically adapted for in room systems such as from Lenovo and Dell. 

Konftel Attach presents a line-up of highly capable conference cameras and speakerphones, accompanied by a long USB cable (up to 10 m) for optimal audio placement. The kits work with all in room PC variants, for meeting rooms of all sizes, from focus to extra large, (when additional expansion microphones are used).

Konftel Product Manager, Torbjörn Karlsson, says the kits complement the company’s Bring Your Own Meeting concept to ensure a comprehensive choice of hardware options. 

“Whether users prefer to bring their own laptop to a meeting (with their own preferred app) or take advantage of a dedicated in room facility, where all the equipment is already in place, Konftel has dedicated solutions that bring each system to life.”

He added: “A typical in room solution has a main computer, which is controlled via a touch panel or wireless keyboard and mouse, connected to a display screen. Users can ‘add more flavour’ by combining a high quality Konftel camera and audio with a long audio cable, that maximises speakerphone placement.”

The Konftel Attach range comprises:

 

More conferencing flavours

Director of Global Sales, Tommy Edlund, says Konftel Attach creates more customer choice and provides channel partners with the opportunity to capture additional market share.

“Bring Your Own Meeting and our simple One Cable Connection hub is our video heritage and remains extremely popular but we recognise it’s important to offer the widest possible choice of set-up options.

“The in room sector is growing significantly and we expect the two distinct scenarios to eventually level off at around 50/50. The introduction of more conferencing ‘flavours’ represents a welcome expansion of our range and enables us to penetrate deeper into the market. It is already generating lots of interest and excitement.”

He concluded: “Konftel continues to innovate and move forward. All our products are Climate Neutral certified and we have some further new developments in the pipeline to help us remain at the forefront of the industry. More details will officially be announced soon.”

 

Konftel Announces Strategic Wireless Content Sharing Partnership With ScreenBeam

Konftel’s flagship video conferencing cameras and audio devices have been fully tested to work with the wireless collaboration and content sharing innovation from ScreenBeam.

Solutions include the Konftel Cam50 and Cam20 conference cameras along with the Konftel 800, Konftel 70, Konftel Ego and Konftel 300Wx speakerphones. 

ScreenBeam Conference allows meeting room participants to wirelessly connect to the display, room camera, microphone and speaker for flexible presentations, on any meeting app of their choice.

Complete confidence

Konftel Product Manager, Torbjörn Karlsson, says compatibility testing further enhances the appeal of many of Konftel’s most popular conferencing products.

“We welcome the announcement of our testing success which means users can take advantage of ScreenBeam technology with complete confidence and enjoy a seamless collaboration and content sharing experience.

“Sharing information is a key component of any successful meeting and ScreenBeam Conference offers quick and easy wireless set-up. It creates effective hubs for collaboration between in room and remote meeting participants by being flexible enough to use in any space and simple enough to be used by any employee or guest.”

ScreenBeam Senior Director of Alliances, Jay Taylor, outlined: “We are delighted to partner with Konftel and extend our reach and compatibility with Konftel products. Konftel is a major industry player and together our products make a compelling combination for even more engaging online meetings. 

“Enabling the hybrid workforce to be successful requires technology that is flexible and simple enough for any employee to use. As we look to the future we see offices as places for collaboration with many different types of spaces.  Konftel’s solutions empower that future with products that meet the needs of those varied spaces.”

Konftel Strengthens Climate Neutral Ethos After Securing Official Certification For Three Years Running

Collaboration endpoint specialist Konftel has strengthened its sustainability ethos by announcing a series of ‘greener’ measures to help secure official Climate Neutral status for the third year in a row.

The manufacturer, with a growing global footprint, became the first in the UC industry to become Climate Neutral certified, where all greenhouse gas emissions have been offset by credits, to support various projects around the world.

Konftel joins a growing movement of over 260 brands achieving the standard, based on a far-reaching three step process which comprises:

 

  • Measuring its 2021 greenhouse gas emissions footprint
  • Purchasing verified carbon credits to offset that footprint
  • Implementing plans to reduce emissions during 2022 and beyond

 

Together the brands have so far measured and offset 783,768 tonnes of carbon. As part of this year’s commitments Konftel will cut the use of plastic bags in some of its most popular products by 50%, look to increase renewable energy at main manufacturing facilities and also reduce car commuting of staff by 40%.

Clear climate conscience

In an era of agile working with huge demand for conferencing and collaboration hardware, protecting the planet is just as important as connecting the world, for Konftel, says CMO Stefan Eriksson.

“Buying from Konftel ensures our customers have a ‘clear climate conscience’ that there are zero net carbon emissions from our manufacturing processes. We believe every company should be climate neutral and invest in our planet. It’s about measuring, offsetting and reducing emissions to help the world become net-zero by 2050.”

He continued: “There are many effective ways we are helping. For example we will cut the use of polythene bags in our products boxes for the Konftel 800 conference phones and Konftel Cam20 and Konftel Cam50 cameras by 50% by 2023. For cables and other small parts today shipped in poly bags, we will either shift to biodegradable bags or if possible just exclude the bags completely.

“In addition we aim to increase the renewable energy ratio by 10% at our main contract manufacturer’s facilities by 2023. We will also dramatically reduce car commuting of staff compared to pre-pandemic levels. By promoting a hybrid workstyle with flexibility in work location, staff will not be required to commute to corporate offices to the same extent as before.”

Stefan Eriksson Konftel CMO

 

His positive comments were endorsed by Austin Whitman, CEO of Climate Neutral, a non-profit organization working to eliminate carbon emissions. He said: “Climate Neutral Certified companies show the world that immediate action on climate change is possible and essential. In just three years, the growing number of Climate Neutral Certified brands has built a powerful movement that gives companies and consumers meaningful ways to act on climate, right now. Certified brands are leading the way by recognizing that climate change must be solved. They believe that all companies should take immediate voluntary action to zero out their entire carbon footprint, and they are engaging their consumers around this important issue like never before.”

He added: “Konftel and our other Climate Neutral Certified brands are leading the global shift to a net-zero economy by doing what all companies should be doing immediately: measuring, offsetting, and reducing their carbon emissions. Our label helps consumers identify these brands. It’s a recognizable and trusted symbol that turns everyday purchases into meaningfully positive climate action.”

 

Worldwide projects supported

By investing in worldwide carbon credits, forest conservation, renewable energy and carbon capture technologies all benefit. Forest conservation in Zimbabwe, water filtration in Cambodia, renewable energy in India, clean electricity in Indonesia, reducing landfill gas in the USA and providing clean cookstoves in Mali are some of the many projects supported by Konftel so far. New this year include improved forest management in the US, solar and wind energy in China, biomass in India and reforestation in Costa Rica.

Eriksson emphasized: “We find that our customers, our partners and our people really care about all of this. We have put it at the very heart of our business because it’s the right thing to do. Yes, the right thing from a commercial perspective, but also the right thing from an environmental and ethical perspective.

“When customers buy from us, they know they are buying from an organisation which has no carbon footprint whatsoever; zero net emissions. This is a major statement of intent. The technology we produce works in harmony with our climate neutral philosophy. More conference calling means less car and rail journeys, fewer flights, less busy offices, reduced gas and electricity consumption. The two strategies operate together. By choosing Konftel users really can conference with a clear climate conscience from the very first meeting.”

 

Find out more about Konftel’s Climate Neutral status here 

Konftel Cam20 Conference Camera Captures Zoom Certification

The plug-and-play device features 4K Ultra HD performance and an impressive 123° field of view. Konftel Product Manager, Torbjörn Karlsson confirmed the camera has been fully tested as a Zoom Rooms USB-connected device.

“The Konftel Cam20 is the second in our product range to be certified to work with Zoom services and helps deliver a natural and fluent meeting experience.”

“Zoom Rooms is Zoom’s software-based conference room system that makes it easy to run or join video meetings with a tap of a button. The Konftel Cam20 represents a seamless and natural fit, combining exceptional picture performance with simple set-up. Certification was achieved following a rigorous testing process.”

Compelling combination

He added: “The synergy, reliability and high performance offered by Zoom and Konftel is a compelling combination, ideally suited to today’s growing hybrid work trends.”

His positive comments were echoed by Jeff Fox, Zoom Senior Product Marketing Manager, who says user adoption continues to accelerate, as more organizations look to embrace and invest in flexible working.

“Our Zoom Rooms service delivers a dedicated and seamless meeting experience leveraging certified hardware designed to perform to high standards. Certification of the Konftel Cam20 further adds to the appeal of our Zoom Rooms service at a time when more and more organisations are looking to combine office-based with remote flexibility, further elevating the importance of video meetings across a wider range of environments.”

Presenting auto framing

In addition to Zoom certification the Konftel Cam20 has been boosted by auto framing functionality, as Karlsson explained:

“With the addition of auto framing, room participants will always be ideally fitted within the picture. This removes the need to manually crop the image with the digital zoom. If someone leaves the room, the framing cleverly readjusts. The feature can be disengaged if required.”