Reply to: Updating my home conference kit

[ladymuck]

Pffff.. I don't think so

I didn't say his prescription was correct

[northernladuk]

HWMBO wears glasses - good lighting should be able to counter that

Pffff.. I don't think so

[lorakeen]

I used a gaming headset for conferences- my Logitech (35 works a treat and the microphone's sound quality is pretty good.

[ladymuck]

Stupid question and I've probably answered it myself but I get a reflection from my laptop camera in my glasses so constantly have to move my head to make sure you can't see the screen in them. I assume having an external camera will have a different angle so won't see the reflection of the screen? I don't think it's such a deal I have to invest in a camera specificly to remove this but it's something I'm concious of on calls.

Anyone else have problems with glasses and video calls?

HWMBO wears glasses - he said: lighting, anti-glare coating on the lenses and getting your position right. Having your PC in dark mode also helps.

[vwdan]

I have a diddy 'in ear' plantronics headset (the voyager legend) which has been really reliable but I get ear ache from that too. As it's so small, that's my travel headset now.

I used to have a Voyager Legend and it was fantastic - when it eventually broke I upgraded to the newer Voyager 5200 and it really isn't as good IMHO, but I rarely use it now I've been WFH'ing

[northernladuk]

Stupid question and I've probably answered it myself but I get a reflection from my laptop camera in my glasses so constantly have to move my head to make sure you can't see the screen in them. I assume having an external camera will have a different angle so won't see the reflection of the screen? I don't think it's such a deal I have to invest in a camera specificly to remove this but it's something I'm concious of on calls.

Anyone else have problems with glasses and video calls?

[cojak]

Thanks for the feedback, the headset issue is not a dealbreaker but understand it can be annoying.

TBH, I'll mainly be using the speakerphone but occasionally headset is preferable if I need to walk around the house or client call quality is not great. Good to have that flexibility.

And thanks for mentioning the lighting as I struggle at some times of the day. I'll research this area too so any recommendations would be great.

I would consider the halo lights that go around the webcam. I have a Lume Cube panel mini that I'm not very impressed with as lighting for webcams (it's good for use for WhatApp chats using the iPhone, but the further away from the camera, the less use it is).

[OwlHoot]

This ought to be in technical...

MS did something and that functionality no longer works and neither MS nor Jabra are taking responsibility for it.

It may be the result of MS removing USB passthrough from Windows 10 for non-disk devices some reason. https://www.altaro.com/hyper-v/hyper-v-usb/

[northernladuk]

I have a diddy 'in ear' plantronics headset (the voyager legend) which has been really reliable but I get ear ache from that too. As it's so small, that's my travel headset now.

At least it's not just your fella getting ear ache in your house then

[ladymuck]

I've just treated myself to the Jabra 750 - I'm pretty happy with it and haven't had any complaints. Apparently it can be a bit echo-y, but I had that with myold Plantronics too so I think it's just the nature of it.

Either way, I like it - I like that it's Bluetooth too, and the integrated stand is a nice touch. When I compared it to the cheaper versions it seemed worthwhile to spend that little bit more.

I moved from the Plantronics because I've had nothing but issues with it since I got it a few years back - it was never very good, and the app integration was very flaky

I have a diddy 'in ear' plantronics headset (the voyager legend) which has been really reliable but I get ear ache from that too. As it's so small, that's my travel headset now.

[vetran]

LM is right on the lighting. I have 3 that manage to minimise the glare on my head mounted solar panel and hide the double chin.

[ContractorBanking]

This ought to be in technical...

I have the webcam and headset. I find the headset makes my right ear hurt with the pressure on it. If you're working from home in a quiet environment you don't need a headset, make use of speakers and a microphone instead as it's much more comfortable. If you like to work from co-working places, coffee shops and so on then it's a good headset to get as it does a good job of noise cancellation.

If you're getting the Jabra headset because it claims to work with Teams (in theory, you should be able to answer a call by pressing a button on the right ear) then you'll be disappointed - MS did something and that functionality no longer works and neither MS nor Jabra are taking responsibility for it. It's all over various forums. I spent a long time trying to work out why my headset wasn't working as expected in that regard...

Thanks for the feedback, the headset issue is not a dealbreaker but understand it can be annoying.

TBH, I'll mainly be using the speakerphone but occasionally headset is preferable if I need to walk around the house or client call quality is not great. Good to have that flexibility.

And thanks for mentioning the lighting as I struggle at some times of the day. I'll research this area too so any recommendations would be great.

[vwdan]

I've just treated myself to the Jabra 750 - I'm pretty happy with it and haven't had any complaints. Apparently it can be a bit echo-y, but I had that with myold Plantronics too so I think it's just the nature of it.

Either way, I like it - I like that it's Bluetooth too, and the integrated stand is a nice touch. When I compared it to the cheaper versions it seemed worthwhile to spend that little bit more.

I moved from the Plantronics because I've had nothing but issues with it since I got it a few years back - it was never very good, and the app integration was very flaky

[CheeseSlice]

I have the Jabra evolve2 65 and it works fine with Teams. You can answer a call by tapping the side or by flipping down the mic. Battery lasts for days without charging.
Make sure you pick the correct model that comes with either USB-A or USB-C dongle. If you need to change this dongle they’re about £60-70. Laptops are starting to ditch USB-A.

[SimonMac]

Looking to upgrade my home conference kit (webcam, speakerphone, wireless headset) - what's everyone else using these days?

I'm looking towards the following:

- Logitech webcam C920S Pro
- Jabra 750 speakerphone
- Jabra Evolve 75 with charging stand

Would prefer a more integrated speakerphone / wireless headset if one is available.

Thoughts and recommendations

Why the 750 and the 75s?

I have a Nikon D7000 with cam link providing the video, Rode NT-USB Mini mic and two Elgato Key Light Air's for lighting.