Headsets

In the world of digital communications, IP telephony (VoIP) and video conferencing are becoming increasingly common.

Headsets are nothing more than a set of earphones, and now often come with an inbuilt microphone.

The purpose is to be able to listen to and respond to verbal communications, either by being connected to a phone, computer, of other digital communications equipment.

Headsets are an already common device for leisure use, but are becoming increasingly common in the business workplace.

This is not least for general telephony requirements, but as internet telephony takes off with VoIP applications such as Skype, it makes headsets a more common requirement for the small business working with the internet.

Additional wireless technology such as Bluetooth now means that headsets often don’t require wires, that previously could make headsets somewhat fiddly.

Types of Headsets

Some of the more common forms of headsets include:

• Circumaural - very large headphones, often used in music and media
• Supra-aural - padded headets commonly used with personal stereos
• Earphones - small devices that are fixed at the inner rim of the ear
• Canalphones - portable device that actually sits in the ear

Headset references

• Headsets: Plantronics is a major supplier of digital and wireless headset solutions
• Headsets: Various headset types available from PMC Telecom.
• Headset Me UK: Reference site with a variety of headsets available in the UK.
• Headsets: Headet ranges described at Office Me UK.