VoIP Q & A: Cisco Intercom, WiFi Video Conferencing, and AT&T Small Business VoIP Systems

March 15, 2014 by Nathan Miloszewski

Questions about VoIP devices and services are regularly submitted to VoIPSupply.com through a technical support ticket or via the “Ask The Expert” tab on our product pages.

We respond to these requests directly but more often than not, this Q & A would be helpful for lots of other folks.

Below are your VoIP questions answered – Real questions from real people just like you.

Cisco SPA303G 3-Line VoIP Phone

Q: I am a solo attorney. I have a support person who answers the phone for me. Does this phone have an intercom type feature that allows her to “buzz” me and let me know who’s calling?

A: Yes, the SPA303G does have the intercom feature that you’re looking for.

This feature is called paging and it works like this:

Your IP phone can automatically answer pages from other Cisco IP phones in the office, if your phone administrator has enabled this feature. When your phone is paged, the phone emits a series of beeps, and two-way audio is established between your phone and the phone that called you. You do not have to accept the page.

For more information, go to Page 62 of the Cisco SPA303G User Guide.

Q: Our facility in Texas needs to deliver digital instructions to a group of people via video conferencing system. The group has a common school house with electricity but no Internet. They have wifi phone service however most do not have phones. Most families do not have computers or power at home. How can we communicate and teach them remotely? What solutions will we need at our facility and at the remote end?

A: Sounds like you’re in quite the pickle there. There is a solution though, and one that applies to many things in life:

Keep It Simple!

Since the common school house has electricity and WiFi service just use something like mobile Google Hangouts which offers free video calls for face-to-face connections on a tablet, laptop, or even a cell phone on both ends of the connection. No need for a fancy video conferencing system here.

AT&T Syn248 Analog Gateway Phone System

Q: We are seeking to buy a system that supports VOIP gateways as our phones will run on high speed internet. Will this system [AT&T Syn248 Analog Gateway Phone System] work for us? If not, is there another to which you might direct us?

A: Yes, the AT&T Syn248 Analog Gateway is a great entry-level small business phone system to get started with when switching over to VoIP.

The Syn248 can also be stacked with another Syn248 to add additional phone lines if you ever need to expand.

Just remember that the Syn248 analog gateway needs a AT&T Syn248 Desk Phone to operate because it’s a proprietary gateway that only works with the AT&T Syn248 Small Business Phone System. Configure your own AT&T system here:

Stay Tuned

Check back next time for more VoIP Q & A.

Thanks for your questions!

New Grandstream Learning Webinar Series

March 8, 2014 by Nathan Miloszewski

Grandstream Learning Series Hosted by VoIP Supply

VoIP Supply has teamed up with Grandstream to provide the Grandstream Learning Series for you to get a first-hand look at:

Grandstream Phones: New Grandstream GXP2140 and GXP2160 Enterprise VoIP Phones with color touch screens
Grandstream IP PBX: Grandstream UCM6100 IP PBX Series for Unified Communications (UC) applications
Grandstream IP Surveillance: Integrated Grandstream IP Surveillance Solutions
Grandstream Video Phones: Revolutionary Grandstream GXV Series IP Video Phones

When, What, How

The Grandstream Learning Series starts in March 2014 and runs through June 2014. Each live webinar will run for an hour.

Attendees will get in depth looks at the devices and the solutions and have an opportunity to ask questions and get information on how to create a communication or surveillance solution customized for their business.

Plantronics Wireless Headsets Promotion Going On Now

March 7, 2014 by Nathan Miloszewski

Plantronics Wireless Headsets are great. But if you think that they’d be more great if they came with free accessories and a rebate, then you are in luck.

Right now Plantronics is offering two great deals on two great headset series:

Plantronics CS500 XD Series: With every of a CS500 Series headset get your choice of a free EHS Cable or Headset Lifter.
Plantronics Voyager Legend CS: Get a $50 Rebate with each Voyager Legend.

About Plantronics CS500 XD Series

With up to 8.5 hours of talk time and a range of up to 350 feet, the CS500 XD Series gives you great mobility and multitasking capabilities.

The CS500 XD headsets are used with either an Electronic Hookswitch (EHS) Cable or Handset Lifter to remotely answer and end calls.

About Plantronics Voyager Legend CS

Voyager

The Plantronics Voyager Legend CS is a single, behind-the-ear wireless headset tested for comfort that’s designed for all day use because it will pair with both your desktop VoIP phone and cell phone.

This dual-purpose Voyager Legend CS gives you seven hours of talk time to keep you connected while you’re in the office and for when you’re leaving it.

The Difference Between H.264 and MxPEG

March 4, 2014 by Taylor Hamp

If you’ve been looking at a MOBOTIX solution, chances are you’ve noticed MOBOTIX cameras record in all the expected compression’s, and then in an extra compression: MxPEG. You may be asking yourself ‘What is this MxPEG? How does it compare to H.264?’ Let me help you out with that.

Video recorded in HDTV (1920 x 1080) is compressed in H.264. It was created for broadcasting high definition video, which is why nowadays it’s the most common video compression out there. While it’s ideal for bandwidth conservation, when paused on a frame, there is a fuzziness to the image. A minor inconvenience really. It’s usually acceptable, which is why most surveillance companies allow H.264 as one of their compression options, but MOBOTIX wasn’t satisfied.

As a surveillance company, MOBOTIX created their own video compression, MxPEG. Upon a vendor/company visit, MOBOTIX had MxPEG compressed video footage they demonstrated for us here at VoIP Supply, and when the footage was paused, the frame was crisp, clean, and clear. This screenshot conveys it perfectly: bees can flap their wings 250 times per second, and this shot was taken from a MOBOTIX camera using the video compression MxPEG.

Not the bees!

As you can see, it’s crystal clear. You can even see the wings perfectly. The reason for this is MxPEG uses what’s called an I-Frame for each frame. H.264 delivers I-Frames, but there are also P-Frames, which are slightly lower quality but more of them. That’s why when watching an HD video, H.264 is ideal because the human eye is only picking up the I-Frames, but when paused, those low quality P-Frames create that fuzziness. Try it out when you get home.

i Frame

So because each frame is an I-Frame and high quality, MxPEG would take up a lot of bandwidth, right? Not at all. MxPEG was created to only record the changing pixels. The static pixels are recorded in the first frames, but after that, the technology in the IP camera is smart enough to recognize the live image isn’t changing, so it conserves bandwidth. The MOBOTIX technology then recognizes when pixels change, such as a moving person or car, and it records only those pixels (tiles, as they’re referred to in the image below) and stores them away under MxPEG compression.

The nice thing about MxPEG is you can run the frame rate as low as 5 fps or even 1 fps and get exceptional images every time, rather than running the H.264 compression at 15 fps or 30 fps and gamble for a crisp image.

Should the situation call for an NVR, Qnap supports MxPEG, but all MOBOTIX IP cameras work as a decentralized system, meaning they can view, process, analyze and record footage all within the camera itself. Depending on exactly what you need to record, everything might be entirely manageable within a MOBOTIX camera itself.

*Images courtesy of MOBOTIX

There’s a New Option for Elastix Systems and You’ll Be Pleasantly Surprised

by Taylor Hamp

VoIP Supply is happy to announce that our Elastix line is now certified compatible with the Yeastar NeoGate TG800 VoIP GSM Gateway.

Previously Yeastar could say they were compatible with Elastix because their hardware worked with Elastix systems, but now it’s official. Yeastar completed the Elastix Certification Test on their NeoGate TG800 GSM Gateway and officially joins the ranks of other certified compatible hardware companies such as CyberData, Digium, Grandstream, Patton, Sangoma, Snom, Xorcom and Yealink.

Yeastar had this to say:

“Yeastar is pleased to announce that [the] NeoGate [TG800] VoIP GSM gateway has successfully completed test of compatibility with the Elastix system for NeoGate TG800. NeoGate is a powerful VoIP GSM gateway with 8 channels, bridging between GSM network and IP-based systems. […] This certificate gives assurance to our customer that the products and services of NeoGate can be seamlessly integrated with Elastix to have an easy and cost-efficient communication.”

GSM gateways act to connect GSM networks (such as wireless telephony carriers) to VoIP networks for two-way communication. The TG800 in particular is ideal for small to medium sized businesses with heavy demands to call mobile networks, or whose offices are in remote locations. GSM gateways are also favored as a fallback solution in case of landline outages.

Yeastar GSM gateways are designed to reduce the cost of telephone calls it can find the cheapest route and use the most economical SIM card. Yeastar NeoGate GSM gateways are compatible with a wide range of IP-PBXs including but not limited to Trixbox, FreeSWITCH, 3CX, and Microsoft Lync.

For more information about GSM gateways or Elastix, talk to one of our experts at 1.800.398.8647 to see if Elastix or Yeastar can meet your business needs.

Bitcoin Now Accepted at VoIP Supply

March 1, 2014 by Nathan Miloszewski

Note: Beginning June of 2017, we are no longer accepting Bitcoin as a form of payment.

Beginning on March 1, 2014 customers can begin using Bitcoin as a form of payment for orders with VoIP Supply.

VoIP Supply is the second company in Western New York or, the greater Buffalo and Niagara Falls area for you out-of-towners, and we are joining some other nationally known e-tailers like Overstock.com in recognizing this digital currency.

I asked Ben Sayers, CEO of VoIP Supply, a few questions to help further explain this decision.

4 Quick Questions with VoIP Supply CEO Ben Sayers about Bitcoin

VoIP Insider: For over 10 years VoIP Supply has been helping people transfer voice over the internet. Did you ever think you’d be helping people transfer a digital currency through the internet as well?

Ben Sayers: While I can’t make any claim to predicting the rise of digital currency and its use as a global payment system, we did get involved in VoIP when it was in its infancy as it relates to main stream adoption by business and phone system integration companies. Being on the leading edge of technology is part of our culture and inspiring other businesses to get involved by leading the way is just the way we always try to be.

VI: How can customers benefit from VoIP Supply now accepting Bitcoin as a form of payment?

Ben Sayers, VoIP Supply CEO, talks about Bitcoin

Sayers: One of the notable ways that our international customers will benefit immediately is through the quickness of payment. Compare the 7-10 days it takes today’s banking system to complete an international wire transfer to the seconds, perhaps minutes that it takes to send payment via Bitcoin.

For domestic companies, the ease of use and ability to complete large transactions without limitations placed on individuals and companies by credit card companies is of benefit. Furthermore, there is far less chance of fraud with no credit card data being transmitted or stored anywhere.

VI: For anyone that doesn’t have a digital wallet yet, any advice for getting started with Bitcoin?

Sayers: Getting started is simple, there are several online wallet companies making it easier and easier every day. Coinbase.com and Coinkite.com are two that make it quick and painless. First though, I would recommend visiting Bitcoin.org to gain a basic understanding of the technology, how it works, why it exists and some general terminology.

VI: Why is VoIP Supply joining the Bitcoin movement or, what do you hope to see in the future for this new economy?

Sayers: The monetary system hasn’t changed in decades and certainly hasn’t kept pace with technology. I’m excited to see a new platform that is usable as both global currency and payment system with easy integration into today’s systems of commerce. I personally don’t believe that the use and scope of this technology has even had its surface scratched and based on the incredible amount of VC money flooding into the concept, I’m certainly not alone.

As an online retailer, the reduced transaction fees, increased speed of transactions, global reach and use, reduction in fraud capabilities and the inability for credit card companies to approve charge-backs based on their personal best interest are all appealing reasons for using Bitcoin.

Need More Info?

Click the following for more information:

First Look: MOBOTIX AllroundDual M15 Thermal

February 10, 2014 by Taylor Hamp

Known for their long lasting, robust, and unique IP cameras, MOBOTIX has been one of the leaders in the IP surveillance market for years. Recently MOBOTIX standardized all their models to 5 MP from 3 MP and their latest leading update has been to their AllroundDual M15, which they utilized one of the dual lens modules with a thermal lens.

What is it?

The new MOBOTIX MX-M15D-Thermal is an AllroundDual IP Camera perfect for situations that require a decentralized system in an environment that usually has poor visibility. A thermal camera is preferable when you need to know what is around the perimeter but visibility conditions make it hard to capture clear images on camera. The M15D-Thermal was created to detect hotter than average body parts or technical devices/overheated machines in complete darkness, through smoke, smog, or even thin plastic screens (not glass; thermal images cannot be detected through glass, so do plan accordingly).

MOBOTIX MX-M15D-Thermal

There are three models to choose from differing in lens ranges:

MX-M15D-Thermal-L43: 43° thermal sensor
MX-M15D-Thermal-L65: 25° thermal sensor
MX-M15D-Thermal-L135: 17° thermal sensor

All three models feature:

Microphone and speaker integrated, lip-synchronous audio, two-way speaker, audio recording
Continuous digital 8x Zoom + Pan/Tilt
Thermal image size 336×252 pixel
Weatherproof IP66
PoE (IEEE 802.3af/t) Class 3
VideoMotion, MxActivitySensor, external signals, temperature sensor, PIR, microphone, shock detector, notification via eMail, FTP, telephony (VoIP, SIP), visual/acoustics alarm, pre- and post-alarm images

Who is it for?

The MX-M15D-Thermal is an ideal solution for docks, dispatches, and high-security or restricted areas where there may be limited visibility. The M15D-Thermal works when you need to know whether or not someone is moving in the dark, monitor for machinery over-heating, or detect ships on the horizon through hazy conditions. Trees, bushes, waves, and other natural barriers that disrupt visibility don’t trouble the M15D-thermal: you can block out “cold” objects whose movement causes disruption.

Unlike other thermal cameras, MOBOTIX has created the AllroundDual M15 thermal to also allow dual lenses pairing a thermal lens with a 5MP day or night sensor module lens. This ability for both thermal imaging and traditional imaging allows you to identify and monitor activities. If no traditional lens is used, the extra module space has a dummy lens in it to keep the M15D-Thermal watertight up to IP66-rated standards. For a no-nonsense approach to surveillance, a thermal IP opens all new options to choose from.

Pricing

MX-M15D-Thermal-L43: $6648.00 MSRP
MX-M15D-Thermal-L65: $6248.00 MSRP
MX-M15D-Thermal-L135: $6248.00 MSRP

Availability

The MX-M15D-Thermal IP Camera is expect to begin shipping in late Q1.

First Look: Yealink SIP-T48G

January 30, 2014 by Taylor Hamp

Yealink continues to ramp up their SIP-T4 line with their latest edition: the ultra-elegant Gigabit VoIP Phone SIP-T48G.

What is it?

The Yealink SIP-T48G is a 6 line dual-port Gigabit VoIP phone with versatile functionality and a beautiful interface. It features a 7” backlit color touch screen, HD voice, dozens of ergonomic feature and DSS keys, and PoE Class 3 support. You can choose from either wired or wireless headset compatibility with either the RJ9 headset interface (this VoIP phone has EHS support), or if you use the Yealink BT40 Bluetooth USB dongle you can pair your SIP-T48G with a Bluetooth wireless headset. Gigabit Ethernet allows this Yealink phone to handle several applications at once. The T48G has the ability to rapidly switch on-screen applications and manage call handling. It supports impressive productivity-enhancing features which will make it a natural efficiency tool in your business setting.

Yealink SIP-T48G

Yealink Optima HD voice: HD handset and HD speaker
7″ 800 x 480-pixel touch screen with backlight
Up to 6 SIP accounts
Supports expansion modules
Stand with 2 adjustable angles
Wall mountable
One-touch speed dial, hotline
Local phonebook with up to 1000 entries
Intuitive user interface with icons and soft keys
Configuration: browser / phone / auto-provision

Who is it for?

The combination of its stylish design and wide range of features and advanced functionalities makes the Yealink SIP-T48G a good match for corporate office headquarters, hospitals, gyms, department stores; the list is endless. The T48G is scalable with its massive local phone book and ability to handle up to 6 EXP40 expansion modules, so it’s a perfect choice for anyone who has the potential to grow in demands while looking great behind the counter. It can be a desktop phone or mounted on the wall, and combine that with the option to be either powered by a power adapter or PoE, this phone can be installed practically anywhere within your building.

Pricing

The MSRP for the Yealink SIP-T48G is $349.00

Availability

The Yealink SIP-T48G ultra-elegant Gigabit VoIP Phone will be available in early February. Call 1.800.398.8647 to pre-order today!

First Look: snom 715

January 28, 2014 by Taylor Hamp

Due to the popular success of the 7xx Series advanced line of IP phones, snom released the newest addition in Q1 of 2014. The snom 715 is a feature rich 4-line VoIP phone designed specifically to meet the needs and provide the functionality for any small or large business deployment.

What is it?

The snom 715 is an entry-level VoIP phone with all the features you need, just dialed back to make this phone affordable to everyone. Along with handling up to 4 simultaneous calls, the snom 715 has 5 freely programmable keys, call indication with LED, HD audio, speakerphone, multiple audio device support, speed dialing, caller id, call waiting, call forwarding, 3-way conference, extension monitoring and pickup, call park, multicast paging, do not disturb mode, Client Matter Code (CMC) and is Unified Communications Ready.

As an entry-level phone, the snom 715 is low maintenance with automatic software upgrades and automatic loading of settings via HTTP/HTTPS/TFTP. With unparalleled audio quality alongside the new functionality, the 715 is guaranteed to be a real hit.

snom 715

Four-line backlit B/W display
4 identities (lines)
5 freely programmable function keys with LEDs, 4 context-sensitive function keys
Wideband HD audio
Speakerphone
Power over Ethernet (PoE)
WLAN / Bluetooth Headset ready
Gigabit switch
XML Minibrowser
USB Port

Who is it for?

The snom 715 VoIP phone is going to work out pretty well for a lot of people. The snom 715 comes with an integrated Gigabit switch providing a no-lag PC connection and advanced remote management and provisioning capabilities including full support for TR-069/TR-111 make this phone an ideal endpoint for service providers of hosted VoIP deployments as well as large multi-site installations.

The easy use of the snom 715 is going to make it a great option for office use, shop use, and anywhere a desk is involved. 4-lines make for excellent business usage, the black/white display screen menu-driven user interface is user friendly, and offers headset compatibility with either a wired headset for a 4PAC connector or it can support a wireless headset via USB BT adapter or the snom EHS Advanced, ideal for business environments that call for employees to move about within a building.

Pricing

The MSRP pricing for the new snom 715 VoIP desktop phone is $139.00, but it will be available at VoIP Supply for the low price of $119.00

Availability

The snom 715 will be available for shipping in mid-March. Call 1.800.398.8647 to pre-order today.

What’s Happening with Elastix at ITEXPO East 2014 in Miami?

January 27, 2014 by Nathan Miloszewski

Elastix to feature latest NLX4000 and NLX MiniUCS IP PBX’s at ITEXPO 2014 in Miami

For the past couple of weeks we’ve been highlighting our partners who are exhibiting at ITEXPO Miami 2014 to learn what’s new at this year’s show.

ITEXPO, running from January 28th through January 31st, is a business technology event and tradeshow for VoIP, Unified Communications, Cloud services, phone apps, and more.

3 Questions with Elastix About ITEXPO

We spoke with Elvita Crespo, Channel Manager for Elastix, about what to expect at this year’s ITEXPO.

VoIP Supply: For those who aren’t familiar with your company, can you tell us a little bit about Elastix?

Elastix: Elastix is an Open Source Unified Communications solution, meaning that our software allows free use and distribution, which allows a lower budget for the company’s technology platform.

Elastix not only provides telephony, but it also integrates other communication tools, such as faxing, emails, among others, to make the organization environment more productive and efficient.

VS: What products will you be featuring at this year’s IT EXPO and will you be unveiling anything new?

Elastix: We will be featuring our latest model, the NLX4000, which has just been launched into the market, along with our star product so far, the NLX miniUCS, which is a compact-sized but powerful tool.

We shall also be announcing interesting new tools in software solutions and services.

VS: What’s your booth number and the #1 reason someone should stop by and say hello?

Elastix: Our booth number is 720, and you should stop by to get in touch with Elastix, and find out more about its powerful features, cost-convenient solutions, and look into an attractive commercial offer for your company or your customers.

VoIP Q & A: Cisco Intercom, WiFi Video Conferencing, and AT&T Small Business VoIP Systems

Stay Tuned

New Grandstream Learning Webinar Series

When, What, How

Plantronics Wireless Headsets Promotion Going On Now

About Plantronics CS500 XD Series

About Plantronics Voyager Legend CS

The Difference Between H.264 and MxPEG

There’s a New Option for Elastix Systems and You’ll Be Pleasantly Surprised

Bitcoin Now Accepted at VoIP Supply

Note: Beginning June of 2017, we are no longer accepting Bitcoin as a form of payment.

4 Quick Questions with VoIP Supply CEO Ben Sayers about Bitcoin

Need More Info?

First Look: MOBOTIX AllroundDual M15 Thermal

What is it?

Who is it for?

Pricing

Availability

First Look: Yealink SIP-T48G

What is it?

Who is it for?

Pricing

Availability

First Look: snom 715

What is it?

snom 715

Who is it for?

Pricing

Availability

What’s Happening with Elastix at ITEXPO East 2014 in Miami?

3 Questions with Elastix About ITEXPO

Featured Posts

Popular Posts

Read Our Feed

Latest

VoIP Post Categories

Archives