Move to all digital platform enables first ever noise canceling of both
incoming and outgoing signal as well as a range of other advanced features.
NASHUA, N.H., March 18 /PRNewswire/ -- GN Netcom, the hands-free
technology leader, today leads the transition from analog to digitally enabled
headset systems with the introduction of the first completely digital headset
amplifier, the GN 8210. Through the use of Digital Signal Processing
Technology (DSP), the GN 8210 is the first headset amplifier that is able to
digitize and dramatically enhance the incoming call signal -- allowing
enterprises to experience a broad range of productivity benefits. Enhancements
to the incoming signal include the first ever ability to reduce background
noise on the incoming caller's signal, automatic incoming volume adjustment,
unsurpassed acoustic protection and the ability for the end user to tailor the
sound to his or her preferences.
Traditional analog amplifiers have historically taken an audio signal from
the telephone system and passed it on to the headset, with limited ability to
do more than increase the volume and provide acoustic protection. In
contrast, the GN 8210 first converts the incoming signal to digital form. At
that point, the DSP circuitry is able to act on the signal, enabling a range
of features that enhance productivity and provide a superior working
environment for the user.
"Just as digital technology has revolutionized video and music, the GN
8210 redefines performance in telephone headsets. This product is the result
of seven years of development work to translate our knowledge of the market's
needs into a breakthrough product that can offer benefits to the user that
simply can not be delivered in an analog device," said Tobe Cohen, senior vice
president, marketing, GN Netcom, Inc. "For example, as the inventor of the
noise cancelling headset, the first ever ability to dramatically reduce noise
level in the incoming caller's signal represents another milestone in GN
Netcom's legacy of using innovation to deliver unrivalled sound quality."
Unparalleled Features, Remarkable Benefits
GN Netcom's extensive market research from over three million installed
contact center seats identified a number of opportunities to improve the
headset experience in the enterprise and contact center environment that could
not be addressed through analog products. GN Netcom's leadership in DSP
technologies in partnership with GN Resound, the world leader in digital
technology for hearing instruments, allowed us to overcome the following
obstacles in a novel manner:
-- Inbound noise cancelling. While noise cancelling headsets allow the
user to be more clearly understood by the caller, the ability to
reduce the background noise from the incoming caller has not existed.
With the growing use of open work environments and mobile phones,
incoming background noise has caused the headset user to become less
productive by causing misunderstandings or needing to ask the caller
to repeat himself - losing valuable time. To solve this issue, the
GN 8210 digitally monitors the incoming signal and is able to filter
out system and background noise so that users experience crystal
clear communication at all times. When paired with GN Netcom's noise
canceling headsets, this is the first system that reduces noise on
both the incoming and outgoing signal. The result is unprecedented
productivity, shorter calls, and a more pleasant interaction not
marred by the need to repeat oneself.
-- Automatic volume adjustment of the incoming signal. With the
increasing variety of telecommunication choices - traditional
landline, mobile, voice over IP - the signal strength of the incoming
call is increasingly uncertain. One caller may be too loud while the
next is too quiet. The GN 8210 continually monitors the volume level
of an incoming call and automatically adjusts the volume of the
person on the other end if they are speaking either too softly or too
loudly. The result is that the user will always hear the caller at
the same level, ensuring clarity and eliminating the need to
continually adjust the volume control.
-- Unsurpassed noise suppression and acoustic protection. There is a
growing awareness of the fatigue that can be caused by continual
exposure to noise and the danger that sudden loud sound spikes from
system noise, fax machines, etc. can present. In fact, international
standards have been developed that recommend limiting noise exposure
to a weighted average of 85 db throughout the work day. The GN 8210
digitally monitors and prevents the signal from exceeding a weighted
average of 85 db. The result is a safer work environment and reduced
fatigue, as well as compliance with growing regulatory requirements.
In addition, the GN 8210 can eliminate loud noise spikes faster and
prevent against recurrence longer than any other product on the
market. This ensures the safest possible work environment.
-- Tailor the sound to the user. With the aging of the workforce, there
are a growing number of users who experience the slight high
frequency hearing loss common to aging. The GN 8210 offers a setting
that enhances the treble, or high frequency sounds, to improve
clarity for users with this slight high frequency hearing loss common
to aging.
"Digital technology is the logical evolution of the headset amplifier. By
digitizing and dramatically enhancing the incoming call signal, enterprises
can experience a range of productivity benefits including reduced call time
through greater intelligibility and less repetition, superior acoustic
protection for the user, and the ability to create a more pleasant work
environment," said Art Schoeller, Senior Analyst and Call Center Market
Analyst with The Yankee Group.
The GN 8210 will be available in Q2 2004 through GN Netcom's network of
authorized specialty, catalog and online resellers for a MSRP of $140. For
more information please use the contact above or visit GN Netcom online at
http://www.gnnetcom.com.
About GN Netcom
GN Netcom is a world leader in hands-free communication technologies. The
company develops, manufactures and markets a broad portfolio of corded as well
as wireless headsets and related products through its two market focused
divisions: Contact Center & Office Division and Mobile Division.
The Contact Center & Office Division, under the GN Netcom brand, provides
solutions covering the hands-free communication needs of professionals working
in contact centres and offices. The Mobile Division provides innovative hands-
free solutions under the JABRA brand for users of mobile devices. For
information about products please visit http://www.gnnetcom.com/usa.
GN Netcom is part of GN Store Nord, a global market leader in personal
communications. http://www.gn.com
CONTACT:
Ethan Rasiel
Edelman
212-704-4521
ethan.rasiel@edelman.com
SOURCE GN Netcom
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Related links:
http://gnnetcom.com
CONTACT:
Ethan Rasiel of Edelman, +1-212-704-4521,
ethan.rasiel@edelman.com
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