-- First DSP-enhanced USB headset vastly improves sound quality for
Voice-over IP
-- Headset technology provides ideal enhancement for speech
recognition software
NASHUA, N.H., Nov. 2 /PRNewswire/ -- The sound quality gap for IP-based
telephony is closing thanks to new technology from GN Netcom. The Nashua,
N.H.-based leader in hands-free communications technology today launched the
first in a family of USB digital audio solutions designed to help customers
gain the benefits of next generation Internet-based telephony technologies.
The GN8110-USB headset system is the first professional quality USB headset
system featuring Digital Signal Processing (DSP), which enhances the benefits
of USB connectivity. The new headset system provides sound quality levels
high enough to enable businesses to fully embrace Voice-over IP (VoIP)
technology by reducing the echo and click problems that have challenged the
widespread use and acceptance of IP-based telephony over traditional
telephony.
(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/19990920/GNNETCOM )
"Voice-over IP is destined to become commonplace in the work environment
as Internet and telephony technologies converge. We believe our new USB
digital signal processing headset technology will help drive more widespread
adoption of voice-over IP because it eliminates the tradeoff of sacrificing
sound quality for Voice-over-IP efficiencies," said P. Michael Fairweather,
president and CEO of GN Netcom, Inc. and executive vice president of GN Netcom
Group.
The GN8110-USB system features a sleek "in-line" design and the plug-and-
play convenience of USB. GN Netcom's SmoothStream(TM) digital audio
correction ensures cleaner, distortion-free, high-quality sound by monitoring
the line for "dropouts" and "lost packets." It then smoothes the audio stream
to reduce the resulting clicks, pops and hitches. The GN8110-USB system also
features GN Netcom's Adaptive Echo Control, which constantly monitors the
microphone and speakers for echo and digitally removes it. Because echo is a
significant problem commonly associated with IP calls, GN Netcom's Adaptive
Echo control is designed to virtually eliminate the repeating and the tunnel
effect that occurs with other input devices.
Network convergence in businesses is expected to skyrocket. According to
DataQuest, a leading IT research company, 52 percent of North American
enterprises plan to invest in VoIP convergence technology during the next two
years. *
As one of the world's leading makers of headsets, GN Netcom is ready to
take full advantage of the exploding growth in PC-based and Internet-based
technologies.
"Headsets have long been an important business tool for many industries
and professionals," explained Fairweather. "But now, with the rapid
development of Voice-over IP and increased use of voice-recognition software,
these next-generation headsets will be used by more and more professionals and
office workers at all levels within an organization.
"The technological advancements in the new GN8110-USB system allow
companies today to take full advantage of these emerging technologies, which
are designed to increase productivity and reduce costs," he said.
The GN8110-USB eliminates the sound quality-robbing interference common to
sound-card-based adapters by plugging directly into the computer's USB port,
rather than its sound card. The USB connectivity gives the user a direct-to-
digital sound quality without compatibility problems. The GN 8110-USB system
delivers consistent, high-quality, digital performance for both PC and
Macintosh applications and can be used with any GN Netcom brand commercial
headset. The GN 8110-USB system has a manufacturer's suggested retail price
(MSRP) of $89 and will be available in early November 2000.
About GN Netcom
GN Netcom is a world leader in hands-free communications technologies.
Specializing in the design and manufacture of high-quality communications
headsets, microphone arrays and related products, the fast-growing company
offers a state-of-the-art product line for both traditional corded and
wireless hands-free solutions. Most recently in September 2000, GN Netcom
launched the world's first commercially available headset to achieve official
Bluetooth product certification.
By working in close partnership with customers, GN Netcom has become a
leading provider of hands-free solutions to the call center, general office,
SOHO, mobile and PC applications markets in North America, Europe and Asia-
Pacific. GN Netcom has production facilities in the United States and Europe
and cooperates with distributors in more than 60 countries around the world.
In August 2000, GN Netcom acquired San Diego-based JABRA Corporation, the
leading and fastest-growing supplier of advanced hands-free headset/earset
products for cellular, desktop and computer applications in the United States.
GN Netcom is part of GN Great Nordic, a Danish-based group of companies in
the technology sector. The GN Great Nordic Group is traded on the Copenhagen
Stock Exchange (Reuters: GNTC.CO, Bloomberg: TELN DC) and the London Stock
Exchange.
GN Netcom, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of GN Netcom A/S, is
headquartered in Nashua, N.H., with offices in Scotts Valley and San Diego,
Calif., and Mississauga, Ontario. GN Netcom products are sold through
specialty distributors, retailers, supply houses and dealers, under the brand
names GN Netcom, JABRA, Liberation, UNEX and ACS.
GN Netcom also provides OEM products to familiar brand name companies.
For more information about any of GN Netcom's high quality, innovative
hands-free communications solutions, contact GN Netcom, Inc., 1-800-826-4656,
or visit http://www.gnnetcom.com.
SOURCE GN Netcom, Inc.
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Related links:
http://www.gnnetcom.com
Photo Notes:
NewsCom:
http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/19990920/GNNETCOM
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org
PRN Photo Desk, 888-776-6555 or 201-369-3467
Company News On-Call:
http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/128300.html or fax,
800-758-5804, ext. 128300
CONTACT:
Michelle Boockoff-Bajdek of GN Netcom, Inc.,
800-826-4656, ext. 525, mbb@gnnetcom.com; or Sean P. Dolan of
Earle Palmer Brown, 203-705-9235, sdolan@epb.com
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