Polycom produce world-leading teleconference phones, but with so many models, which one is the best to choose? This quick guide runs through the different SoundStation models, the differences between them and which are suitable for various business needs

1. Polycom Conference Phones
Which one to choose?

2. Polycom Audio/Video Conferencing
Polycom are one of the leading manufacturers of audio and visual conferencing
equipment used by businesses large and small.
The triangular or “spider” phone units are now a regular feature in meeting
rooms and even home offices, but it can be confusing knowing which unit is
best for which situation.
The following guide explains the naming behind the popular models, the
features of each group and for whom they would be suitable.

3. Audio Conference Phones:
Polycom SoundStation

4. SoundStation/SoundStation 2
The SoundStation is the original conference phone produced by
Polycom
SoundStation2 is the is the next generation of the conference phone
family, with considerable improvements in microphone pick-up, noise
cancellation and call quality over the original
Polycom no longer offer product support for the SoundStation or
SoundStation EX. Users with these models should upgrade to the
newer generation models.

5. SoundStation 2 Basic
The SoundStation2 Basic is the entry-level
model of the next generation Polycom phones
It does not have a display panel, and cannot
be extended with additional microphone sets
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It has a 10ft microphone pick-up range and
delivers excellent voice quality. Standard
redial, mute, hold and transfer functions are
included
Ideal for small meeting room or home office where conference calls are
required with multiple attendants, the SoundStation 2 Basic is a relatively
inexpensive way to handle high quality conference calls. It uses an analogue
phone line

6. SoundStation 2 LCD
The next step up, the LCD features a backlit
display screen
The display screen offers a number of context
sensitive menu options in addition to standard
call features
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The LCD display tracks ongoing call
information, time spent and caller ID – it even
offers multilingual support
Great for getting additional information during a call or for those who want an
easy way of navigating a more extensive feature list than the Basic model,
the LCD is Best4System’s best-selling conference phone and highly
recommended. It also uses an analogue phone line or socket

7. SoundStation 2 LCD EX
The EX – or extendable – models allow
additional microphones to be attached
Up to 2 microphones can be attached via
leads – this extends the conference phone
range by a further 2 feet for each mic
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Only the display model (LCD) is extendable.
In both cases the base unit acts as the
speaker
The LCD EX can be used “as is” and purchased without microphones, but
the addition of extendable mics means that medium sized rooms can be
effectively covered for meetings or presentations where off-site employees
need to follow the conversation

8. SoundStation 2W
The 2W – or wireless Polycom – is exactly
that: a base unit plugs to the phone socket
and connects via DECT to the conference
unit, like a wireless phone
This allows the SoundStation 2W to be used
in multiple rooms: the base unit has a 30
metre range
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A standard charge is good for 8 hours talk
time
The wireless option is available for the Basic and Extendable models,
allowing an investment in conferencing technology to be used in multiple
rooms or offices, or extended further with microphones to cater for larger
meetings.

9. VTX 1000
Replacing the SoundStation Premier, the VTX
1000 is Polycom’s flagship model and the top
of the analogue conference phone range
Can be upgraded with extendable
microphones and external speakers and
bass units for full two-way call clarity
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Standard coverage is for a 54’ x 40’ room
The best solution for large conference rooms or lecture halls. Users can
speak naturally and be heard up to 20ft away, making this the most powerful
of the analogue Polycom conference phones

10. SoundStation IP 5000
The IP range is suitable for those using IP or
Cloud-based telecom solutions
The IP 5000 is compatible with most SIP Ip
and PBX based call systems
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Can be powered over the Ethernet for easy
installation, optional A/C power units also
available
The entry-level conference phone for IP systems, the IP 5000 has a 7 ft
pickup range and offers high clarity voice conferencing and a range of useful
functions via the console display. Ideal for digital system start-ups and
smaller meeting rooms

11. SoundStation IP 6000
Superior mid-range IP phone, featuring
Polycom’s SIP software
Comes with softphone connection so can be
used via a computer
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Can be extended with microphones that have
a 12 ft range, again is powered either directly
through the ethernet or via an A/C PSU
One of the most versatile units for SIP business networks, the superior call
quality and larger extendable range make this the ideal conference phone for
most mid-to-larger size business applications

12. SoundStation IP 7000
Polycom’s most advanced audio conference
phone
Huge 20 ft pick-up range can be further
extended with optional extendable mics
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Hi-resolution screen has a micro-browser
allowing access to a huge range of features
and directory functions
Featuring a range of technologies to intelligently filter and boost participants
without creating feedback or noise, the IP 7000 is the top of the range IP
conference phone from Polycom.

13. For any further queries, please contact Best4Systems.co.uk –
our sales advisors will be happy to talk through your specific
requirements
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Polycom conference phones
Best4Systems Polycom guide
Call 0844 824 6664 Mon-Fri

14. Best4Systems
www.best4systems.co.uk