Bluetooth General Info

Bluetooth is a wireless connection that allows different devices to connect and communicate with each other using short-range radio frequencies. But what you lose in range you earn back in versatility, as the list of compatible devices has been growing for years.

This is the preferred wireless connection between cell phones and wireless headsets.

You can read up on the differences between Bluetooth and DECT Wireless headsets in our blog!

What are Bluetooth Profiles?

Bluetooth is a wireless technology found in many of today’s electronic devices ranging from cell phones to computers. Bluetooth devices do not all work in the same way. This is because there are a number of different Bluetooth profiles and not all devices use the same profiles. Plantronics headsets (except the Pulsar 590) support only the Hands-free (HFP) and Headset (HSP) profiles. Most Bluetooth phones support these profiles and will work seamlessly, and if your computer is Bluetooth-ready, it will have access to these as well. If not, you can use a USB Bluetooth dongle.

Breakdown of the Different Common Bluetooth Profiles

• HSP (Headset Profile) is for voice and mono music. This is the most commonly used profile for Bluetooth headsets in conjunction with mobile phones.
• HFP (Hands-free Profile) is a more advanced version of HSP which allows for voice-dialing, redial, call transfer, and call answer/end capabilities depending upon if your phone supports these features.
• A2DP (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile) allows the capability for stereo sound in the headset. Both the headset and the device (such as an MP3 player) will need to support A2DP for stereo sound otherwise there is the possibility that it will come through in mono. The Pulsar supports A2DP in addition to HFP and HSP making this the ideal headset for music-listening as well as cell phone usage. If the MP3 player is in the cell phone there is a possibility that you will not be able to listen to music. This depends on which Bluetooth profiles are supported by the phone.



For more information on this topic, check out this article!

Bluetooth Facts:

• Bluetooth runs on 2.4 GHz (gigahertz) frequency and is secured with a 128-bit encryption as well as a pin code authentication making it very secure. The Transmission Scheme (Fast-frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS)) provides another level of security by “bouncing” the transmitted data within the 2.4 GHz band from the Bluetooth headset to its recipient.
• Bluetooth headsets emit less radiation than the handset on your cordless phone. It meets the required US and Canadian regulations for SAR (Specific Absorption Rate) which concerns radiation in your body.
• Switching back and forth between two different requires a Bluetooth headset that has “multipoint.” Headsets without multipoint can pair to either the 500A base, or to the cell phone, but not both at the same time. Our Sennheiser Bluetooth headsets are multipoint (VMX 200ii & Presence) which allows them to switch back and forth between multiple Bluetooth phones and devices.
• The average battery life of a Bluetooth headset is 2 ½ - 3 1/2 years. The batteries are lithium-ion and typically cannot be replaced.

Time For A New Headset?

Many Bluetooth headset users have upgraded to the Leitner LH370.