Headsets, Cameras, and Phones

What kind of headset should I use?
Any headset with a microphone and speakers should work. For optimal audio quality, a USB headset is recommended.

What type of webcams are supported?
Communicator works with most external USB video cameras, or internal cameras.

What USB devices are integrated?
Communicator will work with most USB devices; simply plug the device in and Communicator will detect it and begin using it automatically.

Communicator also supports “HID-compliant” devices. These types of USB devices typically have controls (like a red button and a green button) that perform actions when pressed. Communicator will automatically configure itself to work with the USB devices and to user the default actions for the controls.

If you have a HID-compliant device (or to determine if you have a HID-compliant device), follow these steps:

• Plug the device into your computer.
• Go to “Preferences > Devices > Headset Mode” and look at the HID Device field. If Communicator has detected that the device is HID compliant, your device name will appear in this field and the “Setup” button will be enabled.
• Click the “Setup” button to see which actions have been assigned to the controls on your device.
• Make a note to yourself of the assignments; you can change the actions, if desired.

I am using a laptop with a built-in microphone and speakers, can I still use Communicator?
Yes, Communicator will automatically detect the built-in microphone and speakers and use them.

I want to use a USB phone or multiple sound cards. How do I do this?
You can use a USB headset or USB phone, or use multiple sound cards.

At startup, Communicator will detect the devices that are currently available and will automatically select the preferred device. If the automatic configuration doesn’t select your preferred device, you can manually select it in the “Preferences > Devices” dialog.

Why can I use my headset as my speaker phone device?
When you click the Speakerphone button during a call, the audio switches between the device set up as the “headset” device and that set up as the “speakerphone” device. Communicator does not care which device is being used for the speakerphone mode: it’s up to you to make a reasonable selection on the “Preferences > Devices” page.

Note that with zero-touch device configuration, Communicator will always choose “None” if it cannot find a speakerphone type of device on your computer (and the Speakerphone button will be disabled).

How do I make my speakers ring instead of my headset?
You need to set the ring device in your settings (“Preferences > Devices > Other Devices > Ring on”).

How do I prevent Communicator from changing my device selection?
Go to “Preferences > Devices” and disable "Zero touch device configuration.”