Aastra Announces Hi-Q Enhanced Audio at ITEXPO

International enterprise communications applications developer Aastra made a splash today at ITEXPO West  with the introduction of its Aastra (News - Alert) Hi-Q audio technology designed to enhance audio performance and voice clarity for its 67xxi family of SIP phones.

 

According to the Canada-based company, Aastra’s Hi-Q audio is a software-based acoustic optimization platform incorporating backward compatibility with existing 67xxi series SIP phones.

 

“Aastra is well known in the industry for delivering high quality phones with market-leading features at very competitive prices,” said Simon Beebe, vice president of product management at Aastra. “This latest innovation provides a remarkable voice experience and it’s free.”

 

That’s because the software-only upgrade works on existing hardware and is available as a free download from Aastra.

 

Beebe also noted that through using the industry standard G.722 wideband codec, Aastra Hi-Q is capable of delivering a more life-like conversation and richer user experience.

 

With a focus on open standards, Aastra aims to enable enterprises to communicate and collaborate more efficiently, said Beebe.

 

The Ontario-based company is exhibiting at ITEXPO (News - Alert) West in the Los Angeles Convention Center from Sept. 1 to 3. The event is slated to provide an overall educational program that teaches resellers, enterprises, SMBs, and Government Agencies how to select IP-based voice, video, fax, and unified communications to purchase or resell.

 

Aastra this week will be demonstrating Hi-Q capabilities in booth # 212 at ITEXPO.

One company that has already taken the upgrade on a test ride is Computer Business Solutions. In fact, said Jamie Stapleton, president of Computer Business Solutions, Inc., the company tested the enhanced audio in its lab and with individuals in their offices.

 

The results: “We found the Aastra’s Hi-Q delivers impressive sound, comparable to other products in the marketplace that charge much more for their enhanced audio offering,” he said. “This quality and price point is just what the market needs. We commend Aastra on delivering such a great product.”

 

The Aastra Hi-Q audio technology is included in 67xxi firmware version 2.5.0 or later, and once  configured it is automatically activated for calls that successfully negotiate the use of G.722 codec, according to the company.

 

Rob Arnold, senior analyst at Current Analysis (News - Alert), notes that the new technology has advantages for both end users and dealers alike.

 

 “Widespread adoption of high quality voice technologies by businesses has been elusive because the ROI has been difficult to justify, particularly in a difficult economic climate. Additionally, support for high quality voice on entry level phones has been scarce,” said Arnold.

 

The software from Aastra to allow users to receive the productivity benefits from high quality audio on their Aastra phones without additional capital outlay. “An added benefit is that this solution is available across a wide spectrum of endpoints, from entry-level phones to advanced-featured executive sets,” said Arnold.