Califone Blog

6th in a series of articles about headphones and headsets.

The use of headphones in computer labs, in classroom or library-based listening centers is perhaps the most common of all school-based audio applications. But even in this simplest of uses, there can still be occasional questions. For instance, have you ever plugged in a headphone and not heard anything even though you know the media player or computer works? Or what if audio is coming out from only one of the earcups? How or why do these things happen? Don’t toss out any headphones just yet; the solution could be simply hidden in the nature of stereo and mono audio. (more…)

Califone concluded its 52nd annual Infocomm convention last week in Orlando, FL. The world’s largest gathering of AV manufacturers and distributors concluded a busy week of meetings and product launches on an even more upbeat note after the broadcasted general announcement saying that the show attendance was in fact the third highest in its history. (more…)

16th in a series.

While we can’t directly see or hear a radio frequency with our own eyes and ears, they might arguably be the most important communication tools we have today. But despite their omniscient role in classroom and presentation settings, too few people understand the differences between these frequencies, and where each is used by PA equipment. (more…)

5th in a series of articles about headphones and headsets.

A plug is a plug is a plug right? At first glance, the expectation is that the connection from a headphone or headset to a computer or media player would be all the same, but jackbox, headphone and headset uses are so varied, Califone in fact offers six different styles of plugs. Why the need for so many and which criteria should you use when choosing? (more…)

4th article in a series about classroom headphones and headsets.

Headphone cords vary between straight or coiled as well as in thickness. The decision as to which type to go with is often based simply on preference. Should educators want to make an informed decision, a better of understanding of the available choices can help them make the right choice when fitting students with headphones. (more…)

Third article in a series describing different safety features and construction aspects of classroom headphones and headsets.

Over the past several weeks, we’ve blogged about the importance of some of the built-in safety features within headphones and even about the cord connection into the earcups themselves. Appreciating some of these fundamentals before purchasing a classroom headphone makes the difference between having a headphone which will still be in use at the end of a school year, or opting for a “consumer brand” that may not even last until the Winter Break. This installment will introduce some of the key performance considerations of headphones. (more…)

Slotted earcup baffles add to the durability and longevity. 2nd installment of a series on headphones and headsets.

Whether for a language learning exercise or a differentiated group read-along for beginning readers, if the headphone or headset isn’t working properly, then everyone loses. Lost time from down equipment can be frustrating, costly, and can even delay the timetable of scheduled learning activities. Before the buy decision is made, one detail to consider that will reduce the chance of a broken headphone are protective slotted earcup baffles. (more…)

While infrared technology is not new, it still plays a valuable role in enhancing student learning in the 21st Century. Two of the benefits of a wireless over a wired learning center include providing a more comfortable learning experience with freedom of movement, and creating a safer classroom environment (no cords to trip over). (more…)