Sony Ericsson HBH-DS980 Bluetooth Streaming Headset
- Neat and discreet-How you communicate reflects who you are. The hidden depths of a mirrored OLED display illuminates the information you need while you stay mobile.
- Auto-Pairing. A feature that makes pairing the device with your Bluetooth¿ mobile phone faster and simpler by dropping the PIN code without compromising security
- Digital Signal Processing-Enhanced audio quality is achieved through Digital Signal Processing (DSP) technology, including compression and echo cancellation.
- Multipoint-Connect to two wireless devices simultaneously, allowing access to the music files in your computer, PDA or other Bluetooth¿-equipped devices.
- Adaptive Frequency Hopping (AFH)-AFH reduces the impact of interference between wireless technologies, resulting in excellent audio quality.
Rating: 5 of 5
I love this headset
Rating: 4 of 5
HBH DS980 decent unit
Easy set-up, sound is ok when earbuds stay in the ears. I need 2 try the other sizes of earbud adapters that come with the unit 2 see if they fit any better. Nice built-in lanyard 2 hold the unit around your neck.
A little difficult 2 browse your phone list, kinda slow with the bluetooth. Easier 2 just dial from your phone, &
use the headset 2 talk with....
A little difficult 2 browse your phone list, kinda slow with the bluetooth. Easier 2 just dial from your phone, &
use the headset 2 talk with....
Rating: 4 of 5
Works well
This BT headset works as advertised. The sound quality is very good with ample volume, although the bass is slightly weak. It readily connected with my Nokia phone. It is an earbud design that uses the same replaceable earbuds found in Sony's Fantopia line of stereo headsets. It is comfortable in the ear. You answer calls by pushing a button/mic on the wire 2 the left earpiece. Since I got mine last month I find myself using it frequently. can wear it 4 long time periods without discomfort.
It's a pricey, but very good unit.
It's a pricey, but very good unit.
Rating: 4 of 5
Great device, small flaws, USES Any SE charger!
Small flaws tarnish this great product. I used this with a SE Z750 debranded & loaded with updated firmware from SE.
Edit: I just discovered that my SE Z750 charger, charges this BT device! YAY! I only need ONE charger with me when I travel. Other posts elsewhere show that this is the same 4 other SE phone models, you can use the same SE charger with the device!
First point. Sony doesn't consider this device 2 be a BT Handsfree (even if they included the profile) they consider this unit 'music wireless speakers' or 'wireless stereo.'
Bluetooth profiles are:
Headset Handsfree
Audio Streaming Audio Remote Controller Audio Remote Control
Target
Background:
Well, I've always hated those Borg-like (or Uhuru-ish) ear clips 4 Bluetooth. They scream-- I'm so important that I must be connected all the time... Another problem with them is that it's very hard 2 tell WHO it is on the other end. And why would you want 2 put a RF device in your ear (not that I'm saying its harmful, but...). And then you have 2 pull them out 2 listen in Stereo 2 your music or podcast or if you have the service, the audio stream of your cell's TV/Video cast.
Sony has come very close 2 solving these issues with the HBH-DS980. This Bluetooth stereo device will allow you listen 2 a music/sound source while keeping you connected 2 your phone 4 calls. It could be the same device or it could be a different device. As I write this I'm listening 2 iTunes on my laptop (networked iTunes library) & connected 2 my cell phone.
The unit has a lightweight forefinger length control unit that hangs off of a neck string, so that you can pop the ear buds out & still wear the device, ear buds dangling. The length of the ear bud's cords can be adjusted so you won't have big loops of wire hanging. The entire thing could be tucked into a shirt pocket as you wear it, if you don't want it dangling & people will assume you have some sort of mini-player in your pocket. There is a 'safety release' in the connectors that hold the ear bud wires if someone (small child?) pulls on the unit.
The extra feature that makes this better than some other units is that the display is full featured & goes beyond just a few icons 2 twenty pictograms plus text 4 caller id & music track information. Normally invisible the display on an incoming call it lights up with the caller id information. So now, you can accept/reject the call if you wish. Either press the 'call button' on the microphone bulge that hangs closer 2 your jaw line & the unit will pickup the call, & blank out the music automatically. Reject the call by holding the button down. A mellow beep or the phone's ringtone can announce the call & a beep tells you that the rejection went through. You can interrupt the music 2 make a call also by pressing the Call button.
The OLED on the unit will also display the ID information of the track you're listening 2 - provided your Bluetooth sending device supports that information which is NOT available as just a stereo headset. It must support the more advanced headset profile A2DP or Audio Gateway. Along with a volume graph (different settings 4 music & cell phones allowed), time, battery power, the devices that you are sync'd to, & were sync'd 2 in the past. However, the OLED is not bright enough 4 direct sunlight - small flaw.
The 980 is also a remote control device. It has a dedicated Menu button that allows you 2 view the `Contacts List', `Call List' & `Device List' (and back up a level when using these lists). Using the rocker volume bar allows you 2 highlight these items & the Play/Stop button is also the 'Select' in this function. This works fine when your phone is the primary device. Sometimes the unit when connected 2 the laptop (in my case) disconnects from the phone. The call/contact list icons show, but as the phone is not primary there is nothing 2 display. Holding down the on/off button will resync you 2 the primary device (more later). But you may not realize that you are disconnected. Another small flaw. The manual says that you can easily transfer any call in progress on your phone 2 the headset by `pressing the Call button'.
Besides the manual method 2 either retrieve a recent call or dial one from your contact list (contact list is divided into alphabet; select a letter & scroll through listings with multiple numbers listed 4 each contact as they scroll by & can be selected with the Play/Stop button); you can also use voice dialing if your phone supports it. (Voice dialing on your phone will NOT negate the need 2 use the call button. Some phones support 'Call Control' by saying 'answer' or 'busy' & never have 2 move your hands. Magic Word (turn on the phone's voice command) & Voice Call Control however, doesn't appear 2 work with the unit, as it will not leave the microphone open all the time as it's a battery drainer. In my configuration, I could only press the Call button & then my phone would beep (in my ear) 4 the voice number that I recorded 4 each number. This could be a problem 4 some but, magic word is a battery drainer 4 your phone.
The Device List will also 2 allow you 2 connect 2 the additional devices. Select the previously paired device from the list & press the Play/Stop button & the `reconnecting Bluetooth' display will show. Adding a new device requires that the 980 be turned off, & then holding the on button until the `search 4 devices' pictogram shows. The unit supports auto-pairing, & if you're connecting device doesn't-- the pair code is the expected `0000'. Reconnecting or adding a device paired previously is done by the list & pressing the Play button until a reconnect icon appears. A problem exists where your phone & the unit will not always agree on what is connected all the time. Your phone might say it's not, & the unit may say that it is. Selecting a device that the 980 already thinks is connected won't show the `reconnecting' display. Just turning the unit on & off will resync the primary device, you'll have 2 reselect the secondary devices.
The unit can handle 'call waiting' by using the Call button as a flash button.
Headphones
Three different sized sets of silicon buds are supplied 2 give a good fit, you should be able 2 wash with soap & water. I found the headphones clear & bright sounding. 192bps media sounded very very good playing from my phone.
As an audio control:
I mentioned before that it can hold an independent volume setting 4 music vs. voice calls. The unit has independent Play/Stop, volume +/- rocker, Menu buttons & a skip/back slider. When connected 2 my SE phone; the Play buttons will startup or the media player at the last song in your playlist. You can scroll through the current playlist but you can not change playlists.
Also, the data 4 the music id on the unit is dependent on the software being used on the player & the Bluetooth profile being used. Right now, I don't have a Bluetooth profile beyond 'Headset (aka earphones & mic)' & stereo headset on the Bluetooth on my PC. So I am not seeing music information on the 980's display. The PC's `Audio Gateway' profile which `should' be valid is not working on the 980 & won't recognize it as a service beyond just headphones (but the Next/Previous buttons do work). My phone has a more sophisticated profile & it shows the data. I can however, go 2 the next/previous item in the current playlists on both my phone & iTunes.
Additional features:
Unit makes beeping noise & will (on my phone's display anyway) show `Battery Low on Headset" message. Really low battery will just shut the unit down; I got an hour of music playing after the first low battery message.
I think the proprietary charger connection is a plus. There is no question that the unit is correctly connected & the prong snaps into the units body. OLED lights up with animated charge pictogram.
Additional flaw: time display is 24hr there doesn't seem 2 be way 2 change it. My phone is set 2 12hr AM/PM.
It would have been a big plus 2 be able 2 use your own headsets but then the mic would have 2 be in the unit, & that would have 2 be near your head.
Replacement silicon buds are 3 sets 4 $5 at some online sellers. Plus $5 shipping.
I hope that there is a firmware upgrade 4 this unit, the small flaws can add up 2 be annoyances 4 some, & it should all be `correctable' SE might update the firmware, they do 4 their phones.
Edit: I spoke with SE about some issues with the device, they don't expect 2 have a firmware update. One issue not mentioned is that the unit's display goes 'nuts' once in a while, & looks like static. Functionality is still there, you don't have a readable display. A full reset will correct this, it's described in the manual, shut off, hold call & menu buttons down together, & turn on, device will reset & correct it.
Also, you can setup your bluetooth profile in the phone 2 auto-answer calls without pressing the call/mic button.
My SE phone switches profiles when it detects that the 980 is in range automatically & transfers audio 2 the phone.
Edit: I just discovered that my SE Z750 charger, charges this BT device! YAY! I only need ONE charger with me when I travel. Other posts elsewhere show that this is the same 4 other SE phone models, you can use the same SE charger with the device!
First point. Sony doesn't consider this device 2 be a BT Handsfree (even if they included the profile) they consider this unit 'music wireless speakers' or 'wireless stereo.'
Bluetooth profiles are:
Headset Handsfree
Audio Streaming Audio Remote Controller Audio Remote Control
Target
Background:
Well, I've always hated those Borg-like (or Uhuru-ish) ear clips 4 Bluetooth. They scream-- I'm so important that I must be connected all the time... Another problem with them is that it's very hard 2 tell WHO it is on the other end. And why would you want 2 put a RF device in your ear (not that I'm saying its harmful, but...). And then you have 2 pull them out 2 listen in Stereo 2 your music or podcast or if you have the service, the audio stream of your cell's TV/Video cast.
Sony has come very close 2 solving these issues with the HBH-DS980. This Bluetooth stereo device will allow you listen 2 a music/sound source while keeping you connected 2 your phone 4 calls. It could be the same device or it could be a different device. As I write this I'm listening 2 iTunes on my laptop (networked iTunes library) & connected 2 my cell phone.
The unit has a lightweight forefinger length control unit that hangs off of a neck string, so that you can pop the ear buds out & still wear the device, ear buds dangling. The length of the ear bud's cords can be adjusted so you won't have big loops of wire hanging. The entire thing could be tucked into a shirt pocket as you wear it, if you don't want it dangling & people will assume you have some sort of mini-player in your pocket. There is a 'safety release' in the connectors that hold the ear bud wires if someone (small child?) pulls on the unit.
The extra feature that makes this better than some other units is that the display is full featured & goes beyond just a few icons 2 twenty pictograms plus text 4 caller id & music track information. Normally invisible the display on an incoming call it lights up with the caller id information. So now, you can accept/reject the call if you wish. Either press the 'call button' on the microphone bulge that hangs closer 2 your jaw line & the unit will pickup the call, & blank out the music automatically. Reject the call by holding the button down. A mellow beep or the phone's ringtone can announce the call & a beep tells you that the rejection went through. You can interrupt the music 2 make a call also by pressing the Call button.
The OLED on the unit will also display the ID information of the track you're listening 2 - provided your Bluetooth sending device supports that information which is NOT available as just a stereo headset. It must support the more advanced headset profile A2DP or Audio Gateway. Along with a volume graph (different settings 4 music & cell phones allowed), time, battery power, the devices that you are sync'd to, & were sync'd 2 in the past. However, the OLED is not bright enough 4 direct sunlight - small flaw.
The 980 is also a remote control device. It has a dedicated Menu button that allows you 2 view the `Contacts List', `Call List' & `Device List' (and back up a level when using these lists). Using the rocker volume bar allows you 2 highlight these items & the Play/Stop button is also the 'Select' in this function. This works fine when your phone is the primary device. Sometimes the unit when connected 2 the laptop (in my case) disconnects from the phone. The call/contact list icons show, but as the phone is not primary there is nothing 2 display. Holding down the on/off button will resync you 2 the primary device (more later). But you may not realize that you are disconnected. Another small flaw. The manual says that you can easily transfer any call in progress on your phone 2 the headset by `pressing the Call button'.
Besides the manual method 2 either retrieve a recent call or dial one from your contact list (contact list is divided into alphabet; select a letter & scroll through listings with multiple numbers listed 4 each contact as they scroll by & can be selected with the Play/Stop button); you can also use voice dialing if your phone supports it. (Voice dialing on your phone will NOT negate the need 2 use the call button. Some phones support 'Call Control' by saying 'answer' or 'busy' & never have 2 move your hands. Magic Word (turn on the phone's voice command) & Voice Call Control however, doesn't appear 2 work with the unit, as it will not leave the microphone open all the time as it's a battery drainer. In my configuration, I could only press the Call button & then my phone would beep (in my ear) 4 the voice number that I recorded 4 each number. This could be a problem 4 some but, magic word is a battery drainer 4 your phone.
The Device List will also 2 allow you 2 connect 2 the additional devices. Select the previously paired device from the list & press the Play/Stop button & the `reconnecting Bluetooth' display will show. Adding a new device requires that the 980 be turned off, & then holding the on button until the `search 4 devices' pictogram shows. The unit supports auto-pairing, & if you're connecting device doesn't-- the pair code is the expected `0000'. Reconnecting or adding a device paired previously is done by the list & pressing the Play button until a reconnect icon appears. A problem exists where your phone & the unit will not always agree on what is connected all the time. Your phone might say it's not, & the unit may say that it is. Selecting a device that the 980 already thinks is connected won't show the `reconnecting' display. Just turning the unit on & off will resync the primary device, you'll have 2 reselect the secondary devices.
The unit can handle 'call waiting' by using the Call button as a flash button.
Headphones
Three different sized sets of silicon buds are supplied 2 give a good fit, you should be able 2 wash with soap & water. I found the headphones clear & bright sounding. 192bps media sounded very very good playing from my phone.
As an audio control:
I mentioned before that it can hold an independent volume setting 4 music vs. voice calls. The unit has independent Play/Stop, volume +/- rocker, Menu buttons & a skip/back slider. When connected 2 my SE phone; the Play buttons will startup or the media player at the last song in your playlist. You can scroll through the current playlist but you can not change playlists.
Also, the data 4 the music id on the unit is dependent on the software being used on the player & the Bluetooth profile being used. Right now, I don't have a Bluetooth profile beyond 'Headset (aka earphones & mic)' & stereo headset on the Bluetooth on my PC. So I am not seeing music information on the 980's display. The PC's `Audio Gateway' profile which `should' be valid is not working on the 980 & won't recognize it as a service beyond just headphones (but the Next/Previous buttons do work). My phone has a more sophisticated profile & it shows the data. I can however, go 2 the next/previous item in the current playlists on both my phone & iTunes.
Additional features:
Unit makes beeping noise & will (on my phone's display anyway) show `Battery Low on Headset" message. Really low battery will just shut the unit down; I got an hour of music playing after the first low battery message.
I think the proprietary charger connection is a plus. There is no question that the unit is correctly connected & the prong snaps into the units body. OLED lights up with animated charge pictogram.
Additional flaw: time display is 24hr there doesn't seem 2 be way 2 change it. My phone is set 2 12hr AM/PM.
It would have been a big plus 2 be able 2 use your own headsets but then the mic would have 2 be in the unit, & that would have 2 be near your head.
Replacement silicon buds are 3 sets 4 $5 at some online sellers. Plus $5 shipping.
I hope that there is a firmware upgrade 4 this unit, the small flaws can add up 2 be annoyances 4 some, & it should all be `correctable' SE might update the firmware, they do 4 their phones.
Edit: I spoke with SE about some issues with the device, they don't expect 2 have a firmware update. One issue not mentioned is that the unit's display goes 'nuts' once in a while, & looks like static. Functionality is still there, you don't have a readable display. A full reset will correct this, it's described in the manual, shut off, hold call & menu buttons down together, & turn on, device will reset & correct it.
Also, you can setup your bluetooth profile in the phone 2 auto-answer calls without pressing the call/mic button.
My SE phone switches profiles when it detects that the 980 is in range automatically & transfers audio 2 the phone.
Rating: 4 of 5
Great BT Headset
This is the first BT headset that I bought. I bought this mainly 2 pair with my SE K800i 4 compatibility purposes. So far, I love the sound. It lacks a bit of bass & also the battery life could be better 4 sure. If you have a SE cellphone, the charger works 4 your phone as well (just an FYI) I think some people might not know that. This is a plus 4 me mainly because I wouldn't have 2 carry 2 charges if/when i'm traveling. The other pins are 4 music/functionality (radio) stuff 4 your wired headset.
Pro:
Light
Stylish
Can call out
Scroll through contacts & call
Receive call
listen 2 music
charger works with my SE cellphone as well
BT connectivity is quite good. I have yet 2 hear static or buzzing unless I am somewhat out of range. I work in a place where everyone uses cellphone & I have a few wireless devices at home & they do not seem 2 be interfering which is great :)
Cons:
3-4 hr battery life
lack of bass (depending on your liking)
USD $100
Can't use your own headphones (HBH-DS 220 can do that but has less functionality)
Pro:
Light
Stylish
Can call out
Scroll through contacts & call
Receive call
listen 2 music
charger works with my SE cellphone as well
BT connectivity is quite good. I have yet 2 hear static or buzzing unless I am somewhat out of range. I work in a place where everyone uses cellphone & I have a few wireless devices at home & they do not seem 2 be interfering which is great :)
Cons:
3-4 hr battery life
lack of bass (depending on your liking)
USD $100
Can't use your own headphones (HBH-DS 220 can do that but has less functionality)
Enjoy the magic of the HBH-DS980's OLED display as well as superb wireless audio quality. Wirelessly connect 2 your phone, PDA, laptop, or wherever you've saved the music you want 2 hear. High-quality components, technology & design make 4 high quality sound. Enjoy music & conversations in superb clarity.
(Too low to display)
Buy Sony Ericsson HBH-DS980 Bluetooth Streaming Headset Now!
I next tried the Voyager 855. The sound quality was mediocre & it consistently skipped at the beginning of almost every mp3. This was the case on both the latest version of the RAZR & the LG Dare. In addition, although Plantronics provides three sizes of nubs & ear hooks, if you use the 2nd earpiece, only one size is available. Of course, it was 2 large 4 me. Lastly, the equipment quality is pretty poor, especially 4 a $100+(with tax) headset. The difference in quality became clear when I tried the Sony Ericssson HBH-DS980.
As soon as I picked up the product, I could see & feel the difference - quality all around. Like the others, three ear nubs are provided, & each of which installed easily & was quite comfortable. When I had the ones that best fir me installed, I could hardly sense the presence of the ear buds. Of all the Bluetooth stereo headsets I've tried, this one was most comfortable & had the best sound. In addition, the volume & track changing controls were easily accessed & very easy 2 use (they're on the lanyard control). Adjusting the size of the loops 4 each bud was quick & simple. This adjustability was important 4 me so the buds would not dislodge when I turned my head. The only complaint I'd register relates 2 the call disconnect button. The button itself was a little too close 2 the bud 4 me, & I have no hair. Might be problematic 4 someone with long hair. But even given that, I'd take this product any time. And from my testing of it with the new Storm, I'm sure it'll work just as well when my new Blackberry arrives.