Pairing

The Bluetooth Audio Gateway features an audio connector, multi-function button (MFB), battery pack, LED and USB connector. The bottom of the gateway has a handy non-slip rubber disk that keeps it in place when on a flat surface. This gateway is exactly the same diameter as the headset ear pieces with a battery pack that connects in the same manner.

After both units have been charged, a one-time Bluetooth pairing is needed. This is a simple task though it took a couple of attempts to get the two devices to connect. Once paired, the units connected promptly each time they were powered up.

Performance and Sound Quality

Normal use of the ANYCOM BSH-100 has equal parts of positive and negative aspects. The main advantage of this unit is the Bluetooth wireless feature. Its phone compatibility is also handy when listening to music via a portable digital media player.

Listening to music without the wires of headphones or earbuds was actually quite gratifying in certain settings. When in a desktop setting, the gateway simply plugs into any MP3 player or other audio device with the included stereo cable, which can then be set aside. This allows for easy movement within approximately a 20-foot area with little to no dropouts. Using the USB cable, users can easily listen to audio files directly off the computer.

It took a few adjustments of the volume controls on both the audio device and the headset to get a proper level without distortion. I found that higher volume settings on the headset resulted in an irritating hiss, while higher settings on the audio device distorted easily. The overall sound was good though it was lacking on the low end.

When using the BSH-100 with an MP3 player on the go, I found it a bit cumbersome to have to carry both the player and the gateway. It would have been easier if the gateway was hard-plugged into the player, but as this unit uses a 10-inch stereo plug, there is a significant amount of space between the player and the gateway. Keeping both units in a backpack or coat with large pockets worked well, especially with the mute function at the headset.

Pressing the MFB once on the headset mutes the music. It is good to note that the music is not stopped on the player, just muted in the headset, as this is how phone calls are answered. To stop the music, you have to manually press stop on the player. If using the BSH-100 with both media player and phone, a tone will alert an incoming call. Pushing the MPB once mutes the music stream and answers the call. It seems many users find a slight delay when answering phone calls with this unit. The USB microphone easily plugs into the headset but is small enough it could get lost if separated. Sound quality was fair, but since the BSH-100 is not meant to be a full time phone headset, that was understandable.

Using the BSH-100 with a PC via USB cable was simple as most updated computers will automatically recognize the audio device and react accordingly. Two computers I tried it on were hit and miss. If the USB cable or settings can't be made to work properly, simply plugging in the stereo cable to the headphone output on the computer works just as well. Obviously, to use this device with VOIP or chat, it must work properly via USB. I noticed a significant delay when using this unit with video and voice recording equipment, though I didn't have an opportunity to check delay times on portable DVD players, games, or other video media players.

One small but irritating aspect about the USB inputs on both the headset and the gateway was how difficult it was to get the little rubber stopper open. Both stoppers sit flush with only a small tab exposed, making it virtually impossible to gain access. It also would be convenient if a carrying case was provided with the package as traveling with this device means keeping track of at lease two cables, a very small microphone, hub, headset and charger.

Conclusion

Overall, the ANYCOM Bluetooth Stereo Headset is a good product. It does however leave the user with the feeling that once the little quirks are worked out, it can be a great product. At a MSRP of $119.00, it might be worth waiting until an updated model is released if all aspects of the device can't be used. In a perfect setting consumers should be able to use the BSH-100 with their Bluetooth enabled phone, listen and control music options from either portable device or computer, use it for VOIP or gaming and enjoy delay-free video viewing. If all of these features aren't used or don't work flawlessly then consumers may want to wait or look somewhere else.

• Introduction
• Pairing, Performance, Sound Quality and Conclusion

Posted December 13, 2006 by BlueTomorrow.com Editorial Staff