Panasonic Business Phone Systems

Corporate Background:

Panasonic Communications Company of North America (formerly Panasonic Communication Systems), headquartered in Secaucus, New Jersey, focuses on communications solutions for small or mid-sized offices and home offices, including business telephony products and document management solutions - a total office suite for education, government, healthcare, retail and other industries. Products include telephone systems (PBX and IP), phones, network cameras, multi-function printers and more.

Panasonic Communications Company of North America (PCCNA) is a division of Panasonic Corporation of North America, the principal North American subsidiary of Panasonic Corporation (formerly Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.), headquartered in Osaka, Japan, founded in March 1918 and incorporated in 1935. Panasonic Corporation is a worldwide leader in the development and manufacture of electronics products for the consumer, business, industrial and broadcast industries.

As background, in April 2002, the former MEI began a sweeping series of corporate restructuring focused on product 'domains,' including the restructuring of Matsushita Communications Industrial Co. Ltd. (MCI). In September 2002, MCI announced it would discontinue its Digital Business System (DBS) PBX line in the United States effective March 31, 2003. (MCI was assumed into a reorganized MEI business unit and focused on automotive electronics products.) This action was taken to reduce redundancies in R&D, sales, administration, and manufacturing since, at that time, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company also sold a competing product line of comparably sized business telephone systems manufactured by Kyuschu Matsushita Electric (KME), referred to by many in the industry as 'KX-T.' On January 1, 2003, MCI's former telephone systems sector was assumed by KME and a new consolidated company was established with the name Panasonic Communications Co. Ltd. (PCC) to manufacture fixed line communications products such as business telephones, PBX systems, home telephones and more. The discontinuance of the DBS product line allowed Panasonic to concentrate its efforts on improving systems, rather than building competing products.

Market Strategy:

Panasonic Communications Company of North America develops and sells a range of full-featured telephone systems for the small to medium-sized business customer in the United States. While other divisions, such as Panasonic Business Telephone Systems of the UK, operate outside the USA. In addition to traditional digital and analog systems, Panasonic also targets the IP Telephony market with the KX-TDA Digital Hybrid IP-PBX phone systems, as well as the KX-TDE converged IP PBX system (introduced July 2007) and KX-NCP rack-mount telephone system (2008) which can be configured as a pure IP system if desired.

In a broader perspective, Panasonic Corporation (formerly MEI) is expanding their presence overseas. Small markets, such as third world countries, are a particular focus.

See Enterprise News below for information on recent product introductions and enhancements.

Distribution Strategy:

Panasonic offers a complete line of telephone systems products that are available through a network of Panasonic trained and approved Certified Dealers who purchase certified systems via distributors and supply houses. In April 2007, Panasonic began a 'contract' dealer program in which dealers get additional discounts through Panasonic based on their success rate. As of July 2007, Panasonic has approximately 180 contract dealers on board, but plans to increase this number, and in turn, grow business.

In addition, Panasonic sells open distribution models through distributor and supply houses for the non-interconnect telecommunications sales channels such as Security, Alarm, Custom A/V and Home Automation dealers.

Enterprise Product News Highlights:

In April, Panasonic extended its IP phone portfolio with a new KX-NT400 IP phone with 5.7-inch color touch screen. An alternative to the traditional desk phone, the KX-NT400 is meant to enhance productivity with one-touch access to functions, 48 programmable soft keys, optional Bluetooth compatibility, an SD (storage device) card slot for programming and data backup and Power over Ethernet support. For security or remote location monitoring, a Camera Screen can display live video feeds from up to 20 network cameras.

In March 2010, Panasonic introduced the KX-TDE600 IP PBX in North America, a new member of the KX-TDE portfolio that targets mid-size to larger organizations with over 1,000 employees. The KX-TDE is a good fit for businesses that are not yet ready to fully transition to IP telephony since this converged system supports both traditional telephony and Voice over IP (VoIP). Based on the company’s earlier KX-TDA platform, the KX-TDE uses the same power supplies and most circuit cards, but has a different main processor card pre-installed with IP ports (trunks and stations) and LAN ports that enable the system to be configured for pure IP connectivity if desired. Additionally, KX-TDE customers can add Panasonic’s Communications Assistant productivity software which addresses the unified communications experience with support for presence viewing, instant messaging, visual voicemail and more.

In February 2010, Panasonic System Networks Company of America introduced the new HD Visual Communications System (KX-VC500) at the recent Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. Targeting a variety of industries, including medical, education, manufacturing and general business, the new system improves the collaborative experience with high definition (HD) video and audio among three (3) locations. Panasonic highlights the flexibility of the system since full HD images can be displayed on a wide range of HD monitors, as small as a desktop LCD or as large as a 150-inch HD Plasma or large-screen HD projector. Two HD cameras are included, so that a second camera can zoom-in for detailed images. The system also allows video to be transmitted over the system from laptops connected to the system. Panasonic’s KX-VC500 Visual Communications System will be available in the spring of 2010 ($29,000 per site) from an authorized Panasonic partner. The system includes the following components: a Panasonic 50-inch Full HD VIERA Plasma TV, the codec (main system unit), two HD Video Cameras, 360-degree HD Audio microphone, VPN Router, a Remote Control and installation and support (on-site and remote support). Currently, the system outputs to HDMI-based monitors.

In August 2009, Panasonic Communications Company of North America introduced four new digital business telephones, the KX-DT300 Series, suitable for office environments, but also for call centers, hotel rooms and other settings. The new phones have a double-tilt design (the base unit and display can be adjusted separately) and the two high-end models (the pictured KX-DT346 and KX-DT343) support a Bluetooth-enabled wireless headset, a CTI interface and add-on units for additional keys. The full-featured phones also have 24-character backlit display, digital duplex speakerphone, speed dial and call log (100 numbers), 24 programmable keys, four-way navigation key, analog device port and 30 ringer tones/melodies. Two additional models, the KX-DT333 and entry-level KX-DT321, have many of the same features, but with fewer programmable keys and without the Bluetooth support or a backlit display. The new KX-DT300 Series digital telephones are compatible with Panasonic KX-TDA, KX-TDE and KX-NCP phone systems, including the KX-TDA50G, a new designation for the KX-TDA50. The ‘50G’ unit ships with the latest Version 5 software, a SIP trunking card and a built-in caller ID card.

In March 2009, Panasonic, always mindful of its customer base, continues to enhance earlier business telephony systems, recently adding popular SIP trunking support for the KX-TDA50 digital hybrid IP PBX for small businesses and residences (to 48 wired/wireless stations). Outside the U.S., this system (known as KX-TDA30) already offered SIP trunking support; in Europe, SIP trunking has been tested with more than 25 providers, to date. While updating the earlier KX-TDA and KX-TDE systems, Panasonic is also rolling out new platforms and solutions. In fourth quarter 2008, Panasonic announced the Enhanced Communications Solutions, a’ total solution package’ that encompasses the recently-introduced KX-NCP rack-mount business telephony systems, KX-NCP500 (to 68 stations) and KX-NCP1000 (to 108 stations), as well as digital, IP and SIP telephones, DECT 6.0 wireless telephones, desktop and business applications, video cameras and third party applications

In November 2008, Panasonic, evolving and advancing its communications solutions for SMBs and high-end residences, announced the new portfolio of hardware and software called Enhanced Communications Solutions. ECS is a’ total solution package’ that encompasses the recently-introduced KX-NCP rack-mount business telephony systems, KX-NCP500 (to 68 stations) and KX-NCP1000 (to 108 stations), digital, IP and SIP telephones, DECT 6.0 wireless telephones, desktop and business applications, video cameras and third party applications. As Panasonic moves its products forward in a competitive telecom market, the company is minding its customer base through investment protection (most cards, new and older handset devices, business applications, voicemail units and wireless solutions are compatible among KX-NCP, KX-TDA and KX-TDE platforms). Panasonic also broadens the options for its customers, announcing several new partnerships in the areas of hospitality, call center, security and home/business automation.

In August 2007, Panasonic Communication Systems unveiled the KX-TDE, a converged IP PBX for small or mid-sized organizations. The new system is a good fit for businesses that are not yet ready to fully transition to IP telephony since the system supports both traditional telephony and Voice over IP (VoIP). Based on the company’s earlier KX-TDA platform, the KX-TDE uses the same power supplies and most circuit cards, but adds a new pre-installed main processor card with IP ports (trunks and stations) and LAN ports that enable the system to be configured for pure IP connectivity if desired. The new processor card also supports Computer Telephony Integration (for CTI applications such as Phone Assistant) and Simplified Voice Messaging (SVM), Panasonic’s 2-channel answering machine service. Earlier KX-TDA customers can migrate easily with just the purchase of the new main processor card.
KX-TDE is available in two models, both with a maximum of 256 extensions – the KX-TDE100 (128 IP extensions via main processor card and 160 analog, digital or IP via cards) and the KX-TDE200 (128 IP extensions via main processor card and 256 analog, digital or IP via cards). For multi-site environments, systems can be networked via traditional T1 or PRI (QSIG protocol) or VoIP in which PBXs can be connected across an IP-type private network. Like the KX-TDA system, the KX-TDE digitally integrates with Panasonic’s Voice Processing System or VPS (can be used as centralized voice mail) and supports the Panasonic ACD Report Server which combines VPS with ACD reporting for monitoring, reporting call logging and performance statistics.
Customers can choose from a variety of Panasonic KX-NT series IP telephones, Panasonic IP Softphones, third party SIP hard/soft phones, as well as earlier Panasonic proprietary IP phones, digital and electronic phones. A new KX-NT300 Series introduces three wired IP telephones with Bluetooth headset compatibility, backlit displays, speakerphone, two Ethernet ports and support for Power over Ethernet (PoE) and the G.722 codec for high sound quality. The most advanced model, KX-NT366 (pictured), has 48 self-labeling CO Line buttons. Two new 2.4GHz multi-cell cordless handsets, KX-TD7694 and KX-TD7684, allow employees to communicate while away from their desk, but within the cell coverage area.

In April 2007, Panasonic Communication Systems announced new functionality for the KX-TDA Hybrid IP PBX system, adding new hardware, new features and enhancing the existing features available for the KX-TDA100/200 systems. Version 3.2 brings the system 'up to par' with the larger KX-TDA600 Hybrid IP PBX introduced by Panasonic in 2006 (this software is planned for the smaller KX-TDA50 in May 2007).
A new 16-port single line extension card transmits Caller ID information to all 16 ports and includes four power failure circuits, a benefit to hotel environments that often use single line phones in guest rooms. A new Automatic Call Waiting feature, assigned per extension, adds the option to automatically send a call waiting tone for specific call types such as CO line calls, door phone calls or intercom calls. If the option is programmed, the caller will hear a ring back tone rather than a busy tone.
Also new are Primary and Secondary Directory Numbers (PDN/SDN) that benefit a 'boss-secretary' environment in which a call arriving to the boss’s extension will also ring and flash at the secretary’s extension, along with display of Caller ID information. Call handling is flexible – the secretary can answer, hold, transfer or make calls using the SDN button (the system supports several SDN buttons per extension (one secretary and several bosses) and up to eight PDN buttons per extension). With Version 3.2, Panasonic also enhances several existing features, including Caller ID Voice Mail Transfer, Call Log to Busy Extension, 5-digit Extension Numbers (up from four digits), SMDR Memory (expanded from 200 to 4,000 calls), Incoming Call Log for an ICD Group, Toll Restriction improvements and more.
Version 3.2 software is a free software upgrade that can be downloaded from the Panasonic dealer website.

In September 2006, Panasonic announced the KX-NCV200, a new 'two-in-one' system that combines an ACD Report Server and the KX-TVA200 Voice Processing System. Designed for Panasonic’s KX-TDA100/200 and new KX-TDA600 Hybrid IP PBX systems (see related story), the KX-NCV200 enables both call center reporting and monitoring and voice processing in a single system.
The new KX-NCV200 ACD Report Server and combined KX-TVA200 Voice Processing System (available as a standalone to Panasonic customers since 2005) are housed together in the KX-TVA200 compact cabinet. (ACD Report Server cannot be added to an existing VPS). In addition to familiar KX-TVA200 messaging functionality with popular voice messaging features, fax detection, interview service and message notification by e-mail, customers can now take advantage of call center performance reporting. Reports (agent and group) based on incoming call data, including real-time call information such as extension status, call type and telephone numbers, are displayed to the ACD Report Client Windows-based PC and viewed by a supervisor. KX-NCV200 displays these real-time statistics in graphical form for agent, group or system performance and status (traffic statistics). Standard reports, which include CO Call Report, System Report, Group Report, Agent Report and Agent ID based Report, can be exported in PDF, Word, Excel, HTML, Lotus, CSV, TSV or XML format. Custom reports can also be created.
The new ACD Report Server and ACD Report Client is a plus for Panasonic customers with a small call center that previously could monitor call statistics only via a supervisor‘s display telephone. Panasonic IP PBX systems enable the configuration of incoming call distribution (ICD) groups and a set of call center features - call queuing, wrap-up, member login/logout and VIP Calling (can assign priorities to call groups) and call distribution to the extension following the last extension to answer a call or to the longest idle agent. The systems support 128 groups with 128 extensions per group. Cellular phones can be part of an ICD group (maximum four per group) though features are limited.

In August 2006, Panasonic announced the new KX-TDA600, a hybrid IP PBX and larger version of the company’s KX-TDA100/200 systems. Ideal for businesses with more than 175 employees, the modular and stackable (or rack-mountable) KX-TDA600 includes a Basic Shelf and up to three Expansion Shelves, creating a system that can scale to 640 devices (analog, digital, IP or wireless) or 960 Panasonic KX-T7600 digital proprietary telephones using Panasonic’s Digital eXtra Device Port (XDP) feature. Power supplies, most circuit cards and telephones are compatible among all KX-TDA platforms which results in cost savings for Panasonic customers who outgrow a smaller TDA system.
While most circuit cards are common to all KX-TDA systems, the KX-TDA600 supports some expansion cards specific to the TDA600 (but with similar functionality to smaller TDA systems), including 16-port analog trunk and station cards, a Memory Expansion Card and a Secure Digital (SD) Memory Card required to activate network DSS, centralized voice mail and enhanced CTI functionality.
Additional software is available for a PC Phone and IP Soft Phone, as well as PC Console Software. The IP Soft Phone (KX-TDA0350) emulates Panasonic’s KX-NT136 IP Proprietary Telephone with 24 programmable keys. The company also offers the KX-NT265 IP Telephone with eight programmable keys.
The KX-TDA600 supports Panasonic’s Version 3.0 KX-TDA software, introduced earlier in 2006 for the KX-TDA100/200 systems, with enhanced networking (centralized voice mail, network DSS/BLF, expanded call coverage), portable station roaming, cellular phone XDP, cell phone call transfer and new ICD functionality for call centers (least busy search and call wrap). Panasonic has further enhanced the KX-TDA600 with a few more features, including Primary Directory and Secondary Directory Numbers for manager/secretary environments, and a new Windows-based programming tool with 11 main categories, built-in help menu and multiple security levels (same as the KX-TDA50 3.0 tool) and some new hospitality features.

In August 2006, Panasonic Business Telephone Systems, a department within the division Panasonic Business Systems UK, announced two new IP telephones designed to work with Panasonic’s KX-TDA hybrid IP PBX 100/200/600 systems. The new KX-NCS8100 IP Softphone (pictured) with handset or headset operation is ideal for mobile workers since calls are made and received on a laptop PC or desktop PC. One touch call recording is available, as well as 24 programmable keys and a 6-line x 24-character display. Also new is the KX-NT265 IP desktop telephone with built-in speakerphone, eight programmable keys, dual-color LEDs, 16-character display with Call Forward and Do Not Disturb as display options. The IP telephone can be easily moved from one location while retaining all programming. Both new phones support VLAN tagging which dedicates bandwidth for voice traffic.
The new IP phones widen the range of options for Panasonic KX-TDA customers. Recently Panasonic BTS announced a new digital business phone (KX-T7668) and DECT handset (KX-TCA256) that work with the Panasonic KX-TDA100/200/600 telephone systems. The new KX-NCS8100 IP Softphone is available globally; however, the national sales company in each country may or may not decide to offer it. The KX-NT265 IP desktop phone is also available worldwide, including the North American market.
Addressing employee productivity, Panasonic BTS introduces new Phone Assistant software that benefits users, managers and administrators. Users can view a pop up tray on their PC showing incoming calls and any missed calls and enables on-screen dialing and instant messaging. Additional software adds door phone answering and opening. Phone Assistant also displays the status (available or unavailable) of up to 128 employees, and allows monitoring and silent listening of calls in progress (beneficial to contact center environments). Statistics, such as calls waiting, waiting times and lost calls are available in reports. Lastly, system administrators and IT personnel can use Phone Assistant for basic programming from a Web browser.

In May 2006, Panasonic announced Version 3.0 software for the KX-TDA50 and KX-TAW848 systems, adding new hardware and software enhancements that address networking, messaging, call center and administration. The KX-TDA50 Digital Hybrid IP-PBX phone system is Panasonic’s offering for small businesses and residences that wish to combine PBX functionality with wireless communication and IP telephony. Version 3.0 software for the KX-TDA50 adds a Simplified Voice Mail Card (up to two cards per system, each with two channels and 60 minutes storage), centralized voice mail (Panasonic’s KX-TVA200 voice processing system) and network DSS for an 8-system network, portable station roaming (up to four systems), additional call center features (longest idle agent and call wrap-up) and a new Windows-based programming tool with 11 main categories, built-in help menu and multiple security levels. Some features require the purchase of a Secure Digital (SD) card.
Panasonic’s KX-TAW848 Advanced Hybrid Wired and Wireless Telephony System is designed for residences, Small Office Home Office (SOHO) environments and small businesses looking for a compact, modular system with the option of adding a Multi-Cell Wireless System. New Version 3.0 software adds some of the same KX-TDA 3.0 features above, including the new Simplified Voice Mail Card (up to two cards per system), a new call center feature (call wrap-up) and the new Windows-based programming tool.
Also new is Panasonic’s KX-NT265 Multi-line IP System Telephone with eight programmable keys (dual-color LEDs), a one-line by 16-character LCD and speakerphone. The new IP phone connects to the KX-TDA100 and KX-TDA200 Version 3.0 systems via LAN or WAN and can be located and moved anywhere within the network. Notable features include Power over Ethernet or optional AC power, large LED for message waiting lamp and an adjustable base. The KX-NT265 complements the earlier Panasonic KX-NT136 IP telephone.

In July 2005, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company announced the general availability of the new KX-TA824 Advanced Hybrid System, a low-cost, modular PBX system for home and small businesses, replacing the company’s popular KX-TA624 with increased Central Office (CO) capacity and new features. The basic system supports three outside lines and eight stations and can expand to eight outside lines and 24 stations using two additional boards. The system is compatible with current Panasonic KX-T7700 series proprietary telephones, KX-T7800 cordless phones and earlier KX-T7000 Panasonic models, as well as single line devices, fax machines or modems.
The new system supports three voice mail options, including an interface to CO-based voicemail services (popular in the residential market) or an optional, cost-effective 2-port, plug-in messaging card with 60 minutes of recording time. For more fully-featured messaging, the KX-TA824 connects to the new Panasonic KX-TVA50 Voice Processing System with e-mail integration, as well as the previous KX-TVS50 model. Additionally, Caller ID now passes Caller ID information, not only to proprietary phones, but also to all single-line telephones or fax machines connected to the system. Other notable features include built-in remote or on-site Windows-based PC programming (built-in modem is standard), Direct Inward System Access (DISA) and four door phones and door lock controls. In June 2005, Panasonic debuted the new KX-T7775 Door Phone with connection for a standard doorbell, an optional IP camera or a surveillance system.
'The KX-TA824’s size and favorable cost make it the perfect fit for both the small business and residential market. The KX-TA824 will be available alone or in a new 'value package' (model KX-TA824PK) which includes the KX-TA824 control unit and three KX-T7731-B (black) display telephones, saving the installer more than 20% over the regular combined costs of the four models in the value package' according to Mark Balsama, Group Manager Dealer Services, Communication Systems, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company.

In February 2005, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company announced Version 2 for the KX-TDA 100/200 Digital Hybrid IP-PBX phone systems, adding several new hardware and feature enhancements. Now available is the new KX-NT136 IP Proprietary Telephone (based on Panasonic’s KX-T7636) with a 6-line back-lit display, 24 CO keys, half duplex speakerphone, two Ethernet connections (for PC and LAN connection) and Power-over-Ethernet (POE) compliance. KX-TDA 100 supports 64 IP telephones via four 16-port IP Extension Gateway Cards (a new Version 2 card option), while KX-TDA 200 handles 128 IP telephones using eight 16-port cards.
A new 16-channel IP Trunk Gateway card enables connection of multiple KX-TDA 100/200 PBXs over a data network, compressing and packetizing voice and fax communication for transmission over the TCP/IP network and eliminating long distance charges. Previously, the systems were IP-enabled via an H.323 V2-compatible 4-channel VoIP gateway card. In addition to Caller ID information, multi-site customers will also benefit from the new Network Busy Lamp functionality that shows the status of extensions on other systems - 32 extensions over seven external KX-TDA systems can be monitored by one operator.
New Hotel/Motel features are standard in Version 2 and add Room Status monitoring by an operator (such as Check In, Check Out, and Wake Up Call states), remote wake-up call setting by an operator and SMDR printouts. Personal speed dial entries have been expanded from 10 to 100 entries per station, while system speed dial memory is increased to 1,000 entries for each of eight possible tenants for a total of 8,000 entries. (Previously, 1,000 Speed Dialing numbers were shared among all tenants.) Relay sensor and controls for home automation allow extensions to activate door openers, alarms lights and even household appliances.

In January 2005, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company announced the new KX-TA824 Advanced Hybrid System, a low-cost, modular PBX system for home and small businesses. Available in the second quarter of 2005, the basic system will support three outside lines and eight stations and can expand to eight outside lines and 24 stations using two additional boards. The system will support Panasonic KX-T7700 series proprietary telephones, as well as single line devices, fax machines or modems. KX-TA824 is based on Panasonic’s earlier KX-TA624 phone system, but adds several new options, including an interface to Central Office (CO)-based voicemail services or an optional 2-port, plug-in messaging card with 60 minutes of recording time. In addition, KX-TA824 can connect to the Panasonic KX-TVS50 Voice Processing System for more features. A new optional Analog Caller ID card passes Caller ID to single-line telephones or fax machines. Other notable features include built-in remote or on-site PC programming, four door lock controls and door phones, Toll Restriction, Room Monitor, Paging and 3-party conferencing. In March 2005, Panasonic will debut the new KX-T7775 Door Phone with connection to a standard doorbell, an optional IP camera or a surveillance system.

In October 2004, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company announced Version 1.1 software and hardware enhancements for the KX-TDA50 Digital Hybrid IP-PBX phone system for small businesses and residences. Version 1.1 increases station capacity via the new 'Digital eXtra Device Port' (DXDP) that connects two KX-T7600 digital proprietary telephones to the same station port; one KX-T7600 telephone connects to the XDP port of another KX-T7600 phone with each phone having its own extension number. Version 1.1 also increases CO trunk capacity from eight COs to 12 COs via three optional 4-port Loop Start CO cards. Configured with 12 CO trunks, KX-TDA50 supports 20 wired extensions or 40-wired extensions using DXDP. KX-TDA also supports Cell Stations for multi-cell wireless handsets. In addition to the new hardware, Panasonic has introduced several new software features, including multi-cell wireless hand-over during a conference call, LCD error messages, conference call improvements, new SMDR outputs, 4-digit extension numbering and call overflow to a voice mailbox. New Version 1.1 KX-TDA50 systems must be registered by TDA-certified dealers via a new registration process. Version 1.0 systems can be upgraded by installing the new Version 1.1 software (registration for existing systems is not required). In June 2004, Panasonic announced a two-year warranty for KX-TDA IP PBX systems and KX-T7600 Series proprietary wired telephones. New KX-TDA50, 100 and 200 Digital Hybrid IP PBX Systems and KX-T7600 Series phones may be returned for up to two years from the date of purchase if defects in materials or workmanship are found.

In September 2004, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company announced Version 1.1 for the KX-TDA100 and KX-TDA200 Digital Hybrid IP PBX systems, doubling station capacity, enhancing in-building wireless and improving VoIP capabilities. The new Digital eXtra Device Port (DXDP) connects two KX-T7600 digital proprietary telephones to the same station port. One KX-T7600 telephone connects to the XDP port of another KX-T7600 phone, increasing the number of stations supported (a memory expansion module is required to add beyond 64 stations on the KX-TDA100 or 128 stations on the KX-TDA200 – the standard cabinet maximums). Version 1.1 also introduces a more cost-effective 4-port Cell Station card for customers that need fewer wireless handsets than are supported by the current 8-port Cell Station card. In addition, 2-port Cell Stations supported by the KX-TDA50 system are now supported by the KX-TDA100/200 Version 1.1 systems. A new 4-port VoIP card replaces the current VoIP with a smaller footprint and a lower price and supports a 10/100Base-T LAN connection, H.323 and G.711, G.7231 and G.729a voice codecs. New Version 1.1 KX-TDA100 and KX-TDA200 systems must be registered by TDA-certified dealers via a new registration process. Version 1.0 systems can be upgraded by installing the new Version 1.1 software (registration for existing systems is not required).

In July 2004, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company announced the KX-TDA50 Digital Hybrid IP PBX System, a smaller version of the company’s KX-TDA100/200 systems. Designed for small businesses and residences, the compact, modular unit is initially configured with four CO interfaces and four extension ports and grows to eight CO interfaces and 24 extensions. The four initial extension ports can be configured for Multi-Cell Wireless; four or eight 2-channel Cell Stations can be connected to support up to 28 portable stations. Alternatively, the four initial extension ports can support up to 12 wired extensions using an eXtra Device Port (XDP). An integrated VoIP option for transmission of voice calls over a Virtual Private Network and a new family of KX-T7600 24-line digital phones are also available (the system also supports the company's current line of proprietary telephones - KX-T7400, 7700, 7300, 7200 and 7000). KX-TDA50 can be digitally integrated to one of Panasonic's KX-TVS Voice Processing systems for live call screening, two-way recording and enhanced Caller ID features such as Caller ID Name Announce, Caller ID Personal Greeting and Caller ID Routing. In June 2004, Panasonic announced a new two-year warranty for KX-TDA IP PBX systems and KX-T7600 Series proprietary wired telephones. New KX-TDA50, 100 and 200 Digital Hybrid IP PBX Systems and KX-T7600 Series phones may be returned for up to two years from the date of purchase if defects in materials or workmanship are found.

In July 2004, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company announced the release of the KX-TAW848 Advanced Hybrid Wired and Wireless Telephony System designed for residences, Small Office Home Office (SOHO) environments and small businesses. This compact, modular system is similar to Panasonic’s KX-TA624, but with the option of adding a Multi-Cell Wireless System. KX-TAW848 is initially configured with four hybrid extension ports that can connect to four 2-channel Cell Stations for eight wireless communication paths and 28 registered wireless handsets. Panasonic’s 5-line KX-T7690 and 3-line KX-T7680 wireless handsets are designed specifically to operate with the KX-TAW848 and allow the same calling features as the company’s KX-T7700 proprietary telephones, including speed dial, Caller ID and multi-line operation. The base configuration of four CO lines and 28 wireless phones can expand to eight CO lines and 24 wired and 28 wireless phones. The new system also features PC-based programming using a Windows-based programming tool and digital integration to Panasonic’s TVS Voice Processing systems. Many features are particularly beneficial to homes and home offices, including All Page, Room to Room Intercom, Room Monitor and a Doorphone/opener security feature. The Multi-Cell Wireless option enables seamless coverage throughout the home or office, and since handsets can be registered on more than one system, the same handset can be used in more than one KX-TAW848 location.

In August 2004, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company announced four new enhanced Voice Processing Systems: the KX-TVS95, KX-TVS125, KX-TVS225 and KX-TVS325. This software upgrade for the earlier KX-TVS versions adds 24 new features and improvements for subscribers and system administrators. New features include Personal Custom Service that lets subscribers set up six call destinations as part of their personal greeting. A built-in subscriber tutorial instructs new subscribers about setting passwords and recording their name and personal greetings. Other notable features include Caller ID Callback, Call Transfer to Outside Line, DID Call Routing, Call Routing by Time of Day and more. System security is improved and message capacity is increased from five to 100 messages per mailbox and message time from five to 100 minutes or unlimited.

In July 2004, Panasonic announced the KX-TA308, a new Advanced Hybrid telephone system designed for the home environment and small businesses. KX-TA308 includes many features found on larger phone systems such as built-in Call Waiting, Caller ID, call forwarding, handsfree answering, room monitoring and door phone/opener operation. Customers will benefit from a selection of 12-button Panasonic proprietary telephones with dual-color LEDs, including a basic phone (KX-TA30850), a speakerphone (KX-TA30820) and a speakerphone with display (KX-TA30830), as well as standard analog phones, fax machines and modems. Central Office voice mail services provide voice mailboxes and storage; three outside CO lines are available for individual mailboxes. Or, users can connect to a standard answering machine.

In November 2003, Panasonic introduced the KX-TDA100 and KX-TDA200 Digital Hybrid IP PBX phone systems that combine PBX functionality with wireless communication and IP via an integrated VoIP option for transmission of voice calls over a Virtual Private Network. KX-TDA100 (96 ports and 64 telephones) and KX-TDA200 (192 ports and 128 telephones) support the company's current line of proprietary telephones (KX-T7400, 7700, 7300, 7200 and 7000), plus a new family of KX-T7600 24-line digital phones. For employee mobility, the KX-TDA systems can connect to 16 or 32 cell stations located throughout a building for 64 wireless phones (KX-TDA100) or 128 wireless phones (KX-TDA200). Both models can be digitally integrated to one of Panasonic's KX-TVS Voice Processing systems for live call screening, two-way recording and enhanced Caller ID features. Available now from Panasonic Distributors, the KX-TDA systems are sold and installed only by Panasonic trained and certified dealers.

In February 2003, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company and Multi-Tech Systems, Inc. announced compatibility between Multi-Tech's MultiVOIP Voice IP gateways and gateway/gatekeepers with Panasonic's Advanced Hybrid Telephone Systems (KX-TA624, KX-TA1232), Digital Super Hybrid Telephone Systems (KX-TD308, KX-TD1232, KX-TD816) and Digital PBXs (KX-TD500). The Panasonic/Multi-Tech solution allows voice and fax transmission over an existing IP data network, reducing long distance calling costs. The MultiVOIP gateways connect to the voice cards in the Panasonic telephone system via FXS, FXO or E&M interfaces. A PSTN fail over feature routes calls over the PSTN if the IP network is unavailable.

In September 2002, Panasonic introduced four new KX-T7700 series telephones for the Panasonic Advanced and Super Hybrid Telephone Systems, including KX-TA624, KX-TA1232, KX-TD1232, KX-TD816, KX-TD308, and KX-TD500. (The KX-T7735 telephone can only be used on the new KX-TA624-4 and upcoming KX-TA1232-2.) Designed for home or office, the new phones feature a J-type, European-style handset, backlit LCD, 24 Buttons, Headset Jacks and many convenient features such as Automatic Call Back/Busy, Speed Dialing, Call Forwarding, Do Not Disturb, and Paging. Models KX-T7730 and KX-T7735 support Caller ID Name and Number display and a Caller ID log. Speakerphone is available on KX-T7720, KX-T7730, and KX-T7735, and all models include a headset jack. Panasonic also announces a new KX-T7740 DSS console with 48 DSS keys (32 BLF keys and 16 programmable feature keys). All models of this new series are now available.

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