Like the KX-TA624 it replaced, the KX-TA824
is a hybrid design allowing you to connect either Panasonic proprietary telephones or single-line devices such as standard telephones, fax machines or modems to any
station port in the system, without special hardware.
It is the first Panasonic KX-T business phone system
to offer internal voicemail, and a
total of three
voicemail options:
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Interface with phone company-based
voice mail services. Each outside line can be assigned its own voice mailbox.
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Optional internal 2-port message card (KX-TA82492), which provides up to 60 minutes of
recording time. This affordable solution provides each phone
with a personal mailbox that can be customized to greet
callers. When a message is left, the message light on a
Panasonic proprietary telephone will be activated and the
message can easily be played by pressing the message button.
With this internal voicemail, no phone ports are sacrificed.
WE DO NOT RECOMMEND THIS ITEM.
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If you
require a more fully featured voice mail system with a built-in
auto attendant the KX-TA824 can be connected to a
Panasonic voice processing system, such as the KX-TVS50 or
KX-TVA50, using APITS
integration. UPDATE: As of late 2007, the 824 provides APITS integration with four ports, through jacks 7, 8, 15, and 16.
Out of the box, the KX-TA824 supports three
outside lines and eight phones (3X8 configuration). Up to two
additional circuit boards can be installed, for a maximum system
capacity of eight lines and 24 phones. The 8 x 24 size has
previously been available in Panasonic VA and VB systems, but
not KX-T.
The system has a built-in three-level auto
attendant (DISA), making it easer to find a person or department,
and saving money and installation time. Voice quality is
extremely good.
In addition to passing Caller ID name and number
to a Panasonic proprietary telephone, the KX-TA824 can also pass
Caller ID to single-line telephones or fax machines. The
system has sockets for up to three miniature 3-line Caller ID
cards. The first card is a FREEBIE, pre-installed at the
factory
You can program the 824 with a display phone,
with a PC through either serial (DB9) or USB ports, or
remotely by PC through the system's built-in remote
programming modem. The system's programming can be saved on a PC for backup and restore.
The USB and
serial ports can be live at the same time, permitting
simultaneous programming, and logging for call accounting. Free Windows programming software is now available.

The new system supports up to four door lock
controls and door intercom speakers.
It is extremely
easy to install, with simple modular jacks for dialtone and
phones.