PREVIEW:
KX-TA824 to replace KX-TA624 phone system

AbleComm is usually the first dealer to publish information on new Panasonic phone systems.

Today (January 5, 2005), we are pleased to be the first to provide a preview of the KX-TA824 phone system, which will replace the current KX-TA624, most likely in May or June 2005. 

It offers increased capacity and a lot of new features, and will probably sell for about the same price as the 624. 

As with most new Panasonic products, initial demand will be greater than supply; so if you think you will want one, please send an email to info@ablecomm.com, and we’ll reserve one for you (no obligation), and let you now when we have a likely delivery date. 

Our telecom spies have worked hard to provide this information, but keep in mind that some things may change between now and when the KX-TA824 is actually shipped. We'll add more information as we learn more.

Like the KX-TA624, the KX-TA824 is a hybrid design allowing users to connect either Panasonic KX-T7700 series 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:

1. Interface with Central  Office (CO)-based Voicemail services, available from the local telephone company. Each outside line can be assigned its own phone company-based voice mailbox.

2. Optional internal 2-port simple messaging 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.

3. KX-TVS50 Voice Processing System: If you require a fully featured Voice Mail system with a built-in auto attendant the KX-TA824 can be connected to the Panasonic KX-TVS50 voice processing system utilizing APITS integration.

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 DISA now has a built-in three-level auto attendant, making it easer to find a person or department.

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.

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 by dealer or owner for backup.

The USB and serial ports can be live at the same time, permitting simultaneous programming, and logging for call accounting. Windows programming software will probably be available during the early summer.

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.