Panasonic supplies 30–39 MHz models — these are analogues of the first cordless phones (46–49 MHz) that appeared in our country more than 10 years ago, causing numerous inconveniences for the owner and neighbors by interfering with the first television channel. Since then, of course, these cordless phones have undergone more than one upgrade, but in terms of their functions, they have changed little, except that they no longer affect the TV.
The main advantage of cordless phones of this series is their low price. The simplest model, KX-TC1205, costs about 35 USD. For this money, you get a normal cordless phone for an apartment or a small office, which can be placed on a desk or mounted on a wall, with redial of the last dialed number and memory for 11 numbers. As with all other series of cordless phones, there is a wide choice of colors — the model is available in 5 different variants. The drawbacks include not very high communication quality (the connection between base and handset is analog), often accompanied by radio interference, and large dimensions. This series also includes models KX-TC1225 with base dialing and speakerphone, and KX-TC1245 with a digital answering machine.
The most modern models are cordless phones of the DECT standard. This standard is based on digital voice transmission, which for cordless phones means, first, higher call quality than analog models, and second, almost complete protection against unauthorized access. In addition, the standard provides compatibility of equipment for different purposes and from different manufacturers. Up to six handsets of any manufacturer can be connected to each cordless phone, provided they are GAP-compatible.
In this sector, Panasonic presents two cordless phone lines — the 400 and 500 series. The 400 series appeared earlier and is less “advanced.” The simplest cordless phone, KX-TCD435, is a good budget solution for use in a PBX system as an internal phone for employees frequently moving around the office. Unlike the previous entry-level model (KX-TCD400), it supports up to six handsets and Russian Caller ID, while the retail price remained the same — just over 50 USD. Caller ID in Panasonic cordless phones deserves special mention. Unfortunately, certification requirements did not allow for full Caller ID with automatic handset pickup, so the number is displayed only after pressing a special key during a call. After viewing the number, you can accept the call by pressing the answer key or reject it. Unfortunately, such an implementation does not allow you to review a list of missed calls. The KX-TCD460 already has a handset speakerphone, keypad backlighting for working in the dark, and auto-redial. The following models, KX-TCD465 with digital answering machine and KX-TCD450 (carried over from the previous series with a special ergonomic handset), generally leave a very favorable impression with ergonomic design, good call quality, and relatively low price.
The greatest satisfaction comes with the new series — KX-TCD500 to KX-TCD540. Here it is necessary to note the 32-tone polyphony, large graphic display with blue backlighting that harmonizes with the handset’s body color, Caller ID, handset speakerphone, direct handset-to-handset communication bypassing the base, and various body color options. In the senior models of this series, Panasonic cordless phones feature, for the first time, a very useful wired handset on the base. Now, when the phone rings, there is no need to search for the handset — just pick up the wired handset at the base. Previously, you had to use the speakerphone, which was less convenient. As for functionality: the KX-TD500 is the base model, the KX-TCD510 has an answering machine, the KX-TCD530 adds base dialing and a wired handset, and the KX-TCD540 combines an answering machine, base dialing, and wired handset. The latter is particularly notable for its voice search function in the phonebook. This is a useful function, though it is unfortunate that voice announcement of the caller’s name (with Caller ID), as in the Panasonic KX-TCD735, is missing.
More recently, new representatives of the 500 series have appeared — the Panasonic KX-TCD566 and KX-TCD586. These feature a fundamentally new base design — now a separate vertical module, independent of the handset. It can be wall-mounted near the telephone socket, eliminating the need to stretch a phone cable across the room. The handset charger is a separate module, occupying less space than traditional bases. The handset (KX-TCA158) has also changed significantly. It has become much smaller and resembles a modern mobile phone with stylish design. A vibration alert function has appeared. Unfortunately, the battery is no longer a simple AAA set but a specialized power cell, which must be purchased separately.
A relative drawback of the DECT standard (not of Panasonic cordless phones themselves) is the relatively short range between base and handset — up to 50 m indoors and up to 300 m in open areas. To overcome this limitation, up to four cordless phones can be connected to one line, arranged so that their coverage areas overlap. If the handset is registered with all bases and set to automatic base search, it will switch automatically when entering another base’s coverage zone — but only in standby mode, as an active call will be interrupted. For full implementation of a multi-zone system, a PBX with an integrated DECT system is required, but that is a topic for another article.