Panasonic KX-TDE100 Launch

Finally, the KX-TDE series is here and we were invited to the launch. Its the same as the KX-TDA 100 and 200 but with a different processor card and a slightly uprated casing. So far, only two models are available and perhaps, the KX-TDA600 equivalent would be coming soon. What is so interesting is that it is being touted as a full IP-PBXsystem.This is wonderful as apart from having physical phones, you can have virtual phones (SoftIPPhones) in your PC. This effectively doubles the capacity for each KX-TDE system. And if you already have a KX-TDA100 or 200, all you need to do is to change theprocessor card to enjoy the new features. And not only that, each KX-TDE can be connected to another KX-TDE system via IP (you can have fixed IP Streamyx, VPN or even leased lines). And that is not all, programming can be done to every system via these same lines because now, instead of using the USB port, all it needs is a Network connection. The KX-TDE is able to use the CSTA and And then the handsets. Now, they have backlight LCD screens and the top model range, would have customisable LCD screen on the side-strips. And lastly, by adding a Bluetooth module, you can use it with Bluetooth headsets such as the Plantronic Voyager 510, Motorola H500 and the Jabra FS528. This is so good. Wow

OK, time to come back to reality. In fact, the first thing that came to my mind half-way through the presentation was that Panasonic should have launched this years ago if they wanted to compete with Toshiba's CTX/CIX PABX series. All the features about IP phones, both on system and software already exists since 2001. In this area, for a Toshiba customer, it is nothing new. The only saving grace is that although the KX-TDE also uses "licensing" its only applied to their virtual extensions. And their built-in simple VMS (Voice Mail System). And their X-DCPfeature which now lets you double the phones but this time, apart from using a SLT (Single Line Telephone), you can now use a Digital Keyphone! And also their impressive DECT system. Now, if they lanched this years ago, Toshiba would have a very difficult time to counter them. Alas, at the moment, for every new Toshiba system, Panasonic is late by a few years.

The 4-channel DECT phones are being
displayed and in the back ground are
the new phones with LCD panels. At
the back is the KX-TDA with the
KX-TDE processor card

I am not sure why the LCD screen acted
this way with my Nikon D50 even after I
have removed the circular polariser

Here is another KX-TDE system

But all the while, I was really interested in the
infra-red switch which replaces the normal
mechanical switch for door access. Instead
of pressing the button, you just touch it or
wave your hand, its enough to open the
door. Nifty, eh?

The buffet dinner was nice but my mind could
not stop thinking about used "condoms in virgin
oil" when I looked at the delicious squid cooked
with curry leaves. And don't get me started about
the mango pudding too.