Panasonic KX TG5576 5.8 GHz 1-Line Cordless Phone
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- Digital Technology: FHSS
- Expandability: Up to 8 cordless handsets (1 included)
- Multi-Line Operation: Single Line Operation
- Transmission Band: 5.8 GHz
- Type: Cordless Phone
- Features: Caller ID Call Waiting Answering System Talking Caller ID Speakerphone Interphone LCD Display Selectable Ringtones
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Panasonic Pushed the Bar Yet Again!
Pros
Compact design, talking caller ID, customizable ringer, wallpaper and pictures, joystick navigation, call clarity, NiMH.
Cons
1 voicemailbox, CD-ROM Wintel-compatible only, no direct access to voicemail, monochrome LCD on base, expensive.
Recommended it?
Yes
The Bottom Line:
Panasonic raises the bar with this 5.8 GHz phone with its extensive customizable options and 65K color screen.
I have to say that I am a gadget freak. I like to buy new gizmos even if I can still technically live with the ones that I have. A while back, I reviewed my former phone, the Panasonic KX-TG2740 Cordless Phone. I hated the fact that the base unit came with Nickel Cadmium batteries that never lasted. There were no replacement batteries that were Nickel Metal Hydride. Needing to move up to the 5.8 GHz range, I decided to buy this newly released Panasonic phone.
This review will feature the highlights of the phone.
Features Include:
- 5.8 GHz: Less crowded band for better call reception and range. Also Wi-Fi friendly as it doesn't operate on the same frequency.
- 8 handset expandability: The unit comes with 1 handset, so you can buy up to 7 more.
- Up to 4 way conference capability: You can have up to 4 handsets to join in a conversation.
- Talking Caller ID: When a call comes in, you have the option to activate this function that announces the name of caller in between rings.
- Recordable customized ringer: For those who want their own ringtones, you can either set-up an account online to download ringtones, use the included USB cord to download songs off your computer, or use the included audio cable to record from an audio source with a headphone jack.
- Other USB features: besides porting in songs or melodies, you can import pictures, wallpapers and phonebook data as well.
- Caller ID extras: You can assign a picture, ringer tone and light-up color at the base of the antenna to let you know who's calling.
- Light up antenna: 4 options to choose from...amber, blue green, or multicolor (combination of all three colors) to indicate an incoming call. The antenna will also light up a slow amber color to alert you of new messages.
- Voice enhancer technology: This option allows you to improve/clarify the sound on the speaker which mimics a sound close to the actual voice.
- 65K high resolution LCD: The handset has a 1.6 inch color screen which is beautiful to look at.
- 5.8 GHz frequency hopping spread spectrum: Helps to keep your calls private from scanner technologies and helps to improve transmission signals.
- Dual keypads and digital duplex speakerphone on base and handset: You can use the base to make calls via speakerphone.
- Digital answering system: You can record up to 21 minutes of messages.
- Memo recording: You can record messages directly onto the voicemail
- Phonebook sharing: You can upload a handset's phonebook to another, thereby saving time from individually inputting each contact info.
- Voice paging: Acts as an intercom and a handset locator between the handset units.
- headset jack and belt clip: for added convenience of handsfree conversations on the go.
What's in the box:
- ac adaptor
- telephone line cord
- wall mounting adaptor
- battery
- handset battery cover
- belt clip
- audio cable
- USB cable
- CD-ROM
- instruction manual
The Phone:
The base unit is approximately 3 25/32" x 8 1/4" x 6 3/16", weighing in at 0.89 lbs, whereas the handset measures at 6 13/16" x 1 7/8" x 1 5/16", weighing in at 0.37 lb. Finally, Panasonic decided to use nickel metal hydride batteries with the base unit handset and it is also used with their expandable handsets, so you won't be prone to the memory effect like in nickel cadmium batteries. The handsets must be charge a minimum of 6 hours before it's initial use, so leave the phone alone!
On the base unit, you have access to the digital duplex speakerphone, the keypad, program, mute, flash, pause, intercom, conference, and hold buttons. You also have access to the voicemail functions.
The handset, with it's gorgeous 1.6" LCD screen, has the ability to display 65K colors. The screen is bright and vivid at it's factory setting and I personally didn't need to adjust the settings. What's unique about this Panasonic phone is besides the 2 soft buttons below the screen (to access different menu options), it includes a joystick to quickly toggle between phone options/functions. Other buttons include: talk, speakerphone, off, mute, numeric keypad, pause, hold/intercom buttons. To the left side of the phone, you can access the headset jack and the USB port. Behind the phone is the speaker used for the ringer and speakerphone functions. The belt clip is attached where the speaker is located. This can be removed if you want.
The Menu:
The menu can be accessed using the center of the joystick by depressing it. It's set up similar to Motorola cellphone user interface. Main menu items include: Answering Device, Ringer Setting, Display Setting, Function, Initial Setting and Set Date & Time. All of these functions are shown using big icons. After selecting the option, the submenus are listed as a list. You still use the joystick to toggle to the functions, but the soft keys on the left and right side become active and act as your Back & Next buttons.
The Ringer:
For those who have cell phone ringer envy...this phone is for you. There are several ways to download melodies/music to your phone. First is via the USB cable included. The phone comes with a CD-ROM to access this function. Unfortunately, I can't use this feature because I own Apple Computers. The software is only Wintel compatible. Bummer. Second is via the included audio cable. For those with Macintosh computers...listen up. You can connect the audio cable on the headset jack of any audio source (CD player, stereo component, or computer). The other end attaches to the headset jack on the handset. You can record up to 30 seconds of a song. You hit the record button and after 30 seconds, it automatically stops recording and gives you the option to custom save the song to whatever name you like. The recording sound is loud. At the highest volume on the handset, the audio becomes distorted, so I set it at medium and the ringer volume is still loud, but not distorted. Third, you can download tones from the Internet via openLCR.com. You need to set-up an account with the company. The pricing is on the expensive side. First purchase is $2.88 (which is 1 credit to purchase either a ringtone or wallpaper). Subsequent pricing is $3.88 for a single download. There are different price points available...up to 30 ringtone/wallpaper credit for a whopping $75!
The wallpaper:
The unit comes with 3 pictures: sunflower, ocean, and flowerfield. Again, you can use your computer to download images or use openLCR.com.
The voicemail:
It's Panasonic's standard to use digital recording on their phones. There hasn't been any change from their previous models. It's the same voice...the man. It has a prerecorded greeting if you don't want to use your own recording. It's saved even if the power goes out. There's an option to limit the minutes of recording time per caller: either greeting only, 1, 2, or 3 minutes. Unfortunately, the base unit only has one mailbox included. There is a monochrome LCD on the base unit to tell you how many messages you have. On the handset, a slow flashing amber light will flash from the antenna to let you know of a voicemail. There is no soft button that directly takes you to your messages, instead you have to navigate via the menu button (aka the joystick). Also, you can only screen your messages on the handset, to erase them, you have to go to the base unit. Messages however are clear and it doesn't sound muffled.
Booster Function:
This model also has a "booster function" which helps to improve sound clarity. This function is helpful if you experience a lot of interference. Since the 5.8 GHz band is not crowded as of yet, compared to 2.4 or 900 MHz, there's really no need to use this function.
Digital Duplex Speakerphone:
I love the fact that digital duplex speakerphones allow you to talk simultaneously without either party being cut off. This allows you to talk naturally. Both the handset and base unit speakerphone work well. The volume is loud enough for a conversation.
Talking Caller ID:
I like this option. The handset will announce the name on the Caller ID. The female voice sounds real and crisp. It's helpful if you don't have access to your phone, you can hear who's calling first before rushing to get the phone. This is especially helpful to screen those unwanted telemarketers.
Overall Impression:
I'm happy with my upgrade. The phone is easy to set up and the instruction manual is easy to read. Clarity of calls are excellent, no static, just crisp sound comes through. The handset is comfortable against your ear and small enough that it's unintrusive. Kudos for the colored screen, talking caller ID and customizable ringtones. Thumbs down on the fact that the included CD-ROM is only for Wintel computers. The phone is nicely built and knowing Panasonic's reputation, this phone will last until a new band is developed.
This review will feature the highlights of the phone.
Features Include:
- 5.8 GHz: Less crowded band for better call reception and range. Also Wi-Fi friendly as it doesn't operate on the same frequency.
- 8 handset expandability: The unit comes with 1 handset, so you can buy up to 7 more.
- Up to 4 way conference capability: You can have up to 4 handsets to join in a conversation.
- Talking Caller ID: When a call comes in, you have the option to activate this function that announces the name of caller in between rings.
- Recordable customized ringer: For those who want their own ringtones, you can either set-up an account online to download ringtones, use the included USB cord to download songs off your computer, or use the included audio cable to record from an audio source with a headphone jack.
- Other USB features: besides porting in songs or melodies, you can import pictures, wallpapers and phonebook data as well.
- Caller ID extras: You can assign a picture, ringer tone and light-up color at the base of the antenna to let you know who's calling.
- Light up antenna: 4 options to choose from...amber, blue green, or multicolor (combination of all three colors) to indicate an incoming call. The antenna will also light up a slow amber color to alert you of new messages.
- Voice enhancer technology: This option allows you to improve/clarify the sound on the speaker which mimics a sound close to the actual voice.
- 65K high resolution LCD: The handset has a 1.6 inch color screen which is beautiful to look at.
- 5.8 GHz frequency hopping spread spectrum: Helps to keep your calls private from scanner technologies and helps to improve transmission signals.
- Dual keypads and digital duplex speakerphone on base and handset: You can use the base to make calls via speakerphone.
- Digital answering system: You can record up to 21 minutes of messages.
- Memo recording: You can record messages directly onto the voicemail
- Phonebook sharing: You can upload a handset's phonebook to another, thereby saving time from individually inputting each contact info.
- Voice paging: Acts as an intercom and a handset locator between the handset units.
- headset jack and belt clip: for added convenience of handsfree conversations on the go.
What's in the box:
- ac adaptor
- telephone line cord
- wall mounting adaptor
- battery
- handset battery cover
- belt clip
- audio cable
- USB cable
- CD-ROM
- instruction manual
The Phone:
The base unit is approximately 3 25/32" x 8 1/4" x 6 3/16", weighing in at 0.89 lbs, whereas the handset measures at 6 13/16" x 1 7/8" x 1 5/16", weighing in at 0.37 lb. Finally, Panasonic decided to use nickel metal hydride batteries with the base unit handset and it is also used with their expandable handsets, so you won't be prone to the memory effect like in nickel cadmium batteries. The handsets must be charge a minimum of 6 hours before it's initial use, so leave the phone alone!
On the base unit, you have access to the digital duplex speakerphone, the keypad, program, mute, flash, pause, intercom, conference, and hold buttons. You also have access to the voicemail functions.
The handset, with it's gorgeous 1.6" LCD screen, has the ability to display 65K colors. The screen is bright and vivid at it's factory setting and I personally didn't need to adjust the settings. What's unique about this Panasonic phone is besides the 2 soft buttons below the screen (to access different menu options), it includes a joystick to quickly toggle between phone options/functions. Other buttons include: talk, speakerphone, off, mute, numeric keypad, pause, hold/intercom buttons. To the left side of the phone, you can access the headset jack and the USB port. Behind the phone is the speaker used for the ringer and speakerphone functions. The belt clip is attached where the speaker is located. This can be removed if you want.
The Menu:
The menu can be accessed using the center of the joystick by depressing it. It's set up similar to Motorola cellphone user interface. Main menu items include: Answering Device, Ringer Setting, Display Setting, Function, Initial Setting and Set Date & Time. All of these functions are shown using big icons. After selecting the option, the submenus are listed as a list. You still use the joystick to toggle to the functions, but the soft keys on the left and right side become active and act as your Back & Next buttons.
The Ringer:
For those who have cell phone ringer envy...this phone is for you. There are several ways to download melodies/music to your phone. First is via the USB cable included. The phone comes with a CD-ROM to access this function. Unfortunately, I can't use this feature because I own Apple Computers. The software is only Wintel compatible. Bummer. Second is via the included audio cable. For those with Macintosh computers...listen up. You can connect the audio cable on the headset jack of any audio source (CD player, stereo component, or computer). The other end attaches to the headset jack on the handset. You can record up to 30 seconds of a song. You hit the record button and after 30 seconds, it automatically stops recording and gives you the option to custom save the song to whatever name you like. The recording sound is loud. At the highest volume on the handset, the audio becomes distorted, so I set it at medium and the ringer volume is still loud, but not distorted. Third, you can download tones from the Internet via openLCR.com. You need to set-up an account with the company. The pricing is on the expensive side. First purchase is $2.88 (which is 1 credit to purchase either a ringtone or wallpaper). Subsequent pricing is $3.88 for a single download. There are different price points available...up to 30 ringtone/wallpaper credit for a whopping $75!
The wallpaper:
The unit comes with 3 pictures: sunflower, ocean, and flowerfield. Again, you can use your computer to download images or use openLCR.com.
The voicemail:
It's Panasonic's standard to use digital recording on their phones. There hasn't been any change from their previous models. It's the same voice...the man. It has a prerecorded greeting if you don't want to use your own recording. It's saved even if the power goes out. There's an option to limit the minutes of recording time per caller: either greeting only, 1, 2, or 3 minutes. Unfortunately, the base unit only has one mailbox included. There is a monochrome LCD on the base unit to tell you how many messages you have. On the handset, a slow flashing amber light will flash from the antenna to let you know of a voicemail. There is no soft button that directly takes you to your messages, instead you have to navigate via the menu button (aka the joystick). Also, you can only screen your messages on the handset, to erase them, you have to go to the base unit. Messages however are clear and it doesn't sound muffled.
Booster Function:
This model also has a "booster function" which helps to improve sound clarity. This function is helpful if you experience a lot of interference. Since the 5.8 GHz band is not crowded as of yet, compared to 2.4 or 900 MHz, there's really no need to use this function.
Digital Duplex Speakerphone:
I love the fact that digital duplex speakerphones allow you to talk simultaneously without either party being cut off. This allows you to talk naturally. Both the handset and base unit speakerphone work well. The volume is loud enough for a conversation.
Talking Caller ID:
I like this option. The handset will announce the name on the Caller ID. The female voice sounds real and crisp. It's helpful if you don't have access to your phone, you can hear who's calling first before rushing to get the phone. This is especially helpful to screen those unwanted telemarketers.
Overall Impression:
I'm happy with my upgrade. The phone is easy to set up and the instruction manual is easy to read. Clarity of calls are excellent, no static, just crisp sound comes through. The handset is comfortable against your ear and small enough that it's unintrusive. Kudos for the colored screen, talking caller ID and customizable ringtones. Thumbs down on the fact that the included CD-ROM is only for Wintel computers. The phone is nicely built and knowing Panasonic's reputation, this phone will last until a new band is developed.
