Looking for a new cordless phone can be a little overwhelming. Which platform is right for you: DECT? 5.8 GHz? 2.4 GHz? Should you go Cordless or stay with Corded? The right phone can help you catch important calls, ensure privacy, and even manage a busy household. With the growing number of models that enable you to add accessory handsets to your existing base station using only one phone jack, you can create a multi-handset phone system within your home. We've created a quick summary of the choices you will face and outlined five key features you may want to consider for clearer and easier communication.
What's the difference between 2.4 GHz, 5.8 GHz and DECT phones?
Your cordless phone is actually a radio transmitter/receiver that operates across a designated radio frequency. The three dominant platforms are 2.4 GHz, 5.8 GHz and DECT. Each platform can affect the signal clarity and the range your phone can reach from its base station; however, the actual range and sound quality of your phone can also be affected by obstructions within your home and interference from other electronic devices. Here are some general guidelines for choosing one of the three platforms:
2.4 GHz
2.4 GHz phones are losing shelf space to 5.8 GHz and DECT models. As with the more popular platforms, 2.4 GHz models can host a variety of features, such as integrated answering systems, caller ID, speakerphones and support for multiple handsets. One thing to keep in mind is that other electronic gadgets, including baby monitors, microwave ovens and wireless networking gear may create interference on your 2.4 GHz phone. If you use these items in your home, consider purchasing a 5.8 GHz or DECT phone.
5.8 GHz
5.8 GHz phones offer great clarity and range. The biggest advantage to a 5.8 GHz phone is that its frequency band is less congested than the 2.4 GHz band, resulting in less interference. 5.8 phones GHz are plentiful in the marketplace today and competitively priced.
DECT
DECT technology is the most popular cordless platform, providing improved range without needing to boost the power. This platform has been set aside exclusively for cordless phone use, which means that DECT models have superior sound quality and do not suffer from interference created by wireless networks. This reliable technology has been in use for a number of years in Europe and has proven to provide brilliant quality of voice and sound, high protection against eavesdropping and better range than 2.4 GHz and 5.8 GHz phone systems.
Six new and popular features to consider
When purchasing your next VTech cordless phone, consider these new and popular features:
1, Dual Antenna
Dual Antenna is designed to tackle the issue of reception blind spots, which is a result of physical interference between the transmission and reception signals. Operating in home environments, the cordless telephone's base and handset signals are largely transmitting indirectly through reflections on various objects. Each reflection may reduce signal's power and range. The Dual Antenna system automatically selects the best signal, ensures maximum range and reception in any given indoor environment.
2, Bluetooth Connectivity
Imagine your cordless phone system working in sync with your Bluetooth mobile phone. VTech offers a multi-handset solution that lets you make and receive cellular calls from any system handset. Simply connects your cell phone or any other Bluetooth device to your home phone, you can make and receive cellular calls, as well as landline calls using your home phone system!
3, Multi-Handset Systems
A multi-handset phone system consists of a single base unit and two or more handsets. The base unit acts as a standard phone, and is plugged into both an electrical outlet and a phone jack. The satellite handsets all work off the signal from the base, and only need their chargers to be plugged into an electrical outlet. Therefore, phones can be placed in rooms where there are no phone jacks, such as a garage, living room or spare bedroom.
In addition to providing flexibility as to where you can place phones in your home, multi-handset models have other convenient features such as the ability to transfer calls from one handset to another and the ability to use the handsets as an intercom system. For example, if you need to ask someone upstairs a question, there is no need to yell or walk all the way up. Simply pick up your phone and intercom the upstairs handset. Multi-handset models feature line-in-use indication that lets you know when someone is using the phone. No more accidental interruptions!
VTech offers two types of multi-handset systems: expandable and multi-handset bundles. Expandable systems give you the ability to add accessory handsets. This flexibility allows you to design a phone system that meets your specific needs. Bundles include two or more handsets in one box, and usually cannot be expanded beyond what is included.
4, Caller ID/Call Waiting
If you subscribe to Caller ID service from your phone company, compatible phones will display the name and number of incoming calls on the LCD screen. Phones that are also Call Waiting capable will show you the identity of a second incoming call. This convenient feature lets you decide if you want to answer a call and allows you to use the memory feature of Caller ID to return a call, even if the caller did not leave a message.
5, Chinese and English menu
Our models functions are menu driven, and you may choose between Chinese or English for the menu directions.
6, Speakerphone
Handy for meetings, conference calling and long on-hold times, many VTech base units and cordless handsets also function as a speakerphone. In addition, most multi-handset systems feature an intercom, allowing you to talk between handsets or between handset and base.
