Today, Panasonic announced Digium Asterisk certification for its new TGP500 series SIP DECT-based cordless phone system. These handsets sport wideband audio via its G.722 codec support making this a rare HD audio phone designed for both the home consumer market and the enterprise. Of course, if you use one of these products at home, you'll need a SIP trunking service provider that supports G.722 in order to have HD voice quality. Alas, Vonage, one of the most popular SIP-based providers has no plans for HD voice support.

Check out the release below the jump...
Alliance Adds Open Source Channel to Expand the Reach of Panasonic SIP Voice Services via Flexible Hardware Option

Secaucus, NJ (May 4, 2010) - Panasonic System Networks Company of America, the leader in business and home telephone systems, today announced Digium®, the Asterisk® Company, has certified the Panasonic line of SIP Cordless Phone Systems, the KX-TGP500 and KX-TGP550, for use with the Asterisk telephony platform. By leveraging Panasonic's market leadership in DECT cordless telephones and Digium's innovative open source PBX, this alliance is a winning combination.

The Panasonic TGP500 series of SIP Cordless Phone Systems boasts outstanding voice quality and a range of productivity-boosting options in a feature-rich desk phone replacement. DECT 6.0 ensures no interference with wireless networks, and the convenient cordless design eliminates the need to run dedicated network wiring to each employee workstation. It is ideal for home and business environments.

Digium is the creator, sponsor and driving force behind Asterisk, the most widely used open source telephony software. The company's product lines include a wide range of software and hardware that enable businesses to implement turnkey unified communications solutions or to design their own voice-over-IP (VoIP) systems. Resellers, telecom professionals and software developers choose Digium's products because only Digium delivers the technical superiority, security and flexibility associated with Asterisk.

"We are excited to work with Digium and their fast growing base of customers using open source, standards-based business phone systems," said Kim Murtagh, Director, Panasonic System Networks Company of America. "As the market leader, Panasonic is committed to delivering innovative features and superior performance."

"The Digium and Panasonic interoperability partnership and certification of IP phones opens new opportunities for Digium channel partners and integrators," said Digium's David Hardy, Director of Business Development. "The Panasonic global footprint and commitment to SIP telephony excellence creates exciting sales opportunities for our partner community and for businesses using Asterisk."

With flexible configuration options, it has never been easier to deploy and expand a SIP-based phone system. Handsets can be easily added wherever needed; all that is required is an electrical outlet nearby. The benefits of SIP are especially compelling in today's business environment, where every dollar counts. The reduced hardware costs and simplicity of routing calls over an Internet connection can add up to huge savings on monthly telephone bills. With the Panasonic TGP500 series SIP phone system, it is quick and easy to add up to 6 cordless handsets--each with its own number. All that is needed is a single Internet connection and an electrical outlet near the location of the handset. Because it employs DECT technology, the connection is secure and the sound crystal-clear.

TGP500 Series Details

KX-TGP500
The system features a wall-mountable base unit and one cordless handset. It is expandable up to 6 DECT 6.0 cordless handsets and supports up to 8 phone numbers and 3 simultaneous calls. It boasts Wide Band Audio (G.722) and 5 hours Talk Time, 10 days Standby. Its elegant design features a white backlit large LCD on the handset and a Handset locator button on the base unit. It also has a handset speakerphone, 2.5mm headset jack and belt clip.

KX-TGP550
The KX-TGP550 has all the features and benefits of the KX-TGP500 and adds a corded base unit with a large white backlit LCD and 5 hours Talk Time, 10 days Standby, plus a Hands-Free Speaker phone, Handset Call Button on the base unit, and one-touch call transfer with Busy Lamp Indication.

KX-TPA50
The TGP500 systems can be expanded up to a total of 6 cordless handsets by adding the KX-TPA50 cordless handset.
The TGP500 Series will be available in May 2010 through the following Panasonic authorized distribution partners: Jenne Distributors, NETXUSA and D&H Distributing.