Customer Reviews

RCA- 4 Line Speakerphone with Call Waiting/Caller ID

5 star:		(0)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(6)

 

 

Purchased RCA Models #25415RE3 & #25414RE3 to use in a small office situation. These were replacements for the Panasonic KX-TG4000B system, which was barely out of warranty when a major malfunction occurred (that's another story). Bought the RCA phone system simply for the reason that we were in dire need of a replacement phone system and it advertised the features we needed. First problem encountered was that the User's Manual is in a CD format, and you must print out the PDF file to really use the manual. The manual leaves a lot to be desired in the ease of use area. The phones don't integrate nearly as easily as RCA would have you believe. The biggest problem we encountered, within 4 days of receiving the phones, is an RCA-acknowledged difficulty with how the 25415RE3 model in particular handles power outages. On the 4th day the phone system was in operation, we experienced a 3-hour power outage, which is not really uncommon in our area. It had taken me 3 days to fully program all the features of the phones as I wanted them, including manually entering 98 names and numbers in the directory. New batteries had been installed in the phone as instructed, and the phone functioned well enough during the power outage to continue business operations. However, as soon as the electric power was restored, the 25415RE phone started flashing an intermittent "Message Waiting Line 4" message on both the base set and the cordless unit, even though there were no messages in the mailbox, and despite the fact that the answering machine was programmed to not take messages on that line. Additionally, the base unit keeps flashing "Install New Batteries" even with the replacement of the batteries. The RCA website has absolutely no help information, despite attempts to search their FAQ section. I called the 800 help line, and after over 45 minutes on hold, was informed by the rep that this is a frequent problem with the phone. She did have a fix for the problem - which entailed totally unplugging the phone lines and AC adaptor, removing the batteries, and waiting 30 minutes. Then - wonders of wonders - the annoying "Message Waiting" will be gone - along with ALL of your programming and all 98 directory names and numbers. Sounded like a great fix to me. Additionally, we're currently experiencing a lot of problems with the sound quality, especially on the cordless handsets. All in all, not the quality I would expect for the price. Have no suggestions for someone in the market for something similar, other than to stay away from Panasonic and apparently RCA brands

I'm slightly hearing impaired and because of that, was always messing up my boss's phone messages: Not getting the right name and/or phone number. So, I figured the best solution for our tiny business was to find a phone system that would let me set up a pseudo voicemailbox for my boss. Then, when a call came in, I could transfer the call directly to his mailbox.

I bought this RCA phone system exactly for that reason. Actually, I bought 2 of the corded base units and one cordless handset. So, we have the answering machine on Line 2 set up as our main answering machine and the answering machine on Line 1 is set up for my boss. The set up has worked well. Now my boss can listen to his own messages and get the correct name and phone number of the caller.

Now for the problem and the reason I gave this phone 2 stars. The other day, my boss was talking on the cordless handset on Line 2. At the same time, another call came in on Line 1. I ran to the base unit (since he had the cordless handset) and saw the Line 1 button flashing. I picked up the corded handset, pressed the Line 1 button and ... nothing. It kept ringing and I couldn't pick up the call. I finally had to run over to my boss's phone to answer the call.

I had inadvertently discovered something that isn't mentioned in the manual at all. You can't use the cordless handset and the base unit it's registered to, simultaneously. They are mutually exclusive. I called the manufacturer and the customer service rep confirmed that this was true. She said, "yes, that's a feature of this phone. You can use either the cordless handset or the base unit handset but not both at the same time." A feature? You've got to be kidding me - it's more like a problem! So, now whenever the handset is being used and a phone call comes in, we all have to remember to answer it on my boss's phone. Another solution would be to chuck the cordless and just get another corded unit without the answering machine but then we lose mobility.

I will be replacing these phones as soon as I can find another phone system that'll let me transfer calls to an answering machine. Anyone have any suggestions?

I have a small business with three phone lines. As the previous review says, you cannot use the cordless handset and the base unit at the same time. Also, you can only use one cordless phone with each base unit. When they say expandable I don't think they understand what that usually means... Forget about buying one base and three handsets and having all four lines accessible to the handsets... This phone is a waste of time if that is what you are after...

But noooo, I went ahead and bought one of these for my home office. My biggest complaint is that if you're talking on line 1, and another call comes in on line 2, the answering machine does not answer it! It lets it just ring and ring. Unacceptable.

I was in charge of finding a phone system for our small office and settled on the RCA. We were unable to hear or be heard. This system was returned and a big waist of time. I do not know how this system could be acceptable to any user.

As usual, GE hides the fact that they are the real manufacturers. Wonder why that is... I bought this phone just over 3 months ago, and now it just quit working. The only thing that works, is the receiver... and I could haqve bought an $8 phone from the Dollar Store to do that.

Now that I know, GE AND RCA is off my list.

Not bad for the money. The attendent feature is nice except that there is too much dead time after the transfer and people hang up before they actually get your VM. It says bluetooth capable, but I've read the manual three times now and still don't know how to transfer phone numbers from/to my Palm. I'm fairly good at that stuff too. I have had a few questions that I can't seem to find answers to and that's frustrating.

Thanks to all you on this page. I have checked a number of other sites as well and found that this phone is universally panned. Poor base/cordless interaction, radio and other interference, poor durability. I bought 8 of these and have not opened one. I am going to save myself a lot of time and headache and return them on Monday. Thanks again for your helpful insight.