Beaverton, Ore – VTech Communications, Inc. today announced availability of its 2013 line of phone systems with highlights including Connect to Cell™ systems, a new video doorbell phone and vibrant colors to enhance the home or office. VTech Communications, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of VTech Holdings Ltd. (HKSE: 303), is the largest U.S. cordless phone manufacturer and an industry leader that delivers full-featured products at accessible prices.

The 2013 collection breaks new ground with the industry's first cordless phone system with a video doorbell, while addressing consumers' needs for communications tools in their homes.

• For the security-conscious gadget guru, VTech's new IS7121-2 video doorbell phone system empowers homeowners with a better look at approaching visitors, using an instant photo sent to the phone handset and optional streaming video. Choosing to talk to visitors or observing them from inside the home is in the owners' hands.
• For the mobile enthusiast who relies on the cellphone but needs a solid connection at home, VTech's DS6671-3 Connect to Cell phone system includes two DECT 6.0 cordless handsets and a cordless headset. It allows users to connect up to two cellphones to the phone base in a location with strong cellular service while answering calls from the handset or headset. If there are two cellphones and a landline connected to the system, all three lines can be answered from any handset or headset.
• For the value-driven consumer, VTech's CS6729/6829/6529 and CS6859 are affordable and feature-rich with digital answering systems, caller ID, call waiting and a power-saving eco mode. The CS6859 serves as two phones in one with a large display and keypad on the base for easy speakerphone dialing when the handset is in another room. The CS6529 comes in eight vibrant colors, and the very affordable CS6719 comes in three color options: silver, red, and blue.
• For seniors and their caregivers, VTech's CareLine^TM home telephone and personal communication system enables seniors to live independent lifestyles and gives families confidence in their loved ones' ability to easily connect with them.

"People have busy lifestyles and diverse communication needs that the 2013 VTech phone line addresses with a range of smart features, price points and unique designs," said Matt Ramage , senior vice president, product management, VTech Communications, Inc. "We continue to bring our home wireless communications expertise into new categories that deliver unique benefits to consumers, such as the video doorbell phone for discerning homeowners and the CareLine phone system for seniors. This year's product line reflects consumer needs for home telephone products that make their lives easier and lines of communication stronger."

Take the Guesswork Out of Guests at the Door

The VTech IS7121-2 (MSRP $119.95) video doorbell phone system delivers a cost-effective option to homeowners concerned or curious about front door visitors. The two-in-one cordless system and video monitor combines a versatile landline phone, multiple handsets and an easy-to-install digital camera on the doorbell. When an individual rings the doorbell, a photo is instantly and discreetly taken and sent to each phone handset. A homeowner can then choose to enable the microphone to speak to the front door visitor or just stream video for further observation before answering the front door. Priced competitively against other video doorbell solutions, the system includes two handsets that each have a 1.8 inch color LCD screen and DECT 6.0 technology.

New Connect to Cell Options

VTech's DS6671-3 Connect to Cell (MSRP $99.95) two handset and headset system provides consumers a high-quality and reliable call experience by taking advantage of a zone in the house with the best cellular coverage, with or without a landline. Through a simple Bluetooth^® pairing process for up to two cellphones, this Connect to Cell phone system provides better sound quality and clarity. When placed outside the dreaded "dead spot," it can result in fewer dropped or missed calls. With the new DECT 6.0 cordless headset, the DS6671 adds extra hands-free mobility throughout the home while the cellphone remains connected and charging.

Multiple people can take advantage of the Connect to Cell system at the same time. All three lines – the home phone and two cellphones – can be on separate calls simultaneously. Since the Connect to Cell system can expand to 12 handsets and headsets (only two connections can be headsets), it's the ultimate multi-room, multi-user tool for multiple conversations.

Additional Connect to Cell two handset models DS6511-2 (MSRP: US$49.95) and DS6521-2 (MSRP: US$59.95) are priced competitively and enhance the cellphone experience in the home, and are a great option for those without a landline. Both models connect with up to two cellphones and store up to 200 cellphone directory entries, so mobile calls are accessible from the comfort of a cordless handset. Users can add up to five handsets on both models, effectively ending the mad dash to find the cellphone, because the call can be answered from any of the handsets. An added benefit for those consumers who like a central home answering machine for landline calls, the DS6521-2 adds a digital answering system with up to 14 minutes of recording time.

Phones That Are Smart and Add Value

VTech brings innovative and affordable features to consumers with several phone system series. The CS6859 (MSRP: US$39.95) provides high-quality audio and functionality to the home or office with a new full duplex handset and base speakerphone that allows both callers to speak – and be heard – at the same time for more natural conversations. With a display and keypad in the base, this phone system allows the base to serve as a phone itself, providing a second option for calls if the handset is out of reach. Expandable up to five handsets (using CS6709), this phone system also provides intercom and conference call capabilities.

The CS6729/CS6829 (MSRP: US$29.95) both blend form and function by offering full duplex handset speakerphones at a highly competitive price. The CS6829 offers a unique design and a full duplex handset speakerphone. Both phone systems offer a range of useful features, including digital answering systems with up to 14 minutes of recording time, caller ID and call waiting, eco mode, a 50-name and number phonebook directory, caller ID history and silent mode ringer control.

Adding more design and color to compliment any home décor, the CS6529 (MSRP: US$29.95), which is sold exclusively at Target, comes in six colors – silver, red, blue, green, pink, and pearl white – with a standard handset speakerphone and an answering system. The CS6719 (MSRP: US$19.95) comes in three color options: silver, red, and blue, without an answering system.

Supporting Senior Independence and Connections

Seniors are empowered to maintain active lifestyles and close relationships with VTech's three-piece CareLine home telephone and personal communication system, SN6197 (MSRP: US$119.95) that includes a corded phone base, cordless handset and wearable pendent. The easy-to-use home phone system was designed with experts in aging and technology to answer seniors' daily communications needs and support hearing, dexterity or vision challenges. Features include large displays, photo speed dial, reminder capabilities, volume boost and a wearable pendant with one-button dialing that directly calls those pre-selected people who seniors communicate with most or for emergencies.

In addition to the three-piece bundle, the CareLine home telephone and personal communication system also comes in a variety of configurations that allows customers the ability to pick the system that fits their style and comfort:

• The SN1197 (MSRP: US$89.95) features the complete corded base unit with photo speed dial along with the wearable pendent.
• The SN6187 (MSRP: US$79.95) features a cordless phone base with the wearable pendant.

To find the best phone to fit any household or home office need, please visit VTech's best sellers and latest deals at www.vtechphones.com. Also, find VTech phones on Facebook, Google+ and Twitter.

Additional 2013 VTech product highlights and retail availability are as follows:

VTech Video Doorbell Phone IS7121-2

• DECT 6.0 technology
• Two-handset audio and video doorbell answering system
• Video camera on doorbell takes a snapshot or streams video
• 1.8-inch color screen on phone handset displays images
• 100-picture history
• Adjustable night vision and infrared night vision
• Voice Announce^® Caller ID
• Digital answering system with 14 minutes record time
• Expandable up to 12 devices (uses IS7101 handset or IS741 camera)
• Available at: www.vtechphones.com and select Walmart stores
• MSRP: US$119.95

VTech Connect to Cell with Headset DS6671-3

• DECT 6.0 technology
• Two-handset and headset Connect to Cell system
• Virtual multi-line operation with up to two cellular lines and one landline
• Mobile notifications alert Android users of new texts, emails or social media updates on all handsets
• Ringtone share plays the iPhone ringtone on all handsets
• Full duplex speakerphones
• Ability to download and store up to 2,000 cellular directory entries into this cordless system for easy access
• Eco mode power-conserving technology
• Quiet mode to disable ringers for fewer interruptions
• Expandable to 12 handsets (uses DS6601)
• Digital answering system: ITAD accessible from handset, 14 minutes record time
• Available at: www.vtechphones.com, Best Buy and Staples
• MSRP: US$99.95

VTech Connect to Cell with Answering Machine DS6521-2

• DECT 6.0 technology
• Two-handset Connect to Cell system
• Enjoy virtual multi-line operation with up to two cellular lines and one landline
• Ability to download and store up to 200 cellular directory entries into this cordless system for easy access
• Eco mode power-conserving technology
• Quiet mode to disable ringers for fewer interruptions
• Expandable with up to five handsets (uses DS6501)
• Digital answering system: ITAD accessible from handset, 14 minutes record time
• Available at: www.vtechphones.com, RadioShack, Target and OfficeMax
• MSRP: US$59.95

VTech Connect to Cell DS6511-2

• DECT 6.0 technology
• Two-handset Connect to Cell system
• Enjoy virtual multi-line operation with up to two cellular lines and one landline
• Ability to download and store up to 200 cellular directory entries into this cordless system for easy access
• Eco mode power-conserving technology
• Quiet mode to disable ringers for fewer interruptions
• Expandable to five handsets (uses DS6501)
• Available at: www.vtechphones.com, Best Buy and Walmart
• MSRP: US$49.95

VTech Color Phone with Speakerphone CS6729

• DECT 6.0 technology
• Full duplex handset speakerphone
• Digital answering system with 14 minutes record time
• Expandable up to five devices (uses CS6709)
• 50-name and number phonebook
• 50-name and number caller ID memory
• Eco mode power-conserving technology
• Quiet mode to disable ringers for fewer interruptions
• Available at: www.vtechphones.com and Best Buy
• MSRP: US$29.95, also available in two handset (CS6729-2 MSRP: US$44.95) and three handset (CS6729-3 MSRP: US$59.95) configurations at Staples, Best Buy, Office Depot and OfficeMax.
• Available at Walmart: CS6829 (MSRP: US$29.95) with the full duplex handset speakerphone and available in silver color. Also available in two-handset CS6829-2 (MSRP: US$44.95) and three-handset CS6829-3 (MSRP: US$59.95) configurations.
• Available at Target: CS6519 without answering system (MSRP: US$19.95) and CS6529 with answering system (MSRP: US$29.95) includes a standard handset speakerphone and available in six fun colors – silver, red, blue, green, pink, and pearl white.
• Available at Best Buy, RadioShack, Walmart, Target, Kmart, Sears and Staples: CS6719 (MSRP: US$19.95) without an answering system and available in silver, red, and blue. It is also available with an extra handset, CS6719-2 (MSRP: US$34.95) in silver.

VTech Dial-in Base Phone CS6859

• DECT 6.0 technology
• Full duplex handset and base speakerphone
• 50-name and number phonebook
• 50-name and number caller ID memory
• Intercom and conference call capabilities
• Dual caller ID/call waiting
• Digital answering system with 14 minutes record time
• Expandable up to five devices (uses CS6709)
• Eco mode power-conserving technology
• Quiet mode to disable ringers for fewer interruptions
• Available at: www.vtechphones.com and Walmart
• MSRP: US$39.95

VTech CareLine SN6197

• DECT 6.0 technology
• No monthly monitoring fee's
• Includes wearable safety pendant
• Easy installation using home phone service
• Speakerphone and Audio Assist^®
• Voice Announce^® caller ID
• Large back-lit display and buttons
• Digital answering system
• Four photo speed dial buttons
• Battery back-up in case of power outage
• Limited one-year warranty
• Available at: www.vtechphones.com and RadioShack
• List Price: $119.95 MSRP for corded base, cordless handset and safety pendant
• Available at Target and OfficeMax: The SN1197 (MSRP: US$89.95) features the complete corded base unit with photo speed dial along with the wearable pendent
• Available at Walmart, Kmart, Sears and OfficeMax: The SN6187 (MSRP: US$79.95) comes with the wearable pendant and a simplified base system with a cordless handset

About VTech

VTech is the world's largest manufacturer of cordless telephones and a leading supplier of electronic learning products. It also provides highly sought-after contract manufacturing services. Founded in 1976, the Group's mission is to be the most cost effective designer and manufacturer of innovative, high quality consumer electronic products and to distribute them to markets worldwide in the most efficient manner.

For further information on VTech and its array of products, please visit www.vtechphones.com.