Answering machine

Panasonic-Anrufbeantworter

OutgoingMessageTape

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Autoanswer-mikrokassete

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GE ProSeries 29980A answering system

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Elsa-Voice+Fax-Box-Modem

An answering machine, also known as a message machine, answerphone, or telephone answering device (TAD), is a device used for answering telephone calls and recording messages from callers. The answering machine is connected to a telephone line and automatically answers incoming calls after a set number of rings. It plays a pre-recorded greeting message and then records the caller's message.

History

The first answering machines were developed in the early 20th century. The earliest known patent for an answering machine was filed by Valdemar Poulsen in 1898. His invention, called the Telegraphone, was the first device capable of recording sound magnetically. However, it was not until the 1960s and 1970s that answering machines became commercially available and widely used.

Technology

Answering machines can be broadly categorized into two types: tape-based and digital.

Tape-based answering machines

Tape-based answering machines use cassette tapes to record messages. These machines typically have two tapes: one for the outgoing greeting message and another for incoming messages. The tapes need to be manually replaced or rewound when they are full.

Digital answering machines

Digital answering machines use solid-state memory to store messages. These machines do not require tapes and can store a larger number of messages. They also offer features such as remote access, where users can retrieve their messages from another phone by entering a security code.

Features

Modern answering machines come with a variety of features, including:

• Caller ID: Displays the caller's phone number.
• Remote access: Allows users to listen to their messages from another phone.
• Message forwarding: Forwards messages to another phone number.
• Time and date stamp: Records the time and date of each message.
• Multiple mailboxes: Allows different users to have their own mailbox.

Decline in Use

With the advent of voicemail services provided by telephone companies and the widespread use of mobile phones, the use of traditional answering machines has declined. Voicemail offers similar functionality without the need for a physical device.

Related Pages

• Voicemail
• Telephone
• Caller ID
• Telecommunication
• Cassette tape
• Digital recording