Answering machine
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
An answering machine, also known as an answerphone, ansaphone or ansafone (especially in UK and British commonwealth countries) or telephone answering device (TAD), is a device invented in 1935, by Benjamin Thornton. This device would be attached to a telephone and could be set to record a voice message from a caller. By utilizing a clock attachment, the machine could also forward the messages as well as keep track of the time they were made. Unlike voicemail, which is a centralized or networked system that performs a similar function, an answering machine is installed in the customer's premises alongside — or incorporated within — the customer's telephone.
While early answering machines used magnetic tape technology, most modern equipment uses solid state memory storage. Kazuo Hashimoto invented the first digital answering machine in 1983 with US Patent 4,616,110 entitled Automatic Digital Telephone Answering Device.[1]
[edit] Operation
On a two-cassette answerphone, there is an outgoing cassette which plays a pre-recorded message down the line to the caller who rang the number after a certain number of rings. Once the message is complete, the outgoing cassette stops and the incoming cassette starts recording the caller's message, and then stops once the line is cut.
Single-cassette answering machines first play the announcement, then fast-forward to the next available space for recording, then record the caller's message. If there are many previous messages, fast-forwarding through them can cause a perceptible delay.
An answerphone may have a remote listening facility whereby the answerphone owner can ring their home number and, by either sending a tone down the line using a special device, or by entering a code on the remote telephone's keypad, can listen to messages when away from home.
Most modern answering machines have a system for greeting. The owner may record his or her message that will be played back to the caller, or an automatic message will be played if the owner does not record one. Answering machines can usually be programmed to take the call at a certain number of rings. This is useful if the owner is screening calls and does not wish to speak with all callers.
