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Glossary of Terms
TAD and Telephony Terms | Answering Machine Recording Mechanisms | Answering Machine Features | Telephone Features
Business Phone Systems
Most CASIO PHONEMATE products are compatible with phone systems in a business environment. Usually, installing an RJ-11 jack on a business phone line is all that is required. For additional information check with the telephone system supplier.Caller ID (Caller Identification) Features
Caller ID service is available from most local telephone companies. With a product equipped for Caller ID, the service allows consumers to see the name and/or number of the calling party before answering their call.Calling Party Control (CPC)
CPC is a signal on the phone line from the telephone company's central office that indicates when a call is disconnected. Automatic CPC monitors the phone line for the signal and when it detects one, it stops recording immediately. CPC is designed to eliminate the long gaps between messages more effectively than VOX (Voice Activated Message Recording System, see below). However, CPC is not available in all calling areas. .Local Area Code Setting
Returning calls can be made easier by units that automatically dial stored Caller ID numbers. However, it is necessary to enter the proper area code for the unit to operate. If your local telephone company requires:
- 7-Digit Local Telephone Numbers for local calls (i.e. 555-1212), your local area code (i.e. 310) should be programmed into the unit.
- 10-Digit Local Telephone Numbers for local calls (i.e. 310-555-1212), the factory default setting of "000" needs to be programmed into the unit.
- Local dialing requirements vary with each local telephone company. The user may need to manually enter numbers in areas requiring 10 digit local dialing.
RJ-11 Jack/RJ-14 Jack
The RJ-11 is most often used for connecting answering machines and telephones. It is a single line connector. The RJ-11 may be used with a two-line phone by setting the switch at the back of the unit. The RJ-14 is a two-line phone jack and can be used with a two-line answering machine. These jacks are available at many hardware and electronics stores, or can be installed by the local phone company.Ringer Equivalence Number (REN)
A REN is used by the telephone company to determine the maximum number of devices that may be connected to a telephone line and still ring when that telephone number is dialed. In most areas, the REN should not exceed five.Short Burst or Cellular Compatible
Some pay phones, all cellular and most cordless phones emit short burst tones when they are dialed, regardless of how long the user presses the buttons (see True Touchtone below). Short burst phones may not provide a long enough tone to access the remote features on many answering machines.Tone Dialing DTMF (Dual Tone Modular Frequency)
Tone Dialing or Touchtone is most commonly associated with a push-button telephone. Tones signal the telephone company switching equipment indicating the number dialed.True Touchtone
A true touchtone phone is one that emits a continuous tone as long as a button is pressed on the keypad. Some push button telephones emit only a short burst tone regardless of how long the button is pressed (see short burst compatible). Remote Operation may require the use of a true touchtone phone.Voice Activated Message Recording System (VOX)
All CASIO PHONEMATE answering machines use a VOX circuit to disconnect the phone after a caller is through leaving a message. The VOX circuit either recognizes no sound or a continuous sound such as a dial tone of three to five seconds and disconnects the phone call. Sometimes on a very noisy phone line, it may take the unit longer to disconnect.
Single Tape Answering Machines
These are designed for the average user who receives just a few messages a day. The design uses a "shuttle tape" system to play the greeting, and then fast forward to the end of the last incoming message to record a new message. This recording system allows us to combine the answering machine with a feature phone or a cordless phone and offer it at an affordable price. BENEFIT: Value priced while feature packed.Dual Tape Answering Machines
These models have separate tapes for the greeting and incoming messages, and are ideal for users who frequently receive many calls. BENEFIT: Short beep and longer incoming message tape (compared to single tape unit).Digital Greeting Answering Machines
These machines provide a memory (RAM) chip for the greeting and a cassette tape to record incoming messages. Usually, the digital message is limited to 16-32 seconds. BENEFIT: Short beep, no greeting tape to wear out.All Digital Answering Machine
Digital answering machines use Digital Signal Processing (DSP) to store both the incoming messages and the greeting electronically on a memory (RAM) chip. Because these systems are tapeless, they eliminate mechanical wear while providing the user Instant Accesstm to messages, Selective Message Save/Erase and Message Skip & Repeat. This technology is excellent for business or multiple users because of the mailbox and message storage capabilities. BENEFIT: Fewer mechanical parts, increased reliability, Instant Accesstm, and greater message manipulation.
Answering Announce Only (No Record)
Machine Set the answering machine to play an informative announcement only, and not take messages. Organizations use this feature to announce business hours.Audible Message Indicator
A voice or tone indicates new messages have been received.Auto Extension Disconnect
When answering calls from an extension phone, simply pick up the extension phone handset and the answering machine automatically stops recording.Automatic CPC (Calling Party Control)
Allows precise detection of hang-ups to help eliminate the long gaps between messages. Automatic CPC usually stops the outgoing message should a caller hang up before the outgoing message finishes playing.Battery Backup
Battery Backup insures that the answering machine will "remember" its settings, greeting, and messages. Customers must install and maintain batteries for this feature to work.Call Screening
Listen to incoming callers before answering the phone. Eliminates unwanted calls and untimely interruptions.
Call Screen On/Off Button on select models turns call screening on or off, depending on the level of privacy desired. "Off" allows the machine to record messages, without anyone in the room hearing the caller, with more privacy.Dialed Number Display
The phone number of the outgoing call is displayed in the large LCD.Digital Display
Indicates the number of messages received. On certain models the digital display also includes a timer for recording the outgoing message(s). It shows error codes and confirms commands.Digital Outgoing Message
The outgoing message is recorded digitally on a computer chip instead of on a tape. The digital chip replaces mechanical components increasing reliability.Flash
Push a button to activate custom calling features such as call waiting to use in conjunction with the Work & Talk Speakerphonetm.Flash Memory or Permanent Message Protection
Using an electronic chip, flash memory stores the greeting and incoming messages and machine settings (except Time/Day Stamp) without requiring AC or battery power in the event of a power failure. The user will not lose important messages or need to re-record greetings in the event of power outages.Hold
Ensures privacy when conducting off-line conversations. Most models with this feature automatically take a call off hold when an extension phone handset is picked up.Handset Call Screening/Message Retrieval
This feature gives consumers the option of using the handset privately instead of playing messages that can be overheard. This patented feature is ideal when guests are present or when retrieving messages in an open office environment. It is also an excellent way to screen calls away from the base.Memo/Conversation Record
Leave messages for other household members or record important telephone conversations.
Confidential Personal Memo, available on select models records a confidential personal memo that can only be retrieved by a caller who knows a special, programmable 3-digit code. The code can be changed any time at the machine.Menu Driven Operation
The display shows the machine's functions and status and guides the user through step-by-step operating instructions. Initiated by pressing the program button, the labels for the three "soft keys" below the display change as different program options are selected, such as Greeting Record, Time Set and Autodial Program.Multifunctional LCD
An easy-to-read digital display shows the message count and machine status. Some models include a digital clock. The displays on select models also show the dialed number and a full operation menu.Multiple Greetings
Record multiple greetings for different household members or to keep business and personal calls separate.
- Distinctive Ring Greeting Mode allows subscribers with distinctive ring service to program their machine to answer a normal ring with greeting #1 and answer a Distinctive Ring with greeting #2. Select models include a voice stamp for messages with "Line 1" for calls answered with the first greeting and "Line 2" for Distinctive Ring calls. Some models direct Distinctive Ring calls into separate mailboxes.
- Greeting Select provides users with the ability to record and select greetings at the machine or in remote operation.
- Select A Greeting, available on select models, gives callers the ease of selecting special greetings.
- Timer-Controlled Greeting programs two greetings to play at specific times of the day. For example, program greeting #1 to play at 9:00 a.m. and greeting #2 to play at 5:00 p.m.
New Message Indicator
The light flashes rapidly when new messages have been recorded. The light flashes slowly after messages have been played and saved.Remote Operation
Use a remote access number to play, save, erase and replay messages via most touchtone phones.
- Remote Greeting Record records the greeting from most touchtone phones.
- Remote Greeting Select lets user change the greeting selection that callers hear (on units with multiple greetings).
- Remote Memo on select models, users may call in from a remote location and leave memos for other household members after they have retrieved messages.
- Remote Message File efficiently and easily transfers messages from the answering machine into the message file using remote access.
- Remote Room Monitor allows user to call the answering machine and monitor the activity in the home or office.
- Remote Speakerphone allows users to speak with individuals in the same room as the unit.
- Remote Selective Save & Erase allows user to selectively save or erase messages from a remote location
- Remote Turn-On allows most CASIO PHONEMATE answering machines to be turned on from a remote location by calling and letting the phone ring 10-15 times.
- Remote Voice Menu offers verbal prompts to the user to easily access messages, change the greeting, and use features such as message file.
- Short Burst (or Cellular) Compatible allows a user to remotely access his or her TAD from virtually all telephones whether they hold a two-second true tone or not. Access messages via Cellular phones with ease.
Ring Select/Tollsaver
Users can easily set or program the number of rings that will occur before the answering machine picks up. Choose 2, 4, or Tollsaver on most units. Tollsaver will alert the user calling in to retrieve messages that there are no new messages by not picking up by the third ring. If the machine does not answer by the third ring, hang up to avoid toll charges.Two-Line Capability
One machine answers one or two separate telephone lines.
- Greeting Select sets unit to answer both lines with outgoing message A or B, or to answer line 1 with outgoing message A and line 2 with outgoing message B.
- Line Selector sets the machine to answer line 1, line 2, or both. Voice Time/Day Stamp will announce which line messages were received on.
- Separate Line Playback plays back messages on one line at a time.
- Simultaneous Answer of Both Lines Announces busy status to second calling party
- by saying, "Hello, the answering system is busy; one moment please."
Voice Assisted Operation
A synthesized voice assists users with set up and provides:
- Remote Voice Menu prompts user when calling in to receive messages-no codes to remember.
- Time and Day Stamp for each incoming message
- Line Stamp to notify user on which line a call was received
- Talking Clock to tell user the correct time
- Autodial Check to repeat or review numbers stored in autodial
Voice Time/Day Stamp
Indicates the time and day each message was received with a synthesized voice.Work & Talk Speakerphonetm
On a stand-alone answering machine you can talk on the phone hands-free while working using the built-in speakerphone, or answer a call when you cannot locate your cordless handset.
Supporting features include:
- Caller ID Dial select models allow users to dial telephone numbers stored in caller ID memory and conduct hands-free conversations.
- Flash for use with Call Waiting to switch between callers while on the speakerphone.
- Hold lets user place calls on hold-which can be automatically released by picking-up any extension phone.
- Remote Room Monitor select models allow the user to call his/her unit, enter the remote access code, and monitor the goings-on in the room through the speakerphone.
- Remote Speakerphone select models allow speakerphone activation remotely to speak with people who are unable or unwilling to pick up the telephone.
- Ringer allows the answering machine to ring like a telephone.
Digital Answering Machine Features
Advanced Message Management
- Digital answering machines not only provide excellent reliability and fewer mechanical parts to break but also offer a variety of ways for users to manipulate messages, thus getting the most for their money.
- Instant Accesstm to Messages
- Selective Message Handling
- Save & Erase
- Skip & Repeat
- Mailboxes select models allow users to receive and store messages in a variety of areas. Each mailbox has an individual greeting and an indicator which flashes when new messages are received. If user has distinctive ring service, the model will forward calls into separate mailboxes.
- Message Forwardingtm between mailboxes is available when messages are sent or left in the wrong mailbox. Messages may be forwarded with Casio PhoneMate's exclusive one-touch forwarding. Patented Message Forwardingtm is also useful for our exclusive Message File Storage.
- Message File Storage select models allow users to store messages in a separate area and review them at a later time at the machine or using remote operation.
- Remote Selective Save & Erase lets users selectively save & erase when calling from a remote location.
- Variable Speed Playbacktm select models allow users to play messages approximately 50% slower to take notes or faster to scan past irrelevant information.