Fax

The word fax is a short term for facsimile. This device is used for telecopying or telefax services. It facilitates the telephonic transmission of scanned and printed materials, which may include text or images. This machine is normally connected to a telephone number, which is linked with the printer or other output devices. So, how does it work? A fax machine scans a document and processes the content as a single fixed graphic image, which is converted into a bitmap. This bitmap is then transmitted via the telephone system in the form of an audio-frequency tone. The receiving machine, on the other hand, interprets the tones and reconstructs the image before printing it on paper.

The early fax machines used direct conversions of image darkness to audio tone in an analogue manner. However, since the 1980s, most machines have been designed to modulate the transmitted audio frequencies using a digital representation of the page. This page was compressed to transmit areas that are all white or black. The machines of today are less frequently standalone devices. Modern versions are multi-functional units that come with features like copying, scanning, or printing. However, all functions happen through the server or online fax services. Today, we will discover the common features and uses of different types of machines available in the market.

Different types and features of plain paper fax machines

Countless types of machines are available to choose from today. But virtually, all are plain paper faxes that deliver a final product much like a printed page. This is the complete opposite of when machines used special thermal paper rolls that were inconvenient, expensive, and didn’t guarantee the delivery of good reading documents. Plain paper fax uses standard copier paper supported by the inking process. Most machines today have built-in voice mail and an advanced handset feature. They can differentiate between incoming human calls, modem calls, and automatically answer faxed calls. Below are some common configurated features of these devices that can help in different ways.

Basic features of a plain paper fax machine

This type of machine generally has special dial functions. Some machines only hold a few numbers, while others store hundreds of them. A large speed dial capacity will be important only if you send messages to different people. Some machines also have junk blocking features. Other common features that you may find in facsimile machines today include auto-detect and blocking unwanted calls; built-in memory to store data; printing multiple copies, and delay printing if the machine runs out of ink. Plus, you can scan documents and send them later and print from 25 to 500 pages in one run. Some models also offer colour printing and are best for artwork printing, including brochures and photographs.

Wireless fax machines

The world has moved far from the boundaries of time, space, and wires. In the same way, facsimile machines now come with a wireless or cellular connection. This implies they can be connected to a mobile phone or any remote connection like the tablet. Sometimes, they are also called “GSM machines” and “CDMA machines”. They also vary according to the type of network of operations (CDMA or GSM). These types of machines have a separate number and cellular account that operates over the cellular connection for sending and receiving faxes. Hence, they are considered valuable when it comes to data transmission and document reproduction.

Portable fax machines

Despite the incredible impact of the internet, facsimile machines are still essential equipment in any office, hospital, or big corporate setting. They are still considered convenient when it comes to data transmission. Portable multifunctional peripheral devices have faxes integrated into them. Thus, they are an ideal choice for businessmen. These machines are a lifesaver in fields like finance and medicine. A high-quality portable fax machine helps you save time on scanning and all the other download-scan-transfer-it-and-send-it processes.

Commercial fax machines

These are the advanced types. They are different from traditional copiers. That’s because advanced digital facsimile machines come with amazing combinations of applications that make them a one-stop solution for all your business, document transfer, and printing needs. Another reason why a commercial machine is famous is the security benefits it offers. A facsimile machine is still believed to be the most secure form of file transfer in the world. The travels over a PSTN that is more secure than many current digital methods. Hence, faxing is one of the most reliable and encrypted business document transfer systems.