Answering Machines

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An answering machine, also known as an answer machine (especially in UK and British commonwealth countries), ansafone (tradename ), ansaphone (tradename ), answerphone or telephone answering device (TAD), is a device for automatically answering telephone calls and recording messages left by callers when the party called is unable to answer the phone. Unlike voicemail, which is a centralised 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 memories. Magnetic tape is still used in many low cost devices. However, answering machines that use magnetic tape cannot be found in most stores today.

Abilities

Most modern answering machines have a system for greeting. The owner may record his or her message that will be played to the caller, or an automatic message 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.

Popular culture

In the 1970s, there was a hit Rupert Holmes song, "Answering Machine", with the lyrics "I'm so sorry, you have just reached my answering machine". The male singer laments that while trying to reach his girlfriend, he encountered her answering machine, and left a message that was cut-off before he could complete. Sad about it, he went out to purchase pet food, and on returning, discovered his girlfriend has left her own message on his machine. She knew what he was asking — a marriage proposal — and was about to give her answer when his machine had cut her off!

The opening credits to the 1970s detective series The Rockford Files began each week with a different humorous message left on the title character's answering machine.

The 1996 film Swingers has a comical scene in which Mike Peters (Jon Favreau), in the space of about three minutes, leaves multiple messages on the answering machine of a girl he's only just met.

Read more at Wikipedia.org