Best Answering Machines Review

The way the call is handled by the machine can be set in a variety of ways. These machines can be configured in a way that they only return a message, thus eliminating the need for a preceding recording session. In this case, call recipients can at least efficiently answer instantly, or after a designated number of rings.

Alternatively, they can be set in such a way that no more incoming calls are accepted. Recent years have witnessed the advent of machines that support fax calls, which can be kept to be accessed later for a quick printout. Earlier machines came with magnetic audio tapes where the incoming data was stored. With the major shift towards digitalization, almost all the leading devices are endowed with digital storage.

If you’ve already wrapped your head around how audio output devices work, then you must have come across the mechanism on how different sounds are converted to digital form.

Digital answering machines utilize the same principles employed in basic audio processing devices such as a computer or CD, which basically involves changing the caller’s messages to bytes.

To understand this clearly, let’s take a look at an example whereby a 15 second message is stored in a caller. A 15 second message is an equivalent of about 30, 000 bytes, which are usually available in a particular section of the RAM. Once the message reaches the recipient, the microcontroller processes the messages by reconverting them to analog form by means of the digital-to-analog converter.

Key components of the answering machine’s automated system include the automatic dial up receiving device, auto-recording equipment, call forward equipment, data entry system and the microcontroller, which regulates a number of peripherals and other basic parts of the answering machine. Key peripherals include the display(LED/LCD), indicators, playback apparatus, receiving and audio output devices. 

The Operation

Now let’s consider how the different parts of the device come together to get to the common goal. As discussed above, an answering machine affords the user an automatic answer to an incoming call without the person being there. When the user isn’t in close proximity during the call, a message thats been pre-recorded gets played based on a preset time interval.

The caller is also given the opportunity to leave a message behind which the user can access later on. A regular answering machine comes in as a standalone device that’s connected to the regular telephone line.

These answering machines typically have a special circuitry that senses an incoming call’s signal on the telephone line. It basically takes the phone line off-hook, reads the outgoing message to the caller, stores the incoming message if the caller decides to leave one, and then hangs up the call to await other incoming signals.

Digital answering machines accommodate messages on an internal memory. They basically replace the magnetic tape in traditional machines with digital memory, in the form of RAM. With this, they eliminate most mechanical components, which generally makes them more reliable. 

Additionally, digital devices also need considerably less space, are better noise-proofed, and have enhanced overall audio quality. Digital machines also have the added advantage of being able to quickly access a specific message when there are multiple messages received on the line.

Answering machines have emerged to become a staple in most of the modern occupations. This has led to the advent of a variety of models; spanning from home operated devices, to specialized services for professional settings. You might have also noticed that some modern cellphones incorporate automatic answering systems. Some modern computers also come in with answering machine abilities where messages from a home phone can be read and recorded whenever the user is not around.  

However, there is an option of manned answering services for those who are not bent towards using gadgets. These come in with the distinct advantage of providing a solution in urgent matters, as a representative can try a series of numbers to reach out to you if the call is highly urgent. Other services incorporate the use of a beeping gadget that prompts the user to respond to any urgent calls.

Technological advancements have seen a number of advanced techniques creeping onto the landscape. Users are no longer limited to stationery devices that are limited to a single location all day and night. It’s now more than possible to get hold of reliable answering services from the convenience and comfort of your smartphone.

Another aspect in which answering machines have advanced markedly is their ability to integrate with computers. For instance, in the event that you are part of a professional meeting where phones are strictly not allowed, you can set your device such that it sends a message through to your laptop.

This comes in the form of notification where the caller’s identity along with the message is revealed. Depending on the urgency of the message, you can then see whether you should return the call or not. Some phones can even transcribe the voice messages left to text or emails. This allows you to take a look at the message without impinging on other people’s concentration.

Cost-effective

If you are a proud owner of a small business, it’s imperative that most of your time is spent on activities that earn you or your clients money. A famous saying in business circles states that your phone can be one of your best employees. This holds true in most cases as direct conversations with your clients allows them to wrap their heads around your product easily, thus increasing the likelihood of having them turned to your loyal customers. However, taking every inquiry posed by clients can be time consuming. 

In this case, it’s best to use a system that assists with filtering your calls and provide automatic responses to calls with higher urgency. In this case, hiring a receptionist or virtual assistant comes in natural for most businesses. However, this can be out of the question, especially when you are just starting out, as the extra hiring cost can simply be unaffordable. The answering machine provides a highly cost effective and efficient alternative. 

More control over calls

As we alluded to earlier, the last thing any business wants to see is losing clients due to unanswered calls. An automated call answering system can easily step in to handle your calls efficiently. 

By being able to classify the incoming calls based on time and urgency, you can easily know which ones to handle with urgency or not. For example, the machine can be set in a way that all inquiries related to sales be routed to the landline or mobile, while all the calls from current clients are directed to voicemail.

Your company’s and individual image

Another advantage that comes with an automated answering system is that it sets forth your company as highly reliable and effective. If clients take an initiative to give you a call and end up failing to reach you, the result is a bad first impression, as this is a good sign of an inefficient service for most clients.

Think about a scenario where a client places an order and gets a wrong or defective product. Then client tries to contact your customer support only to find out there is no one to talk to.

The consequences are pretty obvious; you may end up with bad reviews on your pages thus losing the much needed trust from potential future customers. You can easily eliminate the likelihood of this happening altogether by acquiring a high quality answering machine. In this case, even when your clients cant get to you, they are assured that you will contact them later on.