About Fax Machines

The fax machine is a vital device for many businesses, even 30 years after it was introduced into mainstream use. Its longevity in today’s hyper-evolving technological world is noteworthy and is testimony to its usefulness and efficiency. We can expect to see the fax machine maintain its current level of importance for many years to come.

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Function
- The basic function of all fax machines is to transfer documents via a telephone network to other fax machines. This quick and easy method of communication is useful for businesses. Each machine utilizes an image scanner and a photo copier to make and send a copied document through a modem. Most of today’s fax machines digitally compress the information and send it over high-speed Internet connections.
History of
- The first fax machine dates back to 1843. Alexander Bain of Scotland used technology based on electric clock pendulums and created a scanner. By 1861, the fax machine, called the Pan Telegraph, was sold on the market at a very high price. The Radio Corporation of America is credited with inventing the first wireless photo radiogram in 1924. This transoceanic radio facsimile was capable of sending photographs across the Atlantic Ocean.
Evolution
- The fax machine continued to evolve because rival telecommunication companies competed with each other for new innovations. AT&T developed the first color-facsimile, only to be followed by the Hellschreiber. Invented by Rudolf Hell in 1929, the Hellschreiber utilized a new form of mechanical image scanning that became the norm until the mid 1900s. As the computer age took form in the 1980s, the world was introduced to the GammaFax. Produced by GammaLink in 1985, the GammaFax used computer technology to send transmissions across the world. Today’s fax machines use fax servers hosted by telephone and Internet companies.
Type
- Analog fax machines utilized analog signals to transmit scanned information – similar to analog TVs. Today’s fax machines are digitally formatted, making the communication times much faster. Faxes use MH (modified Huffman), MR (modified read) or MMR (modified modified Read) based compression. MMR is currently most efficient method of compression.
Features
- Today’s machines can send full-color photos and text documents. Many feature inkjet and laser printers, especially for quality color-based faxes. Other useful features available on modern fax machines include automatic redail, batch processing, mass recipients and confidential faxing. Many large corporations use faxes that are able to send and receive thousands of faxes every hour.

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About Fax Machines

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