Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Difference Between Analog & Digital Phones

There are several differences between analog and digital phones that enable customers to make a clear decision on which phone will best suit their situation. If they just need a phone for their home office (where the risk of interference is low) then they will most likely choose an analog phone (plus the fact that it is cheaper). But if they need a wireless phone or a phone that can be included in a large network that will serve many people at the same time, digital is the way to go.


Analog


Analog and digital are both types of technology, but have a distinct difference. Analog is defined as the process of taking an audio or video signal and sending (or translating) it into electronic pulses. This type of technology is recognizable to everyone because it has been around for decades and is currently inexpensive to purchase (TV with antennas or telephone with a cord).


Digital


With this technology, the same signal that is translated electronically in analog, is now broken down in a binary format where the audio (or video) data is represented by a numerous count of 1's and 0's. These 1's and 0's are then transferred to the other end of the device (a telephone or TV) where they are reassembled back into their original order. The unique feature about digital is that it knows where the numbers should be when they reach the end of the device (also known as "reaching the end of transmission").


Analog and Digital Phone Lines


Analog phone lines are known as Plain Old Telephone Service (POTS), which is used in fax machines, modems and standard phones. Digital lines are generally used in big, corporate phone systems that provide a network to co-workers. Digital lines carry a lower voltage than analog lines.


Digital and Analog Phone Features


Cordless phones (digital phones) give a clear, distortion-free phone call. Because of digital technology, cordless phones are able to encrypt the 1's and 0's during transmission so that your conversation is protected from eavesdroppers. Analog phones are generally cheaper than digital phones and the sound quality is richer (because the binary code is not being broken down; it's just being translated).


The Big Difference


The big difference between analog and digital phones is that digital is newer, more convenient to use and can be portable, has a better quality of sound, has more security and can be powered by a battery. Plus, the digital phone has more features such as logging on to the Internet, and taking pictures, videos, and saving music to its memory.

Tags: digital phones, analog digital, audio video, between analog, between analog digital