Advice

Digital vs. Analog Systems
Most newer and more expensive office telephone systems communicate via digital technology. This means that sound is transmitted as bits of data rather than audio waves.

Theoretically, digital transmission has many advantages over analog transmission. Digital signals are less affected by interference and line degradation, meaning that digital lines have virtually no static or hiss.

Most businesses, however, make outgoing calls over regular analog lines. This means that even a digital phone system must convert signals back to analog waves whenever a call leaves the office. Because very little sound degradation occurs within the smaller confines of an office, analog systems actually sound about the same as their digital counterparts.

The main reason for buying a digital system is that these office telephone systems tend to be better equipped to connect with accessories such as voice mail or caller ID.

Telephone System Buyer’s Guide

• Telephone System Introduction
• Types of Phone Systems
• Sizing Office phone Systems
• Digital vs. Analog Systems
• Phone System Features
• Telephone Systems Dealer
• PBX Systems Prices
• Computer Phone Systems
• PBX System Buying Tips
• Office Telephone Industry Lingo