Glossary 

technical terms explained 

Use the A-Z list to find the word, phrase or acronym. 

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Alarm clock
A feature that lets you set an alarm to ring hours or days later. It can also be used as a daily alarm.

Alkaline battery
A common, inexpensive type of non-rechargeable battery used in a wide variety of electronic devices.

Alphabetic directory
An electronic listing of names and phone numbers in alphabetical order.

Answering machine
A device that automatically answers telephone calls and records messages left by callers. Similar to voicemail in function (they both record messages left by callers), but voicemail is an "invisible" networked system usually paid for on a monthly basis, while an answering machine is purchased and installed at the person's residence.

Answering systems
Many cordless telephones now feature an integrated digital answering system, making it easy to avoid having one more gadget on your desk or kitchen counter. Digital answering systems record outgoing announcements and incoming messages on a microchip. Tapeless operation assures reliable performance, instant access to messages and the ability to selectively save and delete messages. Available features include remote access to retrieve messages when you're away from home, multiple mailboxes and memo and conversation recording capabilities.

Any key answer
A function that allows a phone to be answered after one ring by pressing any key.

Automatic backlighting
Touching any key will illuminate the display and keypad.

Automatic display timer
Set On to automatically display the Last Call Timer at the end of each phone call.

Automatic hands-free
When this feature is enabled, simply hang up the phone to begin a hands free conversation.

Automatic lock
When activated the phone will automatically lock each time it's turned off to help prevent unauthorized use.

Automatic redial (on system busy)
Upon a System Busy signal, simply press the 'OK' button and the phone will redial the call.

Backlight, backlit display
This refers to the light in the display and beneath the keypad of a phone, which makes the screen and keypad more visible in poor lighting conditions.

Battery indicators
Audible - A Tone sounds as a warning that the battery is running low. Visual - A low battery message in the display (possibly a phrase or a small graphic) indicates that the battery is running low.

Battery life
All cordless phone handsets have a rechargeable battery (e.g., nickel-cadmium, nickel-metal hydride, lithium). Nickel-cadmium batteries are subject to a memory effect (meaning they should be fully drained before they're recharged to preserve the maximum amount of talk and standby time). Nickel-metal hydride and lithium batteries have no memory effect. Battery life depends on the type of battery and the transmitting power of the handset. Battery life usually ranges from 2-7 hours of continuous talking or 4-7 days on standby.

Bluetooth™ technology
Bluetooth is a low-power radio technology developed to replace the cables and wires currently used to link or connect electronic devices such as personal computers, printers and a wide variety of handheld devices, including mobile phones. Because it uses radio wave connectivity, a Bluetooth-enabled device has a constant, established connection to whatever browser it uses. This saves the user the trouble of logging on to check for email, news updates, etc.

Call alert
Notifies an individual of an incoming call by sounding an audible tone.

Call barring (or call blocking)
Allows you to set your phone to prohibit certain incoming or outgoing phone calls. (network- and subscription-dependent feature - not available in all areas).

Call conferencing
Call conferencing allows you to bring two or more people into a call at the same time. The exact number of people you conference depends on the model of phone. Call conferencing must be activated by the network carrier.

Call forwarding
Allows you forward your phone calls to an alternate phone number. (Network- and subscription- dependent feature - not available in all areas.) Also known as dial diverting.

Call holding
You can put callers on hold. (Network- and subscription- dependent feature - not available in all areas.)

Call Log
Records the name and number of incoming and outgoing calls. You can set Call Log to record all calls, only unanswered calls, or only outgoing calls.

Call Waiting
While on a call, the phone will alert you that another person is trying to call you. You can answer the call or let it go to your voicemail. (May not be available in all areas; subscription required.)

Caller ID
See your caller's name and number before answering. (May not be available in all areas; subscription required.)

Caller ID/Call Waiting
If you subscribe to Caller ID service from your phone company, compatible phones will display the name and number of incoming calls on the LCD screen. Phones that are also Call Waiting capable will show you the identity of a second incoming call. This convenient feature lets you decide if you want to answer a call and allows you to use the memory feature of Caller ID to return a call, even if the caller did not leave a message.

Clear All
See Clear Last Digit/Clear All.

Clear Last Digit/Clear All
To clear the entire number, press and hold Clear button. To clear the last digit, press and release the Clear button quickly.

Cordless
A term generally applied to radio technology in which a handset is used within a restricted distance from its corresponding base.

Displays
There are a variety of display types available:

Back-lit display
- This refers to the light in the display of phones, which lights up in varying conditions.

LCD (Liquid Crystal Display)
- Easy viewing in all lighting conditions. Uses dark segments against a lighter background. The characters in this type of display are black, on a grey background. They are lit up by a light shining onto the display from above.

Colour LCD
- Reverses the display image, making it possible to create coloured, luminous segments. Provides clearer, crisper, bolder-looking characters that are easy to read.

LED (Light Emitting Display)
- Light emitting displays are big and bright. They provide excellent visibility in direct sunlight and in darkness.

VFD (Vacuum Fluorescent Display)
- This display retains visibility in direct sunlight and is highly visible in darkness. It can be seen without distortion over a wide range of viewing angles and remains fully operational over a broad temperature range.

Dual battery capability
Lets you use a main and auxiliary battery on your phone for extended talk times.

Dual mode capability
The phone is capable of accessing digital or AMPS channels to provide more consistent mobile service (May not be available in all areas; subscription required.)

Dual-band
Different mobile phone networks in different countries operate at different frequencies. This means that if you wish to use your mobile phone outside your home country, you generally need a handset that supports multiple frequency bands. A "dual-band" phone operates on two frequency bands, 900Mhz and 1,800Mhz, allowing you to use it in the UK and Continental Europe. See also Tri-band.

No Glossary Terms beginning with the letter E

Frequency
The three most common frequencies today are 900MHz, 2.4GHz and 5.8GHz. Many people equate a higher cordless phone frequency with a better range. However, range for a cordless phone is difficult to quantify because it ultimately depends on the environment in which the phone is being used and potential interference from other electronic devices.

900 MHz
Phones operating on this frequency are fine for household use and reasonably priced, though the features offered with these phones are limited. Many manufacturers, including VTech, have discontinued production of 900 MHz phones.

2.4 GHz
The majority of phones on the market today operate on the 2.4 GHz frequency. This higher frequency provides better performance and sound quality than 900 MHz models. With more models to choose from, you'll also find more available features, including integrated speakerphones and support for multiple handsets. One thing to keep in mind is that other electronic gadgets, from baby monitors to wireless networking gear, increasingly use the 2.4 GHz band and may cause interference. If you use these items in your home, consider purchasing a 5.8 GHz phone.

5.8 GHz
5.8 GHz phones offer the latest in cordless telephone technology with the best clarity, range and security. The biggest advantage to a 5.8 GHz phone is that its frequency band is less trafficked than the 2.4 GHz band, resulting in less interference. The chips that generate the 5.8 GHz signal are more expensive to manufacture, so expect to pay a bit more.

No Glossary Terms beginning with the letter G

Handset
The receiver portion of a mobile or transportable phone.

Hands-free operation
Allows you to talk on the phone through a headset, freeing you from the need to hold the handset.

No Glossary Terms beginning with the letter J

Multi-handset systems
A multi-handset phone system consists of a single base unit and one or more accessory handsets. The base unit acts as a standard phone and is plugged into both an electrical outlet and a phone jack. The accessory handsets all work off the signal from the base and they only need to be plugged into an electrical outlet. This means phones can be placed in rooms where there are no phone jacks, such as a garage, living room, or spare bedroom - even the bathroom!

In addition to providing flexibility regarding where you can place phones in your home, multi-handset systems have other convenient features such as the ability to transfer calls from one handset to another. You can also use the handsets as an intercom system. For example, if you need to ask someone upstairs a question, there is no need to yell or walk all the way up, simply pick up your phone and call the upstairs handset. You can conference people in on multiple handsets and there is also a line-in-use button that flashes when someone is using the phone. No more accidental interruptions!

Hearing aid compatible
Provides hearing-impaired persons with the convenience and flexibility of wireless communications through their t-coil compatible hearing aids. (Not compatible with all hearing aids. Hearing aids must contain a t-coil. T-coil must be activated when using the phone.)

Illuminated keypad
Allows keypad viewing in the dark.

Integrated headset jack
A jack built into the phone, specially designed for use with hands-free headsets.

Keypad
The buttons on the handset.

Lithium Ion (Li-Ion)
A battery technology used in mobile phones, which generally provide more energy capacity than Nickel Metal Hydride batteries of the same weight.

Low battery warning
A visual and/or audible indication that the battery needs to be recharged.

Memory pause
A pause command that can be entered at the end of a stored number to allow for a system response when using credit card numbers or alternate long distance system ID numbers.

Memory scroll
Allows sequential viewing of numbers and/or names stored in memory, starting at a chosen point. A fast and easy means of scanning memory locations.

Message waiting indicator
At one quick glance you can find out if you have any new unheard/unread messages. (May not be available in all areas; subscription required.)

Mute control
Mutes the handset or microphone to allow private conversations without the called party overhearing.

No Glossary Terms beginning with the letter N

No Glossary Terms beginning with the letter O

Phone book
The list of names and telephone numbers you've stored in your phone or personal communicator's internal memory or on its SIM card. The maximum number of entries you can store in the phone is fixed; the number of entries you can store on your SIM depends on your network provider. In either case, you can dial stored numbers by accessing the list you want, highlighting the number and pressing the connect button. See also Postscripting.

No Glossary Terms beginning with the letter R

Speakerphone
Handy for meetings, conference calling and long on-hold times, many cordless phone systems also function as a speakerphone. Speakerphones today use full duplex operation, in which your voice and your caller's voice are continuously transmitted in both directions to provide a natural conversational sound. In addition, multi-handset systems usually feature an intercom, allowing you to talk between handsets or bases within the system.

Speed dialling
Phones with speed dial let you make a call with the touch of a button (or two!).

Switch-hook operation
Handles call transferring, three-way calling, and other services the service provider may offer.

Time and date stamp
Automatically displays the time and date of an incoming message.

Tone dialling from keypad
Allows calling of numbers requiring tone dialling, just like a conventional phone.

Tone dialling from memory
Allows storage and recalling of frequently used tone numbers.

No Glossary Terms beginning with the letter U

Voicemail
Voicemail records voice messages for you to reply to at your convenience. It operates automatically when your mobile phone is switched off or has no signal, or when you don't pick up a call after a certain number of rings. You can also prompt it to take a message for you if a call comes at an inconvenient time. (May not be available in all areas; subscription required.)

Voicemail indicator
Your phone will indicate when you have received messages in your voicemail box.

Volume control
Adjusts volume levels (depending on model) for the earpiece, ringer and speaker to your personal preference.

No Glossary Terms beginning with the letter W

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No Glossary Terms beginning with the letter Z