FAX Questions and Answers - Part 2
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http://www.whnet.com/fax2.html">
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Sender: pajari@Faximum.COM (George Pajari)
Archive-name: fax-faq/part2
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This part of the FAQ (part 2) contains lists of:
- questions and answers;
- sources of information; and
- information on products.
Part 1 contains the introduction to the FAQ, the disclaimer, and the
definitions of common terms and various background information on fax.
=================
TABLE OF CONTENTS
=================
----- Part 1 of 2 [The other part] -----
G. Glossary and Background Information
----- Part 2 of 2 [This part] -----
Q. Frequently Asked Questions
Q.1 Can I use my * data modem to send/receive faxes?
Q.1A Can my fax modem transmit data?
Q.2 How can I fax PostScript or PCL documents using computer-based fax?
Q.3 How can I view incoming faxes on my computer?
Q.4 How can I print incoming faxes on my computer?
Q.5 Can fax modems also handle data or voice calls?
Q.6 What resolution are fax images?
Q.7 Can I take a fax file and edit it?
Q.8 Is there a standard program interface (API) for fax communications?
Q.9 How can I share my single phone line with voice, fax, data, etc.
I. Sources of Information
I.1 Standards Related to Facsimile Communication
I.2 Where to Obtain Standards Documents and Related Information
I.3 Magazine Reviews of UNIX Fax Software
I.4 Magazine Reviews of DOS/Windows Fax Software
I.5 Magazine Reviews of Mac Fax Software
I.6 Magazine Reviews of Fax Modems (see also O/S specific reviews)
I.7 Magazine Reviews of Fax Machines
I.8 Publications Devoted to Fax and Telecommunications
I.9 Books on Fax
I.10 Other Sources of Information on Fax
I.11 Conferences on Fax
I.12 Associations Related to Fax Technology
I.13 Fax-on-Demand Phone Numbers
P. Product Information
P.1 List of UNIX Fax Software
P.2 List of MS-DOS Fax Software
P.3 List of MacIntosh Fax Software
P.4 List of Windows Fax Software
P.5 List of OS/2 Fax Software
P.6 List of Fax Modem Vendors
P.7 List of Fax Board Vendors
P.8 List of Vendors of Secure Fax Equipment
===============================================================================
Q. Frequently Asked Questions
===============================================================================
Q.1 Can I use my * data modem to send/receive faxes?
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In a word, no. Unless your data modem has specific additional support for fax,
you cannot communicate with fax devices using a data (only) modem.
Simply put, the problem is that the modulation methods (tones) used to
communicate data are different from those used to communicate faxes.
Typically the modulation schemes used for fax are synchronous half-duplex
while those used for data (at least by most UNIX and PC people) are
asynchronous and full-duplex.
Also, data modems, once they have negotiated a modulation scheme, tend to
continue with the same one through out the session. Fax modems switch
before and after each page between a high-speed modulation scheme used
to transmit the image data and a lower (300 or 2400 bps) scheme to exchange
control information.
The following table outlines this briefly (see also part 1 of this FAQ
for definitions of V.*).
Data Rate Data Modulation Std. Fax Modulation Std.
========================+==========================+========================
9,600 bps | V.32 | V.29
------------------------+--------------------------+------------------------
14,400 bps | V.32bis | V.17
========================+==========================+========================
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Q.1A Can my fax modem transmit data?
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In a word, maybe. There is a standard proposed by the EIA/TIA/ANSI called
Binary File Transfer (BFT) that extends the fax Group III modulation and
protocols for bulk data transfer.
The problem, of course, is that few fax modems or software packages provide
support for this mechanism.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q.2 How can I fax PostScript or PCL documents using computer-based fax?
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In addition to the basic software to drive your fax modem/board, you will need
specific software that can convert PostScript or PCL files into a raster image
format compatible with your fax software package.
GhostScript, for example, is a publically available software package that
can convert PostScript into raster image format (although there are varying
opinions on the quality of the font support).
In the commercial world, most of the vendors of fax software provide software
that can handle PostScript and/or PCL.
When purchasing such software (a) check how many different fonts are supported
(it's a pain to be able to use, say, NewCentury on your laser printer only to
find it is not included in your fax package), and (b) in the case of PCL, check
which level of the language is supported (PCL-4 does not support scalable
fonts, PCL-5 does).
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q.3 How can I view incoming faxes on my computer?
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In the PD world, there are a number of image-viewing packages available for
X (such as xv).
In the commercial world, most fax vendors provide support for the commonly
available devices (in the case of UNIX, X; in the case of PC-UNIX, VGA
and HGA support. Some vendors support other graphics-capable terminals such as
the Wyse WY-160.)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q.4 How can I print incoming faxes on my computer?
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Most fax software packages include software to convert fax images into print
data streams compatible with dot matrix, HP PCL, or PostScript printers.
Also the publically available (where?) pbmplus filter kit will handle most
image formats.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q.5 Can fax modems also handle data or voice calls?
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Not all fax boards can handle data (some are fax only). Most (all?)
external fax modems can handle data as well as fax.
Some (but not all) fax modems and software can automatically distinguish
between data and fax calls and answer them appropriately
Some DOS/WINDOWS based products can automatically distinguish between voice and
fax/data calls and operate as a digital answer machine as well as a fax machine.
Also, several companies sell devices which can switch incoming calls between a
fax machine, a telephone answering machine, and a modem.
[Suggestions anyone?]
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q.6 What resolution are fax images?
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The standard resolution for faxes is 3.85 scan lines/mm (approx. 98 dpi
vertically) with 1728 pixels across a standard scan line of 215 mm (approx.
204 dpi horizontally).
The optional "fine" resolution is 7.7 scan lines/mm (approx. 196 dpi
vertically) with the same horizontal resolution.
Many Group III fax machines use non-standard frames to negotiate higher
resolutions (typically 300x300 dpi and 400x400 dpi) with other fax machines
by the same manufacturer.
Two fax machines (or modems) must negotiate a common resolution, page width,
and page length before sending each page. The standard requires that all
Group III fax machines suppport at least standard resolution and A4 size
so that common ground can always be found.
Extensions to the Group III standard to support these higher resolutions
in a standard way have been proposed. Their current status is not known
.
.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q.7 Can I take a fax file and edit it?
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
When faxes exchange information, it is done in the form of compressed images
(with the exception of BFT). If you wish to edit or otherwise manipulate a
received fax file you have two options:
1 - edit the file using a "paint" program that will accept the fax file
(unfortunately there is a wide range of file formats for image files
and you may have to work to find a format that is common between your
fax application and your paint program).
2 - pass the file through an OCR program that will attempt to convert the
image into ASCII (or word processing file format). The problem here is
that most OCR programs are tuned to work with 300x300dpi images and faxes
are either 98x204 or 196x204.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q.8 Is there a standard program interface (API) for fax communications?
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
There are many API's that are used for fax communications. Words marked by
-word- are further explained in the glossary in Part 1 of this FAQ.
At the hardware level, the two standards that govern the exchange of commands
between a host computer and a fax modem are EIA-578 (-Class 1-) and EIA-592
(-Class 2-).
At the software level there is one "official" standard and a number of
"industry standards". The one "official" standard is ITU-T T.611
().
The most widely known industry standards are -CAS- (Communicating Applications
Standard (?)) invented by Intel and DCA and tied closely to the Intel
architecture, and -FaxBios- (developed by an industry consortium) which is less
machine-dependent (implementations for MS-DOS and WINDOWS have been published
and sporadic work on UNIX and other bindings is underway).
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q.9 How can I share my single phone line with voice, fax, data, etc.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
There are a number of devices on the market (suggestions from happy campers
welcome) that will try to distinguish between an incoming voice, fax, or
data call and route the call appropriately.
These fax switches attach to the phone line and then the other devices (your
normal voice phone/answering machine, fax machine, data modem, etc.) are
attached to the fax switch).
All devices work on one of two general principles: listening for CNG or voice,
or listening for distinctive ring patterns (cadences).
In the first case the device will answer the phone and try to guess what it
should do based on what it hears. Some machines play back a sound of a
phone ringing so that humans dialling in think the phone is still ringing
when in fact the fax switch is listening to see if the call is from a fax
machine or a human. If the CNG tone (see Part 1 for a definition of CNG)
from the calling fax machine is heard, then the switch connects the call to
the fax machine, otherwise the call is deemed to be a voice call and is
connected to your phone/answering machine.
A slightly more sophisticated approach is for the fax switch to answer the
phone and play a short recorded announcement. If, during the announcement
the CNG tone is heard, then the call is switched to the fax machine. If no
CNG tone is heard but sound is heard after the announcement, then the call
is assumed to be voice and switched appropriately. If nothing is heard then
the switch either considers the call a data call and switches it to a modem
or considers it a fax call from a machine that does not generate a CNG and
switches it to the fax machine.
The other approach relies upon an optional service available from some telcos
called "SmartRing", "Distinctive Ring", "RingMaster", "Ident-a-Ring", etc.
This feature allows one to have more than one phone number associated with
the same phone line. Incoming calls using the different phone numbers can be
differentiated by the different ringing patterns (i.e. one long ring, two short
rings, three short rings, etc.) The fax switch distributes the call based on
the ring cadence it detects.
The advantage of the first approach is that one does not have to send more
money to the phone company (or depend upon the availability of the "SmartRing"
feature being available). The disadvantage is that it is not always reliable
(especially in the face of fax machines that do not generate CNG tones).
The advantage of the second approach is that it is very very reliable. The
disadvantage is that it requires the availability of the "SmartRing"
feature from one's telco as well as sending more money to the telco every
month.
===============================================================================
Subject: I. Sources of Information
===============================================================================
I.1 Standards Related to Facsimile Communication
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CCITT (now renamed ITU-T)
The Blue Book, Volume VII - Fascicle VII.3 Recommendation T.0 - T.63
EIA/TIA/ANSI
EIA/TIA-602 Data Transmission Systems and Equipment-Serial Asynchronous
Automatic Dialing and Control
"This is the standard for the basic Hayes command set."
TIA PN-2388 Asynchronous Facsimile DCE Control Standard (DRAFT), Service
Class 2, (also known as Document TR-29/89-21R8, March 21, 1990)
"The first draft of the Class 2 standard, voted down, but the basis for
all current (93Q1) Class 2 modems."
EIA/TIA-578 Asynchronous Facsimile DCE Control Standard, Service Class 1
EIA/TIA-592 Asynchronous Facsimile DCE Control Standard, Service Class 2
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I.2 Where to Obtain Standards Documents and Related Information
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EIA/TIA
(202) 457-4942 (Yvette Bottoms)
Source of draft EIA/TIA standards (final stds available from Global)
Global Engineering Documents
(800) 854-7179 fax: (202) 331-0960
Distributor for published EIA/TIA standards, as well as ITU-T (CCITT) and
standards docs from 400 other organisations and institutions.
EIA catalog of standard available at no charge
National Technical Information Service (NTIS)
(703) 487-4650
Philips Business Information Inc. (has acquired assets of OMNICOM)
(301) 424-3338 or 1 (800) 777-5006, FAX: (301) 309-3847
Source of ITU-T (CCITT) and ISO publications
UN Bookstore
ITU-T (CCITT) Publications
+1 (212) 963-7680 or +1 (800) 553-3210
Action Consulting
Source of draft communications standards
Human Communications
(203) 746-4367 FAX: (203) 746-4367
Source of draft communications standards
International Telecommunications Union electronic document distribution
service (ITUDOC)
For more information, send a message with the line HELP in the body to:
itudoc@itu.ch
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I.3 Magazine Reviews of UNIX Fax Software
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
UNIX WORLD, August 1991, pp. 52-60, "Four Fitting Fax Packages", Rick Farris
Reviews DigiFax, Faximum, TruFax, and VSI-Fax
UNIX REVIEW, V10n11, Nov 1992, pp. 63-76, "Just the Fax, Ma'am", Tim Parker
Reviews ArnetFAX, DigiFax, Faximum, FaxLink, FaxTrax, VSI-Fax
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I.4 Magazine Reviews of DOS/Windows Fax Software
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PC Magazine, 8 Dec 1992, v11n21, p275-342, "The Fax Solution", by Joel Dreyfus
Reviews BitFax, DosFax Pro, Eclipse FAX, FAXability Plus, Faxit for DOS
Faxit for Windows, FaxMaster, Fax Talk Plus, The Fax Window,
Mirror III Fax, MTEZ Standard with ExpressFax, PaperWorks, and SuperFax
for Windows.
PC World, Feb 1993 v11n2, "Windows Fax Software", by Bryan Hastings
The article discusses: Bit Software Bit Fax/OCR for windows v2.05;
Caere Fax Master 1.01; Delrina WinFax Pro 3.0; Ellipse Fax 1.2;
Intel Faxability plus/OCR 1.0; Softnet Faxit 2,.15e; and
Zsoft Ultrafax for Windows 1.0.
BYTE, Jan 1993, v18n1, p62-64, "First Impressions", by David Andres
Discusses Delrina's WinFax Pro 3.0
BYTE, Jan 1993, v18n1, p68, "First Impressions", by Dick Pountain
Discusses Trio's Datafax
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I.5 Magazine Reviews of Mac Fax Software
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I.6 Magazine Reviews of Fax Modems (see also O/S specific reviews)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PC Magazine, 8 Dec 1992, v11n21, p343-361, "Negotiating the Fax Modem Jungle"
by Rick Ayre
Reviews Computer Peripherals, Hayes, Intel, Practical Modem, Supra,
U.S. Robotics, and Zoom.
NeXTWorld Magazine, Winter 1992, v2n4, p59-60, "Just the Fax"
by Simson L. Garfinkel
Reviews Dove, HSD, and ZyXEL.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I.7 Magazine Reviews of Fax Machines
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Consumer Reports, Nov. 1993, v58n11, p722-728, "Fax machines"
A general consumer product review of various fax machines. The article
reviews in detail 13 lower-end (i.e thermal paper) fax machines and comments
on a couple of higher-end (i.e. plain paper) machines. The Panasonic KX-F230
and the Brother 600 were rated "Best Buys". Get the article to see where the
rest ended up and why (reprinting the entire list of ratings would exceed my
interpretation of "fair use" w.r.t. copyright).
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I.8 Publications Devoted to Fax and Telecommunications
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Communications Standards Review [10-12/year, $695/year in N.A.; partial or
shorter subs avail., contact publisher]
757 Greer Road,
Palo Alto,
CA 94303-3024 USA
Phone: +1-415-856-9018 Fax: +1-415-856-6591 e-mail: 72540.113@Compuserve.Com
Communications Standards Review is a journal providing current technical
information on work in progress on communications standards (including
fax) in US and international standards forums.
EMMS [Bi-weekly, $595 per year]
published by Telecommunications Reports
1333 H Street, 11th Floor
Washington DC 20005
Phone: (202) 842-0520 Fax: (202) 842-3047
Human Communications Digest, [Quarterly, $195 per year within US,
contact publisher for outside US]
published by Human Communications
12 Kevin Drive, Danbury CT, 06811-2901
Phone: (203) 746-4367 FAX: (203) 746-4367
A digest of recent developments with fax and related standards.
NetFax News, published by Davidson Consulting [Monthly, $contact publisher]
530 N. Lamer Street, Burbank, CA, 91506
Phone: (818) 842-5117 FAX: (818) 842-5488
Also publishes Scouting Reports and Buyers' Guides
Fax Focus [weekly, $250, free with membership in the AFA)
published by the American Facsimile Association
Phone: (215) 963-9110 Fax: (215) 451-1156
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I.9 Books on Fax
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"FAX: Digital Facsimile Technology & Applications", 2nd Ed. 338pp.
by Kenneth R. McConnell, Dennis Bodson, Richard Schaphorst
1992, Artech House, Norwood, MA. ISBN: 0-89006-495-5
(Order Book No. H04495, $78, Phone: 1 800 225 9977 or 1 617 769-9750)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I.10 Other Sources of Information on Fax
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
More detailed information on image file formats and compression may be
obtained from the comp.graphics FAQ. The latest version of this FAQ is
available on the archive site pit-manager.mit.edu (alias rtfm.mit.edu) as
pub/usenet/news.answers/graphics/faq.
Information on the Microsoft Windows Telephony API spec may be obtained by
ftp ftp.uu.net /vendors/microsoft/tapi-spec
or
ftp ftp.uu.net /vendors/microsoft/telephony
Information on the Internet/fax gateway project may be obtained by sending
e-mail to tpc-faq@town.hall.org
A mailing list related to the Internet/fax gateway project may be reached
through: tpc-rp-request@aarnet.edu.au
ZyXEL Modem FAQ Archived at: ftp.cs.psu.edu in /pub/fenner/ZyXEL
Digicom FAQ Archived at ftp.rahul.net /pub/wolfgang
ZyXEL BBS: (714) 693-0762
Supra BBS: (503) 967-2444
Intel BBS: (503) 645-6275
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I.11 Conferences on Fax
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BIS Strategic Decisions runs several conferences on fax and related
technologies. Every spring (May 12-14, 1993) they hold the
"Facsimile and Image Communications Conference" and every fall
(Nov. 30 - Dec. 1, 1993) they hold the "Annual Computer Fax Conference).
For more information call (617) 982-9500 (Fax: 878-6650).
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I.12 Associations Related to Fax Technology
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
American Facsimile Association
Phone: (215) 963-9110 Fax: (215) 451-1156
International Computer Fax Association
Phone (617) 982-9500
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I.13 Fax-on-Demand Phone Numbers
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This is a list of collected fax-on-demand numbers for various major computer
companies. Please email any additions or corrections to faxfaq@faximum.com
Hewlett-Packard 1 800 333 1917 All Products (?)
Intel 1 800 525 3019 All Products (?)
WordPerfect 1 801 228-9923 WordPerfect Solutions Guide
Frame Technology 1 408-428-6153 FrameFacts
===============================================================================
Subject: P. Product Information
===============================================================================
P.1 List of UNIX Fax Software
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
COMMERCIAL
==========
--------------------------------------------------
- North America -
Alembic Systems International Dfax
(800) 452-7608 info@alembic.com
Arnet ArnetFAX
(615) 834-8000 clarence@arnet.com
Black and White Software NXFax
(802) 496-8500 (802) 496-5112 nxfax@bandw.com
COS Inc. TruFax
(609) 771-6705 (609) 530-0898 trufax@cosi.com
DigiBoard DigiFAX
(612) 943-9020 support@dbsales.digibd.com
Faximum Software Faximum ELS, Faximum PLUS
(604) 925-3600 (604) 926-8182 info@Faximum.com
ICSW
800.486.7274 or 602.998.8623
Intuitive Technology FaxLink
(409) 762-8456
Siren Software Siren Fax
1 800 45-SIREN
UniSal System FaxTrax
(201) 729-9221
V Systems VSI-Fax
(714) 545-6442 Brad@VSI.com
Company Unknown FaxFX
(708) 574-3600
Company Unknown FAXSMART
Phone Unknown
Company Unknown Fax*Starx
(800) 327 9859
- Europe -
comFax Com-M-Tex
+49 89 546130-0
i link GmbH mix fax
+49 30 216 20 48
netCS GmbH netFAX
+49 30 787999-0
QUEST systems GmbH FaxX
+49 231 914028-0 +49 231 914028-40 faxx@quest.sub.org
Signify Software Products i(F)x Faxsoftware for UNIX
+31-(0)3480-30131 +31-(0)3480-30182 gerard@integrity.nl
smoFax SMO GmbH
+49 721 551971
PUBLICALLY AVAILABLE
====================
FlexFAX
=======
Overview
--------
FlexFAX is a facsimile system for UNIX systems. It supports:
o sending facsimile
o receiving facsimile
o polled retrieval of facsimile
Facsimile can be any size (e.g. A4, B4), either 98 or 196 lpi, and
transmitted/received as either 1D-encoded or 2D-encoded facsimile data
(2D-encoded data is frequently more compact and hence takes a shorter
time to communicate).
Outgoing documents can be any format; the sendfax program uses a
rule-based definition file similar to the System V /etc/magic file
to deduce document types and to decide how to convert each document
to a form suitable for transmission (either PostScript or TIFF/F).
Automatic cover page generation is supported and users can easily
tailor cover pages to their environment. A simple text-based
phonebook database is supported by sendfax. Information is also
provided on how to trivially setup an email to fax gateway service.
Incoming facsimile are stored in a receiving area as TIFF/F files and
may be automatically delivered by mail and/or printed. A fax server
status program, faxstat, can be used to monitor the send and receive
queues, as well as the state of facsimile servers.
The system supports a wide variety of fax modems. Any Class 1 or
Class 2 modem should work with the system. The following modems have
been used successfully with the software:
Class 1 modems:
Digicom Scout+ (firmware revision 2A19/2931 or newer)
Nuvo Voyager 96424PFX (firmware revision AF-C2500-E0)
SupraFAX v.32bis (firmware revision V1.200-H or newer)
NOTE: SEE THE SECTION "Class 1 Modem Support" FOR IMPORTANT INFO ON THE
CLASS 1 MODEM SUPPORT
Class 2 modems:
Boca M1440E (firmware revision V1.270 or newer)
Dallas Fax (no longer sold, not recommended)
Everex 24/96D (no longer sold)
Hayes Optima 24+Fax96 (firmware revision TR00-J260-001 XXX or newer)
Multi-Tech 1432BAI (firmware revision 0307 I or newer)
SupraFAX v.32bis (firmware revision V1.200-C or newer)
Telebit WorldBlazer (firmware revision LA7.01)
Twincom 144/DF (firmware revision V1.200 or newer)
ZyXel U1496E (firmware revision 5.01 or newer)
Other modems:
Abaton InterFax 24/96 (no longer sold)
Note however that some modems perform better than others. The file
MODEMS included in the distribution provides information about each
modem that has been tried.
Supported Systems
-----------------
The software has been ported to the following systems:
sgi Silicon Graphics 4D machines w/ AT&T C++ compiler or gcc 2.3.3
sun Sun3/Sun4 w/ SunOS 4.1.X and GNU gcc 2.3.3
bsdi BSD/386 1.0 w/ GNU gcc 2.3.3
386bsd 386bsd 0.1 on an Intel 486 w/ GNU gcc 2.3.3+patches
svr4 System V Release 4 on an Intel x86 w/ GNU gcc 2.3.3 (incomplete)
solaris2 Solaris 2.x on a Sun4 with GNU gcc 2.3.3 (incomplete)
sco SCO ODT 2.0 (incomplete)
Systems that are marked (incomplete) compile properly and can be used
to send and receive facsimile, but may have known problems or may be
lacking some utilities such as the faxaddmodem installation script.
Porting the software is usually straightforward provided there is a
working C++ compiler (e.g. gcc), PostScript imaging facility (e.g.
ghostscript), and support for a limited subset of the POSIX system call
interface. System requirements are described more fully in the source
code distribution.
How to Obtain the Distribution by FTP
-------------------------------------
The source code is available for public ftp on
sgi.com sgi/fax/v2.1.src.tar.Z
(192.48.153.1)
You can also obtain inst'able images for Silicon Graphics machines from
sgi.com sgi/fax/v2.1.inst.tar
(192.48.153.1)
For example,
% ftp -n sgi.com
....
ftp> user anonymous
Password:
WH Networks
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