Consumer Electronics

GROUP 3 FAX MACHINES

Group 3 fax machines now comprise the overwhelming majority of fax machines in operation worldwide. Group 3 refers to the digital standard that ensures compatibility among fax machines.

The Group 1 (1968) analog standard covered four and six minutes per page fax machines, while the Group 2 (1976) analog standard covered two and three minutes per page machines. The Group 3 digital standard was first adopted in 1980. It calls for the ability to send an 8.5 × 11 inch page in approximately 30 seconds over a voice grade telephone line. Group 3 fax machines actually do better. They can send an average page of text in 10 to 30 seconds with about 15 seconds for the initial first page handshake. The time per page really depends on ...