Screen Machine from Spectrum Research

Our Review


To put the Screen Machine into the mode of a fax screening device, it was a simple matter of connecting the Screen Machine to the phone jack and connecting the fax to the Screen Machine.

We then created a message that informed the caller that they have reached the correct number with instructions on how to send a fax. An example of the message would be: "Hello, you've reached the fax of ABC Company. To send a fax, press "5", then press the "Send" button on your fax machine."

Frequent faxers can program the extra number into their fax machines, after programming a "pause" or two after your number. For those callers who don't know how to program pauses into their fax machines, we found that by programming the code over and over after, it worked just as well, for example: 555-1212-5555555.

To use one Screen Machine to answer your calls and screen faxes, consider devices presented in the category "Phone Line Sharing" that sense incoming faxes while you are away.

We consider the Screen Machine to be 100% effective against junk faxes and the best value in fax screening devices that we have found.

Customer Testimonials


"Everyone wants to know where we got [our Screen Machine] and how they can get one of their own. It is amazing how peaceful our lives have become without the aggravation of phone solicitations. It is totally amazing: We have not had a single one since installing the Screen Machine!" James & Diane, Sarasota FL

...Your product has been 100% successful in stopping those d*** sales Calls! Thank you, thank you." J. Jewel, Indiana

"....We gladly answer our phone, whenever it rings. No more first walking over to our answering machine to see who is calling". G. Ginny, Colorado

"With elderly parents that we closely monitor, we really appreciate the special ring feature they use when calling us." G. Miller, Pennsylvania

"...No more slammed telephones, no more growled muttering, no fuming complaints. There is a noticeably calmer attitude around here lately." J. Buchan, Ohio

"....I'm really enjoying my new found freedom from evening sales call disruptions since purchasing your fine product. " W. Berry, Michigan

"....Teen age friends of our children, all use the '6' button. That way, if they are not at home, we don't have to answer. When they are home, it is like they had their own private phone." M. Schreyer, Indiana

"I just got your Screen Machine and I love it. My Vet's secretary wants one and a neighbor also wants one. So far everyone that's called thinks it is great and wants to know how to get one...." Jim P., Oceanside, CA

"I dislike getting calls from telemarketers, period, but I really dislike getting them during the dinner hour. I wanted a device where I wouldn't have to hear the phone ringing or talk with these people at all. Since I purchased the Screen Machine I have not had to answer one call from a telemarketer. Now when the phone rings, I know it's safe to answer it." Suzanne F., Sparks, NV

"YOUR COMPANY IS WONDERFUL!!!! I ordered the Screen Machine on July 24th. By the afternoon of July 26th, I had the machine up and running. I have already noticed a sharp decrease in the calls coming through. My life is so much more peaceful thanks to you. Thank you for everything!!! I will be recommending you to everyone! " Christine S., Medina, OH

"I received my order today it is up and working. I use it in conjuction with my TeleZapper. They work very well. Thanks for fast delivery." Pat V, Streamwood, IL

"I ordered the Screen Machine on 08/12/02 and received it on 08/19/02. I consider that excellent delivery time. It was very easy to install and I had the Screen Machine up and running in ten minutes. Since that time, our house has been very peaceful. No more telemarketers. Our friends and relatives have no complaints of difficulties reaching us. We are VERY pleased with your product and thank you for giving us a rest from obnoxious phone calls. The Screen Machine is an EXCELLENT product and does what your Company says it would do." Harrel W, North Highlands, CA

We would love to hear from you if you have used one of our products!

CLICK HERE to email us your product feedback.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• How complicated is the installation process?
• How long does it take to install?
• Will it work with Caller ID?
• Will it work with my answering machine?
• How long must a caller wait before they depress a key to ring through?
• Can I record my own voice?
• What connections are required?
• Will the Screen Machine work with fax machines?
• Will it work with Voice Mail, Privacy Manager, and other phone company packages?
• How does the Screen Machine eliminate computer-generated telemarketing calls?
• How do I know that unwanted callers won't just enter '5' to ring through?
• Is there a warranty on the Screen Machine?
  

How complicated is the installation process?

The unit plugs into a normal phone system using phone jacks. Simply take the phone jack which was plugged into your phone, and plug it into the Screen Machine. Then take the line that comes with the Screen Machine and connect it to your telephone. Plug in the Power Unit to the nearest electric outlet, and turn it on !!

Back to top...


How long does it take to install?

Less than 5 minutes.

Back to top...

Will it work with Caller ID?

Yes. It works in conjuction with Caller ID, if you want, so that you can be assured that the person causing your phone to ring is indeed an invited caller and is someone you want to talk to .

Back to top...

Will it work with my answering machine?

Yes. Connect your answering machine to the PHONE IN side of the FILTER and set your machine so that the number of ring signals it receives before your "not at home" message starts is less than 8.

Back to top...

How long must a caller wait before they depress a key to ring through?

Immediate access can be gained at any time during the message.

Back to top...

Can I record my own voice?

Yes, a 20 second message can be used to record over the programmed message. We have even included a list of suggested scripts for you to easily create your own legally binding message.

Back to top...

What connections are required?

The Screen Machine comes with a power cord and telephone cable, and that is all that is needed. The power cord plugs into your electrical outlet and the Screen Machine. The cable is used to connect your phone outlet to the Screen Machine.

Back to top...

Will the Screen Machine work with fax machines?

The Screen Machine can not only be used in conjunction with a fax machine, but will also help to eliminate junk faxes. Fax callers will need to enter '5' to get through. This will prevent most computer-broadcasted faxes to fail. Be sure to tell your invited fax callers to add the additional number.

Back to top...

Will it work with Voice Mail, Privacy Manager, and other phone company packages?

The Screen Machine is best used with a telephone answering device located on the premises. The Screen Machine does its screening process prior to the telephone company voice mail activation. If you are not able to attend the phone and wish to use the telephone company voice mail product, you should turn the Screen Machine off. The Screen Machine would then not interfere with the normal operation of telephone company voice mail. As a general rule, the Screen Machine will work with most of the packages offered. Feel free to contact us with questions about how the Screen Machine™ will work with your particular package.

Back to top...

How does the Screen Machine eliminate computer-generated telemarketing calls?

The computer dialer obviously will not hear the Screen Machine's recorded message. However, when a computer dialer hears a recorded-- rather than a human - voice, it will simply hang up. The computer will not know to remove your name from the list, but it will most likely do so after a number of unsuccessful attempts.

Back to top...

How do I know that unwanted callers won't just press '5' to ring through?

If the call comes from a human telemarketer - and even computer-dialed calls switch over to a human telemarketer while your phone is still ringing - the human telemarketer will do one of two things: either hang up immediately, thinking it's connected to an answering machine, or listen long enough to the message to hear the Screen Machine's "remove me from your list" demand. Once they hear that instruction, they WILL NOT dial through. The first thing every telemarketer is taught is not to EVER disturb a caller who has requested not to be called; there are large fines involved for both the individual telemarketer and their employing company. In fact, a telemarketer who did so would take the risk of being fired outright.

If you think of telemarketing as big business (which it is!), a telemarketing company only makes money from customers who purchase something. Attempting to speak with someone who clearly is not inclined to buy is a fruitless waste of time... and time, in business, is money.

Finally, telemarketers - believe it or not - are people just like you and me. Their preference would not be to speak with people who do not want to speak with them. They endure enough frustration during the course of each day without deliberately disturbing someone who has specifically asked not to be contacted!

Back to top...

Is there a warranty on the Screen Machine?

Yes. The Screen Machine is warranted to be free from defects in material and workmanship for a period of 1 year.

Back to top...