Teletex is a telecommunications service used to send text-based messages. The word is spelled /ˈtɛlətɛks/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The first syllable is "tel" as in telephone, followed by "e" as in "bet". The second syllable is "teks" as in "text", but the "t" is pronounced like the "ch" in "chicken". So overall, the word is pronounced "TEL-uh-teks." It should not be confused with teletext, which is a related but different service for transmitting text-based information over television signals.
Teletex, short for teletext exchange, refers to a communication system that allows for the transfer of text-based information across networks. It involves the transmission and reception of alphanumeric characters, enabling the exchange of messages, documents, or data between teletext devices. Developed as an improvement over the traditional telex system, teletex employs digital techniques for encoding and decoding information, resulting in more efficient and error-free transmissions.
Teletex relies on a set of standardized protocols and telecommunication technologies to facilitate communication. These protocols govern the formatting, delivery, and decoding of text-based information, ensuring interoperability between different teletex devices and systems. The information is typically transmitted over public or private networks using various transmission media, including telephone lines or dedicated data lines.
One significant advantage of teletex is its ability to transmit data in real-time, allowing for near-instantaneous communication over long distances. Moreover, teletex provides a reliable and secure means of transferring textual information, as it employs error detection and correction techniques to ensure accurate and complete transmissions.
Originally developed for business and administrative use, teletex has found application in diverse sectors, including aviation, finance, and media. It enables the efficient dissemination of news, stock information, weather updates, and other forms of textual content to a wide audience. While the advent of the internet and digital communication technologies has superseded teletex in many contexts, it still remains relevant in certain specialized industries or regions where modern infrastructure and connectivity are limited.
The word "teletex" is derived from a combination of two words: "tele" and "text".
The term "tele" comes from the Greek word "tele", meaning "far off" or "at a distance". It is commonly associated with communication over long distances, such as through telegraph, telephone, or television.
The word "text" originates from the Latin word "textus", which means "woven" or "fabric". Over time, it came to represent the written or printed words on a page.
By combining these two elements, "teletex" was formed to describe a system or technology that transmitted written or printed information over long distances using telecommunication means.