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Private Line covers what has occurred, is occurring, and will ocurr in telecommunications. Since communication technology constantly changes, you can expect new content posted regularly.

Consider this site an authoritative resource. Its moderators have successful careers in the telecommunications industry. Utilize the content and send comments. As a site about communicating, conversation is encouraged.

Writers

Thomas Farely

Tom has produced privateline.com since 1995. He is now a freelance technology writer who contributes regularly to the site.

His knowledge of telecommunications has served, most notably, the American Heritage Invention and Technology Magazine and The History Channel.
His interview on Alexander Graham Bell will air on the History Channel the end of 2006.

Ken Schmidt

Ken is a licensed attorney who has worked in the tower industry for seven years. He has managed the development of broadcast towers nationwide and developed and built cell towers.

He has been quoted in newspapers and magazines on issues regarding cell towers and has spoke at industry and non-industry conferences on cell tower related issues.

He is recognized as an expert on cell tower leases and due diligence processes for tower acquisitions.

« Four Wire | | A better explanation (Maybe.) »

October 06, 2003

Posted by Tom Farley & Mark van der Hoek at 11:20 PM

Why is a microphone called a microphone?

I just read the definition of the telephone in one of your articles and it made me think of something, Why is a microphone called a microphone if its not very small?!?

Good question. The Oxford Universal Dictionary says the word dates back to 1683. Who would have guessed that ? It further says that microphone derives from two Greek words and refers to an instrument used to magnify small sounds. Micro in microphone, therefore, doesn't mean the size of the instrument, rather the ability of that instrument to augment weak sounds. Thanks for the query, best, Tom Farley

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