Timeline
1877~ Thomas Edison invents the phonograph, which recorded sound on a cylinder wrapped in tinfoil. However, tinfoil proved to fragile for repeated use and Edison momentarily gave up on the device to work on his greatest achievement the light bulb.
1880~ Alexander Graham Bell approaches Edison about working together on his version of the phonograph, which used a wax cylinder instead of tinfoil. Edison refuses and accuses Bell for stealing his idea, prompting Edison to continue to work on his device, which he thinks will have value to business as a dictating machine.
1914~ Edison selects O.K. Van Ausdall as the Edison Business Phonograph, giving the indianapolis businessman's new business a boost. A product was later made and named the Ediphone.
1948~ The electronic microphone is introduced, replacing acoustic microphones on the Ediphone. The innovation allowed the speaker to talk at a normal volume and provided cleaner audio.
1949~ The wax cylinder is replaced with the vinyl discs, which are easer to store and more durable.
1972~ Edison's dictating business is sold to Lanier Co.
1880~ Alexander Graham Bell approaches Edison about working together on his version of the phonograph, which used a wax cylinder instead of tinfoil. Edison refuses and accuses Bell for stealing his idea, prompting Edison to continue to work on his device, which he thinks will have value to business as a dictating machine.
1914~ Edison selects O.K. Van Ausdall as the Edison Business Phonograph, giving the indianapolis businessman's new business a boost. A product was later made and named the Ediphone.
1948~ The electronic microphone is introduced, replacing acoustic microphones on the Ediphone. The innovation allowed the speaker to talk at a normal volume and provided cleaner audio.
1949~ The wax cylinder is replaced with the vinyl discs, which are easer to store and more durable.
1972~ Edison's dictating business is sold to Lanier Co.