IER-DEC09-PG28-30-31.n:Layout 1 04/12/2009 11:59 Page 28
Solid state audio and media players
Solid sellers
The diverse market of solid state audio and media products presents many sales
opportunities for independents dealers. George Cole reports.
Consumers have quickly embraced also launched a new range of products. A range of digital music and video formats
solid state audio products, and the market 2GB entry-level iPod Shuffle costs £45, (such as MP3 for audio and MP4 for
has segmented into a number of product while the new iPod Nano costs £115 for video).
groups including, personal digital music an 8Gb version. The Nano now also
players, hi-fi systems with iPod or MP3 includes an FM radio and a video camera. Fast track developments
compatibility, iPod docking systems and The iPod Touch includes Wi-Fi wireless Sony’s Walkman E Series models are just
media players (sometimes called home or technology and prices start at £145. 9.3mm thick, have a 2in colour screen and
music servers). The result is that retailers Although the iPod is the dominant digital play music, video and photos. Sony’s
can offer a range of solid state audio music player format (its market share is Walkman B Series players offer up to 18
products that cater for a wide range of around 75% in volume terms), there are hours of music from a single battery
customer needs and expectations. many other excellent products out there. charge. Philips’ GoGear Spark has a colour
Digital music players have all but Sony’s Walkman NWZ-X1050 and NWZ- screen and up to 8GB of storage, while the
replaced tape and CD-based personal X1060 players both offer a 3in OLED GoGear Opus has a 2.8in screen noise
audio players, and Apple has sold more touch screen, digital noise cancelling isolation earphones and up to 16GB of
than 200 million iPods. The company has technology, Wi-Fi and support for a wide storage. It also supports a wide range of
28 The Independent Electrical Retailer December 2009
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46