Convergence

By: David Berman – HTSA

Having just returned from CES, I was watching the Steelers play the Baltimore Ravens and my thoughts turned to what I witnessed at CES that might make the 2011 Super Bowl even more enjoyable than it is already going to be. While writing my post show recap the thought that dominated my mind had little or nothing to do with actual product or technology and more about what people know and how they shop. Let me explain.

Q: When do consumers decide to buy a new TV?
A: Usually when the old TV breaks or when a compelling new technology becomes available.

Q: When do people invest in new audio products?
A: When they move or see a new compelling technology they must have.

Do you see a trend developing?

I was even more blown away by the fact that builders still build expensive new homes without structured wiring or even Ethernet jacks!

What am I leading up to? Let's think about what the biggest consumer complaints regarding consumer electronics have been over the last thirty years and everything we talked about so far will make sense. Remember the flashing twelve on the front of the VCR? How about the fact that we have six remotes and we still can only operate power, volume, input and channel! Maybe running wire from room to room was too expensive and control systems were the playground of the wealthy? These were all consumer issues. Read more