2.0-ch computer speakers – 2 and 2.1-channel units remain dominant
Portability dictates design innovations to match smaller electronics.
Models delivering 2 and 2.1-channel audio continue to drive China’s computer speaker line with an aggregate output share of about 75 percent. Besides meeting basic requirements, these units leverage low price, generally 20 percent less expensive than traditional multimedia varieties, which are limited to the high end due to inhibitive quotes. The latter segment, which targets professional users such as audiophiles and avid gamers, is dominated by 5.1-channel types.
All-in-one systems are in the pipeline. These have two speakers, an FM radio, a memory card reader and an alarm. The units can connect to other electronic products, including an iPod or a flash drive, via USB.
As for designs, the trend for portability is resulting in ever smaller and thinner form factors, which complement personal electronic devices such as netbooks and even portable media players.
Guangzhou Wowetech Co. Ltd and Compupal Group Corp., for instance, will increase the output share of such varieties to 30 and 35 percent, respectively.
At Foshan Huaxinmei Electronics Fty, nearly 65 percent of current yield, excluding wooden models, is portable.
Some manufacturers have introduced modes of operation beyond the traditional button switch. These constitute remote controls, membrane switches and human body induction. A few others are focusing on wireless types.
Rosy outlook
Makers expect rising demand will sustain market momentum through next year. Growth will be spurred by 2 and 2.1-channel units, while orders for 5.1-channel versions will likely drop due to high prices.
China sold 9.7 million computer speakers in 2009, accounting for nearly 26 percent of the world’s supply. Total yield is expected to grow 5 to 10 percent by year-end.
The positive outlook comes on the heels of a two-year economic downturn that forced OEM-centered manufacturers to scale down production to stay afloat.
For example, Guangzhou Wowetech reduced its OEM output share from nearly 60 percent before 1H08 to only 30 percent, with the rest made up of OBM orders.
Climbing OEM inquiries spurred by recovering economies, however, are encouraging output expansions. Widening applications are fueling the momentum further, creating new opportunities for enterprises to specialize in niche fields such as home appliances and consumer electronics. Suppliers see a boost in demand in the former in the next three years.
With overseas orders gradually increasing, many enterprises are keen to continue providing specialty goods.
Compupal, which exports 70 percent of output to North America and Europe, is in cooperation with the Institute of Acoustics of Nanjing University to develop models with high sound quality to meet customers’ requirements.
Meanwhile, Guangzhou Wowetech obtained C-Tick and SAA certificate in Australia in 2H09, strengthening its shipments to that area. For more on “2 and 2.1-channel units remain dominant”.