Consumer electronics
In the early 1920s, radio broadcasting became the foundation for mass-producing radio receivers. Before this moment, phonograph turntables relied on purely mechanical technologies like needles and sound horns without any electronics. The vacuum tubes that made radios practical were then used alongside record players to amplify sound through loudspeakers. This shift marked the beginning of a new era where electronic devices entered American households in large numbers. Historically, these products were called black goods because many had dark casings. The term distinguished them from white goods meant for housekeeping tasks like washing machines or refrigerators. In British English, producers and sellers often referred to them as brown goods instead. By the 1950s, television remained insignificant in the consumer market despite being invented shortly after radio. The first working transistor arrived at Bell Labs in 1947 when John Bardeen and Walter Houser Brattain created a point-contact device. This invention led to significant research into solid-state semiconductors during the early 1950s.
Tokyo Tsushin Kogyo successfully commercialized transistor technology for a mass market starting in the 1950s. Their affordable transistor radios helped launch the home entertainment consumer electronics industry. Integrated circuits followed when manufacturers built circuits on single substrates using electrical connections within chips themselves. These integrated circuits enabled more advanced and cheaper consumer electronics such as pocket calculators and transistorized televisions. By the 1980s, video game consoles and personal computers became affordable for regular middle-class families. Moore's Law drove rapid increases in processing power while reducing costs and size throughout this period. Many consumer electronics underwent digitization beginning in the 1980s and continuing through the early 2000s. The introduction of compact discs and personal computers signaled a broader shift toward digital computer technology integration. Enhanced image quality in televisions resulted from these advancements driven by semiconductor design improvements.
Most consumer electronics are manufactured in China due to maintenance cost, material availability, quality, and speed compared to other countries like the United States. Cities such as Shenzhen and Dongguan have become important production centers attracting many companies including Apple Inc. In 2004, the consumer electronics industry was worth US $240 billion annually worldwide. Asia Pacific held a 35% market share while Europe had 31.5% and the US accounted for 23%. Major players included household names like Sony, Samsung, Philips, Sanyo, and Sharp. The high rate of technology evolution requires large investments without any guarantee of profitable returns. Big players rely on global markets to achieve economies of scale even when facing unpredictable consumer tastes. Supplier-related delays or disruptions occur frequently alongside production challenges occurring during manufacturing processes. Some companies must cooperate with each other on standards to reduce investment risks despite intense competition.
In the United States, dedicated consumer electronics stores have mostly given way to big-box retailers like Best Buy. Smaller dedicated stores include Apple Stores and specialist shops serving audiophiles such as B&H Photo in New York City. Broad-based retailers like Walmart and Target also sell consumer electronics in many locations. Retail e-commerce sales reached their highest point in April 2014 within the consumer electronic and computer categories. The Consumer Electronics Show trade show has taken place yearly in Las Vegas since its foundation in 1973. The event grew from having 100 exhibitors in its first year to more than 4,500 exhibiting companies by 2020. In 2013, Pittsburgh saw increased business for the electronic repair industry due to renewed interest in analog audio devices like phonographs. Electronics districts are areas of commerce with high densities of retail stores selling these products. Service and repair functions refer to maintaining malfunctioning products that may sometimes be fixed rather than discarded.
Electronic devices account for about 10% to 15% of energy use in American homes according to EIA estimates. Standby power used while turned off accounts for 5% to 10% of total household energy consumption costing $100 annually per average US household. A study found videocassette recorders consume more electricity during standby mode than when recording or playing videos. Global waste from inefficient electronic devices reaches $80 billion per year according to an International Energy Agency report. Electronic waste describes discarded electrical or electronic devices containing toxic minerals like lead cadmium beryllium mercury dioxins or brominated flame retardants. Many consumer electronics contain thousands of rare metals extracted using water and energy-intensive processes. Large amounts of produced electronic waste from developed countries are exported to informal sectors in nations like India despite being illegal. Recycling is limited and energy intensive due to high numbers of different metals and low concentration rates within electronics.
Desktop monitors and laptops contribute to major physical health concerns known as repetitive strain injuries among users. When people bend to see electronic screens better they may experience chronic neck and back pains. Carpal tunnel syndrome represents the best-known disease in this category affecting tendons in the thumb. De Quervain syndrome affects tendons in the thumb causing additional pain conditions for frequent device users. Electronic use before bed associates with poorer sleep quality and shorter sleep duration for many individuals. Poor quality and short sleep periods link to various health conditions including obesity and diabetes. The average house contains dozens of electronic devices contributing steadily increasing energy consumption globally. Consumers can reduce unwanted standby power by unplugging devices using switched power strips or buying Energy Star-marked products. Reuse policies have evolved since the 1970s shifting priorities toward safer disposal methods then recovery of valuable materials.
Common questions
What were consumer electronics historically called in the United States?
Historically, these products were called black goods because many had dark casings. The term distinguished them from white goods meant for housekeeping tasks like washing machines or refrigerators.
When did Tokyo Tsushin Kogyo commercialize transistor technology for a mass market?
Tokyo Tsushin Kogyo successfully commercialized transistor technology for a mass market starting in the 1950s. Their affordable transistor radios helped launch the home entertainment consumer electronics industry.
Which cities are important production centers for consumer electronics manufacturing today?
Cities such as Shenzhen and Dongguan have become important production centers attracting many companies including Apple Inc. Most consumer electronics are manufactured in China due to maintenance cost, material availability, quality, and speed compared to other countries like the United States.
How much was the consumer electronics industry worth worldwide in 2004?
In 2004, the consumer electronics industry was worth US $240 billion annually worldwide. Asia Pacific held a 35% market share while Europe had 31.5% and the US accounted for 23%.
What percentage of energy use in American homes do electronic devices account for according to EIA estimates?
Electronic devices account for about 10% to 15% of energy use in American homes according to EIA estimates. Standby power used while turned off accounts for 5% to 10% of total household energy consumption costing $100 annually per average US household.