Listening Habits, Devices Changing With New Generation

eBrain Research Shows Generation Y Transitioning To Solid State Devices And Digital Streamed Audio Content

1-May-00

Since the introduction of the first 45rpm and LP records, most generations during the past fifty years have faced a transition period in which one music format has replaced another. The results of a new study by eBrain Market Research confirm that Generation Y, the children of the Baby Boomers, is currently undergoing just such a transition. This evolution involves digital audio content, particularly the emergence of solid state devices and digital streamed content.The most talked about form of this transition has been the MP3 music format, and according to the study, with good reason. Among the online segment of Generation Y (approximately 60 percent of the Generation Y population), 57 percent claimed to have played an MP3 music file. Although sound quality expectations vary from consumer to consumer, the data suggests that the majority of Generation Y listening to the MP3 format rate its sound quality as comparable to a typical stereo.The study also shows that Generation Y is moving away from the traditional stereo system for listening to music. Approximately 14 percent of respondents claimed to use their PC more than a traditional stereo for listening to music. Another one in four claimed to use both with approximately the same frequency; meaning that nearly 40 percent of Generation Y is using the PC as much as or more than a stereo for listening to music.As the role of the PC in the audio entertainment of Generation Y grows, the groupís product needs will also evolve. When asked about enhancing the PC music experience, respondents were receptive to the possibility of connecting stereo speakers to their PC. Thirty percent stated that they would be very or somewhat interested; with males showing the most interest (38 percent). Also, 55 percent of respondents stated that they were very or somewhat interested in a home stereo with Internet music capabilities. Among the segment of respondents that had already used the MP3 format, the rate jumped to 64 percent.The ""Generation Y: Home Entertainment Market Overview "" study was designed and formulated by eBrain Market Research, a service of the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA). eBrain is smarter research, the most comprehensive source of sales data, forecasts, consumer research, international research and historical trends for the consumer electronics industry.The study was conducted online via a Web survey with a sample of 1551 young adults aged 15 to 21 (a subset of Generation Y) during March 2000. The complete study is available free to CEA member companies. Non-members may purchase the study for $499 by visiting http://www.eBrain.org or sending an e-mail to info@ebrain.org.CEA is a sector of the Electronic Industries Alliance (EIA). CEA represents more than 600 US companies involved in the development, manufacturing and distribution of audio, video, mobile electronics, communications, information technology, multimedia and accessory products, as well as related services, that are sold through consumer channels. Combined, these companies account for more than $60 billion in annual sales. CEA also sponsors and manages the International CES - Your Source for Workstyle and Lifestyle Technology(SM). All profits from CES are reinvested into industry services, including technical training and education, industry promotion, engineering standards development, market research and legislative advocacy.

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