CD technology is the driving force behind the most-owned audio consumer products in 2003, according to eBrain Market Research.

Portable CD boom boxes can be found in 57% of U.S. homes, followed by portable headset CD players (52%), single-play stand-alone component CD players (46%) and multi-play stand-alone component CD players (37%). These categories, except for the portable CD boom box, exhibited the largest increase in household ownership from 2002 to this year.
According to an eBrain Market Research survey of consumers, component CD recorders and portable headset CD players will be the audio products non-owning consumers are most likely to purchase in the next year. In addition, there is increased interest among consumers in purchasing CD recorders and home theater system packages of at least four speakers.

Sean Wargo
Consumer Electronics Association's senior industry analyst
"We are seeing strong and steady growth among CD-based and home theater audio categories. Notably consumers are planning purchases designed to greatly enhance their home entertainment experiences, including home theater speaker packages and audio/video receivers with surround sound processors -- which utilize those speakers to their optimal potential."

Wargo noted specifically that the audio products that non-owner households most expect to purchase some time in the future are home theater packages of four or more speakers (51%), component CD recorders (49%) and A/V surround sound receivers (47%).

About Consumer Research/eBrain:
Data cited in this release came from a report designed and formulated by eBrain Market Research. eBrain Market Research is a full-service market research consulting firm, it was started by the CEA Market Research Department in 1998. For a list of available reports and purchasing information, visit www.eBrain.org

The quantitative study for 2003 CE Ownership & Market Potential was administered via telephone interview to a random national sample of 2,000 U.S. adults, during February 2003. eBrain Market Research is responsible for all content and analysis in the report.