consumer electronics

consumer electronics

A wide-ranging field of electronics for the general user that includes devices such as TVs, VCRs, radios, walkie-talkies, hi-fi stereo, home theater, handheld and software-based games, smartphones, tablets, smartwatches and Internet-connected appliances.

The implication was that people purchase consumer electronics for casual use and entertainment rather than professional use. However, each year, consumer devices become as sophisticated as yesteryear's professional gear. In addition, smartphones, tablets and smartwatches fit into both consumer and business categories.

What a Bunch of Names!
The name changes with the times. In 1924, the Radio Manufacturers Association (RMA) was founded to embrace the new wireless phenomenon. In 1950, it became the Radio-Television Manufacturers Association (RTMA), and three years later the Radio-Electronics-Television Manufacturers Association (RETMA). RETMA became the Electronic Industries Association (EIA) in 1957, and EIA's Consumer Electronics Group became the Consumer Electronics Manufacturers Association (CEMA) in 1995. CEMA became CEA (Consumer Electronics Association) in 1999, and in 2015, CEA was renamed CTA (Consumer Technology Association). See CE quality, CES and consumer.

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