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‘Made in India’ DRM Radio Receivers

‘Made in India’ DRM Radio Receivers

For many adopters of new technologies, the announcement of an exciting new product makes the adrenaline pump and the heart race – often followed by an equally strong reaction as the price tag is revealed!  But history demonstrates that while new products can indeed be expensive initially, the price will often come down rapidly as take-up increases.

DRM radios are no exception. During IBC2014 an Indian-manufactured DRM radio receiver was unveiled, creating quite a bit of excitement and relief that the long awaited “Made in India” product was finally available. But there was some apprehension about the initial price tag. Hopefully, a lot of people like me, who love new gadgets and gizmos, realise that while at product launch the price tag may look high compared to products that have been around for some time, this will change quickly.

I believe firmly that volumes build up over time, reducing the relative cost of production. It should also be remembered that the initial product also involves a significant amount of investment, including research and development costs which need to be recouped; and there is a continuing requirement to invest in future enhancements and integration, in order eventually to bring down the price further. Because of the high initial cost of any new product, most new technologies have started with some subsidies or support from governments, industry at large, network operators (in the case of mobiles) or others.

Products being manufactured use the raw materials and components available today, but engineers are constantly innovating and producing newer semiconductor components that consume less power and will reduce many (although admittedly not all) raw material costs within a short while.

The final selling price of DRM radio receivers is expected to fall over time. But meanwhile, my DRM radio receiver is my neighbour’s envy!

T.V.B.Subrahmanyam, (Director Worldwide Home Audio Consumer Segment, Analog Devices, India)